Whether you're a pro golfer or a beginner, having your own putting green at home can be a total game-changer. With the right setup and care, you can improve your game, reduce your expenses on golf, and practice at your own pace.
But as with any long-term commitment, you should be aware of certain best practices and pitfalls when it comes to synthetic turf for your putting green. Below are some pieces of advice to help you maximize 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 benefits and drawbacks, so you should research carefully before deciding. Some things to consider include durability, ball speed, bounce, and how the material performs in various climates. At Southwest Greens of Connecticut, we can help you take the guesswork out of choosing the right surface.
DON'T: GO CHEAP ON INSTALLATION
The installation process is vital when it comes to artificial putting greens. If the base isn't prepared properly, you could experience issues like irregularities, wrinkling, or even sinking. It's essential to choose an experienced installer who will spend the necessary time to prepare the base and ensure that the green is level and smooth. Take a look at our installation process to understand what sets our installation apart from the rest of the industry.
DO: CONSIDER SIZE & SHAPE
The size and shape of your putting green will depend on various factors, including your available space, finances, and personal tastes. However, it's important to consider the entire design and layout of your green. Ideally, you want a green that's large enough to practice a variety of shots but not so big that it takes up your entire backyard. It might be worth considering installing synthetic turf throughout your 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 need less maintenance than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can neglect them completely. Frequent brushing and cleaning will help keep your green fresh. You'll need to occasionally add infill materials like sand or top dressing to help maintain the proper level of ball roll. Check out our turf cleaning guide to understand how to maintain to keep your artificial turf looking great. We highly recommend yearly maintenance by a professional by your turf installer.
DO: CONSIDER LIGHTING
If you need to be able to use your putting green after dark, you might consider adding lighting. LED lights are a popular choice for artificial putting greens because they're cost-effective, reliable, and don't get hot, so they are safe for the synthetic grass. It's best that the lights are expertly set up and positioned 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 uses as well. Depending on the configuration of your green, it could also be used for activities such as lawn bowling or other activities.