Quite a few of us work from home now… Why not “vacation” from home, too? At the very least, you can enjoy one of your favorite outdoor activities in the privacy of your own backyard, and skip the hassle of driving to the club. Install your own putting green, and you can golf whenever you want!
How big do you want it? Your putting green will, of course, be limited by the size of your yard. But if you have a large yard, you’re working with quite a bit of space. Think ahead to the future, and ask yourself if you might want to add other elements someday. If a pool, playground, or outdoor kitchen is a possibility, perhaps you don’t want to cover every square inch with a putting green.
Adults-only or family activity? Do you have kids or grandkids? Or might you have them someday? There’s nothing wrong with adults-only spaces either way. But if you’d like to include the children in your golf space, consider putting spaces designed especially for them. Elements that are fun for kids can make whimsical additions for adults, too.
Positioning your green. A professional landscape designer will work with your land’s natural features, to incorporate the elements you want in a way that doesn’t create unnatural water flow or other disturbances. Tee boxes can be strategically placed to take advantage of multiple holes, so that you can fit an entire mini-course into a backyard.
How much rise and fall? Generally speaking, you will want a level or near-level spot for your backyard putting green. While it is possible to build into the side of a hill, doing so can sometimes create drainage issues and other problems. Your course can be designed to incorporate slight natural rises and dips, but save the seriously challenging stuff for the pro courses.
Fringe or no fringe? Fringe adds a professional touch, and looks great too. Of course, it’s one more thing to maintain, so the choice is up to you.
Consider drainage. Without proper drainage, your dream putting green could become a nightmare mini-swamp. Four-inch perforated drainage pipe, laid in a trench underneath your green, is considered industry standard.
Artificial turf or natural grass? Artificial turf is low maintenance, but it’s not “no maintenance”. You will still need to clean it regularly, and brush it to “fluff” it up. As for natural grass, keep in mind that mowing to ⅛ inch is standard practice for putting greens. Natural grass will require more maintenance, but some golfers do prefer it.
Landscape around your green. The landscaping around your putting green can be as natural or as elaborate as you like. The idea is to help the green blend with the rest of your backyard, and any other elements that you want to include. Remember to avoid planting trees or messy shrubs near the green, as they will continually annoy you by dropping leaves or flowers onto your recreation space.
Give us a call to discuss your ideas, and we can help you to design a backyard putting green that suits your needs while complementing the exterior of your home.
