Whether you're a skilled golfer or new to the game, having your own putting green at home can be a major benefit. With the right setup and maintenance, you can improve your game, reduce your expenses on golf, and practice at your own pace.
But as with any investment, you should be aware of certain dos and don'ts when it comes to synthetic turf for your putting green. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your money.
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 it's important to do your research before deciding. Some things to consider include durability, rolling speed, rebound, and how the material performs in various climates. At Southwest Greens of Atlanta, 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 isn't well-prepared, you could experience issues like ripples, wrinkling, or even collapsing. It's essential to choose an experienced installer who will take the time to prepare the base and ensure that the green is level and smooth. Check out our installation process to learn what sets our installation apart from the rest of the industry.
DO: CONSIDER SIZE & SHAPE
The size and shape of your putting green will depend on various factors, including your backyard size, finances, and personal tastes. 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 variety of shots but not so big that it takes up your whole outdoor space. It might be worth considering installing fake grass throughout your backyard to reduce maintenance and give your family 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 of the pros of artificial putting greens is that they require less maintenance than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can ignore them completely. Frequent brushing and cleaning will help keep your green looking and playing like new. You'll need to periodically 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 expert maintenance by your turf installer.
DO: CONSIDER LIGHTING
If you need to be able to use your putting green after dark, you might want to consider adding lighting. LED lights are a favored choice for artificial putting greens because they're eco-friendly, 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 aimed to provide ideal coverage.
DON'T: ASSUME IT’S ONLY FOR GOLF
While the main use of your fake putting surfaces will be for putting practice, that doesn't mean they can't serve different functions as well. Depending on the design and layout of your green, it could also be used for activities such as bocce ball or other games.