Installing a Putting Green

As the game of golf has become more attractive to a wider variety of people, it has created crowds on the putting greens at the local courses throughout the weekend.  Using tools that you probably already own and a few materials, you can install your own putting green in your backyard to improve your game and save money without ever leaving home.

Set Your Budget

Set your budget prior to beginning your project.  This will give you an idea of how much you can spend on the various materials that will go into your green.  A good professionally installed putting green can cost you between $5,000 and $25,000 depending on the size and who installs it.  While you can do this yourself for a lot less, there are several different options that can quickly run up the price. Determine which of the options are the most important to you and set your budget accordingly.

Choosing Your Location

1. Choose a location that will give you the ability to chip and pitch to the green without having to worry about breaking out windows in your home.  Choose a location that drains well and does not collect water because this will destroy your sub-base over time.


2. When choosing the location for the putting green you will need to decide whether you will be using real grass which will require irrigation and maintenance or artificial turf which will not give you the best roll but will be maintenance-free.  There are pros and cons to both scenarios and you have to choose the one that works best for you and your budget. For the purposes of this article we will discuss building a turf covered putting green. 


3. Measure and mark out the shape and size of your putting green using a spray paint marking tool. Your width measurement of your turf should be a multiple of 12' or 15'. These are the widths that turf come in, and rolls can be seamed together to create widths of 24', 36' or more. Once you choose and mark your location, practice chipping and pitching to it to make sure it is not too small.

Preparing your location

1. Remove all grass and grass roots from your location.  This can be done by mowing the area to the lowest level and using a sod cutter to remove the sod. 


2. Spray the area with weed and grass killer and then place a weed barrier over your space.  Do not dig too deeply and remember to keep the putting green high enough that it does not collect water from the surrounding area.


3. Determine the location of your cups and dig a small trench under the cup location out past the edge of the putting green. Fill the trench with gravel or a PVC pipe.  This will allow rain water to drain through the cups and under the surface of the green.


4. Bring in your crushed limestone that you will need for your sub-base for every 72 sq. ft or 12'x6' space; you will need one-ton of limestone.  You can find this stone at a local rock quarry or stone company at a very reasonable rate.  Most companies will deliver it. Make sure the company knows that you want unwashed stone which will be cheaper than washed stone.


5. Using a wheelbarrow or a small bobcat, place your limestone in your area and spread it evenly at a depth of at least 4". Pile it deeper in areas that you want to create slope, contour, or add extra depth.  Use the rake handle to create a smooth, even finish to your layer.


6. Compact your sub-base materials using a gas powered roller, a gas tamp, or a lawn roller. They can all be rented at your local rental store. 


7. Spray the stone lightly with water to keep your method of compacting from picking up your stone.  Smooth the small bumps, and dips with a rake or shovel. Repeat until your surface is solid.

Install your cups

1. Position the cups in your pre-chosen locations.  Dig a hole in your sub-base at a width of 4-1/4 inches. Place the cups in the hole, fitting them in until they are flush. Back fill any gaps surrounding the cups. Once the cups are in, pull out your golf clubs and check your contours and slopes to ensure the base is how you want it.


2. Add a small amount of 30 to 35 grit sand lightly across the top of your sub-base.  This will allow the putting green to expand and contract freely during the various weather conditions it will be subjected to.

Finishing your green

1. Cover your green using the manufacturer's directions of the turf covering that you have chosen to use. Turf should not be glued and seaming the turf edges together will vary based on the brand of turf.


2. Cut the holes for your cups using a sharp utility knife with new blades.  Start by making an "X" inside of the cup and using that to cut close to the inside edges of your cups. Use scissors to finish trimming around your holes.  You are now ready to play.