At Unreal Lawns & Courts, we know that every golf dreams of having their own synthetic putting green at home.
Imagine stepping into your backyard and finding a golfer’s paradise, complete with a synthetic putting green, chipping area, and even a sand trap.
This blog post will guide you through the process of transforming your outdoor space into the ultimate golf oasis, helping you improve your game without leaving home.
How to Create the Perfect Putting Green
Choose the Ideal Location
The first step in creating your perfect putting green is to select the right spot. Look for a level area in your yard that receives ample sunlight. A area with a natural slopping contour is ideal to create a synthetic putting green.
Select Top-Quality synthetic putting green
When it comes to artificial turf, quality matters. We recommend you opt for a high-density, short-pile turf specifically designed for golf. These turfs typically have a pile height of 16mm and a dense fibre structure that allows golf balls to roll smoothly.
Craft Challenging Contours
A flat putting green might be easier to install, but adding contours and slopes will significantly enhance your practice sessions. Professional golf course designers suggest you incorporate subtle breaks and undulations to mimic real course conditions. A good rule of thumb is to include slopes ranging from 1% to 3%, with occasional areas reaching up to 5% for more challenging putts.
To create these contours, use a layer of crushed stone as a base. Shape this layer to form the desired undulations before you lay the turf. This allows for control over the green’s shape and ensures proper drainage.
Include Multiple Hole Locations
When creating your putting green, it’s important to cut the holes into the putting surface and install the cups properly. This involves digging the cup holes, concreting the cups in, and cutting the artificial grass fringe surface, making sure to tack down the edges around the holes.
Consider Professional Installation
While DIY installation is possible, professional installation (like the services offered by Unreal Lawns) can ensure your putting green meets the highest standards of quality and performance. Experts can help you with proper base preparation, contour creation, and turf installation, resulting in a synthetic putting green that not only looks great but also provides an excellent platform for improving your short game.
Now that you’ve learned how to create the perfect putting green, let’s explore how to add practice areas for a complete golf haven in your backyard.
How to Add Practice Areas to Your Backyard Golf Setup
Installing a Chipping Zone
A chipping area will help you hone your short game skills. Allocate a space of 4×4 metres adjacent to your synthetic putting green. Use a slightly longer artificial turf (around 30-35mm pile height) to simulate the fringe of a real green. This allows you to practice a variety of chip shots and improve your feel around the greens.
For added realism, incorporate different turf heights within your chipping area. Create a graduated effect by using progressively longer turf as you move away from the putting surface. This mimics the transition from fairway to rough, allowing you to practice chips from various lies.
Creating a Sand Bunker for Trap Shots
A sand bunker can significantly enhance your practice routine. To create a small bunker, excavate an area of about 3×3 metres to a depth of 300mm of sand and 300mm of drainage metal. Line the bottom and between sand and drainage metal with a permeable geotextile fabric to prevent sand from mixing with the drainage metal & soil beneath.
Setting Up a Driving Net or Cage
To work on your full swing, add a driving net or cage to your backyard golf setup. A quality driving net should be at least 3 metres wide and 2.5 metres tall to safely contain your shots. Look for nets made from durable materials like high-density polyethylene that can withstand repeated impacts from golf balls.
If space allows, install a more permanent driving cage. Many driving cages come with side panels and a roof, allowing you to practice in various weather conditions.
Now that you’ve added these practice areas to your backyard golf setup, it’s time to enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of your synthetic putting green. Let’s explore how to incorporate golf-themed landscaping and create a comfortable environment for your practice sessions.
How to Create a Stunning Synthetic Putting Green
Landscaping With A Golf Theme
Transform your backyard into a golf-inspired paradise by incorporating elements that mimic a real course.
Use decorative rocks and boulders to create natural-looking hazards and visual interest. Large, flat rocks can serve as stepping stones between different practice areas, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Comfortable Seating And Shade Options
Install comfortable seating that complements your synthetic putting green theme. Weather-resistant chairs are a classic choice that pairs well with the outdoor setting.
Create shaded areas to protect yourself from the sun during practice sessions. A pergola covered with climbing vines provides shade and adds elegance to your backyard. For flexibility, consider retractable awnings or large umbrellas that you can adjust based on the sun’s position.
Lighting for Night Practice
Install lighting to extend your practice time into the evening hours. Use a combination of ambient and task lighting to create a well-lit, inviting space. Powered path lights illuminate the walkways between your practice areas, enhancing safety and ambiance.
Golf-Themed Accessories
Incorporate golf-themed accessories to complete the look of your backyard. Display vintage golf clubs or framed golf prints to add character to your space. Try to find unique items like repurposed golf ball planters or a golf bag drink cooler to add whimsical touches.
Install a small scoreboard to track your progress and add a competitive edge to your practice sessions. This not only serves a practical purpose but also enhances the authentic golf course feel of your backyard synthetic putting green.
To create a beautiful, low-maintenance, functional, and visually stunning space, consider incorporating artificial turf in your golf putting green design. It provides a consistent surface for practice and requires minimal upkeep, allowing you to focus on improving your game.
Final Thoughts
Transforming your backyard into a golfer’s paradise combines creativity, functionality, and passion for the game. A synthetic putting green, chipping zone, sand bunker, and driving net create a comprehensive practice area that caters to all aspects of your golf game. Golf-themed landscaping, comfortable seating, and proper lighting elevate your backyard to a new level.
A home golf practice area offers numerous benefits. It allows you to work on your skills whenever you want, without the need to travel to a golf course or driving range.
Unreal Lawns specialises in providing top-notch artificial grass solutions perfect for creating synthetic putting greens and other golf practice areas. Our durable, low-maintenance turf ensures your backyard golf putting green stays lush and beautiful year-round. Start your backyard golf project today and enjoy the convenience of having a home putting green right outside your door.
