Whether you're a pro golfer or a beginner, having your own putting green at home can be a major benefit. With the right setup and care, you can take your game to the next level, reduce your expenses on golf, and practice at your own pace.
But as with any investment, you should be aware of certain best practices and pitfalls when it comes to artificial putting greens. Here are some pieces of advice to help you maximize your spending.
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. Every benefits and drawbacks, so you should research carefully before deciding. Some things to consider include resilience, rolling speed, rebound, and how the material reacts to different weather conditions. At Southwest Greens Charlotte, 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 vital when it comes to artificial putting greens. If the base isn't prepared properly, you could experience issues like bumps, puckering, or even submerging. It's vital to choose an experienced installer who will invest the necessary effort to properly prepare the base and ensure that the green is perfectly flat and uniform. Take a look at our installation process to learn what sets our installation apart from our competitors.
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 desires. However, it's important to consider the general design and layout of your green. Ideally, you want a green that's big enough to practice a diverse set of shots but not so large that it takes up your whole yard. It might be worth considering installing fake grass throughout your whole backyard to reduce maintenance and give your children and pets a fun play area. Take a look at our pet turf and playground turf to see how you could add these great additions alongside your new putting green.
DON'T: FORGET ABOUT MAINTENANCE
One of the pros of artificial putting greens is that they need lower maintenance needs than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can neglect them completely. Regular 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 firmness and ball roll. Check out our cleaning guide to understand how to properly care for to keep your artificial turf looking great. We highly recommend yearly professional maintenance by your turf installer.
DO: CONSIDER LIGHTING
If you want to be able to use your putting green after dark, you might consider adding lighting. LED lights are a common choice for artificial putting greens because they're energy-efficient, long-lasting, and don't get hot, so they won't melt the turf. It's strongly advised that the lights are installed by a pro and angled to provide ideal coverage.
DON'T: ASSUME IT’S ONLY FOR GOLF
While the main use of your artificial putting greens will be for putting practice, that doesn't mean they can't serve other purposes as well. Depending on the structure and arrangement of your green, it could also be used for activities such as croquet or different sports.