Whether you're a pro golfer or a beginner, having your own putting green at home can be a huge advantage. With the right setup and maintenance, you can boost your skills, 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 fake grass for your golf course. Below are some suggestions to help you make the most of 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. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to do your research before deciding. Some things to consider include longevity, ball speed, bounce, and how the material performs in various climates. At Southwest Greens Pittsburgh, we can help you take the guesswork out of 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 isn't prepared properly, you could experience problems such as ripples, air pockets, or even collapsing. It's essential to choose an experienced installer who will devote sufficient time to prepare the base and ensure that the green is consistently smooth and level. Take a look at our installation process to find out 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 space constraints, available budget, and personal desires. However, it's important to consider the overall design and layout of your green. Ideally, you want a green that's big enough to practice a variety of shots but not so large that it takes up your whole outdoor space. It might be worth considering installing artificial grass throughout your whole backyard to reduce maintenance and give your children and pets a nice space to play. 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 key the benefits of artificial putting greens is that they require lower maintenance needs than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can neglect them completely. Frequent brushing and cleaning will help keep your green fresh. You'll need to occasionally add infill materials like sand or top dressing to help maintain the proper level of ball roll. Check out our turf cleaning guide 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 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 highly recommended that the lights are installed by a pro and positioned to provide ideal 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 other uses as well. Depending on the configuration of your green, it could also be used for activities such as bocce ball or other games.