Playing yard games is one of my favorite things to do outside. Whether it's a family barbecue, an outdoor hang with friends, or just a casual picnic at the park, I am always seeking out some sort of fun activity to enhance the situation. And while classics like cornhole and bocce ball are always great to play, Putterball has become my go-to in recent years.
Putterball is essentially a mini golf version of beer pong that requires very little actual effort while generating plenty of fun. Each side of the mat has 6 holes that each player or team takes turns trying to sink putts into. Every time a putt is made, you fill in the hole until one side has made every one. It can be played in the grass, on a deck, or even as an indoor golf game. All you need is a flat surface and 2-4 people to play.
The official set is on sale on Amazon right now and also includes a coupon that drops the price even further.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
The official putterball rules aren't all that complicated, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting started once you own the game. That being said, there are a couple of things you need to know before you make a purchase. First of all, you'll need a flat surface of about 12 feet to play effectively. While you can play on a slope, this will greatly affect play depending on what side you are on.
It's also worth noting that the mat can easily fold up to a relatively small size and fit in a trunk or a garage shelf. Though the putters themselves will also take up additional storage space.
Can You Buy It Without the Putters?
If you already have your own putters and golf balls to use, you may be wondering if you can buy just buy the mat and forego the accessories. Unfortunately, the official Putterball mat isn't sold separately and can only be purchased as a package deal. While there are a few cheaper options without putters available on Amazon, they don't appear to be to be as high quality as the official game.
Can You Leave it Outside?
Although you're probably fine leaving the mat outside for a few days, the official Putterball site doesn't recommend leaving it out in the elements for long. Heat and rain can cause warping in the foam and you should try to store it somewhere dry and out of the sun when you aren't using it.
Jacob Kienlen is an SEO Specialist and Entertainment Writer at IGN. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has considered the Northwest his home for his entire life. With a bachelor's degree in communication and over 6 years of professional writing experience, his expertise is spread across a variety of different topics -- from TV series to indie games and sports.
