Texas weather isn’t exactly golf-friendly.
Oftentimes, the grass on the golf course gets dry and crunchy in the scorching summer heat or during a winter freeze.
Fall and spring are no picnic either, since either one can soak the grass from a hurricane or thunderstorm.
By installing an artificial turf putting green in your backyard, there’s no need to plan your game around the condition of the grass—you can enjoy golfing year-round!
You can customize your putting green design to your desired level of difficulty and improve your short game in the privacy of your own home.
A residential putting green is also a catalyst to spending more time outdoors with your family and friends, and there’s no need to drive all the way to the golf course to enjoy it.
And unlike natural grass, artificial turf maintenance is practically non-existent!
In this article, we’ll cover what to consider when designing your custom backyard putting green, what features to add, what materials to use, and what to expect in terms of costs.
Artificial Turf Putting Green Design Process
A backyard putting green is ideal for improving your short game, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting into the sport.
However, the putting green design you choose will be different based on your skill level, practice needs, and the logistics of your outdoor space.
The putting green design process begins with our professional design team asking you a few basic questions, such as:
Once we receive your input and provide recommendations, we will start the design process which includes turf product integration and installation guidelines for our team.
Then the installers will get to work creating the putting green of your dreams!
Below is a more in-depth dive into the different considerations to take into account during the putting green design process.
Who Will Be Using The Putting Green?
Putting greens can be as unique as the golfers that use them.
The custom design can and should reflect your skill level and personal preferences.
A putting green needs to be challenging enough that it keeps you interested, but not so difficult that you don’t enjoy using it.
When composing a design, ask yourself:
The answers to these questions will help guide the selections you make in your putting green design.
Different Elements You Can Design Into Your Putting Green
With minimal upkeep (no watering, mowing, weeding, or re-seeding) your putting green will be in great shape year-round.
The versatility and durability of artificial grass means that your green will stand up to consistent use for years to come.
But turf is far from the only element of your backyard golf green.
To add difficulty and visual interest, consider adding some of these features:
Don’t forget that having a putting green in your backyard will entice you to play more, so your short game is likely to improve quickly.
Add enough features to keep the game interesting, not only for your present skill level but also for the level you will work up to.
As you work with our design team, look at the backyard as a whole and factor in the other elements of the yard so that the putting green is a complement to the existing lawn and landscape.
For example, if you have a dog-friendly backyard with a designated pet area or dog run you may want to put your putting green on the opposite side of the yard to keep your golf balls from becoming dog food.
Alternatively, if you have an in-ground pool you may consider installing artificial grass around the pool with your putting green.
Putting Green Location
The next step in the design process is to choose the ideal location for your putting green.
If your property is big enough, select an area with naturally occuring dips and rises to maximize the challenge.
If your yard doesn’t have natural slopes, select a site where installers can create them.
Another important factor when choosing the location is safety.
Ideally, your putting green should be close enough to the home so that people can access it easily, but away from windows, cars, and sitting areas to minimize the risk of injury or damage.
As you assess the location, be sure to factor in which direction the shots will be heading.
Ensure that they are directed at a safe angle.
Also, take into account other environmental factors like the most common direction of the wind, overhanging tree branches, and the position of the sun when designing your putting green.
Putting Green Size
The maximum size of your putting green is obviously dictated by the size of your yard.
However, you’ll need to determine how much of the yard you want to dedicate to that purpose.
A backyard golf green will increase your home’s value, but if or when you sell prospective buyers may be turned off by a putting green that takes up the entire backyard.
Just keep that in mind when considering the size of your putting green design.
Another factor that will influence the green’s size will be what you intend to achieve with it.
Are you looking to practice various types of putts and chip shots, or are you trying to improve your short stroke?
Focus on areas you need to work on and talk to your putting green design and installation expert to find out what size would work best to help you achieve your goals.
Putting Green Shape
Backyard putting greens can be designed in almost any shape.
Since artificial grass can be fitted to curves, straight edges, or corners, your imagination is the limit!
Choose a shape to replicate your favorite hole from the PGA Tour, at the local golf course, or create one all your own.
You can also customize the shape of the green to accommodate existing structures or landscaping in your yard.
Putting Green Features
On an actual golf course, you’ll find features such as ponds and sand traps that make the game more fun and challenging.
You can have this same experience with a backyard putting green made of artificial grass.
If your space can accommodate it, consider upgrading your green with multiple holes, bunkers, and cuts of fringe to keep things exciting.
The more challenging the course, the more your short game will improve.
The Best Artificial Turf for your Putting Green Design
Advances in materials and manufacturing technologies have resulted in artificial turf products that look and feel exactly like real grass.
The pile is similar to that of natural grass on golf courses and simulates the same ball play.
When comparing artificial turf vs. real grass putting greens, the biggest difference is that artificial grass doesn’t require much maintenance or water to look perfect year-round.
With decades of combined experience designing and installing putting greens for residential and commercial clients, we recommend the following with confidence as the best artificial grass for putting greens.
“Ace Putt 56” — Putting Green Turf
Ace your short game at home with our Ace Putt 56 putting green turf.
Ace Putt 56 has a pile height of .56 inches with a polyurethane backing and is highly rated for areas with heavy foot traffic.
Recommended for putting greens, bocce courts, and as a playground or play-area ground cover, Ace Putt 56 is a great choice for your custom putting green design!
Drafted by course design experts, made in the U.S.A., and backed by a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty you can practice like a pro in the privacy of your own backyard for years to come.
Putting Green Design & Installation Cost
Backyard putting greens can be designed for budgets large and small.
In general, you can expect to pay between $15 and $40 per square foot to have an artificial turf backyard putting green installed.
Pricing will change based on the size of the putting green.
The larger your golf green, the less you’ll pay per square foot.
For example, a large green of 2,000 sq. ft. or more might cost $15 per square foot, whereas a smaller 500 sq. ft. green might cost $30+ per square foot.
Smaller projects take less time, so contractors often raise their rates to make the installation process worth the time and materials.
Want to get a better idea of what your backyard putting green will cost?
Run the numbers with our Putting Green Cost Calculator.
Final Thoughts on Putting Green Design
If you’re tired of waiting on other people at the golf course so you can work on your short game, install a backyard putting green so you can work on putts and chip shots whenever you like.
No matter what putting green design you dream up, Ideal Turf can help make it a reality.
We’ll work with you from initial design to final clean-up to ensure that you receive the putting green design of your dreams.
Our selection of hand-picked turf products are engineered specifically to replicate the look and feel of natural grass.
Paired with our 5-star customer service and installation quality, you’ll be happy you chose the best artificial grass company in Texas, Ideal Turf.
Give us a call today at (800) 204-4650 or contact us online to find out more about our services or to receive a free estimate for your next project.
