Luke is an avid weekend-warrior golfer from the East Coast who plays golf more than he cares to admit.
You must love golf like me if you’re looking up how to build a putting green DIY for your home.
Pretty much any golfer we’ve ever spoken to has said that the one thing they could ask for in their yard is their own putting green – and it’s perfectly understandable as to why!
What many golfers don’t realize though is that their dream can be a reality! You do not need to be super rich or own a football field to make this happen either.
Luckily, assuming you’ve got the space for it and the time to dedicate to it, you can build your own putting green with just a few simple steps and things to remember.
So, we’ve decided to write this handy guide which explains all of the things that you should consider prior to building your own putting green and how you can make your home golfing dreams come true.
Read on and learn much more!
Artificial Vs Real
The first and most important consideration that you’ll be making is which type of grass you will be using – will it be artificial or real grass?
The thing is, neither are right or wrong because both have their own pros and their own cons. It’s worth us looking at both of these choices and seeing where you might move your attention to.
Artificial
For many years, artificial grass has soared in terms of its quality and accessibility. It’s now entirely possible to source artificial grass that mimics exactly the perfect golfing game on a genuine green of real grass.
However, their major con is the initial cost that will set you back when you first purchase it. But despite this con, you can see some amazing benefits to it.
The first is the fact that artificial grass can be placed pretty much anywhere and does not require specific conditions to be placed down. On top of this, artificial grass does not need the same amount of maintenance that regular grass does.
Of course, you will not need to maintain the artificial grass by cutting it, but you will need to wash it down using a power wash every now and then. Just be sure you leave enough time for it to fully dry, in case you slide and slip!
Real
Perhaps the biggest pro about opting for real grass is the fact that it is exactly the type of grass that you would expect in a real game situation and it can be much cheaper to source than artificial grass.
Of course though, there are major drawbacks to real grass. If you do decide to use real grass but do not have the know-how of how to set it up properly, then you could find yourself in significant trouble.
On top of this, you will need to maintain the upkeep of your real grass and if you cannot do this, you’ll struggle to use your putting green overall.
It’s important to note though that if you decide to go for the artificial grass route, you will need to find yourself a very high quality model and it’s also a wise idea that you hire someone to install it for you.
If you do this, you can actually have the whole thing setup and installed all in a few hours. However, if you are more inclined to use real grass, then you will need to know how you can get it set up yourself.
Below, you will find a step by step guide on how to set up your own real grass putting green.
Setting Up A Real Grass Putting Green
Here’s what you will need to do:
Select Your Location
The initial consideration you will be making when it comes to setting up your real grass is where you will put it.
Real grass requires a very open area with plenty of sunlight, so it cannot be covered by trees. You will also want to avoid any areas of the garden which might have drops or dips where water can collect.
This is because you will want to have an area with plenty of drainage, which is of course something that the sunlight can help out with, during rainy periods.
Prepare The Soil
Now you will need to look at the preparation of your soil. Real grass can usually grow with most types of soil, but the best you can choose is sandy loam.
Remember to remove any obstacles and things in the way of a flat growing surface and continue the upkeep.
It’s a wise idea to dig out some drainage areas like trenches that point downwards away from your chosen green area, but make sure you are not digging an area that could essentially collect water and overfill it.
Separate Your Green
You will want to make sure that you are separating the putting green from other areas in your yard, such as weeds and other flowers. Not only will this help with any yard work, but it also helps with upkeep of your putting green.
In addition to this, it helps to keep away pets and pests from your golfing area and keeps them in separate yard areas.
Place Your Hole
You will need to cut out a hole slightly larger than your golf ball. Don’t worry about adding a cup or anything at this stage, this is merely for the planning.
After you have done this, inspect the area and do some maintenance if necessary.
Finish Up
It’s now time to put up your flag and add a putting cup. Play some golf!
Remember The Upkeep
It’s wise to keep a schedule for upkeep. You need to fertilize, mow the grass, water the grass and remove any debris from the area.
HOME DIY Putting Green FAQs
Home putting greens are useful because they allow golfers to practice their short game in their own home, enabling them to improve their accuracy, tempo, and distance control. Home putting greens can also be used to improve the mental aspects of the game, like reading a critical putt or learning how to break down certain courses.
Furthermore, home putting greens provide a great way for friends and family to enjoy some quality time together and test their skills against one another.
What makes a good putting green?
A good putting green should have a smooth, even surface that is free from bumps and dips, enabling golfers to practice their shots without interference. The grass should be short, letting the ball roll true, and the hole cups should be deep enough to allow for easy retrieval of the ball. The green should also be well-maintained and properly watered, helping keep it in top condition.
Cost to Hire vs Putting Green Kits
The cost of hiring a company to put in a putting green at home can vary greatly, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a basic setup to tens of thousands of dollars for more advanced designs. The cost also depends on where you live, as labor rates can vary from region to region.
vs
Putting green kits typically cost between $500 and $2000, depending on the size and features of the kit. Higher-end kits may include features such as automatic ball return systems, while more basic kits will just include the turf and putting cups.
How much space do you really need at home?
The average size for a home putting green is usually between 10 and 20 feet wide by 25 to 50 feet long. However, the actual size will vary depending on the layout of the space and available budget.
True cost for a real putting green?
Building your own putting green requires more than just time and effort – it also requires the right materials. Here is a breakdown of the cost of each material needed to build a real putting green:
- Synthetic Turf: A good quality turf can range from $4-$7 per square foot.
- Drainage Gravel: Depending on the size, drainage gravel costs around $30/ton.
- Sand Infill: Sand typically costs around $14-20/80 pound bag.
- Border Material: Border material such as edging can range from $1-$2 per linear foot.
- Installation Tools & Supplies: You’ll need various tools and supplies for installation, which can add another layer of cost depending on the complexity of the project.
Parting Final Thoughts
And that’s everything that you need to know about setting up your own putting green! We hope we’ve been of some help to you. Good luck!
