2023
Bocce Golf Course
Designed and built by Will McDonald and Josh Hankel
This years course is the best yet. Some of the holes are challenging, some are fun, and some will make you sure I have to much time on my hands. Although that might be true. I think you’re gonna love the course.
21 holes!
The course sits on half an acre of beautiful land in Brainerd, MN. Although it’s in town you’ll barely believe it when you get there.
2023 Bocce Golf Course
2023 Bocce Golf Course
I’ve been clearing the property to build a studio and home on it one day. Weather has also taken down 5 trees since I have owned it. So, sticks, logs, and unique places surround the property.
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When you throw the first ball per turn, the pallino, you will throw it at the hole in an attempt to get it in the hole. If you do, you get a point. If you do, OR you don’t, play continues towards the pallino and the hole no longer comes into play.
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The full course is made of three sets of 7 holes. The first two rounds will play 7 holes. The third round will be played on 14 holes and the final round will play all 21 holes.
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You do not. Sometimes a hole might seem to long to throw to. That’s ok, you won’t get the change at the bonus point. But it won’t change the game play if you don’t aim for the hole.
MOW YOUR LAWN!
If you’re worried about the lawn being shaggy, I promise it will be cleaned up by tournament day. I’ve spent time seeking out and destroying poison ivy, sticker weeds, and thistles. However, there are still locust trees throughout the property that have a pretty mean bite.
The
Peninsula
Sorta
After winding your way through the woods you get your first chance to play on the playground.
A few years back I was able to get my hands on the old playground where I worked. They were ready for an upgrade and I was ready for weird stuff to throw bocce balls at.
It took some time to decide how to use them, but we managed to make two great holes using the slides this year. They are very fun holes and I know you’ll love them.
Just a few holes left!
Are you ready for the grand finale?
We spent a lot of time trying to figure out a strong ending to the course and all of sudden the inspiration was there.
Back at you!
This hole allows you to stand right above the hole, but requires you to throw onto the slide to get to it. As the balls role back to you, they are easy to see from the side. Testing went on longer than it needed to as the silliness appealed to me a lot.
The final hole sports a V8 engine, four tires and a steering wheel. Someone will drive off with the victory after this hole and I hope it’s me. I haven’t won a tournament yet and its starting to get to me. Good luck, but I hope I beat you!
Almost forgot the pizza pizza!
I’ve built a DIY wood fired pizza oven. It’s untested but YouTubers say it works. We'll find out soon! Some of this was testing and prototyping for something I would like to build at home. But this oven can be disassembled and moved there if I decide to. Hopefully it works. Otherwise I’ll order some. At the end of the day, Pizzas Pizza and there will be pizza.
