Get Your Game on – Your Backyard Golf Game
In 2020 the pandemic changed the world, and we were forced to adjust our lives to stay healthy. We made multiple concessions, whether it be trading the golf course for Zoom or theaters for backyard movies, things changed. Many of us liked working from home. We got to be with our partners, spend time with our kids, take Zoom meetings in our pajama bottoms, and enjoy the oasis we call home. We saved hours each day by not commuting, giving us time to paint the house and make our backyards into perfect entertainment centers for family and friends.
With our newfound freedom and time, we’ve found more time to spend in the luxury of our backyards. Many of us have thrown a football around, bought a new swing set, built a deck, and ordered that amazing new grill.
Now that you have all the basics, why not bring backyard games to add fun to your backyard? And why not make it a backyard golf?
Why choose backyard golf?
The game of golf originated on the eastern coast of Scotland. Players used sticks and clubs to hit pebbles over dunes and around tracks. The game was so addicting that in the 15th century, many neglected military duties prompting a ban on the sport in 1415. It wasn’t until 1502 that the ban was lifted, naming Scotland the world’s first golfing monarch.
While we no longer smack pebbles around, it is still such an addicting game that both men and women grab a little extra golf time during long lunches or the infamous early Friday T-time. Now, however, golfing during work hours is not considered to be neglecting the job. It’s a way to make deals and sell products, all while keeping customers happy. In fact, 90% of CEOs and 80% of executives play golf because it is a great way to get to know your customers in a fun, non-intrusive way.
Golf doesn’t end with CEOs and executives, it can be played in any backyard.
The National Golf Foundation estimated in the Golf industry was worth $84 billion in 2019. In 2022 the US golf course industry had an estimated worth of over $26 billion, with 8% of Americans have played on a course! That number is increasing at a 2% rate – yearly!
Our love of golf is real whether you’re digging your ball out of the sand, pond, or trees! People love not only the sport but the socialization and community that goes with it.
With that much love, it’s tough to find why you wouldn’t make it part of your backyard. Unless you have acres and acres of land and staff to keep it pristine, having a private course in your backyard is probably not going to happen. But there’s no reason you can’t have a Backyard Golf Game when you’re having that backyard party or a family evening!
Backyard Golf Games
Because our love of golf is nothing less than obsessive, there’s no way it can stop on the course. There are trinkets, bookends, t-shirts, hats, clothing lines, coffee mugs – anything you can think of! So why not have a backyard golf game or two?
We’ve compiled a list of 9 types of backyard golf games to fit your every need.
1. Chip and Stick Golf Game
Chip and Stick Golf Game
Players aim their chips to land and stick onto the labeled scoring zones to rack up the most points and win. There are multiple gameplay rules included, so you can play by standard rules. The GoSports Chip N’ Stick Golf Game is perfect for indoor or outdoor fun.
The 4 x 6 ft Chip N’ Stick Mat can be easily rolled out on any flat surface for an instant game setup. When you’re done playing, simply roll up the mat for compact storage.
The first Backyard Golf game helps with one of the most important components of the game – Chipping (not to be confused with putting). Chipping in golf is when a player has to get a ball out of a sand pit or other unwanted area and back on the green where the ball is more controllable. A player may wish to chip due to the following:
- Wet grass
- Tall grass
- An obstruction
- Steep incline
- Uneven terrain, such as holes
2. Golf Drinking Game
Fairly Odd Novelties Drinking Game
The Fairly Odd Novelties Drinking Game! This exciting tabletop game combines two of your favorite things – golf and drinking – into one enjoyable package. The miniature golf course can be played anywhere, from an office desk to a kitchen table to a bar floor. It’s the perfect gift for fathers day, white elephant exchanges, or office parties. Included are one felt-topped putting surface game board, two putters, two metal golf balls, one 19th-hole flag, one bag of sand (for the sand trap hazard), and six 1.75 US fluid-ounce shot glasses. So get ready to have some fun and take your game to the next level with this one-of-a-kind gift!
Backyard Golf Drinking Game
Sometimes you need to let loose and join in a golf-drinking game – adults only and drink responsibly, of course. If you’re not into beer or other spirits, soda might work? Drinking games are set to let off steam and party till the wee hours of the morning.
There are many traditional drinking games that you might have had some experience in. Here are a few you might remember.
- Even and odd translate great if you’re putting and using flagsticks. Divide into two teams. One team is odd, and the other is even. When you arrive at an even flag, the even team takes a shot and vice versa.
- Don’t forget your beer. If you’re caught not holding a beer, drink up!
3. Pool Golf Game
MD Sports Big Sky Golf Practice Game
Pool Golf Game
A golfer’s short game is when a ball is close to the green and sometimes on the green (within 100 yards). And for those lucky enough to have a backyard pool, adding additional fun is another day in the sun!
We’ve found the perfect pool golf game to help even the most inconsistent golfers. With this floating mat, you’ll have a blast practicing your short game. Place your floating target in the pool and chipping green on the deck. By the time you’ve finished practicing, you’ll be more confident than ever to book your next tee time.
4. Table Golf Game
The Barwench Games’ Executive Tabletop Golf
The Barwench Games’ Executive Tabletop Golf game includes an aluminum frame putting green, solid metal putter, 3 metal golf balls, and metal flag, all presented in a fun gift box.
The Tabletop golf game is the perfect way to enjoy some friendly competition with family and friends or to blow off some steam after a long day at work. When you’re not playing, it makes a great conversational piece. However you use it, it’s sure to provide hours of fun!
Table Golf Games Perfect for the Backyard
Sometimes you don’t want to be active. You may want some family bonding time or an evening with a friend. That doesn’t mean you’re not thinking about golf every single moment. You can have it all – rest, fun, and golf with a table golf game!
5. Putting Green Game
Golf Pong Putting Game
The Golf Pong Putting Game is the perfect game for any gathering! Whether you are looking for a new game to play at your next social get-together or you want something to liven up your next office party, this game is perfect for you!
This hybrid pong and putt-putt golf game is easy to set up and comes with 2 height-adjustable putters, 2 golf balls, and an accessory bag. The best part about this game is that it is portable and go anywhere!
Putting Green Backyard Golf
We’ve all done it, and it bites! We have the perfect stroke. Our ball is placed perfectly on the green, and we know our score will rock. We clap, dance, smirk, and grab the putter.
Then it happens! We try over and over, watching our ball wave inches from the goal and then roll backward or sideways or anywhere but in the hole. The words going through our heads are not meant for anyone’s ears, and we pray they didn’t slip from our lips.
Why is putting so hard? Is it the geometry? The uneven grass is a good reason to blame our inability to get the ball in the hole. Regardless, putting is approximately 43% of your total golf score, and your backyard is the perfect place to practice.
Kids Golf Games
EagleStone Kids Golf Toys Set
The EagleStone Kids Golf Toys Set is the perfect gift for kids who love sports! This set includes 15 training golf balls, a putter, and a flag, everything your child needs to get started in the game of golf.
With this set, parents can teach their children how to play golf and sports knowledge.
Golf is a great way for kids to work out and stay physically active while also developing their mental concentration and focus. The EagleStone Golf Toys Set is the perfect way to get your kids started in the world of golf!
Kids Backyard Golf Games
Kids’ golf games will give parents hours of uninterrupted downtime. Rest on a hammock and watch the clouds roll by while sipping your lemonade as they wack away at the balls. If you’re a super parent, join them for some bonding time. You may end up having as much fun as they do.
The more kids play, the more benefits the game will bring. Even if they’ll never be Tiger Woods, there is no doubt they’ll reap the benefit. Here’s how –
- Hand/eye coordination
- Listening skills
- Strengthens their core muscles
- Self-confidence as they improve
- Social skills when playing with others
- Sportsmanship
7. Putting Green Flags
KINGTOP Golf Flagsticks Mini
The KINGTOP Golf Flagsticks Mini is a compact and portable flagstick perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It features a unique 2-section design for easy setup and transportation. The included putting cup has 3 drain holes to keep it dry and clean, and the standard base is compatible with your existing cup so you don’t have to remove it.
Made from durable fiberglass and 420D nylon, this flagstick and hole cup set is a great way to turn your backyard into your practice course.