If you’re just starting to play golf or playing at the top level, you’re likely aware of the importance of your short game. Installing a backyard putting green in San Francisco can be the perfect solution to improving your weakness with absence of the distractions you might have at your golf club. Practicing in the quiet of your home can support you to better your game and your overall fitness. Read on to discover more.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Ahead of committing to a backyard putting green installation, there are a several elements you should take into account before installing.
WHY ARTIFICIAL ALTERNATIVE TO NATURAL GRASS?
Natural green vs synthetic green—this is one of the most common questions we get. Here’s our take on the topic.
At first glance, regular grass putting greens might seem like the finest choice. It will look good and cheaper to install, right? Well, not so fast…
First installation of regular green is more cost-friendly up front, but the up-keep of real grass will becoming time consuming and costlier in the long run. Putting turf areas have to be kept short for proper ball reaction, so it would need to be cut three or four times a week for regular play in the growing season. Not to mention fertilization, pest removal—and on the opposite side of the scale—if it’s a specially dry season, you’ll have to irrigate frequently to keep it green.
All of these minor costs over time will total. Synthetic greens will cost a little more for initial installation, but you’ll quickly recover that investment.
IS YOUR SURFACE LEVEL OR SLOPED?
While it is a possibility to have your putting turf on a slight slope, it’s typically suggested that you try to flatten the surface as best as possible. If you have a large amount of space and are going to install more putting greens in than just a single putting area, you could leave it naturally sloped.
Putting grass that have too much severity of slopes, bumps, swales, twists, or any of these traits can become complex at a fast turf speed. For example, a putt that misses the hole placed on a steep slope with a fast stimp putting green will not come to a stop near the hole. You can know more about the relationship between green characteristics here and how it affects gameplay.
ARE YOU INSTALLING ON SOIL, COMPACT STONE, OR CONCRETE?
No matter what kind of artificial turf you choose, you’ll want a firm base for the ground. Removing grass and compressing the soil as much as possible is crucial for a successful installation.
If you want to install your artificial putting green over concrete, you might want to consider adding a cushioning layer under the turf for more padding. No matter the base, you will need a good infill to keep your grass looking good and functioning the way it should.
REAP THE HEALTH BENEFITS
BETTER COGNITIVE ABILITIES
Playing golf increases your heart rate, which will assist you to improve blood flow to the brain and body. Research suggests that increased heart rate from exercise can help nerve cell connections, which can defer mental constraints like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
DECREASE STRESS
Golf is a good way to de-stress after a long day. It’s a great way to de-stress for the day go and let go of mental or physical tension. Consistent exercise might help you sleep better, too, so you feel refreshed waking up each day.
ENHANCE FOCUS
Are you getting the most out of your putting practice at your club, or do you discover yourself getting distracted by the crowd? When you train at home, you can give your full focus to your practice.
SENSIBLE BENEFITS
LOW MAINTENANCE
With a synthetic putting green, you don’t have to spend a ton of time or money on keeping your green nice and short for proper play. Maintenance will mostly involve eliminating leaves or debris regularly as needed. We also suggest you get your turf professionally cleaned every 12 months for the best performance.
ADDITIONAL FAMILY TIME
Having a putting green in your backyard is an entertainment center in itself— and it’s not just for golfers anymore. You can get the whole family in on the fun that golf has to offer. Getting your kids interested in sports while they are young can help foster a life-long love they might develop with golf. At least, you will make some wonderful memories with your family and friends.
SAFER SURFACE
Top-Notch synthetic greens will help you reduce the number of chemicals needed on your lawn. You can say "see-ya" to harmful fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides with artificial turf. You can send your kids and pets out onto the grass without any worry about them stepping in hazardous chemicals.
WHY SOUTHWEST GREENS?
If you’re wondering what makes us different from the rest of the turf installers out there, look no further. Our synthetic grass is:
- Chemical-free
- Made in the USA
- 100% recyclable
- Designed for durability
- Professionally designed and installed
- True playability
Our partnership with Nicklaus Design enables us to offer the most accurate playing surface for sale on the market today, too.