How to Build a Golf Hole in Your Backyard?

So, you’re interested in adding a backyard golf hole to your property?

This indeed makes perfect sense since many golfers dream of having their own putting green in their homes for practicing their game in comfort and privacy.

A golfer’s ability to putt is one of their most valuable traits because it is their putting that makes them exceptional. And adding a hole in the backyard can provide a great way to practice your putting before you hit the real course. Not to mention how significantly it can improve your home’s aesthetics beyond helping you lower your handicap.

The following steps will show you how to build a golf hole in your backyard using the simple gardening skills you already have.

How To Build A Golf Hole In Your Backyard

Step-1: Be Mindful of Your Space and Time

The work that goes into designing, maintaining, and tearing down the course may take more time than you expected. If you want to make this project a reality, you must have a decent-sized backyard.

Obviously, there will be only one hole or two. So you’d better not fancy a nine-hole or an eighteen-hole course in your backyard.

We used a new laser tape to measure our space in the backyard as a test- a laser tape measurement from Noyafa Electronic. That was a good experience! It has a one-button operation and you can carry it on your belt!

Step-2: Prepare the Equipment

Make sure you have the digging equipment. It may include a small spade, trowel, small folding shovel, or mattock, as per your need. Ensure you also have a good enough lawn mower that can cut the grass short and nicely.

As for the holes, you can get some yogurt or noodle containers or PVC cutouts if you’re entirely into DIYing. But to give your backyard golf holes a bit more professional look, we’d recommend getting a backyard golf hole kit, which may provide you with cups, flags, supporting incline, and more.

Step-3: Identify the Type of Ground You Will Use for Your Course

Depending on the size of your land and whether you’ll be spending a lot of time maintaining the course, you may want to consider building a par four or par five. A home with a typical backyard should possibly have a par three. Ensure that the land you are designing on is pretty flat, less bumpy, and there aren’t many slopes or hills on it.

You should aim for a course that is about 15 yards long in a relatively large-sized backyard to ensure making the most of your game.

Step-4: Mow the Fairway

A striped fairway will be neat if you mow all other rows. Ideally, you’ll want to mow the fairway three or four times a week. If you have a large backyard, your fairway should be approximately 8–10 feet wide (2.5–3.0 m).

It’s a good idea to keep the fairway grass about 3-4 inches tall so that you can create a rough. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the fairway is always a bit longer than the green.

Read: Types of golf green grass

Step-5: Mow the Green

You should set your mower blade to its lowest setting for mowing the green, so it cuts the grass extra short. Also, you should always try to position the green on the most level portion of your yard. And it’s best to mow the green every two days.

Try to make the green roughly parallel with the fairway, but avoid connecting them directly. Keep a couple of feet in between to make space for the rough. According to the size of your course, the green should measure about 8-feet by 8-feet (2.4m by 2.4m). And preferably, fairways and greens should be roughly the same width.

Step-6: Set up a Couple of Sand Traps or Hazards

Shop for 2-3 large sandbags at your local hardware store. Ideally, your course should only have up to three sand traps. If possible, place at least one alongside the fairway and another one in front of, behind, or adjacent to the green. Ensure the sand traps are no bigger than 5-feet x 5-feet (1.5m x1.5m). Even though sand traps are not always necessary, they are a nice touch for golf courses.

Read: How you can build a sand trap on your backyard?

Step-7: Cut the Holes out

Decide where you would like your golf holes to be located on the course. Clear the area, giving each hole a minimum of three by six feet surrounding. The chosen site should not be so sloped that a golf ball rolls without being tapped on the ground. Relocate if necessary.

Then get your kit, and using a trowel, dig out the hole. An easy way to get the measurement right is placing the cup upside down and press it on the ground with a mallet or a similar item beforehand, so the marking is visible. And once you’ve placed the cups nicely, you should be all done. You can then add the flag as the finishing touch.

Note: If you’ve got too small a backyard, focus on this step first before everything else.

Step-8: Lastly, Stay on Track!

Maintenance crews work every day on actual golf courses. However, for golfing in the backyard, mowing your course may not be necessary every day. Just check up on it about every three to four days; it only takes a few minutes from your day.

After having your job done, you can begin your backyard golf practice. Get practice aids like practice net, putt trainer, swing trainer alongside your favorite clubs and balls so that you can make the most of your mini-golf course.

Are Artificial Turfs Worth It?

The latest generation of synthetic turfs come with a look and feel almost identical to natural grass, and in terms of maintenance, they require nothing more than occasional leaf blowing. Meaning, they can eliminate all the hassles laying down the putting greens for backyards.

However, the installation of these turfs can be way pricier. You can expect to pay between $15 and $25 per square foot if you hire a company to build the green for you, based on the size of the installation and the grade of materials you choose.

Alternatively, if you’re willing to build it on your own, you can purchase rolls of synthetic grass for between $1.50 and $4.50 per sq. ft., depending on quality. So, more or less, it can be a good idea to opt for artificial turfs after weighing these factors if you’re planning for the longer term. 

FAQs

How much does it cost to build one golf hole?

Assuming you already have the essential backyard equipment, you will only need to buy the golf hole kit, which should cost between 25 and 50 dollars.

What is the diameter of a golf hole?

4.25 inches is the standard measurement.

How many golf balls fit in a golf hole?

A standard-size hole fits two balls.

Why is a golf hole 4.25 inches?

Because Royal Musselburgh Golf Club had patented the first known hole cutter in 1829. It has stayed that way since then. However, no one exactly knows the actual reason.

Final Words…

Now you know how to put a golf hole in your backyard, wait no more to get started with your very own ‘golf in backyard’ project.

Having your own backyard putting green is sure to make your house the favorite rendezvous for all your golf buddies to hang out.  Having mastered every break on the green, you’ll be soon recouping the energy you have invested by racking up wins in the upcoming backyard-putting matches.

Read More:

• Create a Backyard Putting Green with real grass
• How to hit straighter Drives?