Whether you're a skilled golfer or new to the game, having your own putting green at home can be a huge advantage. With the right setup and maintenance, you can improve your game, reduce your expenses on golf, and enjoy the convenience of practicing whenever you want.
But as with any big purchase, you should be aware of certain best practices and pitfalls when it comes to synthetic turf for your putting green. These are some pieces of advice to help you get the most out of your money.
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. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should research carefully before deciding. Some things to consider include longevity, rolling speed, rebound, and how the material performs in various climates. At Southwest Greens Flagstaff, we can help you take the guesswork out of choosing the right artificial putting green material.
DON'T: GO CHEAP ON INSTALLATION
The installation process is essential when it comes to artificial putting greens. If the base is not well-prepared, you could experience issues like ripples, air pockets, or even sinking. It's crucial to choose an experienced installer who will invest the necessary effort to prepare the base and ensure that the green is even and seamless. Explore our installation process to discover what sets our installation apart from others in the field.
DO: CONSIDER SIZE & SHAPE
The size and shape 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 large enough to practice a diverse set of shots but not so large that it takes up your whole outdoor space. It might be worth considering installing fake 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 pros of artificial putting greens is that they require lower maintenance needs 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 occasionally add sand or top dressing infill to help maintain the proper level of ball roll. Check out our turf cleaning guide to understand what you’ll need to do to keep your artificial turf looking great. We highly recommend yearly maintenance by a professional by your turf installer.
DO: CONSIDER LIGHTING
If you want to be able to use your putting green after dark, you might want to consider installing lighting. LED lights are a favored 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 strongly advised that the lights are expertly set up 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 different functions as well. Depending on the configuration of your green, it could also be used for activities such as bocce ball or other activities.