As the name implies, Card Golf is a way of playing golf with cards. The 51-card deck (plus score cards and rules) is divided into the different types of clubs: iron, wood, wedge, and putter. And each card has a number of yards printed on it. The object of the game is to have the lowest score (as in real golf) after 18 holes, or a quicker 9-hole game. After selecting a golf course, players determine the yardage of the hole and then attempt to equal that yardage (or exceed it by as few yards as possible) by "playing" a number of their yardage club cards. Penalties are assigned according to how many yards over the hole yardage a player is. The game can be played alone or with two players or teams. To play with four people individually, you would need two decks of cards.

Since my husband has played golf more than I have, I tossed the game in his direction. He and my three children (ages 7, 9, and 12) played and enjoyed it quite a bit. Our 7-year-old needed some assistance. The game doesn't say, but my family thinks the game would be best for ages ten and above. The game involves addition of one-, two-, and three-digit numbers and thus provides fun practice with that math skill.

I think some background in golf is helpful and enhances your enjoyment of the game. On the website is a list of 15 U.S. and 16 international golf courses. One course is included with the deck of golf cards.

Card Golf would be great for a stocking stuffer or a travel game. Or it could be the perfect gift for that golfing aficionado in every family or social circle.

Product review by Kathy Gelzer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December 2007