How to Make a Backyard Putting Green with Artificial Turf

Do you love playing golf, but hate all the time and energy it takes to pack up and get to the course? 

Why not enjoy the beauty of the game from the comfort of your own backyard?

Artificial turf putting greens are the ideal addition to any home landscape. Why? Because they can be enjoyed and played on all year round. 

Unlike natural grass, artificial turf is low-maintenance — leaving you with more time to spend practicing putting strokes and less time spent worrying about upkeep. 

Before you start enjoying the benefits of having an artificial turf putting green at your home, there are a few details you should consider when planning a backyard golf putting green.

What To Consider When Planning A Backyard Golf Putting Green

Know What You Want from Your Putting Green

It’s important to decide what kind of a green you want before the installation process begins.

Practice Green or Relaxed Family Fun

If you’re an avid golfer and want to work on your short game, a putting green could be a great addition to your backyard. It also might mean you need a more difficult layout to challenge and improve your skills. 

Maybe you want a putting green for more family time outside? In that case, your golf green probably doesn’t need to be made with the same level of difficulty. Instead, it can be designed to be more family-friendly. 

Either way, it’s important to know what you want so you can get the most out of your artificial turf putting green.

Square Footage of Your Green

The size of your putting green and the number of holes included, play an important role in the installation process. Ultimately, it will determine the cost of the project, so it’s good to have an idea of what kind of layout you want before you decide to install.

The Finishing Touch

There’s nothing more frustrating than putting on a green and having the ball roll off the grass. To avoid that issue, most people install a fringe to complement their putting green. With artificial turf putting greens, fringe is used to create a buffer. It offers stability and protection — allowing the green to keep its shape longer.

Fringe is also needed around the green for game-like purposes. Golfers can use the fringe to chip off if a longer chipping surface is preferred. Typically, fringe is 1” -2” tall turf connected to the putting green surface. Some people opt for 1” tall and then 2” next to it, which allows for chipping off of the fairway and then the rough.  The width of this fringe area can vary depending on the space.

Backyard Putting Green Cost

“How much will my putting green cost?,” is a question we hear frequently.

Your backyard putting green cost will vary depending on the size and scope of the project as well as the quality of the materials used in the green. According to Home Advisor, you can expect the average cost per square foot to be between $18-$25. For example, a medium-size, 200-square foot putting green costs $4,300 on average. A larger artificial green, 500-square feet or more, costs upwards of $9,000.

Be sure to keep cost in mind as you finalize a design and budget for your putting green.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Installer

Prepping your backyard and installing artificial turf to create a flawless putting green is highly detail-oriented work. If you love “do it yourself” projects and want to install your own green — more power to you! However, keep in mind that if your backyard prep work or installation isn’t just right, it can negatively affect the performance and longevity of the putting green.

To avoid any issues, we recommend working with a professional installer to make sure your green looks and feels the way you envisioned it.

Backyard Putting Green Base and Installation Timing

First things first, it’s time for a little prep work. Here are two things to keep in mind.

Basework is Key

Before turf can be installed, the ground underneath needs to be prepared properly. Backyard prep may include leveling the ground, or turning the soil to ensure any bumps get smoothed out before artificial turf gets laid down. 

Keep Timing in Mind

With the onset of warmer weather, you’re going to want to be outside more — utilizing your putting green. 

We recommend scheduling when you want to install your green ahead of time, because installer’s schedules fill up quickly when the warmer months roll around.

Choosing the Right Putting Green Infill

Once the artificial turf has been installed, it’s time to choose an infill. Whether you’re using your putting green for serious golf practice, or you’re getting the family outside for family fun, you want a product that is high-performing and clean for everyone to enjoy. 

Smooth Surface

An artificial turf green with Envirofill infill provides a firm, smooth surface — making it an ideal infill for all your putting strokes. Its highly-rounded quartz core resists compaction so it won’t continue to compress over the life of your putting green — no matter how many times you use it.

Clean as a Whistle

Envirofill is infused with Microban® antimicrobial product protection to help prevent the growth of bacteria and microbes that can cause mold, mildew, odor, and product deterioration. Better yet, Envirofill is also non-toxic and tested regularly in 3rd party labels for quality assurance. 

So, you can feel good about practicing on your green as much as you want with all members of your family including the 4-legged furry friends who may wind up on your backyard green.

Optimal Drainage

If you live in an area that sees a lot of rain throughout the year, you’ll want an infill built for optimal drainage. Envirofill is made from round acrylic coated sand. Its shape and size helps the drainage process run smoothly so your putting green stays pristine and playable.

Ready to Get Started?

Enjoy an artificial turf putting green at the convenience of your own home. Invite friends over for a fun competition — or make it a family affair!

As always, we encourage you to reach out to the team at Motz with all of your putting green-related questions or use our map to find your nearest Envirofill distributor.