If you enjoy golf, other sports like golf include disc golf, footgolf, croquet, and lawn bowling. They share golf’s mix of aiming, touch, and decision-making, but vary in equipment, pace, cost, and physical demands.
The right alternative depends on what you like most: swinging a club, spending time outdoors, competing with friends, or improving your accuracy. This guide compares the closest options and explains how to choose one that fits your budget, available space, and preferred style of play.
Which sports are most like golf?
Disc golf is the closest all-around alternative for many golfers. It follows a course-based format, rewards careful shot selection, and uses specialized equipment. Footgolf also has a golf-like course and scoring system, while croquet and lawn bowling focus more on precision and tactical placement.
Some alternatives resemble golf in their equipment or setting, while others share its central challenge: getting an object toward a target with as few attempts as possible. The table highlights those differences so you can start with the sport that suits you.
| Sport | How it resembles golf | What you use | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disc golf | Course, holes, throws, and a low-score objective | Flying discs and baskets | Golfers who want outdoor course play with modest equipment needs |
| Footgolf | Golf-style holes, turns, and scorekeeping | A soccer ball and your feet | Groups who want an easy, social introduction |
| Croquet | Controlled shots and planning a route to targets | Mallets, balls, and wickets | Backyards, casual gatherings, and tactical play |
| Lawn bowling | Judging distance, direction, and the effect of the playing surface | Weighted bowls and a small target ball | Players who enjoy touch and strategy more than long courses |
| Mini golf | Putting accuracy and choosing a line around obstacles | A putter and golf ball | Families, dates, and short, accessible games |
| Target shooting sports | Focus, repeatable technique, and aiming at a target | Equipment depends on the discipline | People drawn to concentration and precision over course walking |
Disc golf: The closest course-based alternative
Disc golf uses a flying disc instead of a golf ball and club. Players throw from a starting area toward a metal basket, aiming to finish each hole in as few throws as possible. Like golf, the score is usually the number of attempts, and course features influence how you plan each shot.
The sport suits golfers who enjoy picking a line, adjusting for obstacles, and making a short finishing shot. Discs come in different designs for different flight patterns, but a beginner can start with a small, simple selection rather than buying a full set. Public courses may be free to use, though access rules vary by location.
One important difference is that disc golf asks you to throw rather than swing. Distance and control develop through technique, so trying to throw as hard as possible often makes accuracy worse. Start with smooth, controlled throws and learn how the disc behaves before adding power.
Footgolf: Golf’s format with a soccer ball
Footgolf blends golf’s course-and-hole structure with soccer-style kicking. Players kick a soccer ball toward oversized holes, recording the number of kicks needed to complete each one. The format is easy to grasp, even for people who have never played golf.
It can work well for mixed-age groups and casual outings because the basic skills are familiar: walking, aiming, and kicking. Many courses operate on golf facilities, so players may need to follow local rules about footwear, tee times, and which areas are open to footgolf.
Footgolf is less like a traditional golf swing than disc golf, but it preserves the rhythm of playing a course and comparing scores. If you want a relaxed group activity rather than a technical substitute for golf, it is a strong option.
Croquet and lawn bowling: Precision without a long course
Croquet
In croquet, players use mallets to hit balls through a sequence of wickets. The challenge is not only to hit accurately; you also decide where to leave your ball and whether to interfere with an opponent’s position. That makes strategy and touch central to the game.
Croquet is a practical choice if you have a suitable lawn or access to a club. A basic game can be social and informal, while organized versions use more detailed rules. Check the playing surface and equipment requirements before buying a set, since a small or uneven yard may limit the kind of game you can play.
Lawn bowling
Lawn bowling, also called bowls in many places, involves rolling weighted balls toward a smaller target ball. The bowls are shaped to curve as they travel, so players must account for both direction and distance. It rewards measured delivery and thoughtful placement rather than speed.
Compared with golf, lawn bowling usually involves a compact playing area and less walking. It may suit you if you like judging a shot and adjusting to the ground but prefer a shorter session. Local clubs can explain equipment choices and beginner sessions.
Mini golf and other target sports
Mini golf keeps the most recognizable golf equipment: a putter and ball. Its short holes use ramps, barriers, and turns, making it less about full-swing mechanics and more about pace, angles, and controlling a putt. It is usually easier to arrange as a casual outing than a full round of golf.
Archery and other target sports share golf’s demand for attention and repeatable technique, but they do not copy its course format. They can be appealing if your favorite part of golf is focusing on a target and refining each attempt. Because equipment and safety procedures vary, learn through a recognized local club or supervised facility rather than improvising at home.
Pickleball and tennis are not precision-course sports, but they can appeal to golfers seeking a social outdoor activity with a clear skill-building path. They involve more movement and quick exchanges. Choose them for active rallies, not as a direct replacement for golf’s slower shot-by-shot pace.
How to choose the right alternative
Start with the part of golf you most want to keep. A little clarity helps you avoid buying equipment for a sport that does not match what you enjoy.
- Pick your favorite part of golf. Choose course strategy, precise shots, outdoor time, social play, or scorekeeping.
- Set your space and access limits. Disc golf and footgolf need a suitable course. Croquet needs a playable lawn, while lawn bowling typically uses a designated green.
- Consider the physical demands. Walking a course, kicking, throwing, and bending or swinging equipment feel different. If mobility or comfort matters, ask a local venue about accessible options.
- Try before you buy. Look for a beginner session, rental equipment, or a public course. A first visit can show whether you enjoy the pace and learning curve.
- Check how scoring works. Golf-like scorekeeping appeals to some players, while others prefer a social game without strict competition.
A useful rule of thumb: choose disc golf for course strategy, footgolf for group fun, croquet for tactical lawn play, and lawn bowling for controlled placement. Mini golf is the simplest choice for a short, low-commitment outing.
Common mistakes when trying a golf alternative
Assuming every similar sport uses the same skills can make a first session frustrating. A golfer’s swing does not automatically translate to an accurate disc throw, and a powerful soccer kick is not always the best footgolf shot. Treat each activity as its own skill and begin with control.
Another common mistake is buying advanced equipment too soon. A beginner does not need a large disc collection, specialized croquet set, or expensive personal gear before learning whether the sport is a good fit. Use rental or shared equipment first when available.
Also, do not assume a facility allows every type of play. A park may restrict throwing, a golf course may have scheduled footgolf hours, and a lawn bowling green may require club access. Check the local venue’s rules before you arrive.
What to bring for a first session
For most beginner outings, comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, and water are enough. Bring only the equipment the venue requests, and ask whether it provides beginner gear. On a course, follow posted boundaries and give other players room before making a shot or throw.
If you are choosing between several activities, try them in low-pressure settings. A short round or introductory class can reveal more than an equipment list. Pay attention to how much walking, waiting, and practice the activity involves, not just whether the first few shots go well.
Other sports like golf offer different ways to enjoy careful aiming, outdoor play, and steady improvement. Disc golf is a strong first choice for a golf-like course experience, while footgolf, croquet, lawn bowling, and mini golf each suit a different pace and setting.
Choose one option based on the part of golf you most enjoy, then find a nearby beginner session or venue that provides equipment. Trying it once before investing in gear is the simplest way to find a good fit.