HERE & THERE COLUMN

 Never Knew About Cornhole Game

  Our trip recently to North/South Caroline brought a new and exciting game into our lives and now you can find us in our backyard playing Cornhole.
  My first impression was that this was something new but many tell us they have played this sport for year.
  While enjoying diner and conversation at Mulligan's in Little River, SC owner Phil asked if we wanted to get into the weekly Thursday night Cornhole tournament. 
  Shirl and I said yes, added grandson Rodney's name and put our names in  the hat as teams are selected by drawing names ...... and this eliminates putting a team of ringers in this event.
  We played in the tournament and Shirley and her partner captured second place.....her success had to be contributed with the way she use to pitch slo-pitch softball for 29-years.
  Well anyway we have become hooked on the game and now have our own boards, cornbags and score board. Next to go up are lights and bug lights so we can play later in the evening and maybe even a big fireplace.
  We found a nice flat surface in the back yard and set the boards directly facing each other 27-feet apart. The pitching boxes (where you thrown the cornbags from) are on each side of the cornhole board. 
  The game can be played with two or four players....much more fun with four.
  In throwing the cornbag you cannot go past the front edge of the board and also a tossed bag may not touch the ground or go from the ground to the board surface.
  Object of the game, put your cornbags (four of them) into the hole of the cornhole board (27-feet away from you), for three points or on the surface of the board for one point each. If you score in the hole and your opponent also scores in the  hole it's a draw and no one gets any points...... the same if you put two bags on the board and your opponent does the same it's a wash and no score.
  Game is 21 points. If you earn the most points your team will throw first in the next inning.
  And guess what folks, this is a serious game with serious competition, official rules and an official American Cornhole Association (ACA) governing body with ACA Sanctioned Tournaments. Cornhole boards can be made from a complete guide online or the boards and supplies can be purchased from various stores and online.
  How about  holding a national Cornhole Tournament in Sullivan County with serious prize money?