There's nothing like practicing your golf game in your backyard. While you may not be able to recreate the same challenge as a real course, backyard golf games are great for raising skills and having fun.
Why not purchase a golf game that you can use outdoors during warmer weather and indoors when it's cold or raining?
This article focuses on putting games. See our other reviews if you'd like to check out a chipping game or a unique cornhole-style golf game.
There are game options for all skill levels: the only requirement is that you enjoy golf and want to have fun. Don't forget one important golf club: a putter!
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How We Choose The Best Backyard Golf Games
Peter Piper has performed thorough research in order to recommend these backyard golf games. We pay special attention to reviews, product questions, customer satisfaction, and the overall popularity of these items.
In addition, we consider portability, the element of fun, what is included, and the pricing.
Our goal is to provide golf enthusiasts with a rewarding backyard game where they can practice their golf swing, sink putts, enjoy a few games solo, or include the whole family.
Our first item is highly rated, popular, and inexpensive. The Putt-A-Bout golf game measures approximately 3 x 9 feet and weighs only 3.5 pounds. The game rolls up for storage and can be set up in seconds for daily use or weekend play.
Featuring 3 targets and 2 "sand traps", the artificial turf has a non-skid backing and smooth surface. Manufactured with a slight elevation at the far end, you'll have a more realistic greens experience.
Players at any skill level will find this an exciting way to enjoy a fun game; experienced golfers will find it a wonderful tool for working on that short game.
At this price, you may want to pick up half a dozen and create a mini golf course in your backyard or even inside. Six holes around the first floor of the house can be a great game and lead to lots of family fun!
If you are looking for a greater investment in a portable green then consider the Shaun Webb product. Also 3 x 9 feet with 3 targets and 2 "sand traps" this item is manufactured to be up to 3x thicker than some of the other offerings. The increased thickness provides a noticeable ultra-smooth crease-free surface.
Made from recycled polyester and featuring a non-slip rubber bottom, the avid golfer will find this a classy and useful addition to any play area. Work on your golf skills in the office, basement, porch, or backyard.
Another very popular and highly rated product is the Perfect Practice Golf Green.
Available in several sizes, this game features an 8-foot velvet turf board that ascends a slope to a reduced-size hole. Eventually, the larger hole in a standard cup will look huge!
All skill levels can benefit from that precision.
The automatic ball return is so much fun. Gravity brings both aces and misses back to the player via a side rail.
Makes a great gift for those who love golf. Take it to the office or set it up in the house. You can use it anytime - even if it raining outside.
Looking to add a little competition to your short game? GoSports Battleputt is a great addition to traditional backyard games (step aside bocce ball and bean bags) This exciting new hybrid golf game mixes mini golf and pong: Golf Pong!
Players shoot from opposite ends of the 11-foot mat and aim for the six holes at the other end. When a putt is made, the hole is covered and marked as used. Play continues until one group has successfully filled all their cups.
This backyard golf game includes everything you need to play: the putting surface, hole covers, two golf balls, and two putters. It's a great way for up to six friends to enjoy some competition and then proudly boast their high scores on social media channels.
This golf pong game has a foldable design that makes it easily portable. Take it to the beach, bring it along to backyard BBQs, or keep it at home for immediate play.
The Boburn Golf Green is a great indoor surface that offers a realistic feel and putting surface. At 5 x 10 feet this green is larger than our other recommendations. It features three standard holes with stainless steel cups and flags.
The playing surface is of high quality and is surrounded by a 35mm simulated rough that prevents missed shots from rolling off the mat (and out of the room, down the stairs, etc.) The underside features a rubber base to prevent slipping.
The game also rolls up for easy transport and storage.
A clever addition is the use of a slope mat. Placing the object underneath the putting surface allows for the creation of a natural slope on the green. Simulating the variations of a real course, players can gain experience in playing the grade.
What if you mix croquet with golf to create the ultimate outdoor game?
GoSports Putt-Thru Croquet is a great choice for anyone looking to have fun while learning to play golf! The set comes with nine gates that can be placed on any surface. Players hit the balls through "all the holes" (each gate) sequentially while keeping count of their total strokes.
The game is very easy to set up and play. It includes 9 plastic gates, four golf balls, and a carrying case. Holes in the gates allow you to use tees to secure them to the ground as needed. All you need to bring is your golf club.
Using gates is a bit more forgiving. Unlike a traditional cup, you don't run the risk of running right over the top of the hole.
Also, you might get lucky and bounce the shot off the side of the gate and through.
One thing that is a bit more challenging, however, is that the gate is only 4" wide compared to a standard cup of 4.25".
Backyard Golf Putting Games FAQs
It can be tough to figure out which backyard putting game is the best for your needs. Luckily, we've created a list of Frequently Asked Questions about backyard golf games.
How can I set up a practice golf game in my backyard?
Whether you are looking for putting or chipping there is a game for you. The products reviewed above will meet the putting needs.
Consider the addition of a chipping game which usually includes chipping mats, targets, and a carry case. Peter Piper has posted reviews of those items as well.
Is there a recommended golf ball for putting practice?
You should use whatever ball you use on the course. Unlike a chipping practice game that might be played indoors and with others nearby, putting is a type of play that can be safely done with a real ball.
Just make sure to keep this type of backyard fun on the ground - leave the launches for the range.
What are the standards regarding golf balls?
The rules state that a golf ball should have a mass of or below 1.62 ounces (45.9 grams for our friends who use the metric system).
The diameter cannot be smaller than 1.68 inches (42.7mm).
There are also velocity, symmetry, and distance specifications that must be met.
Can I adapt the pong game to beer pong golf?
Who are we to complain if you want to adjust the rules to include some adult beverages in your backyard golf game fun? If beer pong works on a table it should work on the green.
Just don't become an over "seasoned golfer" who needs to be the one taken home in the carry bag!
What types of backyard golf games are there?
Peter Piper has uncovered some of the best backyard golf games: putting, chipping, and even cornhole versions exist! We say play them all.
Some of the best backyard golf games use a chipping mat and competitors chip golf balls into target nets (kind of like bucket golf without the buckets). These targets might be on the same surface - or spread throughout the area. With these sets, you can easily set up a course of three holes at your own home.
We've also seen golf lawn games that marry golf with cornhole. Rather than play on a green, players use a hitting mat and score points by landing their shots on pocketed surfaces similar to cornhole ramps. What will they think of next?
Quick note: Many of these games can be played inside. In that case, consider the use of foam balls. You don't want to damage your house (Grandma's priceless vase is worth only one point).
Any recommendations for high-density foam balls?
Sure! Some favorites of seasoned golfers are Almost Golf, Birdiebrand, and Pride Sports. They are highly rated for being replacements for a real golf ball and can make for realistic and fun games.
Conclusion
The best backyard golf game would provide fun, be challenging, and provide a sense of realism for players. It should be easy to set up, portable, reasonably priced, and create real-life play experiences.
The above-reviewed products check "all these boxes" and should provide years of fun for you, your family, and friends.
