One of Park Golf’s defining features is its minimal, standardized equipment. Officially, players only need three items: a Park Golf club, a Park Golf ball, and a tee. This simplicity lowers the barrier to entry and makes the sport easy to organize in community parks.
The club resembles a hybrid between a golf driver and a croquet mallet. Its head must be made of wood and weigh less than 600 grams, and the striking face generally has little or no loft to keep ball flight low for safety in public spaces. Modern clubs often combine hardwood heads with reinforced carbon-fiber faces and graphite or carbon-flex shafts for durability and feel, with standard adult length around 86 cm.
The ball is larger and softer than a traditional golf ball—typically around 60 mm in diameter and made from durable synthetic materials. Its construction allows it to roll well on fairways but not travel excessively long distances or cause injury if struck off-line.
The tee is used only for the first stroke of each hole. Park Golf tees are short and sturdy, designed to hold the larger ball securely on artificial or natural teeing grounds. Some courses provide tees; others expect players to bring their own.
Many players also carry optional accessories—such as scorecards, ball markers, small bags or pouches, and weather-appropriate clothing—but these are not required. By keeping the official equipment list limited to club, ball, and tee, Park Golf stays affordable, accessible, and easy to adopt in parks and community settings.
Equipment Standards:
The IPGAA endorses equipment certified by the Japan Park Golf Association (NPGA) {do not be confused with a similar misleading acronym}
Look for equipment that has the Nippon/Japan Park Golf Association (NPGA) sticker around the top of the shaft near the grip AND the IPGA woodpecker logo on the bottom of the club head imbedded in the sole. This will ensure safety, performance, and fairness across the board.
Why?
First, in the continental USA and Canada we have deep respect for safety and consequently liability. Equipment certified by the Japan Park Golf Association (NPGA) has been thoroughly evaluated and physically tested for each and every design modification to meet specific safety and performance standards and requirements. It is more than just a sticker or a document.
Second, and equally important, is Fairness of play. Certified and tested equipment ensures that there is consistency of design standards that ensure one player does not have an equipment advantage over another.
This cannot be accomplished by putting equipment together in one’s living room. It takes time, dedication, and commitment to the sport and the players over profit to accomplish this.
KNOW some of the facts about club design:
