Whether you're a pro golfer or just starting out, having your own putting green at home can be a huge advantage. With the right setup and care, you can boost your skills, cut costs on green fees, and enjoy the convenience of practicing whenever you want.
But as with any long-term commitment, you should be aware of certain pros and cons when it comes to fake grass for your golf course. Below are some suggestions to help you maximize your spending.
DO: CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL
When it comes to artificial putting greens, there are a variety of materials to choose from, including nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to do your homework before deciding. Some things to consider include resilience, ball speed, bounce, and how the material reacts to different weather conditions. At Southwest Greens Northern CA West, we can help you make an informed decision about 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 is not well-prepared, you could experience problems such as ripples, puckering, or even sinking. It's crucial to choose an experienced installer who will invest the necessary effort to set up the base and ensure that the green is consistently smooth and level. Check out our installation process to discover what sets our installation apart from the rest of the industry.
DO: CONSIDER SIZE & SHAPE
The dimensions and shape of your putting green will depend on various factors, including your available space, finances, and personal preferences. However, it's important to consider the aesthetics and layout of your green. Ideally, you want a green that's big enough to practice a variety of shots but not so huge that it takes up your whole yard. It might be worth considering installing synthetic turf throughout your whole backyard to reduce maintenance and give your children and pets a great outdoor environment. Take a look at our pet turf and playground turf to see how you could add these amazing upgrades alongside your new putting green.
DON'T: FORGET ABOUT MAINTENANCE
One key the advantages of artificial putting greens is that they need lower maintenance needs than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can forget about 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 cleaning guide to understand how to properly care for to keep your artificial turf looking great. We highly recommend yearly maintenance by a professional by your turf installer.
DO: CONSIDER LIGHTING
If you desire to be able to use your putting green after dark, you might want to consider adding lighting. LED lights are a common choice for artificial putting greens because they're energy-efficient, durable, and don't get hot, so they won't damage the artificial green. It's strongly advised that the lights are professionally installed and angled to provide best 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 bocce ball or other activities.