When you think about upgrading your backyard, a pool or a patio might come to mind first. But what if you could add a feature that offers both sophisticated fun and a stunning visual centerpiece? A custom-designed artificial putting green is the perfect way to create a unique entertainment space for family and friends. It’s not just for serious golfers; it’s a source of endless fun for guests at your next barbecue or a relaxing activity for the kids. We’ll show you how this low-maintenance, high-impact addition can transform your outdoor living area into the most popular spot in the neighborhood.
Make your friends green with envy by installing artificial putting greens in your backyard! There’s no better way to improve your game than by being able to practice from the comfort of your home. Artificial putting greens have a natural look and give your ball a roll and bounce similar to that of a natural grass golf course. Yet, unlike a professional golf course, artificial putting greens from Gappsi have no divots, never need overseeding, and require very minimal maintenance and water usage, allowing you to save a hefty amount of time and money.
Our durable, high-quality artificial putting green turf is perfect putt putt, mini-golf, backyard putting greens, golf mats, or driving ranges.
We sell thousands of square feet of our top-tier quality artificial golf green per year and our superior design and installation crews have the knowledge and ability to help make even your grandest golf vision a reality.
Benefits Of Artificial Putting Greens
When asking what the benefits are of installing synthetic grass in your home or office, a better question to ask might be, what isn’t a benefit of artificial grass?:
- Pet-friendly – muddy paws, pests, and an unkempt yard are often among the top complaints from pet owners with a natural grass lawn. With artificial grass from Gappsi, you’ll no longer have to worry about Fido becoming infected with ticks or tracking dirt and mud into your clean home.
- Excellent for water conservation – for homeowners seeking ways to lower their consumption, synthetic grass is an excellent option, as it requires no regular watering. That’s an investment you can feel good about!
- Free of allergens and pesticides – allergies are a thing of the past with synthetic grass, which leaves no trace of allergens. Additionally, there’s no need to apply harmful chemicals and pesticides, so you can feel safe letting kids and pets play on the lawn.
- Low-maintenance – gone are the days when you constantly have to re-sod and add fertilizer to your lawn. With artificial grass, all you need is a leaf blower and a garden hose to remove dust and debris.
- A smart investment – if a high return on investment is a top concern, it doesn’t get much better than artificial grass. Gappsi synthetic grass products possess a 10-15 year life expectancy, with no need to re-seed or water daily, as with traditional grass.
Creating a Putting Green That Is Fun & Functional
Do you like to entertain? If you’re the house that always hosts holiday gatherings, Superbowl parties, and casual get-togethers, it’s worth it to put in a feature that everyone will love!
Everyone likes to practice right? Whether you’re a long-time golfer or just starting out in the game, having a place to practice putts is essential to improving your technique. Imagine just stepping out into your backyard ready to putt!
But how does it look? The aesthetics of the turf are a rich, green fiber that is highly realistic in appearance. Gappsi’s synthetic turf offers a crisp aesthetic for your outdoor space that lasts, and everyone can enjoy.
Gappsi Will Help You Evaluate The Many Details Of A New Artificial Putting Greens
Putting greens for backyards is ideal for improving your short game, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting into the sport. However, the putting green design you choose will be different based on your skill level, practice needs, and the logistics of your outdoor space. The putting green design process begins with our professional design team asking you a few basic questions, such as:
- What putting material should be used?
- Nylon versus Polypropylene?
- How large should the green be?
- Where to put undulations and hole locations?
- What type of shots do you want to practice?
- Are you trying to improve your short game?
- How much Fringe / Chipping area should I have?
- Do you want a border around the green?
- Do you want landscaping features like boulders sand traps, grass bunkers, etc.?
Once we receive your input and provide recommendations, we will start the design process which includes turf product integration and installation guidelines for our team. Then the installers will get to work creating the putting green of your dreams!
Different Elements You Can Design Into Your Putting Green
With minimal upkeep (no watering, mowing, weeding, or re-seeding) your putting green will be in great shape year-round. The versatility and durability of artificial grass mean that your green will stand up to consistent use for years to come. But turf is far from the only element of your backyard golf green. To add difficulty and visual interest, consider adding some of these features:
- Breaks
- Elevations
- Moguls
- Bunkers
- Tee Boxes
- Shape
- Speed
- Chipping Areas
- Fringes
Putting Greens For Backyards and Front Yards Sands Point Long Island NY
Gappsi custom-built large putting greens for a front yard of a resident in Sands Point NY, located in Nassau County on Long Island. We built a putting green that included two sand bunkers. We used short grass for the center and a taller synthetic turf for the french of the putting green. In addition, Gappsi installed 4 putting holes and 4 flags. The design of the putting green is built in front of the home so as you drive up you can see it. The natural grass is installed to grow right next to the synthetic turf and blends in seamlessly.
Check out our video showcasing Gappsi’s latest Sports Game Courts in Nassau County on Long Island NY.
Understanding the Cost of an Artificial Putting Green
When you decide to add a putting green to your backyard, one of the first questions you’ll have is about the cost. The price can vary quite a bit, depending on the path you choose and the features you want. The two main routes are professional installation and a do-it-yourself approach. While a DIY project might seem like a way to save money initially, a professional installation is an investment in quality, performance, and the overall value of your property. A professionally installed green is designed to fit your specific landscape, drain properly, and provide a true-to-life roll for years to come, making it the preferred choice for those serious about their game and their home’s aesthetic.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
Opting for a professional installation ensures you get a tour-quality green that’s built to last. Experts handle everything from site preparation and base construction to turf selection and final shaping, which is crucial for realistic play. According to industry experts, a professionally installed backyard putting green typically costs between $15 and $40 per square foot. This price reflects the expertise, high-quality materials, and specialized equipment required for a flawless finish. While DIY kits are available and cost less upfront, they often result in an uneven surface, poor drainage, and a less durable product. For a seamless integration into your landscape and a truly functional practice area, working with a team of professionals is the best way to achieve your vision.
Factors That Influence the Final Price
Several key factors will determine the final cost of your putting green project. The overall size is the most obvious—a larger green requires more materials and labor. However, the complexity of the design also plays a significant role. If you want custom shaping with challenging undulations, multiple cuts of fringe, or several holes, the price will increase. The condition of your existing yard is another consideration; if the site needs extensive grading or drainage solutions, that will add to the cost. Finally, any extra features you desire, like sand traps, chipping areas, or integrated landscaping, will be factored into the final quote. Understanding these elements helps you see where your investment is going and allows you to prioritize features that matter most to you.
Types of Artificial Putting Greens
Not all artificial putting greens are created equal. The market offers a range of options that cater to different needs, spaces, and budgets. Your choice will depend on whether you’re looking for a permanent, professional-grade practice area or a more temporary, casual solution. The main categories include professionally installed greens that become a permanent fixture of your landscape, portable mats that you can roll out anywhere, and interlocking tiles that offer a bit more customization than a simple mat. Each type has its own set of benefits and limitations, so it’s helpful to consider how you plan to use your green before making a decision.
Professionally Installed Greens
For the ultimate backyard golf experience, nothing beats a professionally installed putting green. These are custom-designed and constructed right in your yard, becoming a permanent and beautiful part of your landscape. At Gappsi, we specialize in creating these high-performance synthetic turf and game courts that offer a true ball roll and realistic feel. Because they are built from the ground up with a proper base, they provide excellent drainage and durability. This is the ideal solution for serious golfers who want to practice their short game on a surface that mimics a real course or for homeowners looking to add a unique, high-end entertainment feature to their outdoor living space.
Portable Putting Mats
Portable putting mats are a great entry-level option for those with limited space or who aren’t ready to commit to a permanent installation. These are typically long, narrow strips of turf that you can roll out in a hallway, basement, or on your patio for some quick practice. They are easy to store and move, making them a convenient choice for indoor or outdoor use. However, they have their limitations. Most mats only allow for straight putts and don’t offer the realistic feel of a professionally installed green. They are a good tool for working on your stroke, but they won’t help you practice reading breaks or chipping from different lies.
Interlocking Turf Tiles
Interlocking turf tiles offer a middle ground between a portable mat and a fully installed green. These modular squares connect to create a putting surface of a custom size and shape, which gives you more flexibility than a standard mat. They are relatively easy to assemble and can be taken apart for storage, making them a good option for indoor game rooms or temporary outdoor setups. While they are more versatile than a roll-out mat, the seams between the tiles can sometimes affect the ball’s roll, and they don’t provide the authentic undulations or fringe areas that make a permanent green so valuable for practice. They are best suited for casual, indoor use.
### Customizing Your Green’s Performance
One of the best parts of designing a personal putting green is that you can tailor its performance to match your skill level and practice goals. You’re not stuck with the conditions of a public course; you can create a surface that challenges you perfectly. This involves understanding a few key concepts that influence how the ball behaves, allowing you to create a green that’s not just beautiful but also highly functional for improving your game. A professional team can help you fine-tune these elements to get the exact experience you’re looking for, whether you want a lightning-fast surface for tournament prep or a more forgiving speed for casual family fun.
Understanding Stimp Rating and Ball Speed
The “Stimp” rating is a term golfers use to describe the speed of a putting green, or how fast the ball rolls across the surface. A higher Stimp number means a faster green. The great thing about artificial turf is that this speed is adjustable. The amount of infill—typically sand—added to the turf is the primary factor that controls the ball’s speed. Adding more infill will slow the green down, while using less will make it faster. This customization allows you to replicate the conditions of your favorite golf course or create a specific speed that helps you work on your putting stroke with consistency, right in your own backyard.
Choosing the Right Turf for Your Putting Green
Not all artificial turf is created equal, especially when it comes to a putting green. The material you choose will directly impact the look, feel, and durability of your practice area. The right turf provides a smooth, consistent roll that mimics the experience of playing on a high-end natural grass course. When you install a putting green, you’ll need to consider the type of fiber used, as well as technical specs like its weight and height. Making an informed decision here ensures your investment not only looks great but also stands up to years of practice and Long Island weather, giving you a reliable surface to perfect your short game whenever you want.
Turf Materials: What’s the Difference?
The type of plastic used to create the turf blades is the foundation of your putting green’s performance. The three main materials you’ll encounter are nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Each has its own set of characteristics that make it suitable for different applications and environments. For example, some materials are better at resisting the sun’s UV rays, making them ideal for outdoor installations, while others offer a specific texture or stiffness. Understanding these differences is the first step in selecting a turf that will meet your expectations for playability and longevity, ensuring your green performs exactly as you envision it.
Nylon Turf
Nylon is an incredibly durable and resilient material for artificial turf. Its fibers have a stiffness that provides a very true and consistent ball roll, which is why it’s a popular choice for high-quality indoor putting greens. It’s also fire-retardant, adding a layer of safety for indoor applications. However, nylon’s biggest drawback is its tendency to fade over time with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. For this reason, it’s generally recommended for indoor practice areas or covered outdoor spaces where it won’t be subjected to the sun’s harsh UV rays day after day.
Polyethylene and Polypropylene Turf
For outdoor putting greens, polyethylene and polypropylene are the go-to materials. Both are highly resistant to fading from sun exposure, so your green will maintain its vibrant color for years. Polyethylene is known for being the softest of the turf materials, giving it a more realistic feel that many golfers prefer. It’s also often made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice. Polypropylene is a bit stiffer and is also a very popular option for putting greens. Often, you’ll find turf that blends these materials to combine their benefits for the perfect balance of softness, resilience, and realistic play.
Technical Specifications to Look For
Beyond the type of material, a few technical specifications on the product sheet will tell you a lot about the turf’s quality and how it will perform. These details might seem minor, but they make a huge difference in the durability and playability of your putting green. Paying attention to metrics like face weight and pile height will help you compare different turf products effectively. This ensures you select a high-quality surface that can withstand frequent use and provide the consistent performance you need to seriously work on your short game.
Face Weight
Face weight refers to the weight of the turf fibers in one square yard, not including the backing. Think of it like thread count in sheets—a higher face weight means more material, which translates to a denser and more durable turf. For a quality putting green that will last, you should look for a face weight between 40 and 60 ounces. This density provides a lush appearance and ensures the surface can handle regular foot traffic and practice sessions without wearing down quickly, giving you a long-lasting and reliable green.
Pile Height
Pile height is simply the length of the turf blades, measured from the backing to the tip. For a putting green, you want a low pile height to ensure the ball rolls smoothly and consistently without any wobble. The ideal range is typically between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. This shorter height mimics the tightly mown grass of a real golf green and is crucial for accurate practice. A pile height that’s too long will cause the ball to sink and slow down unpredictably, defeating the purpose of a practice green.
What to Consider Before Installing
Before you break ground, there are a few practical considerations to think about. A backyard putting green is a fantastic addition to your home, but it’s an investment of both money and space. Thinking through the initial cost and understanding some of the environmental factors, like how the sun will affect the surface, will help you plan your project effectively. At Gappsi, we guide homeowners through these questions every day, ensuring the final result is a perfect fit for their property and lifestyle. A little bit of planning upfront ensures there are no surprises and that you’ll be happy with your new green for years to come.
Initial Investment
A professionally installed putting green is a significant home improvement project, and the cost reflects the quality of the materials and the expertise of the installation. On average, you can expect the price to range from $15 to $40 per square foot. This cost covers the high-quality turf, base preparation, infill, and labor required to create a perfectly smooth and functional surface. While it’s a notable investment, a backyard green adds value to your home and provides countless hours of enjoyment and practice. It’s a feature that enhances your lifestyle, especially for an avid golfer or a family that loves outdoor activities.
Surface Temperature in Direct Sunlight
One common question about artificial turf is whether it gets hot in the sun. The answer is yes, like many surfaces, it can absorb heat on a hot, sunny day. However, the benefits of having a maintenance-free, perfectly playable green year-round often outweigh this concern for most homeowners. The surface cools down quickly once it’s in the shade, and a light spray with a hose can also bring the temperature down if needed. Furthermore, the type of infill used can also influence surface temperature, so it’s a factor to discuss with your installation professional during the design phase.
SCHEDULE A MEETING TODAY WITH GAPPSI
VIEW OUR VIDEO OF PUTTING GREENS IN BACKYARDS & FRONTYARDS
https://youtu.be/Es6Ux87GSDc
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a putting green only for serious golfers? Not at all! While it’s an amazing tool for improving your short game, a backyard putting green is really a unique entertainment feature for everyone. It becomes a natural gathering spot during parties and barbecues, offering a fun activity for guests of all ages, whether they’ve ever held a club or not. Think of it as a sophisticated and interactive addition to your outdoor living space that your family and friends will love.
How much maintenance does an artificial putting green actually need? This is one of the best parts—the upkeep is incredibly minimal. Forget about mowing, watering, or fertilizing. Your main tasks will be using a leaf blower to clear off any leaves or debris and occasionally rinsing the surface with a hose to wash away dust. It’s a huge time-saver compared to maintaining a natural lawn, giving you more time to actually enjoy your yard.
Can a putting green be designed to fit my specific yard and skill level? Absolutely. A custom putting green is designed to work with your landscape, not against it. Whether you have a large, open space or a smaller, more unique area, the green can be shaped to fit perfectly. We can also tailor the difficulty by incorporating different slopes, undulations, and even features like sand traps or chipping areas to match your practice goals and create the exact experience you’re looking for.
How long can I expect my new putting green to last? A professionally installed putting green is a long-term investment in your home. With the high-quality, durable materials we use, you can expect your green to last for 10 to 15 years. It’s built to withstand consistent use and the changing Long Island seasons, so it will remain a beautiful and functional feature of your home for many years.
Will the turf get too hot for my kids and pets to use in the summer? It’s true that artificial turf, like any surface, can get warm in direct sunlight on a hot day. However, it’s a manageable issue. The surface cools down quickly in the shade, and a light spray from a garden hose can bring the temperature down instantly if needed. The materials are completely safe for both children and pets to play on.
Key Takeaways
- Customize your green for function and fun: A personal putting green is more than just turf; it’s a design feature. You can tailor everything from the ball speed to the addition of bunkers and chipping areas to create a space that’s perfect for both serious practice and casual entertaining.
- Prioritize the right turf specifications: For a green that performs like the real thing, focus on the technical details. Choose a turf with a low pile height (between 1/2 and 3/4 inch) for a smooth roll and a high face weight (40-60 oz) for durability that lasts season after season.
- Opt for professional installation to protect your investment: The foundation of a great putting green is what’s underneath. A professional installation ensures proper site preparation and drainage, which is essential for a flawless, true-rolling surface that adds lasting value to your home.