Constantly bending over to retrieve golf balls during a practice session isn't just tiring, it’s a recipe for a sore back. Instead of buying a pricey gadget, you can make your own effective golf ball picker upper with a few simple materials. This guide will walk you through a couple of easy DIY projects to build a reliable tool that will save you body strain and let you focus on your game.
As a coach, I see a lot of players cut their practice sessions short not because of mental fatigue, but because of physical discomfort. Your lower back isn't designed for the repetitive bending and twisting that comes with picking up dozens of golf balls. It creates unnecessary strain that can take the enjoyment out of your practice and even impact your swing mechanics later on.
Building your own golf ball retriever, or "picker upper," solves this problem directly. It’s more than just a convenience, it's a piece of equipment that helps you practice more efficiently and for longer periods. You save energy, stay aligned, and avoid the aches that can creep in. Plus, it’s a simple, satisfying project that costs very little. You’re trading a few dollars and about 30 minutes of your time for countless hours of more comfortable, focused practice. That's a good trade in any golfer's book.
This is the classic, reliable DIY solution that works wonders for collecting multiple balls from a putting green or a chipping area. The design uses gravity and a bit of ingenuity to create a tube that picks up and stores several balls at once. It's incredibly simple to build and almost indestructible.
You can find everything you need at a local hardware store. It’s a very low-cost project.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a finished picker in less than an hour. It’s all very straightforward.
Step 1: Get the Right Length
First, stand up straight and hold the PVC pipe at your side as if it were a walking stick. Find the height where your hand rests comfortably, without you needing to bend down or raise your shoulder. Mark this spot. A good rule of thumb is to have the top land around your hip level. This is your ideal length. Using your saw, make a clean, straight cut at the mark.
Step 2: Smooth the Edges
After cutting, the edges of the PVC pipe can be sharp and jagged. Use your file or some medium-grit sandpaper to smooth down both the top opening and the bottom opening. You want a clean finish on both ends.
Step 3: Attach the End Cap
This is what holds the golf balls inside the tube. Take your 2-inch PVC cap and prepare it for attachment. While you can often just press-fit the cap onto the pipe, using a bit of PVC cement creates a permanent, worry-free bond. Apply a thin layer of cement to the inside of the cap and the outside of the pipe end. Push the cap on firmly, give it a quarter-twist to spread the cement, and hold it in place for about 30 seconds. Let it cure according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Using Your PVC Picker
Believe it or not, it’s ready to go. To use it, simply place the open end of the tube over a golf ball and press down firmly. The pliable edge of the golf ball will compress slightly, allowing it to pop up into the pipe. The walls of the pipe are just slightly smaller than the ball's diameter, so once inside, it won't fall back out. Just keep pressing on more balls to fill up the tube. To empty it, simply turn it upside down and let them roll out into your practice bag.
This solution is even simpler than the PVC pipe and perfect for use on the course, especially on the putting green. It allows you to use your putter to retrieve your ball directly from the cup without ever bending over. The best part? It takes about 30 seconds to install.
For Screw-In Models: Many modern putter grips have a small hole at the very end of the grip. The specialized golf ball suction cups are designed with a small threaded post that screws directly into this hole. Simply line it up and twist it in until it's snug. You’re done.
For Standard Suction Cups: If your suction cup doesn't screw in, you can still attach it. First, make sure the top of your putter grip is clean and dry. If the suction cup itself doesn’t have a strong enough hold, apply a small dab of a waterproof, flexible adhesive to the top of the grip. Press the flat side of the suction cup firmly onto the glue and let it dry completely, following the adhesive’s instructions. This creates a secure, long-lasting bond.
After you hole a putt, just flip your putter upside down, center the suction cup over the ball in the hole, and press down gently. The suction will grab the ball, allowing you to lift it right out. It's a remarkably simple and satisfying motion that your back will thank you for immediately.
Having a sore back should never be the reason you stop practicing your short game. By building your own golf ball picker upper, you've created a practical tool that removes one of the main physical annoyances of the game, letting you focus your energy on what matters: your swing and your scoring.
At my core, I believe golf should be simpler and more enjoyable, whether that means saving your back with a DIY gadget or taking the guesswork out of your next shot. Removing uncertainty is where you can see massive improvements. If you ever find yourself struggling with club selection, planning an approach to a tough green, or trying to figure out the best shot from a bad lie, tools like Caddie AI can give you the caddie-level advice you need, right in your pocket. Knowing the smart play lets you swing with confidence, and that’s a great feeling to have on any course.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
