
GolfCross is a variation of traditional golf that replaces the round hole with a rectangular goal suspended in mid-air. The game was invented by Burton Silver in New Zealand and combines elements of rugby and soccer. GolfCross is played with an oval-shaped ball, which is more stable aerodynamically and allows for more controlled slices and hooks. The game is considered more strategic and tactical than regular golf and offers physical and mental benefits such as improved coordination, enhanced strategy skills, and social interaction. While some may debate whether golf is a sport due to its limited physical exertion, GolfCross adds a unique physical and mental challenge to the traditional game, making it a refreshing and exciting sport for both seasoned golfers and newcomers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | GolfCross is a unique twist on traditional golf that combines elements of rugby and soccer. |
| Inventor | Burton Silver |
| Country of Origin | New Zealand |
| Year of Origin | 1980s |
| Physical Exertion | Requires physical exertion and skill. |
| Equipment | Same clubs as golf, but with an oval-shaped ball. |
| Playing Field | Played over a course, but replaces fairways with "yards" and holes with "goals". |
| Scoring | Scoring is the same as in golf. |
| Strategy | Requires more strategy and tactics than regular golf. |
| Popularity | Growing popularity in Europe, the US, and New Zealand. |
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What You'll Learn

GolfCross: An aerial game
GolfCross is an aerial game that is a unique twist on traditional golf. It was invented by Burton Silver in New Zealand in the 1980s. The game combines elements of rugby and soccer, and it is played over a course just like golf, using the same clubs and rules. The only differences are in the shape of the ball and the target. The GolfCross ball is oval-shaped instead of round, which makes its flight more easily manipulated and gives players more control over the ball. The round hole in the ground of traditional golf is replaced by a rectangular goal suspended in mid-air, which changes the dynamics of the game and makes it more challenging and exciting.
The game is played over nine or 18 holes, and every shot is hit off a tee, with no putting involved. The goals have only three positions, and players must position their ball in the yard to get the best angle for their shot. Landing the ball inside the yard allows players to turn the goal to the position that gives them the widest target. If they are outside the yard, they must lay on to get turning rights or attack the goal in its facing position.
GolfCross offers several benefits, including improved hand-eye coordination, enhanced strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, social interaction, physical exercise, and stress relief. It is a more tactical game than traditional golf, as players can plan their shots knowing that the oval ball will behave predictably. The courses are designed to exploit the oval ball's flight properties, with narrow fairways, tight dog-legs, and difficult goal approaches that demand an advanced level of strategic play.
GolfCross courses can be found in Germany, the UK, Argentina, England, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, and other countries, and the sport is slowly gaining traction and media coverage in the United States. International GolfCross tournaments are held annually, attracting players from around the world.
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GolfCross ball: Oval-shaped
GolfCross is a variation of traditional golf that replaces the round hole in the ground with a rectangular goal suspended in mid-air. This simple twist changes the dynamics of the game, making it more challenging and exciting. GolfCross was invented by Burton Silver in New Zealand in the 1980s. It is played with the same clubs and rules as golf, except for the use of an oval-shaped ball instead of the standard round one.
The oval-shaped GolfCross ball is about the same size and weight as a traditional golf ball, with a smooth white dimpled exterior. Its unique shape makes it more aerodynamically stable than a round golf ball, allowing for greater control over the ball's flight path. Players can hit the ball straight by positioning it upright or make it run on by leaning it back. Controlled slices and hooks can be achieved by angling the ball to the side.
The oval ball's predictable flight properties have led to the design of GolfCross courses with narrower fairways, tighter dog-legs, and more difficult goal approaches, demanding an advanced level of strategic play. The ball's stability in the air allows players to plan their shots more effectively, knowing that the ball will behave as intended. This also enables course designers to set up the course with the expectation that even high-handicap players will be able to shape their shots.
The use of the oval-shaped GolfCross ball improves hand-eye coordination and enhances strategic thinking skills. It requires players to constantly adapt and think ahead, fostering social interaction as players discuss strategies and techniques. The game provides physical exercise due to the varied terrain and quick movements required, and it can also serve as a form of stress relief due to the combination of physical activity and mental challenge.
While the oval-shaped ball is a significant feature of GolfCross, it is important to note that the game also incorporates other rules and design elements that differentiate it from traditional golf, such as the suspended goals and the absence of putting. These unique features have contributed to the growing popularity of GolfCross, with courses established in countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, and international tournaments attracting players from around the world.
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GolfCross target: Rectangular goal
GolfCross is a variation of traditional golf that replaces the round hole with a rectangular goal suspended in mid-air. The game was invented by Burton Silver in New Zealand and combines elements of rugby and soccer. GolfCross is played on a course just like golf, using the same clubs and rules. The main differences are the shape of the ball and the target. The GolfCross ball is oval-shaped, which makes it more aerodynamically stable and allows for more controlled slices and hooks.
The rectangular goal in GolfCross is raised above the turf, unlike the round hole in traditional golf. This change in target shape adds a new dimension to the game, as players need to hit the ball through the uprights of the goal instead of aiming for a hole in the ground. The goal has three fixed positions, which can be strategically chosen by the players to increase the challenge. Landing the ball inside the yard allows players to turn the goal to any of the three positions, providing a wider target.
The rectangular goal in GolfCross changes the dynamics of the game and makes it more challenging and exciting. With no putting involved, players can hit the ball straight by setting the oval ball upright or leaning it back. The predictable flight properties of the oval ball allow for narrow fairways, tight dog-legs, and difficult goal approaches, demanding an advanced level of strategic play. GolfCross is considered a more tactical and dramatic game than traditional golf, especially in match play.
The innovative approach of GolfCross has gained popularity among golf enthusiasts and sparked new interest in the sport. It offers physical and mental benefits, including improved hand-eye coordination, enhanced strategic thinking, social interaction, physical exercise, and stress relief. GolfCross courses can be found in various countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with international tournaments held annually.
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GolfCross courses: Germany, Argentina, England, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand
GolfCross is a variant of golf developed by Burton Silver in New Zealand. It is played on a course like golf, using the same clubs and following the same rules. The only differences are in the shape of the ball and the target. The GolfCross ball is oval, which gives players more control over where the ball travels. The traditional round hole is replaced by a rectangular goal suspended in mid-air. The green is replaced by a "yard", and a player whose ball lies in the yard can turn the goal net to face them.
GolfCross courses in New Zealand are located in the Bay of Plenty, Martinborough, north of Wellington, and the Central South Island near Mount Cook. The Ngawaro course in Bay of Plenty is part of a 260-acre working farm and co-exists with a regular golf course. GolfCross courses in New Zealand are often on rural farmland, and the sheep keep the fairways mown.
GolfCross courses can also be found in Germany, Argentina, England, Ireland, and Scotland, among other countries. While I cannot provide a comprehensive list of GolfCross courses in these countries, I can offer some details on golf in these places.
Golf in Argentina can be found at courses like Olivos Golf Club, Pilar Golf Club, Martindale Country Club, La Orquídea, and Buenos Aires Golf Club.
Ireland is known for its many world-class golf courses, including Ballybunion, Lahinch, Portmarnock, St Patrick's at Rosapenna, The European Club, Waterville Golf Links, The Island Golf Club, County Louth Golf Club, and County Sligo Golf Club.
Golf has been played in Scotland since at least the 15th century. Some notable courses include St Andrews, Muirfield, Turnberry Resort, Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Carnoustie, North Berwick Golf Club, Kingsbarns Golf Links, Ardfin Estate, and Cruden Bay.
While I cannot find specific information on GolfCross courses in Germany and England, both countries have a strong golf culture and a variety of courses.
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GolfCross inventor: Burton Silver
GolfCross, a variation of the traditional game of golf, was invented by fourth-generation New Zealander Burton Silver. Silver is a writer, cartoonist, and inventor, known for his parodies, including the international bestseller "Why Cats Paint". He is also the founder of the International Fringe Games and has several inventions to his name, such as powered skis, a sheep buggy, and the tee cup.
Silver first started working on GolfCross in 1989. The game is played like regular golf—over a course, using the same clubs and rules—but with two key differences: the shape of the ball and the target. The GolfCross ball is oval instead of round, and the goal is a rectangular target suspended in mid-air, doing away with the need to putt.
According to Silver, GolfCross allows for more control over the ball's trajectory, enabling players to hit it straight every time. This, in turn, allows for more strategic play, with narrow fairways, tight dog-legs, and difficult goal approaches becoming the norm. Silver believes that innovating in sports is as important as celebrating traditional sports, and GolfCross, he hopes, will encourage exploration and experimentation in the sporting world.
GolfCross courses can be found in Germany, Argentina, England, Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand. While it is unclear how widely the sport is played, it has recently gained interest due to its ecological advantages. Silver has also authored an illustrated guide to GolfCross, titled "NZ GolfCross".
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Frequently asked questions
GolfCross is a variation of traditional golf that combines elements of rugby and soccer. It uses an oval-shaped ball instead of a round one, and players aim to hit the ball into suspended goals rather than holes in the ground.
GolfCross is played over a course, using the same clubs and rules as golf. The main differences are the shape of the ball and the target. The oval-shaped ball is more stable aerodynamically, allowing players to hit the ball straight and control its flight. The target is a rectangular goal suspended in mid-air, and the game involves no putting.
GolfCross courses can be found in Germany, Argentina, England, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, and the United States. It is gaining popularity and international tournaments are held annually.











































