Step 1: Determine the Location for the Sand Trap

Select a location, relative to your putting green, that gives you the best area to practice. You will want it placed in your yard so that it is fairly level and approximately 10 to 15 ft. away from your putting green. This will help to keep sand from always spraying onto your green.

To determine the size of sand trap, take an extension cord or water hose and experiment with different shapes and sizes. Take your time and chip a few shots from the area to the green to make sure it works for you. When you are satisfied with the shape and size, mark the outside perimeter of the shape with a can of spray paint. This marked area will be used as a reference point while removing the existing grass.

Step 2:  Remove the grass and create a slope

Using your shovel, begin to remove the grass from around the inside perimeter of the marked area. Continue removing the grass from the outside to the inside until the area is bare. Once the grass is removed, start creating the slope from the middle of the trap. Generally speaking, you will want a slope of, at least, 2 ft. This means the trap will drop 24" from the edge of the grass to the middle of the trap. You may decide to add more or less slope, it is up to you.

Step 3: Dig the drainage trench

After the slope is complete, dig a trench or drain down the entire length of the sand trap. The trench should be approximately 10 to 12" in depth. This allows rain water to collect and naturally drain into the ground. Remove any loose dirt or rocks in the bare area.

Step 4: Fill the trench with gravel

Using small rock or pea gravel, fill the trench until it is flush with the bottom of the sand trap.

Step 5:  Apply weed killer and secure weed barrier

Spray weed killer on all bare soil to help prevent weeds from growing. Spread the weed barrier over the entire bare area to block weeds from growing in your sand trap. Next, secure the weed barrier by using a hammer and landscaping nails. This will hold the barrier in place while adding the sand.

Step 6:  Fill the trap with sand

Step 7:  Distribute the sand evenly

Using your shovel and rake, evenly distribute the sand so that it will conform to the slope.

You are now ready to start practicing those critical shots out of your own personal sand trap!