The structure aimed for during a toss in ladder golf consists of three rungs, each decreasing in point value from top to bottom. Players attempt to land bolas, two golf balls connected by a cord, onto these rungs to score. Successfully landing a bola on the top rung yields the highest points, the middle rung a mid-range score, and the bottom rung the lowest.
This scoring apparatus is essential for gameplay, providing a clear objective and a structured scoring system. Its tiered design introduces strategic depth, encouraging players to aim for higher-scoring rungs while managing risk. The origin of this tiered target, while not precisely documented, likely evolved from the desire for a more nuanced scoring system than a simple hit-or-miss approach. This tiered target likely evolved organically, mirroring the competitive nature of lawn games where gradations of skill and strategy add layers of enjoyment.