Whether you're a pro golfer or new to the game, having your own putting green at home can be a major benefit. With the right setup and care, you can take your game to the next level, save money on golf course fees, and enjoy the convenience of practicing whenever you want.
But as with any long-term commitment, you should be aware of certain dos and don'ts when it comes to synthetic turf for your putting green. Here are some suggestions to help you maximize your investment.
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 you should research carefully before deciding. Some things to consider include longevity, rolling speed, bounce, and how the material performs in various climates. At Southwest Greens of Western Canada, we can help you make an informed decision about choosing the right turf.
DON'T: GO CHEAP ON INSTALLATION
The installation process is essential when it comes to artificial putting greens. If the base isn't prepared properly, you could experience issues like bumps, wrinkling, or even submerging. It's essential to choose an experienced installer who will devote sufficient time to set up the base and ensure that the green is level and smooth. Explore our installation process to discover what sets our installation apart from other manufacturers.
DO: CONSIDER SIZE & SHAPE
The dimensions of your putting green will depend on various factors, including your backyard size, available budget, and personal likes. However, it's important to consider the entire design and layout of your green. Ideally, you want a green that's large 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 artificial grass throughout your backyard to reduce maintenance and give your pets and kids 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 advantages of artificial putting greens is that they require less maintenance than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can neglect them completely. Frequent brushing and cleaning will help keep your green in top condition. You'll need to periodically add infill such as sand or top dressing to help maintain the proper level of ball roll. Check out our guide to cleaning to understand how to properly care for to keep your artificial turf looking great. We strongly suggest 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 consider adding lighting. LED lights are a popular choice for artificial putting greens because they're cost-effective, long-lasting, and don't get hot, so they are safe for the synthetic grass. It's strongly advised that the lights are installed by a pro and aimed to provide optimal coverage.
DON'T: ASSUME IT’S ONLY FOR GOLF
While the main use of your synthetic putting turf will be for golf, that doesn't mean they can't serve different functions as well. Depending on the structure and arrangement of your green, it could also be used for activities such as lawn bowling or other activities.