DIY Network

Building a Backyard Sports Complex NFL star Michael Strahan helps a family create the ultimate backyard sports haven. From "Special Presentation" episode DHFA-STM

When New York Giant defensive end Michael Strahan isn't chasing quarterbacks or tackling running backs, he's busy building fun sports structures with master carpenter Dave Slurz.

The Valinoti family would love to have a miniature golf course and batting cage in their backyard, and Michael Strahan, Dave Slurz and DIY's Homefield Advantage comes to the rescue.

Former NY Mets star Mookie Wilson even shows up to give some batting tips!

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	Don't just imagine what it would be like to have a miniature golf course in your backyard, do it yourself — with the help of Michael Strahan and DIY's Homefield Advantage.
	And don't forget to personalize your course.
	PDF Download the miniature-golf-course plans.

Building and Carpeting the Miniature Golf Tee Box

Taking a family of five out for a round of miniature golf can become very expensive, especially if you're family can't get enough of the sport. Michael Strahan and master carpenter Dave Slurz show the Valinoti family how to recreate the fun of the course in their own backyard by creating a course with five distinct tee boxes that form a "plus" shape when laid out on the ground.

Materials (per one box):

one 4 x 8 x 3/4plywood sheet (pressure treated)
five 2 x 4 in 8' lengths (pressure treated) for frame
two 1 x 8 (pressure treated)
galvanized 1-5/8" and 3" Phillips Head screws
six compression latches
outdoor carpet
outdoor carpet adhesive
plastic golf cup
exterior wood glue
60-grit sandpaper

Tools:

measuring tape
drill and drill bits
4-1/4" hole saw drill bit
framing square
compound miter saw
table saw
orbital sander
notched trowel (use one that is recommended by the outdoor carpet adhesive)
metal pipe
utility knife
blue painter's tape
chalk line
rubber mallet
scrap wood
cedar shims

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Note: Each tee box frame consists of two side pieces 8' in length, two pieces for the top/bottom rails and three pieces for the cross braces. These five pieces each measure 45" in length. The total frame will measure 8 'x 4' when completed. When all of the five tee boxes are attached, the 'plus' (+), the structure will measure 24' long and 20' across at the widest part. Our first tee box contains no hole, since it is the starting point for the course. For the entire project Homefield Advantage worked on a surface that was 5' x 10' to accommodate the large items.

1. Using a miter saw, cut three cross braces and the two top/bottom rails to 44-13/16" in length to fit inside the two side pieces, so when attached the total width across the frame is exactly 4'.

2. Use two of the 44-13/16 pieces as the top bottom rail and secure them to the two 8' side rails using exterior deck screws that have been countersunk. Use a framing square to ensure corners are perfectly square (figure A).

3. Place the cross pieces 2' apart within the frame and attach with exterior deck screws. Be sure to countersink the screws connecting the outside pieces.

Carpenter's Tip: Use a pipe wrench to "twist" the cross braces flush with the side piece

4. Place a bead of exterior wood glue around the perimeter of the frame.

5. Lay the plywood over the top of the frame. Attach the top by pre-drilling holes, then countersinking 1-5/8" exterior deck screws every 6" to 8". Attach plywood top to cross braces by countersinking exterior screws every few inches. Sand over the screws. The surface needs to be smooth to ensure that the carpet will lay properly (figure B).

6. To locate the golf hole opening, measure 24" in from the side and roughly 30" down from the top to ensure you do not drill into the support brace.

7. Sit or stand squarely over the top of the structure where the hole is to be place. Using 4-1/2" hole saw bit, drill the opening for the golf.

Note: Since you are drilling through 3/4" plywood, be sure to distribute your pressure on the drill evenly over the desired location (figure C).

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