Want to make your backyard golf sessions a little more interesting?

A backyard putting challenge is an easy way to add some friendly competition to your day.

 

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You don’t need a fancy putting green or lots of equipment. A few targets, some golf balls and a simple set of rules are enough to get started.

Play solo, challenge your golf friends or get the whole family involved.

The best part?

You can make the challenge as easy or as tricky as you like.

Here’s how to set up your own backyard putting competition, keep score and crown your very first Backyard Putting Champion! ⛳

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1. Set Up Your Backyard Putting Challenge

First, choose your playing area. If you have a backyard putting green, you’re already halfway there. If not, a flat patch of grass or a portable putting mat can work just as well.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• A putting area: Choose a space with enough room for several putting distances.

• Putting targets: Use the holes on your green, practice cups or other suitable targets.

• Golf putters and balls: Make sure everyone has what they need to play.

• A scorecard: Keep track of points or strokes for each round.

• A few obstacles: Add gentle slopes, markers or other challenges to make things more interesting.

Next, set up three to five putting stations at different distances. Start with a short putt, then gradually increase the distance. You can also add a trickier target or an obstacle to test everyone’s skills.

Keep the layout simple for your first challenge. Once everyone gets the hang of it, change the distances, move the targets or introduce new obstacles for the next round.

Quick tip: Give each putting station a name or number. It makes the challenge easier to follow and helps everyone keep track of their progress.

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Planning a backyard putting party?

Skip the guesswork with the Backyard Putting Party Kit , a ready-to-print bundle with 15 putting challenges, scorecards, a results sheet, a winner certificate, and a simple host guide for easy, stress-free hosting.

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2. Choose Your Putting Challenge Format

Now comes the fun part! Decide how everyone will play.

The format you choose will determine how you keep score and who takes home the bragging rights.

Here are three easy formats to try.

The Putting Course

Set up five or nine putting stations and treat each one like a hole on a golf course. Players try to complete the course using as few putts as possible.

Assign a par of two or three strokes to each station. Add up the scores at the end, just as you would on a regular golf course. The player with the lowest total wins.

The Points Challenge

Turn your backyard into a points-based competition. Assign different point values to each putting target based on distance or difficulty.

For example, a short putt might earn one point, a medium-distance putt two points and a long or tricky putt five points. Give each player three attempts at every station and tally the points at the end.

This format is great for mixed skill levels. Everyone has a chance to score big!

The Head-to-Head Contest

Prefer a little friendly rivalry? Let two players compete against each other over a set number of rounds.

Players take turns putting from the same starting point. Award one point for each successful putt, or let the player with the fewest strokes win the round. The first player to win three rounds becomes the champion.

This format works particularly well when there are several players waiting for their turn. Run a mini knockout tournament or let everyone challenge the winner.

Quick tip: Choose one format for your first challenge. You can always introduce a new scoring system or combine formats next time. Keeping things simple makes it easier for everyone to join in and enjoy the game.

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3. Create Your Putting Challenge Rules

Every good competition needs a few simple rules. They keep things fair, avoid confusion and make it easier for everyone to enjoy the game.

Before the first putt, agree on the following:

• Number of attempts: Decide how many putts each player gets at every station.

• Starting position: Mark a clear spot where everyone must begin their putt.

• Scoring system: Decide whether you’re counting strokes, awarding points or winning individual rounds.

• Missed putts: Agree on what happens when a player misses the target. Do they try again, take another stroke or lose the opportunity to score?

• Tiebreaker: Have a plan in case two players finish with the same score.

You can also add a bonus rule or two to make the challenge more interesting. For example, a successful long putt could earn extra points, or everyone could get one bonus attempt during the final round.

Just avoid adding too many rules at once. The aim is to create a fun backyard competition, not a complicated tournament!

Quick tip: Write down the rules before you start and share them with everyone. That way, all players know exactly how the challenge works before the competition begins.

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4. Make It Fun for Every Skill Level

A backyard putting challenge should be fun for everyone, not just the best golfer in the group. With a few simple adjustments, beginners, experienced players and children can all join in.

Here are some easy ways to keep everyone involved:

• Mix up the distances. Include short, easy putts alongside longer and more challenging ones.

• Add bonus challenges. Try a one-handed putt, a trickier angle or a target that requires a little extra precision.

• Give beginners a head start. Let less experienced players putt from a closer starting point.

• Introduce team play. Pair experienced golfers with beginners and combine their scores.

• Keep the pressure low. Encourage everyone to have fun rather than focusing too much on the final score.

You can also introduce a surprise challenge during the last round. A bonus target or a sudden-death playoff can make the finish even more exciting!

Remember, the best backyard putting challenges combine a little competition with plenty of laughs. Adjust the difficulty to suit your group and let everyone have a chance to shine.

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5. Keep Score and Crown a Winner

Once the challenge is underway, you’ll need a simple way to track everyone’s results. A scorecard or results sheet makes it easy to follow the competition and see who’s leading.

For a stroke-based challenge, record the number of putts each player takes at every station. Add the scores together at the end, and the player with the lowest total wins.

For a points-based challenge, record the points earned at each station and calculate the final totals. The player with the most points takes the title.

Want to make the finish more exciting? Try one of these ideas:

• Backyard Putting Champion: Award the title to the overall winner.

• Closest to the Pin: Recognise the player who finishes closest to a designated target.

• Best Comeback: Celebrate the player who improves the most during the challenge.

• Sudden-Death Playoff: If there’s a tie, let the finalists compete in one final putting round.

A small prize can make the occasion even more memorable. Think golf balls, a fun golf-themed gift or a homemade certificate.

Don’t forget to keep the scorecard. You can use it to track personal bests and challenge the same players to beat their scores next time.

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Make Your Backyard Putting Challenge Even More Fun! ⛳

Ready to take your backyard putting competition to the next level?

The Putting Green Games printable set includes 30 Challenge Cards and 4 Wild Cards to mix things up, test your putting skills and add a little friendly competition to your next get-together.

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Pick a card, take your shot and see who becomes the Backyard Putting Champion! 💚

GET THE PUTTING GREEN GAMES ON ETSY

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6. Turn Your Putting Challenge Into an Event

A backyard putting challenge can be more than a quick practice session. With a few extra touches, it can become a fun afternoon with friends, a family activity or even a casual golf-themed party.

Here are some easy ways to make it feel like a special occasion:

• Give your challenge a name. Try The Backyard Invitational or The Putting Cup.

• Set up a refreshment station. Offer cold drinks and easy snacks between rounds.

• Create a leaderboard. Display the scores where everyone can see them.

• Add a prize ceremony. Hand out a certificate or a playful award to the winner.

• Take a group photo. Capture the champions, the close finishes and the funny moments.

You don’t need elaborate decorations or hours of preparation. A little planning and a playful atmosphere are enough to turn a simple putting competition into something everyone looks forward to repeating.

If you’re planning a larger gathering, you can also add other backyard golf games to keep guests entertained between rounds.

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Ready for Your Own Putting Challenge?

Creating your own backyard putting challenge is easier than you might think. Choose a playing area, set up a few targets, pick a format and agree on some simple rules. Then let the competition begin!

Start with a short course or a points challenge. Once everyone gets involved, you can introduce new targets, trickier putts and fresh ways to compete.

Looking for even more inspiration? Explore our guide to Putting Green Games for more ideas to try on your backyard green.

Keep it simple, make it your own and don’t forget to celebrate the champions — whoever they may be! ⛳ 💚