Whether you're a experienced golfer or a beginner, having your own putting green at home can be a major benefit. With the right setup and maintenance, you can take your game to the next level, reduce your expenses on golf, and have the freedom to practice anytime you like.
But as with any long-term commitment, you should be aware of certain pros and cons when it comes to synthetic turf for your putting green. Below are some tips to help you maximize your spending.
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 be sure to do your homework before deciding. Some things to consider include durability, pace, bounce, and how the material reacts to different weather conditions. At Southwest Greens of Huntsville, we can help you make an informed decision about choosing the right turf.
DON'T: GO CHEAP ON INSTALLATION
The installation process is crucial when it comes to artificial putting greens. If the base is not well-prepared, you could experience problems such as bumps, bubbling, or even settling. It's essential to choose an experienced installer who will devote sufficient time to get ready the base and ensure that the green is perfectly flat and uniform. Check out our installation process to understand what sets our installation apart from others in the field.
DO: CONSIDER SIZE & SHAPE
The dimensions of your putting green will depend on various factors, including your available space, finances, and personal likes. However, it's important to consider the general 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 large that it takes up your entire backyard. It might be worth considering installing fake grass throughout your entire yard to reduce maintenance and give your family and pets a nice space to play. 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 of the advantages of artificial putting greens is that they require lower maintenance needs than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can forget about them completely. Regular brushing and cleaning will help keep your green fresh. You'll need to periodically 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 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 want to be able to use your putting green after dark, you might want to consider installing lighting. LED lights are a common choice for artificial putting greens because they're energy-efficient, reliable, and don't get hot, so they won't melt the turf. It's strongly advised that the lights are installed by a pro and angled to provide ideal 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 different functions as well. Depending on the configuration of your green, it could also be used for activities such as croquet or different sports.