It’s every golfing fan’s dream to have a golf course in their backyard! Not everyone has the space for a Pebble Beach in their yard, unfortunately… But most of us can fit a mini-golf course into the space so we have a quick game of golf at our fingertips! How to Transform Your Backyard Into a Mini-Golf Course.
But figuring out how to transform your backyard into a mini-golf course can be a little tricky. If it’s something you’d be interested in doing, here’s what you need to think about in order to get it right.
Once you’ve nailed the design, planning, and building, though… You’ll have a spectacular, fun-at-your-fingertips mini-golf course ready to play on at any time.
DIY or Ask a Pro?
While you won’t be able to work on your drive or slice here, it’s perfect for practicing putting.
The biggest consideration is whether you’re going to build your mini golf course yourself or get a pro to do it for you. Let’s check out both options so you can start off on the right foot!
Do-It-Yourself
There’s a certain charm to DIYing a project like this. It’s a great way to get a hobby going, maybe spend some time with the kids or your partner while building it, and there’s nothing quite like the pride that comes with a finished project that you did all by yourself.
Be aware that you need a whole lot of time for this kind of project. It’s not going to happen overnight, so you’ll need plenty of patience!
On the bright side, you may be able to save yourself some money by repurposing materials you already have lying around the house.
Old tires, plywood sheets, PVC piping, old water bottles, and almost anything else you can think of could be used as obstacles. Create ramps, tunnels, and even sand traps to make your mini-golf course more exciting!
Professional
Employing a professional (usually a team) to create your backyard mini-golf course will set you back a good few more pennies than if you do it yourself. But if you have the funds and you want the highest quality course in your backyard… It could be a great option.
Professionals will be able to design the perfect course around your backyard landscape, use quality materials that will stand the test of time, and make sure that you get the best course for your money.
The tradeoff is that while you’re spending more money on professional design and construction, you won’t be using your own time to create your masterpiece.
Design Considerations
Size
You don’t need a lot of space to create a mini-golf course in your backyard. Even small backyards can fit a decent-sized putting green, so don’t brush off the idea if you only have a limited amount of space!
Keep in mind that even if you do have a lot of space, you’ll need to consider other features that may already be in your yard. Do you incorporate the swimming pool into your golf course design, or is it surrounded by a pool fence to separate it from the rest of the yard? Take these things into consideration before you decide how to do this!
Landscaping
Is your yard flat or does it have some curve to it? It’s easier to create a golf course on flat ground, but it can be fun to design one on an undulating surface! Flattening your yard to accommodate a mini-golf course is an extra expense that might not be necessary.
Consider how best to route a mini-golf course through your backyard. If you have a lot of trees in your yard, it’s also a great idea to use them to your advantage and turn them into hazards on your course! They’ll also be able to protect the surface of the golf course from sun and rain damage.
Surface
There are a number of different surfaces you could use for your backyard mini golf course. Soft felt is popular, but it may be susceptible to damage from harsh sunlight or rain. Real grass can be a great and natural-feeling surface, but it requires a lot of work to keep it smooth, looking good, and playable!
You might find artificial grass to be the easiest and lowest-maintenance surface to choose from. It looks good, is easy to play on, and doesn’t need to be maintained. The other bonus is that it stands up well to sun and rain, although you may need to arrange a drainage system to prevent water from pooling.
Also, make sure that whatever you choose is non-toxic and won’t become a problem for pets or kids who might end up rolling around on it!
Extra Expenses
Don’t forget that you’ll need golf clubs and golf balls if you want to actually use the mini-golf course for its intended purpose! If it’s just you and another, it’s not necessarily going to be a huge expense.
But if you’ve got kids and they’re likely to have friends over or have a mini-golf birthday party… You’re going to need more sets of clubs and a bunch of golf balls. You should be able to rent some if you need a lot of them for a party, but make sure you have enough that the kids and their friends aren’t going to be fighting over them on an everyday basis.
You’ll also need to consider upfront where you plan to store the clubs and balls. Depending on how many you have, they may take up quite a bit of space!
Conclusion
Are you planning to transform your backyard into a mini-golf course? It’s a fantastic investment, not only because it’s ideal for a family or couple’s fun or for keeping the kids engaged, but also because a well-constructed mini-golf course can significantly increase the value of your home.
Whether you plan to sell or stay, DIY, or get a professional in, creating a mini-golf course in your yard is fun, and exciting, and encourages more time spent outdoors. Plan carefully and do it right, and you’ll never regret it!
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring others, he’s researching and writing value-packed articles for his website, Golf Influence.