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Synthetic Putting Greens: Transform Your Backyard

July 15, 2025    By:  lawnmin

At Unreal Lawns & Courts, we know that golf enthusiasts dream of having their own synthetic putting greens practice space at home.

Imagine stepping into your backyard and finding a golfer’s paradise, complete with synthetic putting greens and chipping areas.

This blog post will guide you through the process of transforming your lawn into your own personal synthetic putting greens, from design to equipment selection.

How to Design Your Backyard Synthetic Putting Green

Assess Your Space

Start your backyard synthetic putting greens project with a thorough space assessment. Measure your available area carefully.  Examine your terrain – is it flat or sloped? Flat areas work best for putting greens, while gentle slopes can add challenge to chipping zones.

Plan Your Synthetic Putting Green Areas

A typical backyard synthetic putting green includes a chipping area. For putting greens, allocate multiple hole placements. Chipping areas should include different turf lengths.

Add Challenging Features

To test your skills thoroughly, incorporate hazards and obstacles. Sand bunkers are popular additions – even a small 3×3 metre area can significantly improve your short game. Consider strategically place rocks or garden beds to serve as obstacles.

Optimise for Enjoyment and Skill Improvement

Your backyard putting green should strike a balance between challenging and enjoyment. Try to create a putting green that not only improves your game but also enhances your outdoor living area. Consider adding comfortable seating areas (perfect for post-practice relaxation) and shade options for those sunny days.

Choose High-Quality Materials

The success of your backyard synthetic putting greens hinges on the quality of materials used. Opt for premium artificial turf designed specifically for golf. High-quality synthetic grass provides a realistic feel and consistent ball roll, mimicking the conditions of a professional golf course. High density turf promotes true ball roll and allows your ball to experience minimal resistance.

As you move forward with your design, the next step involves selecting and installing the right artificial turf for your putting green area. This process requires careful consideration to ensure performance and longevity.

How to Install Synthetic Turf Putting Green

Selecting the Right Turf

For golf practice, you need specialised turf that mimics the feel and performance of real golf greens. Look for high-density, short-pile turf with a pile height of about 15mm. This type of turf ensures a smooth ball roll and allows for precise putting practice.

Preparing the Ground

Proper ground preparation is essential before laying your turf. Start by removing existing grass and vegetation. Then, excavate the area to a depth of abou100mm. This space will be filled with a base material to ensure proper drainage and a stable foundation.

Next, add a H4 timber around the perimeter next a geotextile cloth before you build your base. Next a layer of crushed stone (80mmgap/20 and 20mm of gap/7 over the top) as your base. Compact this layer thoroughly using a plate compactor. For optimal drainage, create a slight slope (1-2%) away from buildings or structures.

Professional Installation Process

While DIY installation is possible, professional installation ensures the best results. The process typically involves:

  1. Laying a of geotextile cloth under the compacted base
  2. Carefully rolling out the turf (ensure no wrinkles or bubbles)
  3. Securing the edges with staples or nails to a timber edge
  4. Adding infill material to weigh down the turf and create a more realistic feel

Professional installers use specialised tools to create a seamless look and ensure proper drainage. They can also incorporate contours and slopes to mimic real golf course conditions, enhancing your practice experience.

Maintenance and Longevity

One of the biggest advantages of artificial turf is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike natural grass, it doesn’t need watering, mowing, or fertilising. However, to keep your practice area in top condition:

  • Brush the turf regularly to maintain its upright position
  • Remove debris with a leaf blower or rake
  • Occasionally rinse the surface to remove dust and pollen

With proper care, high-quality artificial golf turf can last up to 15 to 20 years, providing excellent value for your investment.

Now that you’ve installed your perfect putting surface, it’s time to consider landscaping your backyard putting green.

Customising Your Synthetic Putting Green Area

Consider adding a small sand trap (about 3×3 meters) to putting green this creates a challenge into your putting green.

Comfort and Convenience

Don’t forget about comfort for your putting green. Install seating and shade options (such as a small pergola or umbrella) near your putting green. This setup allows for rest between shots and provides protection from the sun and make an area that can be enjoyed. Good lighting (like LED garden lights) can extend your pay time into the evening hours, maximising the use of your synthetic putting green.

Final Thoughts

Transforming your backyard into a golfer’s paradise combines creativity and passion for the game. You can create a personalised putting green that caters to your specific needs. The installation of high-quality synthetic putting greens provides family fun.

We at Unreal Lawns & Courts are passionate about helping homeowners create their ideal putting green spaces. Our premium artificial grass solutions are perfect for backyard golf setups. Don’t wait to start your transformation – begin planning your backyard today and take the first step towards your putting green in comfort of your own home.