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 improve your game, cut costs on green fees, and enjoy the convenience of practicing whenever you want.
But as with any investment, you should be aware of certain best practices and pitfalls when it comes to fake grass for your golf course. Here are some suggestions 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 advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to do your research before deciding. Some things to consider include longevity, rolling speed, rebound, and how the material reacts to different weather conditions. At Southwest Greens of Austin, we can help you make an informed decision about choosing the right turf.
DON'T: GO CHEAP ON INSTALLATION
The installation process is vital when it comes to artificial putting greens. If the base is not prepared correctly, you could experience problems like bumps, puckering, or even collapsing. It's important to choose an experienced installer who will spend the necessary time to get ready the base and ensure that the green is perfectly flat and uniform. Take a look at our installation process to discover what sets our installation apart from others in the field.
DO: CONSIDER SIZE & SHAPE
The size and shape of your putting green will depend on various factors, including your space constraints, budget, 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 big that it takes up your entire backyard. It might be worth considering installing fake grass throughout your whole backyard to reduce maintenance and give your children and pets a safe play space. Take a look at our pet turf and playground turf to see how you could add these fantastic features alongside your new putting green.
DON'T: FORGET ABOUT MAINTENANCE
One of the advantages of artificial putting greens is that they need less maintenance than natural grass. But that doesn't mean you can forget about them completely. Regular brushing and cleaning will help keep your green in top condition. 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 turf 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 installing lighting. LED lights are a popular choice for artificial putting greens because they're energy-efficient, reliable, and don't get hot, so they won't damage the artificial green. It's highly recommended that the lights are expertly set up and positioned to provide optimal 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 other uses as well. Depending on the configuration of your green, it could also be used for activities such as lawn bowling or different sports.