John Anderson sends these great photos of his home court (70' by 8') in Salinas, CA.

Regarding the surface material, Anderson says..."Being a molecular soil scientist, I chose decomposed granite fines from a local mine. It is very high in silica, which has a very high energy level, thusly allowing the balls to 'roll lighter' because of the energy release from the playing surface - 'dg fines' three feet thick."

Pergolas, curtains, swinging couch, the works!

The Andersons in a holiday mood.

Reminiscent of billiards, the Andersons tally score via rings (games to 9, 15, 21) "...depending on how many people show up and how much time we have to play as a group."

Lights too!

"The drapes at each end act to enclose the playing areas from any rogue wind, and the whole court is lit with low voltage wire lighting over head. The court is placed in a private valley. The drapes add to the ambiance, however if it gets cooler than we like (playing into the evening) then we close the drapes and turn on the heaters."

The centerpiece to the court is a 1700's Burmese temple bell. "The highlight for the players on the new court is walking across mid court and sliding the rings for their points and 'banging off the points' on the bell.

Another look at the bell. The mallet on top can be used to slide the rings and to bang the bell, once for each point scored in the frame. "Now the bell is the center piece and its chime marks each point, and the rings suspended mid court act as tallies sliding from left to right, with each metallic ring marking the end of a game (9, 15, or 21)."

John says his bocce ball racks "double as beer can holders."

Looks like God's country to me!

Coming soon - the Rolex Invitational Bocce Tourney. Winner gets a diamond studded Rolex. Details to follow in The Joy of Bocce Weekly. Subscribe Now!