Update to my backyard green/bunker/teebox

[italianstallion]

Looks great! Question, did you cement the cups in? When built my green (dog track compared to this), I layed crush stone and then dug out a hole for the cup. But when the wind blows the flag the cup gradually moves and needs to be re-set every now and then.

[505]

[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1297914135' post='2985790']
Looks great! Question, did you cement the cups in? When built my green (dog track compared to this), I layed crush stone and then dug out a hole for the cup. But when the wind blows the flag the cup gradually moves and needs to be re-set every now and then.
[/quote]

I'm guessing you used a 4" tall cup? They will get moved around by the wind blowing the flagstick and can even get fully uprooted if they aren't cemented. With a 6" tall cup that doesn't tend to happen if you dig the hole the right way.

I basically used the cup itself as I was digging down and didn't disturb any dirt outside of the O.D. of the cup. The sub-base dirt was plate compacted and the cup fit in there super tight... about half of it is fully anchored in the sub-base, whereas a 4" cup sits pretty much entirely in the crusher. I hand tamped the crusher around the cup heavily just as an extra safeguard.

Hopefully I don't end up regretting the lack of cement... my old ones were 4" and they were cemented. I guess if all else fails I can just use the flagstick as an occasional decoration when it's not windy.

[italianstallion]

[quote name='505' timestamp='1297915046' post='2985817']
[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1297914135' post='2985790']
Looks great! Question, did you cement the cups in? When built my green (dog track compared to this), I layed crush stone and then dug out a hole for the cup. But when the wind blows the flag the cup gradually moves and needs to be re-set every now and then.
[/quote]

I'm guessing you used a 4" tall cup? They will get moved around by the wind blowing the flagstick and can even get fully uprooted if they aren't cemented. With a 6" tall cup that doesn't tend to happen if you dig the hole the right way.

I basically used the cup itself as I was digging down and didn't disturb any dirt outside of the O.D. of the cup. The sub-base dirt was plate compacted and the cup fit in there super tight... about half of it is fully anchored in the sub-base, whereas a 4" cup sits pretty much entirely in the crusher. I hand tamped the crusher around the cup heavily just as an extra safeguard.

Hopefully I don't end up regretting the lack of cement... my old ones were 4" and they were cemented. I guess if all else fails I can just use the flagstick as an occasional decoration when it's not windy.
[/quote]

I have a 6 inch cup, but I think where the difference lies is that you plate compacted everything...i only used a heavy roller! We also get torrential rain. I think you'll be fine though, mine is nowhere near the quality of yours, I made it when i was 14

[Clintness]

If only you were my neighbor

[speedie562]

you da man!

[505]

[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1297915805' post='2985841']I have a 6 inch cup, but I think where the difference lies is that you plate compacted everything...
[/quote]

Got the flagstick on Friday and did some testing. Cleaned out a cup, popped it in there, bent it as far back as it would go, and let 'er fly. Cup didn't even shiver. Hopefully it stays that way over time and none of them wash out.

Flag won't be here 'til next week.

Been working on the garden wall and bunker area today. Taking a little break right now, but going to try and get in a couple more hours tonight. Will try to shoot some pics if I get the wall done.

[Talon_Bomber]

[quote name='505' timestamp='1298419932' post='3001358']
[quote name='italianstallion' timestamp='1297915805' post='2985841']I have a 6 inch cup, but I think where the difference lies is that you plate compacted everything...
[/quote]

Got the flagstick on Friday and did some testing. Cleaned out a cup, popped it in there, bent it as far back as it would go, and let 'er fly. Cup didn't even shiver. Hopefully it stays that way over time and none of them wash out.

Flag won't be here 'til next week.

Been working on the garden wall and bunker area today. Taking a little break right now, but going to try and get in a couple more hours tonight. Will try to shoot some pics if I get the wall done.
[/quote]

I was starting to wonder how things were going. Thanks for the update.

[TMfan54]

best thread. i love checking back and seeing the updated pics every few days. awesome back yard.

[505]

Figured I'd chime in and post up a few new pics. I've been bogged down in a couple other projects so work out back has been limited. Still don't have a flag, but I got some of the pieces of rough almost done over by the back door. Hopefully this weekend I will have a couple helpers and can get the teebox area and garden wall completely finished.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PSUH]

Sweet, instead of mowing the backyard, all you need to do is vacuum.

[505]

[quote name='PSUH' timestamp='1299209808' post='3024397']
Sweet, instead of mowing the backyard, all you need to do is vacuum.
[/quote]

Haha. Yeah the lack of mowing and watering is awesome. Leaf blower works better than the vacuum though.

[505]

Got the drainage for the bunker set up and got some sand in there. Need to get some more to fill it the rest of the way up and then I'll put the final edge on it, but we can at least hit out of it now. Shifting main focus to the pond setup and getting the filter pit dug this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[phi482]

awesome stuff! You will need a ball retriever to get those errant bunker shots out of the pond.

[505]

[quote name='phi482' timestamp='1300132327' post='3054775']
awesome stuff! You will need a ball retriever to get those errant bunker shots out of the pond.
[/quote]

Haha! No doubt... definitely going to invest in one of those.

[J9293]

i know this has been said many time in numerous ways but....

awesome job man! your dedication and attention to detail is really paying off! i want a backyard like yours!

[jbrunone]

its getting better and better, that looks awesome!

[TGutHHSGolfer]

This has to be one of my favorite all time threads. Seeing where this has come from, to where it is now is AWESOME

[505]

:)

 

Thanks folks. Glad you dig the thread. Still a ways to go but I got some good progress done out there today. All of my valves and pumps for the new pond get here tomorrow. The filtration setup is going to be top notch and super easy to maintain. Instead of having to take apart the filters and rinse them with a hose I will be able to just turn a couple valves and flip a switch for the air blower. The system will be a twin pump design, one circuit for the skimmer and another for the bottom drain. The bottom drain circuit will return through TPR's which are basically large angled hot tub jets, and the combo of bottom drain and TPR's keeps the pond walls and floor totally clean. I'll explain it a little more when I have some pics of how it all will be set up.

 

 

Progress pics from today:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[secondary]

Easily the best thread in the last two years! I have a yard with over an acre in the back and my mind hasn't stopped spinning since I first started watching your progress. Top notch sir, top notch.

[bobnydick]

This thread is awesome and it has been fun to follow from the beginning and throughout your development.

I do have a question for you though. I want to put about a 6' by 12' green in my basement - nothing as elaborate as what you have. I assume that you would you suggest the ATPG product for that? Should I just contact them to find a local dealer in the area (Philadelphia) who would install this? I am not nearly as handy as you!

Thank you ...

[mattl2787]

I'd skull one out of the sand into my neighbors window lol

[indyvai]

Great thread! This is my first time checking it out... now the wheels are turning for my backyard... pending wife approval of course!

[505]

[quote name='secondary' timestamp='1300156888' post='3056072']
Easily the best thread in the last two years! I have a yard with over an acre in the back and my mind hasn't stopped spinning since I first started watching your progress. Top notch sir, top notch.
[/quote]

Thanks. Let me know if you need any help planning something out.

[quote name='bobnydick' timestamp='1300366881' post='3063277']
This thread is awesome and it has been fun to follow from the beginning and throughout your development.

I do have a question for you though. I want to put about a 6' by 12' green in my basement - nothing as elaborate as what you have. I assume that you would you suggest the ATPG product for that? Should I just contact them to find a local dealer in the area (Philadelphia) who would install this? I am not nearly as handy as you!

Thank you ...
[/quote]

They have their dealers listed on their page. Another option they have now is "roll-out" turf that looks like it would be great for indoor type installs. If you want you can shoot me a PM with your number and I can help get you in touch with someone to help you out.

[quote name='mattl2787' timestamp='1300374291' post='3063685']
I'd skull one out of the sand into my neighbors window lol
[/quote]

Haha. Yeah I'm hoping that won't happen... my sand game isn't as solid as it once was, but I haven't hit any THAT bad yet.

[quote name='indyvai' timestamp='1300379900' post='3064038']
Great thread! This is my first time checking it out... now the wheels are turning for my backyard... pending wife approval of course!
[/quote]

Let me know if you need any help with anything. I'm way down to help out the WRX community with everything I have learned doing this, so if anyone has any questions about stuff I haven't fully covered don't be scared to ask. If I don't know something I can probably find out for ya.


I'll post up some new pics this evening. Get the garden wall completely done and the filter pit is getting close to fully dug out.

[505]

New pics!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The garden is almost filled and then I will start moving the rest of the filter pit dirt to the front yard. Should have the filters most of the way built by end of day tomorrow, and getting the cinder blocks for the pit walls sometime next week. Hoping to start all the plumbing next weekend.

[hawgboss]

Ok, Im in love. This is awesome! I've been debating what I was going to do with the one 20' by 30' spot that I have left in my back yard, and now I know. Just found this topic today and I need a simple breakdown of everything you used, cause I'm going to copy it. So if you can simplify it for me and give just a straight list for all the materials you used one one post, I would greatly appreciate it?
Base Material:
and how thick
Turf Company and Name For:
Green:
Fringe:
Rough:
Tee Box Mat:
Sand Specs:
Adhesive for joints
Cup/rings:
And Anything else I forgot:

Thanks Again

[505]

[quote name='hawgboss' timestamp='1300658043' post='3072172']
Ok, Im in love. This is awesome! I've been debating what I was going to do with the one 20' by 30' spot that I have left in my back yard, and now I know. Just found this topic today and I need a simple breakdown of everything you used, cause I'm going to copy it. So if you can simplify it for me and give just a straight list for all the materials you used one one post, I would greatly appreciate it?[/quote]

No problem.

Base Material: Crusher fines
and how thick: 4"-6"

Green: ATPG Double Eagle with base gasket
Fringe: ATPG True Fringe
Rough: ForeverLawn VR Select (although I would have gone with ATPG Fescue II if I didn't already have the VR)
Tee Box Mat: My old putting green from "RealTurf", with no sandfill (ends up exactly like a fairway)

Sand Specs: #5 Blasting Sand for both green fill and bunker

Adhesive for joints: Loctite PL375, with DuPont Premium Weed Barrier cut into 4" strips

Cups: Par Aide Ever-White
Rings: Eagle One target rings

And Anything else I forgot:

A GOOD utility knife with quick release for the blade, and a TON of blades
Several silver sharpies or a good white paint pen
Shop broom and shop squeegee (I found a combo of the two at Lowes)
Carpet broom and carpet rake (HomeDepot usually has them)
Landscapers rake
10" plate tamper

[quote]Thanks Again
[/quote]

Let me know if anything else comes up or you want to chat about the design stuff.

-Rich

[hawgboss]

Rich,
Thanks for the reply, Now all I have to do is design the actual shape (may partially depend on roll size) and get it all priced out. Thanks again,

Mason

[505]

[quote name='hawgboss' timestamp='1300661927' post='3072354']
Rich,
Thanks for the reply, Now all I have to do is design the actual shape (may partially depend on roll size) and get it all priced out. Thanks again,

Mason
[/quote]

No problem bud. Definitely let me know if you hit any snags with anything.

[BkgolferNH]

Hopefully you don't hit skull a bunker shot and send it into a neighbor's window. Give me a downhill bunker lie and I hit it thin every time, good by glass.

This is beautiful, I am only 18 but I want this at my house whenever I manage to get one haha.

[505]

Got some more work done on the filtration setup. Everything is all dry-fit and pretty much done, ready to be dropped into the pit and glued together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still need to take the big tote over to the car wash and hit it with the pressure washer.