Whether you're a skilled golfer or just starting out, having your own putting green at home can be a huge advantage. With the right setup and care, 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 best practices and pitfalls when it comes to synthetic turf for your putting green. These are some tips 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 advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to do your homework before deciding. Some things to consider include longevity, rolling speed, rebound, and how the material reacts to different weather conditions. At Southwest Greens of New Mexico, we can help you choose choosing the right surface.
DON'T: GO CHEAP ON INSTALLATION
The installation process is crucial when it comes to artificial putting greens. If the base is not properly prepared, you could experience issues such as unevenness, air pockets, or even settling. It's essential to choose an experienced installer who will invest the necessary effort to properly prepare the base and ensure that the green is consistently smooth and level. Check out our installation process to understand what sets our installation apart from our competitors.
DO: CONSIDER SIZE & SHAPE
The size and shape of your putting green will depend on various factors, including your space constraints, finances, and personal desires. However, it's important to consider the aesthetics and layout of your green. Ideally, you want a green that's spacious enough to practice a range of shots but not so huge that it takes up your whole yard. It might be worth considering installing fake grass throughout your entire yard 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 great additions alongside your new putting green.
DON'T: FORGET ABOUT MAINTENANCE
One of 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. Regular brushing and cleaning will help keep your green looking and playing like new. You'll need to occasionally add sand or top dressing infill to help maintain the proper level of ball roll. Check out our guide to cleaning to understand what you’ll need to do to keep your artificial turf looking great. We strongly suggest yearly maintenance by a professional 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 popular choice for artificial putting greens because they're eco-friendly, reliable, and don't get hot, so they are safe for the synthetic grass. It's best that the lights are expertly set up 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 other purposes as well. Depending on the design and layout of your green, it could also be used for activities such as croquet or different sports.