How to Design A" Backyard Putting Green"

This article will provide a general guide on how to and what is required in the construction of your own putting green.

When designing your outdoor putting green there are a number of aspects to consider:

• Cost
• Practice
• Location
• Turf
• Contour/Cup location

Cost:

How much are you able to invest into your practice green? The amount you can budget on will determine your design and size. The cost of a putting green is similar to a paver patio. You can expect to budget on the turf costing anywhere from $1.25 a square foot to $12 a square foot.

Practice:

What do you need to practice most? Is it putting or chipping? What is your area of weakness because that is the area you will probably want to focus on with your putting green?

Who will be using the green? Will it only be you or will your family and friends be wanting to enjoy your putting green as well? What do you want them to practice? Most greens do incorporate chipping and putting so there are several backyard putting greens options you can choose from.

Location:

Preferably find a relatively flat area of lawn that is well-drained to install your putting green. It should be in the area most functional away from windows if you are intending to chip golf balls.

Turf:

Turf selection should depend on your purpose for the green. Nylon Synthetic Turf and Polypropylene Turf are popular options when installing your green.

Synthetic Nylon Putting Green Turf

Nylon is a good choice for someone who isn’t going to be hitting longer shots into the green. You are limited with controlling speed or roll with a nylon turf. Nylon also has its limitations on holding a ball. It won’t hold longer shots like an in-filled turf. A nice aspect of nylon is it requires very little maintenance and has longevity. This turf is non-sand infill increasing life expectancy.

Polypropylene Putting Green Turf

Polypropylene requires sand in-fill. You can control ball speed and roll with this turf. It will hold a shot from longer distances. This turf is less expensive, but does not have the life expectancy of nylon. In order to maintain ball speed and roll you have to keep it filled with sand. This may be labor intensive and daunting if you aren’t on a maintenance schedule with your contractor.

Contour/Cup Location:

Always be prepared. Think about and make a drawing of the types of putts you want to make. Most people want a break left/right (is possible with one break just switch the direction you are hitting from) and an area for a straight flat putt. The larger your green the more contour you can add. Make sure you have a path designated for water flow. Remember water drains off not through.

Once you have completed your base, it is important to putt on it to determine where you will put your golf cups.It is very important to putt on the base once it is completed. Be careful not to add too many cups or your putting green will appear crowded. Most people want to crowd their green with too many cups. The fewer cups you have the more room you acquire around the green.

Designing a putting green can provide an exciting challenge especially if you are serious about golf and intent on improving your putting. You can gain a sense of satisfaction from accomplishing such a unique project.
Artificial Greens & Lawns  have a good selection of Indoor and Outdoor Putting Greens including Tour Links greens. They also stock Nylon and Polypropylene Synthetic Turf suitable for installing a putting green on your lawn. Be sure to check out this site.