DIY Backyard Putting Green

Create a Simple Golf Hole with Just a Few Tools

I always thought about how cool it’d be to have my own little golf setup in the backyard. I grabbed a few tools (honestly, stuff I already had in the garage) and decided to make a single putting hole. Whether you’re trying to dial in your short game or just want something fun to show off when friends come over, this easy little project is totally worth it.

Here’s how I built a low-key putting area:

Materials:

A golf flagstick isn’t just for looks—it helps mark your target from a distance and makes the hole feel official. The Golf Flagstick set I used comes with a cup and numbered flags, so it’s perfect for backyard setups. The 3-foot size works great without being overwhelming, and the two-section design makes it easy to store when not in use. Plus, it’s a conversation starter every time friends spot it in the yard.

The Wood Handle Steel Post Hole Digger is your go-to tool for creating the hole itself. The wood handle gives you good leverage, and the steel blades make cutting into the soil quick and clean. It’s especially useful if your lawn has compacted dirt or thicker grass roots. Think of it as the “big muscle” step before refining the hole shape.

The 5-in-1 Planting Tool Plugger (or sod plugger) is perfect for fine-tuning your golf cup hole. It helps you carve smooth, even edges so putts roll in cleanly without bouncing out. It’s also handy if you need to plug or replace patches of grass later on. Definitely a multi-purpose tool worth keeping around the yard.

A Shovel Hand Trowel is ideal for precise digging and cleanup around the hole. It’s great for scooping out loose dirt, trimming the edges, or making quick adjustments. If you’re not adding a cup insert, the trowel helps create that perfect 4–6 inch depth. It’s one of those small tools that ends up being a backyard MVP.

The Craftsman Lawn Mower is what transforms a random patch of grass into a true “putting green.” Setting it to the lowest height keeps the roll fast and smooth. I used mine to cut the area twice, then paired it with a string trimmer for sharp edges. Even without artificial turf, a tight cut gives your backyard green that satisfying, course-like feel.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Backyard Putting Hole

Step 1: Choose Your Spot

Find a relatively flat patch of your lawn—south-facing if possible so the grass dries out quicker and stays healthy. Aim for an area with 4–6 feet of space around the cup so you can actually practice from a few angles.

Step 2: Mow the Area Down Tight

Use your Craftsman Mower on its lowest setting to create a “putting zone.” I went over mine twice and even used a string trimmer around the edges for a clean, defined look.

Step 3: Dig the Cup Hole

Use your Wood Handle Steel Post Hole Digger to dig a hole roughly 4 inches wide and 4–6 inches deep. You can go deeper if you’re adding a plastic putting cup or cutting and inserting a piece of PVC pipe.

Step 4: Clean and Shape the Hole

Refine the shape using the 5-in-1 Planting Tool Plugger — works great for rounding out the edges. You want that smooth, consistent edge so the ball doesn’t rim out every time.

Step 5: Add Turf or Leave It Natural

If you want to get fancy, cut a piece of artificial turf to fit around your hole. I personally left mine natural and just mowed it low with the Craftsman Mower. A little putting practice in actual grass is great for feel and speed control.

Step 6: Add Your Flag (Optional but Fun)

You can stick a small garden flag, dowel rod, or even a broken club shaft in the hole to mark the target. This makes it feel official and helps you aim from a distance.

The Result

It’s not Augusta—but it’s yours. And it took under an hour to set up. Whether you’re chipping in from across the yard or rolling 5-footers barefoot in the grass, it’s a fun way to make your backyard feel more like your own personal golf oasis.

To finish it off, I added the Golf Flagstick set—complete with a 3-foot flagstick, double-sided numbered flags, and a proper cup. The 2-section design made it super easy to set up, and the flag gives it that official, course-like vibe. Honestly, it made the whole thing feel more pro (and it’s a great gift idea for any golfer too).

👉 Watch my reel to see the full build, and check out my Amazon storefront to grab the tools and the KINGTOP flagstick set I used.
Now I’m tempted to build hole #2. You in?