Whether you're a skilled golfer or just starting out, having your own putting green at home can be a huge advantage. With the right setup and maintenance, you can boost your skills, cut costs on green fees, and enjoy the convenience of practicing whenever you want.
But as with any investment, you should be aware of certain best practices and pitfalls when it comes to artificial putting greens. Below are some tips to help you get the most out of your spending.
DO: CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL
When it comes to artificial putting greens, there are a variety of materials to choose from, including nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to do your research before deciding. Some things to consider include durability, rolling speed, rebound, and how the material performs in various climates. At Southwest Greens East Bay, 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 is not prepared correctly, you could experience issues such as irregularities, puckering, or even collapsing. It's vital to choose an experienced installer who will devote sufficient time to properly prepare the base and ensure that the green is perfectly flat and uniform. Take a look at our installation process to learn what sets our installation apart from other manufacturers.
DO: CONSIDER SIZE & SHAPE
The dimensions of your putting green will depend on various factors, including your backyard size, available 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 range of shots but not so large that it takes up your entire backyard. It might be worth considering installing synthetic turf throughout your whole backyard to reduce maintenance and give your children and pets a fun play area. Take a look at our pet turf and playground turf to see how you could add these amazing upgrades alongside your new putting green.
DON'T: FORGET ABOUT MAINTENANCE
One key the advantages of artificial putting greens is that they need less maintenance than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can forget about them completely. Frequent brushing and cleaning will help keep your green looking and playing like new. 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 turf cleaning guide to understand how to properly care for to keep your artificial turf looking great. We highly recommend yearly maintenance by a professional by your turf installer.
DO: CONSIDER LIGHTING
If you desire to be able to use your putting green after dark, you might want to consider adding lighting. LED lights are a common choice for artificial putting greens because they're eco-friendly, long-lasting, and don't get hot, so they are safe for the synthetic grass. It's strongly advised that the lights are installed by a pro 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 golf, that doesn't mean they can't serve other purposes as well. Depending on the design and layout of your green, it could also be used for activities such as bocce ball or different sports.