Whether you're a pro golfer or a beginner, having your own putting green at home can be a major benefit. With the right setup and care, you can boost your skills, reduce your expenses on golf, and enjoy the convenience of practicing whenever you want.
But as with any big purchase, you should be aware of certain best practices and pitfalls when it comes to artificial putting greens. Here are some tips 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. Every advantages and disadvantages, so you should research carefully before deciding. Some things to consider include resilience, speed, rebound, and how the material performs in various climates. At Southwest Greens of Michigan, we can help you choose choosing the right artificial putting green material.
DON'T: GO CHEAP ON INSTALLATION
The installation process is key when it comes to artificial putting greens. If the base isn't prepared correctly, you could experience problems such as bumps, bubbling, or even sinking. It's important to choose an experienced installer who will invest the necessary effort to prepare the base and ensure that the green is level and smooth. Take a look at our installation process to learn 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, finances, and personal tastes. However, it's important to consider the overall design and layout of your green. Ideally, you want a green that's spacious enough to practice a diverse set of shots but not so huge that it takes up your whole outdoor space. It might be worth considering installing artificial grass throughout your entire yard to reduce maintenance and give your family and pets a safe play space. Take a look at our pet turf and playground turf to see how you could add these awesome options alongside your new putting green.
DON'T: FORGET ABOUT MAINTENANCE
One key the advantages of artificial putting greens is that they require less maintenance than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can forget about them completely. Frequent brushing and cleaning will help keep your green in top condition. You'll need to occasionally add sand or top dressing infill to help maintain the proper firmness and ball roll. Check out our guide to cleaning to understand how to maintain 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 consider installing lighting. LED lights are a common choice for artificial putting greens because they're energy-efficient, durable, 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 angled to provide best coverage.
DON'T: ASSUME IT’S ONLY FOR GOLF
While the main use of your synthetic putting turf will be for putting practice, that doesn't mean they can't serve other uses as well. Depending on the structure and arrangement of your green, it could also be used for activities such as bocce ball or other games.