Gator Golf has had a few different versions released over the years. The rules have mostly stayed the same, but there have been a few tweaks. I will point out in the corresponding sections where the rules have changed.
Looking for a specific Gator Golf rule? | Setup | Playing the Game | Winning the Game | FAQ | Components |
Objective
The objective of Gator Golf is to be the first player to hit your ball into the gator’s mouth the required number of times.
Setup
- Assemble the golf club(s) by snapping the two pieces together. Older versions of the game have two putters, while the newest versions only have one.
- Place the gator in an area where there is plenty of open space around it. It is best if you play the game on a smooth surface either short carpet or wood.
- Older versions of the game use a motorized gator. You need to insert batteries to make the gator spin around.
- Each player chooses a golf ball.
- Open the Gator’s mouth by holding down the bottom of the mouth and pulling up on the top jaw. Pull up until it locks into place.
- Choose which player will start the game.
How to Play Gator Golf
On your first turn you will place your ball directly in front of the gator. You should place the ball at least as far away as the length of the golf club.
On future turns you will keep the ball wherever it landed on your previous turn. The one exception is if your ball is directly touching another object. This includes another player’s ball, a wall, furniture, etc. In this case you can move your ball away one club length.
When you are ready you will try to putt the ball into the gator’s mouth. In older versions of the game, the gator spins. In newer versions the gator does not spin. If you do not have a good angle at the gator’s mouth, you can use your shot to position the ball for your next turn.
If another player’s ball is in your path to the gator’s mouth, you cannot purposefully shoot your ball at it to move it out of the way. You must shoot around the other player’s ball.
Making Your Shot
If you shoot the ball into the gator’s mouth, it will launch the ball out with its tail.
You must keep the ball wherever it lands. Add one point to your score. In older versions of the game, you will use a slider on the golf club. In newer versions there is a score keeper on the gator itself.
Open up the gator’s mouth again so the next player has a target to shoot at.
Missing Your Shot
If you miss your shot, the ball stays wherever you hit it. You must shoot from that location on your next turn.
Winning the Game
The game ends when a player has scored the necessary number of points. In older versions of the game you need to score four points. In newer versions of the game you only need three points to win.
Gator Golf FAQ
If you have any questions about how to play the game, leave a comment below on this post. I will try to answer any questions asked as best and as quickly as possible.
Components
- Gator
- Golf Club (newer versions have one, older versions have two)
- Golf Balls (newer versions have four, older versions have two)
- Instructions
Year: 1993 | Publisher: Goliath, Hasbro, Milton Bradley, Playskool | Designer: Robert Fuhrer | Artist: Phil Grant
Genres: Action, Children’s, Sport
Ages: 4+ | Number of Players: 2-4 | Length of Game: 10-20 minutes
Difficulty: Light | Strategy: Light | Luck: Light-Moderate
For more board and card game rules/how to plays, check out our complete alphabetical list of card and board game rules posts.