HOW TO...Transform Your Garden Into A Golfer's Paradise

Finding the time to get some chipping practice in ready for the weekend competition is getting harder. We don’t all have time to pop down to the driving range or have a mid-day “business meeting” on the 9th tee box. And, let’s face it – some of us need all the help we can get.

To help lower those golf scores and save some embarrassment next time you finish your round in front of a clubhouse full of spectators, why don’t you convert an area of your garden into your very own mini chipping green? “How?” we hear you cry out louder than your usual shout of “Fore right”! Keep reading to find out how to make the golfer’s dream garden.

*Note, this is a cheap method for basic practice and won't be of a professional standard

What You’ll Need

To make your mini chipping green you'll need a few things you are likely to already own:

• Lawn mower
• Rope
• A rounded trowel or other digging tool
• Small plastic sheet

What else you may need:

• Small logs of wood
• Paint
• A small flag (or a piece of wood and fabric)

Mark out the dimensions of a standard golfing hole – a circle with a diameter of 4.25 inches. Dig the hole using a power tool or a rounded trowel

Shot 1: Pick A Good Location

You will need to find a place in your garden that isn't going to have any major slopes, so the ball can actually remain still and on the green. You also need to pick a place which isn’t going to cause problems if you misfire or mishit your shots. This means nowhere near expensive garden ornaments or greenhouses!

Shot 2:  Mark Out The Green

Use a rope to mark out the shape of your small chipping green then cut the grass inside this to the shortest possible length – watch out for the rope! You probably can't get it as short as a usual green, but don’t worry. Then create aprons around the green of different lengths. These will be the places you can chip from.

Shot 3: Time to Make the Cup

Mark out the dimensions of a standard golfing hole – a circle with a diameter of 4.25 inches. Dig the hole using a power tool or a rounded trowel.

You should aim to make at least two different holes to give you different targets. The more the better but this will depend on space.

Many people are switching up their lawns for artificial grass. These products are a great length to do some chipping and even some putting. You could even get bespoke designs to leave a perfectly-sized golf hole. Get the kids involved and do some arts and crafts to turn it into crazy golf that the whole family can enjoy!

Shot 4: Finishing Touches

To make your chipping green look more like a chipping green there are a few other things you can do. These finishing touches can really enhance the design. Add white plastic to your holes just like the pros have and even design a flag to sit inside the cup. You can buy a flag or make your own with a pole and some fabric.

You may also want to make a selection of mini tee boxes to mark out where to chip from. You can do this with small pieces of wood or even small logs just like many golf clubs use. Paint the ends of each log a different color to correspond with the difficulty of the shot. The different tee boxes could be mowed to different lengths too!

There’s One Other Option!

Many people are switching up their lawns for artificial grass. These products are a great length to do some chipping and even some putting. You could even get bespoke designs to leave a perfectly-sized golf hole. Get the kids involved and do some arts and crafts to turn it into crazy golf that the whole family can enjoy!

Golfer's Garden Paradise: Final Thoughts

Now you should be able to sneak off for some short game practice any time you’re at home and the weather permits. Our mini chipping green isn't going to be as good quality as those professional ones, but it’s a good and cheap in-between to lower your handicap. If you need any further advice on how to utilise your garden to indulge your passion, give us a bell on 0800 1700 6363-our team will be in touch in a jiffy!