Close does count in horseshoes.

It counts for a point.

And a ringer? That’s the original 3-point shot.

So goes the scoring for a sport that has transitioned from the backyard to a serious national level. Whether using the flip or turn method when pitching the shoe, the ultimate goal is as elusive as the stake 40 feet away: the perfect score, where 40 ringers add up to 120 points.

However, the goal of Sunday’s "Horseshoe Pitching Is Fun" event at Kalaeloa is to bring exposure to the game that can be learned at any age. Members of host Oahu Horseshoe Pitchers Association will see to that, with lessons and demonstrations at the club’s pits.

"It’s a good family activity," said past state champion Al Edsman, current OHPA president. "This club began in 1987. We started with two courts, then another two, then another two.

"I like it. It keeps me active and in shape."

At 73, Edsman competes in the elder division (70-and-older). OHPA has about 25 members, ranging in age from 11 to 84, but accepts children as young as 7.

"Nationally, they’ve started a cadet division for ages 7-11," said Edsman, a past Aloha State Games and Senior Olympics champion. "Interest goes up and down. But compared to golf and bowling, this is a good deal."

OHPA membership is $25 annually, $10 for 17-and-under. The dress code is fairly lax, with the only requirement being footwear (slippers are acceptable).

A good pair of horseshoes — maximum weight 2 pounds, 10 ounces — runs about $70 and can last for years.

So does the enjoyment.

Vicki Walden came out to the OHPA pits at the encouragement of a coworker to watch Thursday league play several years ago and gave it a try. Initially she had one of the highest percentages (handicaps) possible — with one ringer out of 100 pitches (1.00) — "but that’s when you know it’s fun, when you keep doing it when you’re not very good," said Walden, the president of the Hawaii State Horseshoe Pitchers Association, who is up to an 8.65 percentage.

"It’s a good way to relax. There’s not really any stress, although we do have some really good pitchers here."

One of those is defending state champion Kingston Lindsey, who has qualified for this July’s NHPA World Tournament in St. George, Utah. He plays out of the Waimanalo club, which has its pits at the Honolulu Polo Club.

Lindsey has the best percentage in the state (53.80) and competes in the open division despite being considered a senior (ages 60-69).

"I started about 10 years ago," Lindsey said. "My wife wanted me to find a hobby."

Statewide, there are about 180 horseshoe pitchers registered at clubs on Oahu (Kalaeloa, Waimanalo, Waianae Boat Harbor), Kauai (Anahola) and Hawaii island (Hilo and Kona). Kauai will host the state doubles championship July 6-7, while the state singles championship is Labor Day weekend in Waimanalo.

The OHPA has received a proclamation that May is "Horseshoe Pitching Is Fun" month from Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Sunday’s event is free and includes refreshments and door prizes.