Backyard putting greens are the perfect addition for golf enthusiasts and homeowners looking to elevate their outdoor space. Imagine stepping into your backyard anytime to practice your short game, enjoy relaxing putts with friends, or simply admire a beautifully crafted, low-maintenance green.
Building a putting green with artificial turf offers the ideal solution—durability, minimal upkeep, and affordability. While professional installation can cost thousands, a DIY putting green can be accomplished on a budget. With high-quality, discounted turf from TurfKingz.com, creating a professional-looking green has never been easier or more affordable.
In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through how to build your own backyard putting green using artificial turf. From tools and materials to cost-saving tips, we’ll cover everything you need to know to achieve a perfect putting surface at home.
Why Build a Backyard Putting Green with Artificial Turf?
1. Perfect Practice Spot for Golf Enthusiasts
A backyard putting green allows you to practice your short game anytime. Whether you're perfecting your putts before a big game or just playing for fun, having a personal green gives you the convenience and time to hone your skills.
2. Cost-Effective Golf Practice
Regular trips to a golf course can quickly add up in greens fees, gas, and time spent. A one-time investment in a DIY putting green eliminates these ongoing costs, saving you money in the long run.
3. Low Maintenance with Artificial Turf
Unlike natural grass, which requires constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing, artificial turf is virtually maintenance-free. You’ll enjoy a lush, green surface year-round without the hassle of upkeep.
4. Enhances Your Backyard Aesthetic and Value
A professionally designed putting green adds elegance to your outdoor space and can boost your home’s property value. Artificial turf maintains its perfect look, making your backyard a showstopper.
5. Budget-Friendly Options
Building a backyard putting green doesn’t have to break the bank. With discounted, USA-made putting turf from TurfKingz.com, you can achieve a professional-grade green at a fraction of the cost of hiring installers.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you dive into building your backyard putting green, it’s essential to gather the right tools and materials. This ensures a smooth process and a professional-quality result.
Materials:
- Artificial Putting Turf – Short-pile, USA-made putting turf from TurfKingz.com offers high-quality performance at budget-friendly prices.
- Base Materials – Crushed stone or gravel to create a stable and level foundation.
- Silica Sand Infill – Helps weigh the turf down and ensures realistic ball roll.
- Putting Cups – Plastic or metal cups for your holes.
- Seam Tape and Adhesive – To join turf sections seamlessly.
- Turf Nails or Stakes – Secure the edges and corners of the turf.
Tools:
- Shovel – For excavating and leveling the area.
- Tamper or Plate Compactor – To compact the base material.
- Rake – For spreading and leveling gravel or sand.
- Utility Knife – For trimming the artificial turf edges.
- Tape Measure – Ensures accurate sizing and hole placement.
- Broom – For brushing in the infill evenly.
- Garden Hose – For settling the base material.
Optional Tools for Better Results:
- Wheelbarrow – Makes transporting gravel or sand easier.
- Laser Level – For precise leveling across the surface.
Pro Tip: Renting tools like a plate compactor instead of purchasing can help keep costs low.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your DIY Putting Green
Ready to start building? Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to create a professional-looking putting green in your backyard.
Step 1: Choose Your Location and Design
The first step is selecting the best spot in your yard for the putting green.
- Pick the Perfect Spot:
- Look for a flat area to minimize excavation and leveling.
- Ensure the location gets adequate sunlight and has good drainage to avoid water pooling.
- Avoid areas with too many tree roots, as they can interfere with the base.
- Plan Your Design:
- Sketch out your ideal size and shape on paper. Popular options include circular, kidney-shaped, or custom designs.
- Consider the number of holes (typically 1–3) and their placement for optimal practice.
- Mark the Area:
- Use spray paint, stakes, or string to outline the putting green perimeter on the ground.
Pro Tip: A 10x12-foot area is ideal for most DIY backyard putting greens and provides enough space for a variety of practice shots.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
A solid, well-compacted base is critical for achieving a smooth, professional-grade putting surface.
- Excavate the Area:
- Dig out the outlined area to a depth of 4–6 inches. This depth allows room for the base material and turf.
- Remove grass, rocks, and roots to create a clean, even surface.
- Add the Base Material:
- Spread a layer of crushed stone or gravel evenly across the excavated area. Aim for a depth of 3–4 inches.
- Use a rake to level the material as you go.
- Compact the Base:
- Use a tamper or plate compactor to compress the gravel tightly. Compacting ensures a firm and stable foundation for the turf.
- Spray the base lightly with water to help settle the material.
- Check for Level:
- Use a level or laser level to ensure the surface is smooth and even. Any bumps or dips can affect ball roll.
Pro Tip: Compact the base in layers, adding small amounts of gravel at a time. This ensures a more uniform and solid surface.
Step 3: Install the Putting Turf
Once your base is prepped and compacted, it’s time to roll out the artificial putting turf. This step transforms your prepared foundation into a functional putting surface.
- Roll Out the Turf
- Lay the artificial turf carefully over the compacted base.
- Allow the turf to sit for a few hours to relax and eliminate any creases or wrinkles caused by rolling.
- Trim Excess Edges
- Use a sharp utility knife to cut the turf to match your planned shape and size.
- Trim carefully around the perimeter and ensure clean, straight edges.
- Secure the Turf
- Use turf nails or stakes to secure the edges of the turf, spacing them approximately every 6 inches.
- Avoid hammering the nails too hard, as they can cause bumps or indentations in the surface.
- Create Seamless Joints (If Using Multiple Turf Rolls)
- For larger putting greens, you may need to join two or more pieces of turf.
- Place seam tape under the edges where two rolls meet and apply adhesive evenly.
- Press the turf edges together firmly, ensuring the seam is nearly invisible.
- Cut Holes for the Putting Cups
- Use a sharp utility knife to carefully cut the turf where you plan to install the putting cups.
- Ensure the cuts are precise, and the cups fit snugly into the holes.
- Insert the cups and secure them firmly in place.
Pro Tip: Check the turf for any wrinkles or bubbles before securing. Smooth these out to ensure a perfectly flat playing surface.
Step 4: Add Infill for Realistic Ball Roll
Adding infill is critical to ensure your putting green has a realistic ball roll and remains firmly in place.
- Choose the Right Infill Material
- Use silica sand infill, which is the most common and cost-effective option for putting greens. It weighs down the turf and provides the smooth surface needed for golf balls to roll accurately.
- Spread the Infill Evenly
- Pour the silica sand across the entire putting green. Use a broadcast spreader or simply spread it by hand for smaller greens.
- For most putting greens, you’ll need approximately 1–2 pounds of sand per square foot of turf.
- Brush the Infill into the Turf
- Use a stiff bristle broom to brush the infill into the turf fibers. This helps distribute the sand evenly and ensures it settles deep into the turf.
- Brush in multiple directions to avoid uneven spots.
- Check for Smoothness
- Walk across the green and inspect for bumps, dips, or uneven infill.
- Add more infill where needed and brush again to ensure a smooth, consistent surface.
Pro Tip: Proper infill ensures the turf fibers stand upright, giving your putting green a natural, professional look and feel.
Step 5: Install the Putting Cups
Now that the turf is secured and infill is brushed in, it’s time to install the putting cups for the final touches.
- Align the Cups
- Position the putting cups in the pre-cut holes. Ensure they are level with the turf surface.
- Double-check the depth of the holes to make sure the cups sit flush.
- Secure the Cups
- Backfill around the cups with a small amount of compacted gravel or silica sand to keep them stable.
- Test by gently pressing the cup into place to ensure it doesn’t wobble.
- Clean Up Around the Holes
- Trim any stray turf fibers around the holes for a clean, professional finish.
- Brush the area to blend it seamlessly into the surrounding surface.
Pro Tip: Adding small flags to the holes can enhance the aesthetic and make it easier to locate them during practice.
Step 6: Final Touches and Testing
With everything installed, it’s time to add the final touches and test your new backyard putting green!
- Inspect the Surface
- Walk the entire green and check for bumps, wrinkles, or uneven spots.
- Brush any remaining sand infill into place and ensure the turf fibers stand upright.
- Test Ball Roll
- Roll a golf ball across the green to test the smoothness and speed.
- Make minor adjustments by brushing or adding more infill if needed.
- Add Personal Touches
- Place stepping stones or border edging around the green for a polished look.
- Optional: Add small landscaping features, like plants or rocks, to enhance the surrounding area.
- Enjoy Your New Putting Green!
- Grab your putter, practice your short game, and invite friends or family for a round of backyard fun!
Maintenance Tips for Your Artificial Putting Green
Keeping your artificial turf putting green in top shape is easy with these simple maintenance steps:
- Brush the Turf Regularly
- Use a stiff broom to brush the turf fibers upright and redistribute any infill that may have shifted.
- Brush in multiple directions for even coverage.
- Rinse Away Debris
- Use a garden hose to rinse off dirt, leaves, or pet waste. Avoid high-pressure settings to prevent disturbing the infill.
- Inspect for Wear and Tear
- Periodically check seams, edges, and putting cups for any signs of wear. Repair small issues promptly to maintain the green’s quality.
- Keep It Free of Weeds
- While artificial turf is resistant to weeds, occasional weeds can grow along edges. Remove them by hand to keep the green looking pristine.
- Maintain Infill Levels
- Add silica sand infill as needed to ensure a consistent surface and optimal ball roll.
Pro Tip: Performing light maintenance every month will keep your green looking professional and ensure it lasts for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best base for an artificial putting green?
The best base is a layer of compacted crushed stone or gravel. It creates a stable foundation that prevents shifting and ensures smooth ball roll.
What type of artificial turf is best for a putting green?
Short-pile artificial turf with a pile height between 0.5 and 0.75 inches is ideal. It offers a realistic surface and consistent ball roll.
How much does it cost to build a DIY backyard putting green?
DIY costs typically range from $800 to $2,000, depending on size, materials, and tools. This is far more budget-friendly compared to professional installations, which can cost $3,000 or more.
How do I make my putting green surface smooth?
Properly compact the base material, use high-quality artificial turf, and apply silica sand infill evenly. Brush the turf with a stiff broom to maintain smoothness.
How long does an artificial putting green last?
With proper maintenance, artificial putting greens can last 10–15 years. High-quality turf, like the USA-made options from TurfKingz.com, ensures long-lasting durability.