Each hole is a par three, and must be played from tee markers to bell, ending when the bell is audibly rung with the ball. The host may arrange the holes as cleverly and diabolically as his imagination permits provided the bell hangs freely in the center of the wicket, and the ball may not pass underneath it, or between bell and wicket sides without striking the bell. Each host/course designer should incorporate hazards with penalties, such as penalty strokes for landing in the garden, pond, parking lot, or bouncing out of bounds, etc. Deliberately designed obstacles frequently include doglegs around trees, hitting between closely spaced trees, going over steps and walkways, low garden walls, ponds, brooks, and gardens.

Because each bell is suspended from a wicket there exists the possibility of a player being "stymied", that is, having his ball stop close to or against the supporting side of the wicket without ringing the bell. The player must play out of this predicament without striking the bell with his club. Such a striking at any time incurs a penalty stroke.

Normal rules of golf govern the order of play. (Lowest scores on preceding hole tee off first, and furthest ball from the bell is played first on every shot after that.) Lies may be improved by rolling the ball over mowed "fairway" of yard except when stymied by wicket, in which case no relief may be had. In areas of yard designated as "rough", balls must be played as they lie.

The usual distances for each hole range from thirty to three hundred feet. The most commonly used clubs are the wedge, nine, eight, or seven irons, with occasional players opting for a five or a putter. This is important, for each player may choose only one club, and with it he must play the whole round.

Commonly, a foursome will complete the course in a leisurely thirty to forty-five minutes, leaving ample time for repeat and challenge matches.