How to Build an Outdoor Putting Green

Have you ever thought of turning your outdoor property into a golf course extension? By building your own putting green, you can have fun practicing your putting by yourself or with friends and family -- right in your own back yard. Here are some suggestions to help you build an outdoor putting green as part of your garden.

Instructions

1. USE A PROFESSIONAL OR DO YOUR HOMEWORK
   If you want a real putting green just like at the golf course, expect the installation will be somewhat expensive and complicated. But it certainly can be done. There are landscape companies that specialize in building outdoor putting greens. Or you can do your research into how to do the job yourself.

2. STUDY DRAINAGE
   One reason it is complicated is that drainage must be perfect to maintain that smooth coating of grass. The putting green should be built on sand or on soil mixed with a high sand content. For the best drainage a putting green is best raised slightly above the rest of the lawn. Greens need to be kept meticulously weeded and evenly watered.

3. CHOOSE SPECIAL TURF VARIETIES
   Another reason putting greens can cost more is because a special grass variety needs to be used and it cannot be seeded inexpensively. Regular grass varieties won't give you fine blades and the kind of lawn that will handle close cropping to give the smooth carpeting you'll need. Try varieties like Tifdwarf or Tifgreen. Putting green grasses are developed as special hybrids just for this use and must be planted by plugs, sod or sprigs.

4. BE FLEXIBLE
   Be aware that you CAN do the job with less expensive grass if you just want an informal putting green more for effect and hobby sport.

5. BUILD IN THE RIGHT LOCATION
   Build your putting green where it will get regular, deep watering and plenty of sunshine. The contours of the surface should be calculated by someone who understands the roll of the ball into the hole.

6. CONSIDER ARTIFICIAL LAWN
   Another popular alternative to real grass is to build a putting green using synthetic lawn. The substrate under the putting green still needs to be formed carefully to keep its shape, but the building and maintenance will be much easier. Artificial lawns are very realistic and long lasting. Although the synthetic material is quite expensive, you will not need quantities.

7. For more information on how to build an outdoor putting green, please check the Resources listed below.

Resources

• Guide to Backyard Putting Greens
• eHow Spring Guide