How to Install the Best Artificial Putting Green

Imagine stepping out your back door and onto a pristine putting green, ready for you to perfect your short game any time you want. Sounds like a golfer’s dream, right? Well, with an artificial putting green, that dream can become a reality.

But let’s be clear – installing a high-quality putting green isn’t as simple as rolling out a piece of turf and calling it a day. It’s a complex process that requires expertise, specialized equipment, and a deep understanding of golf green design. That’s why we always recommend working with a FieldTurf Landscape partner installer to bring your backyard putting paradise to life.

Still, it’s important for you to understand what goes into creating these golf oases. So, let’s dive into the world of backyard putting greens and explore what it takes to transform your lawn into a golfer’s sanctuary.

Before You Tee Off: Important Considerations with Putting Green

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of installation, there are a few key factors you need to consider:

1. Space Availability: How much of your backyard are you willing to dedicate to your putting green? Remember, you’ll want enough space not just for the green itself, but also for approach shots and a bit of landscaping around it.

2. Budget: High-quality artificial putting greens are an investment. The cost can vary widely depending on size, design complexity, and the quality of materials used.

3. Local Regulations: Some areas have restrictions on landscaping changes or require permits for significant alterations to your property. Always check with your local zoning office before starting any major project.

4. Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial for the longevity of your putting green. We’ll need to assess your yard’s current drainage situation and potentially make improvements.

5. Sunlight Exposure: As we discussed in our article on positioning your backyard putting green, the amount and direction of sunlight your green receives can significantly impact your playing experience.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s walk through the process of creating your backyard putting green.

Designing Your Dream Putting Green

The first step in bringing your putting green to life is designing it. This is where your vision meets our expertise. We’ll work with you to create a design that fits your space, matches your skill level, and complements your existing landscaping.

Key elements we consider in the design phase include:

Size and Shape: Your available space will largely dictate this, but we also consider how you plan to use the green. Are you looking for a simple practice area or do you want a more complex design with multiple holes?

Contours and Breaks: A flat putting surface might be great for beginners, but adding some subtle (or not-so-subtle) contours can make your practice sessions more challenging and realistic.

Fringe Areas: We often incorporate fringe areas around the green to allow for chipping practice and to create a more authentic look.

Hole Placements: We’ll strategically place holes to create a variety of putting challenges and to maximize the use of your space.

Preparing the Site

Once we have a design you love, it’s time to prepare the site. This step is crucial for ensuring your putting green will look great and perform well for years to come.

The site preparation process typically involves:

1. Clearing the Area: We’ll remove any existing grass, plants, or debris from the designated area.

2. Excavation: We dig out the area to a depth of about 4-6 inches, depending on the specific requirements of your project.

3. Grading: The area is carefully graded to create the desired contours and ensure proper drainage.

4. Compacting: We use specialized equipment to compact the soil, creating a stable base for your putting green.

5. Adding a Base Layer: A layer of crushed stone or similar material is added and compacted to further improve stability and drainage.

Selecting the Perfect Turf

At FieldTurf Landscape, we’re passionate about artificial grass and we believe the quality of the turf can make or break a putting green. That’s why we use only the highest quality, most realistic artificial grass for our putting greens.

Our putting green turf is:

Designed Specifically for Golf: It’s engineered to provide the right amount of ball roll and bounce, mimicking the performance of natural grass putting greens.

UV-Resistant: It won’t fade or degrade under constant sun exposure.

Durable: Our turf can withstand years of practice sessions and friendly competitions.

Low-Maintenance: While not completely maintenance-free, our turf requires far less upkeep than natural grass.

The Installation Process

With the site prepared and the turf selected, we’re ready for installation. Here’s a simplified overview of what this process entails:

1. Laying the Turf: We carefully roll out the artificial grass, ensuring it’s properly aligned and secured.

2. Cutting and Shaping: The turf is cut to fit the exact contours of your green, including any fringe areas.

3. Seaming: If multiple pieces of turf are required, we seamlessly join them together.

4. Creating Holes: We cut holes in precise locations and install cups.

5. Adding Infill: A layer of special infill material is spread over the turf to help it stand upright and provide the right playing characteristics.

6. Brushing: Finally, we brush the turf to distribute the infill and create a smooth, even surface.

Maintaining Your Putting Paradise

While artificial putting greens require far less maintenance than their natural grass counterparts, a little TLC goes a long way in keeping your green in top shape. We’ll provide you with detailed care instructions, but in general, you’ll want to:

Brush the green regularly to maintain an even surface.

Remove any debris like leaves or twigs.

Occasionally rinse the green to keep it clean.

Periodically check and adjust infill levels.

Book a FREE Consultation

Creating a backyard putting green is a complex process that requires expertise, specialized equipment, and a deep understanding of both artificial turf and golf green design. 

While it might be tempting to try a DIY approach, working with professionals ensures you’ll end up with a putting green that not only looks great but also performs like a real golf green.

Got more questions?  Get in touch with us today, call us at 866-352-4575, or use our dealer locator to find a FieldTurf Landscape partner in your area.