10 Easy Steps To Create Your DIY Putting Green
Have you ever imagined enjoying the game of golf without having to step out of your home? Then, here is all you need to know about DIY putting greens.
Having a professional company install a putting green or ordering a putting green kit can be expensive.
For instance, the putting green cost can vary between $ 5,000-12,000, which is a hefty amount for many people.
However, you can easily create your own “ DIY putting green” with some basic skills and knowledge.
Step 1 – Choose the location of your DIY putting green
When constructing a DIY putting green for your own backyard for practicing golf at home, the first step is determining an appropriate location.
Ensure it is located on leveled terrain with proper drainage. To avoid accidents or damages, place your installation far away from the house and other structures so that any errant golf balls won’t be in danger of hitting passers-by or people in the house.
Always remember to select a location that gets ample sunlight and is not dangerously steep.
While selecting a location for your putting green, consider the width of the synthetic putting green turf you plan to purchase thoroughly. Most artificial grass is sold in rolls measuring 7 1/2′, 12′, or 15′ wide.
The artificial turf also comes in different heights and naps. A lower nap is highly recommended for putting greens.
About 1,000 square feet is a manageable size for your putting green and would give you ample space to practice different shots.
Note: You may also choose to seed the turf or sodding it with real grass instead of synthetic grass. However, seeding is a long process requiring a lot of care and attention. Nevertheless, it will provide you a quality turf that will last long term.
Step 2 – Design, measure, and mark
Once you have selected a good location for your putting green, plan the design for your backyard putting green.
Crafting the ideal putting green requires careful planning and deliberation.
Start by jotting down the size and shape of your design, including where you would like to place each cup.
Get a measuring tape and measure the overall dimensions of your putting green. To get an accurate measurement, use a long chalk line to mark the edges of your desired green.
Once you have marked the desired spot, use a sod cutter or line trimmer to cut down the grass within your outlined area until it reaches dirt.
Remove any debris from the mowed area.
It might also be helpful to create a complex layout with interesting obstacles for more engaging play.
In addition, keeping the slopes away from the center ensures that rainwater to not accumulate in any given area preventing puddles from forming on your course.
Step 3- Dig the base and cups
Dig down inside the outline about 8-10″ around the perimeter for installing pavers or some other border material to secure the synthetic turf and make it look nice.
For a lasting solution to weeds and grass, apply weed killer generously to the ground and cover it with landscape fabric for protection.
While creating a slope along the putting green, do not go any higher than 2.5 percent.
An integral part of constructing a backyard putting green is selecting the exact positions for the cups.
Although the cups have holes cut in them, it is recommended to create a shallow trench leading away from each cup past the green area.
To ensure proper draining of rainwater, fill these trenches with small stones or gravel.
Mark the locations of the cups for you to find them later.
Step 4 – Install base material
Lay down a layer of crushed gravel or sand evenly to form a smooth, flat surface before installing your putting green turf.
Moisten the rocks and use a hand tamper (for a small putting green) or a lawn roller to make the base flat and compact.
Remove the gravel from the place where the cups are supposed to be and make holes for the cups with a spade or shovel.
Level out the area around the cups again. Ensure that a 3-foot radius around each cup is perfectly flat and smooth with a level. This will allow the ball to roll in properly.
Step 5 – Install the putting green turf
Spread and lay down the turf over the area according to your design and layout.
The synthetic grass should extend at least 1 foot beyond each cup. Use a utility knife to carefully cut around the borders of the entire putting green to bring it to shape.
Using the same utility knife, cut around each cup hole, making sure that no part of the turf overlaps into the cup hole.
Next, once your putting green turf is laid down correctly and in place, attach it with turf pegs or staples along the perimeter of its sideboards.
Use a rubber mallet to make sure that no part of the turf is loose and everything is firmly in place.
Step 6 – Topdress the turf (optional)
Once your putting green turf is installed, you may top-dress the entire surface with a thin layer of sand.
This will serve as an anchor for the grass blades to the base and provide additional weight.
Topdressing also helps even out any wrinkles or ridges that were missed while initially laying down the turf.
Finally, brush the sand into the fibers of the grass and use a leaf blower to disperse it evenly over your putting green surface.
Step 7- Landscape the green
Landscaping can help to enhance the visual appearance of the putting green.
Installing landscape edging such as stones, bricks, or timbers can also add a nice touch to your backyard design.
Here are some ways to landscape:
- Add a border: Choose a stone, brick, or treated wood to create a border around the putting green. This will add an aesthetic touch and help keep all your turf in place for years to come
- Add a fringe: If desired, add a fringe of grass around the putting green for a more natural look.
- Rocks or plants: Adding rocks and plants can enhance the look of your putting green.
Step 8- Install the cups (Step 8)
Carefully place the cups in their designated holes and make sure that each cup is level with the putting green surface.
Ensure that no part of the cup is above the turf, as this could affect how a golf ball rolls in.
Fill in any gaps between the ground and sides of each cup with soil or sand, ensuring that they are supported firmly by their designated holes.
Step 9- Test and adjust (Step 9)
Fill the cups with plastic golf balls and test them on your freshly installed putting green.
Adjust the turf, sand, or soil if necessary to make sure that each cup is properly leveled and ready for use.
Put additional landscape fabric or top dress again if needed.
Step 10- Maintain the green (Step 10)
Regularly groom the green by brushing and raking to keep it looking its best. Mow regularly to avoid the buildup of debris or weeds. Check for any damage or loose edges of turf and replace them if needed.
3 Tips to remember for DIY putting greens (Tips)
Given below are some noteworthy tips before you install your putting green:
Tools needed
Make sure you have all the necessary tools before installing your putting green. This will help save time and reduce the hassle during the process.
- Shovel
- Rake
- Pick
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife/ turf cutter
- Adhesive tape
- Turf pegs or staples
- Rubber mallet
- Hand tamper
- Wheelbarrow
- Spirit level
Order a little more turf than planned
You may run out of synthetic grass due to underestimating your requirement. Thus, it is best to buy some extra instead of making last-minute changes.
Infill
This is especially important if you plan to use your putting green regularly. The infill helps maintain the artificial turf’s uprightness while protecting and safeguarding its backing system from expanding or contracting due to changing weather conditions.
Conclusion
Installing a putting green in your backyard can be a great way to improve your golfing skills or have fun with family and friends. By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy the same putting experience as on the golf course without having to leave your own property. Additionally, with proper maintenance and care, your putting green can survive for many years.
