Whether you're a pro golfer or just starting out, having your own putting green at home can be a total game-changer. With the right setup and care, you can improve your game, cut costs on green fees, and practice at your own pace.
But as with any long-term commitment, you should be aware of certain pros and cons when it comes to artificial putting greens. Below are some pieces of advice to help you maximize your investment.
DO: CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL
If you're considering artificial putting greens, there are a variety of materials to choose from, including nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Every pros and cons, so you should research carefully before deciding. Some things to consider include durability, speed, bounce, and how the material performs in various climates. At Southwest Greens of Southern California, we can help you take the guesswork out of choosing the right turf.
DON'T: GO CHEAP ON INSTALLATION
The installation process is key when it comes to artificial putting greens. If the base isn't well-prepared, you could experience problems like ripples, puckering, or even submerging. It's important to choose an experienced installer who will take the time to prepare the base and ensure that the green is level and smooth. Take a look at our installation process to learn what sets our installation apart from our competitors.
DO: CONSIDER SIZE & SHAPE
The size and shape of your putting green will depend on various factors, including your available space, budget, and personal tastes. However, it's important to consider the overall design and layout of your green. Ideally, you want a green that's big enough to practice a variety of shots but not so huge that it takes up your entire backyard. It might be worth considering installing artificial grass throughout your whole backyard to reduce maintenance and give your children and pets a nice space to play. Take a look at our pet turf and playground turf to see how you could add these awesome options alongside your new putting green.
DON'T: FORGET ABOUT MAINTENANCE
One of the advantages of artificial putting greens is that they need lower maintenance needs than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can neglect them completely. Frequent brushing and cleaning will help keep your green fresh. You'll need to periodically add infill such as sand or top dressing to help maintain the proper level of ball roll. Check out our guide to cleaning to understand what you’ll need to do to keep your artificial turf looking great. We highly recommend yearly expert maintenance by your turf installer.
DO: CONSIDER LIGHTING
If you need to be able to use your putting green after dark, you might want to consider adding lighting. LED lights are a popular choice for artificial putting greens because they're cost-effective, long-lasting, and don't get hot, so they won't melt the turf. It's best that the lights are professionally installed and aimed to provide ideal coverage.
DON'T: ASSUME IT’S ONLY FOR GOLF
While the main use of your synthetic putting turf will be for putting practice, that doesn't mean they can't serve other uses as well. Depending on the configuration of your green, it could also be used for activities such as bocce ball or other activities.