– All players first compete on a set of designated Pingolf holes, recording strokes as described.

– Depending on the number of players, we would most likely use the Top 4 players by total strokes advance to a 3-game group final, played on three different machines using 7–5–3–1 scoring.

-Total points across the finals games determine 1st–4th place. Remaining players are ranked by their qualifying position.


For January, Toad Rats’ Format of the Month is Pingolf Lite — an objective-based format where each machine is treated like a golf hole on a custom pinball course.

Players will compete on a set of designated holes in a Pingolf-style course using machines from the current Toad Rats lineup at The Bearded Ax. Each “hole” is a pinball machine with a defined scoring or objective target (for example: start multiball, reach a specific score threshold, light or start a mode, etc.).

Players record the number of balls it takes to complete the objective on each hole; each ball counts as one stroke. If a player does not reach the objective within 3 balls, they receive a maximum score of 4 strokes for that hole. After all designated holes are completed, total strokes are added up and the lowest total score determines the final standings. Ties affecting position will be broken with a single-game playoff on a designated tiebreaker machine (or a randomly selected game if needed).

The event will be held on Wednesdays at Toad Rats Pinball @ The Bearded Ax (1077 E. Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC). Sign-ups begin at 6:45 PM and tournament play starts at 7:00 PM, with an expected duration of about 2 hours.

Entry fee is $10, paid to the venue, which includes all-day access to the Toad Rats lineup on free play and entry into the Pingolf Lite tournament. Players will primarily be competing for IFPA standings and bragging rights, with any additional prizes or giveaways provided at the tournament director’s discretion.