As we like to tell our putting green clients here at Virginia Artificial Grass, YOU call the shots.
We’ll handle the entire installation process and help you polish your design or come up with a concept, but ultimately, our job is to make sure you achieve your vision.
That’s why we’ve compiled a quick list of tips for how to successfully plan an artificial grass putting green, complete with examples to get you going.
Before that, let’s discuss why artificial turf in Virginia is your best option in the first place.
Natural Grass vs. Artificial Grass for Putting Greens
Natural grass is the traditional choice for golf courses, but it poses serious issues when we’re talking about home putting greens:
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Natural grass is unpredictable
There are many problems that can crop up with natural grass. It’s unpredictable, both in the short-term (rainfall) and over time (erosion). Not only can irrigation pumps fail or leak, but natural grass also needs a lot of water to stay green and healthy.
You’ll have the opposite problem if you don’t keep it watered enough: brown and bald turf. Either way, you’re looking at spending time and money on maintenance to keep your putting green in shape, which is not what most people want from their backyard golf space.
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It doesn’t provide the ideal putting surface
Another important consideration is the playing surface. Putting greens require a very fine, consistent surface that mimics the texture and speed of a professional course.
Natural grass simply can’t produce the same quality putting green you’ll find at a country club. It grows fast and can become very patchy, even in good conditions.
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Natural lawns can be unsafe to play on
Natural grass isn’t always the safest choice for putting greens. It’s dangerously slippery when wet and can harbor bacteria from dog urine, dirt and other pollutants.
In addition, natural grass is a haven for weeds, which can affect the integrity of your putting surface.
Finally, chemicals like pesticides and herbicides, including the fertilizers used to maintain natural lawns, can be harmful to the environment and your pets.
Artificial Turf and Virginia Putting Greens
Artificial putting green grass, on the other hand, is specifically engineered to provide the ideal putting surface:
- Synthetic grass fibers are uniform and customizable to suit your putting green preferences.
- It doesn’t require water, mowing or any chemical treatment, allowing you to focus all of your energy on improving your golf game.
- It’s durable and can support heavy use and foot traffic for years on end.
- It’s versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use and has a life expectancy of 8-15 years (or more).
- The installation process is faster and easier than natural grass.
- You can get creative with the design of your putting green, which is the whole point of having one in the first place!
With all these benefits, it’s easy to understand why artificial grass is the preferred choice for most golfers.
Now that we’ve covered why you need an artificial putting green instead of a natural lawn, let’s look at the first step to planning your backyard golf paradise: putting together a design concept.
Tips for Planning Your Backyard Putting Green in Virginia
As mentioned above, YOU are in charge of the design process.
You can make your artificial putting green as creative or straightforward as you want, which opens up a world of possibilities.
Use the tips below to get the ball rolling!
1. Set realistic goals for your putting green
First, think about what you want to accomplish with your putting green. For example:
- Are you looking for a casual space to enjoy with friends and family?
- A dedicated practice area for improving your short game during the off-season when it’s too cold outside to play?
- Or do you want to be able to impersonate a pro on match day?
Setting clear goals for your putting green will help you understand what kind of experience you want to have on a daily basis and figure out how many people can be using the space at once.
2. Think about features you can incorporate into your design
You don’t need to commit to anything right away, but if you want to add something extra, like sand bunkers or a water hazard to your backyard putting green, make sure you have the space for them. You want to design something that works for you and the way you like to play golf.
For example, if you’re someone who prefers putting from a shorter distance, you might want to design your putting green so it has an elevated tee box.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more challenging putting experience, a bunker placement might be better. Sand bunkers will force you to hit the ball harder and faster to make it out.
And don’t forget that you can use your putting green as a backdrop for other activities! It’s perfect for picnics, dinner parties or grilling out with your friends and family.
3. Consider placement
You can place your putting green anywhere you want, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, it’s important to make sure your putting green isn’t in the way or hard to access. Is there enough room around the perimeter for people to walk around? Are there any breakables nearby, such as windows?
Do you want it near the pool, patio or garden? Near the grill or dining area? Maybe you have a sizable terrace or roof deck you want to use.
Figure out a location that fits your needs and taste and has enough space to accommodate the design you have in mind.
Get a FREE Quote on Artificial Turf Installation Near Me
These three tips alone will get you halfway to designing the perfect backyard putting green. But don’t be surprised if it takes a few tries to get something you truly love!
As for the technical aspects, such as drainage, slope and the amount of turf needed to cover your space, talk to our friendly team here at Virginia Artificial Grass.
We’re always happy to help our customers with the finer details of putting green installation. Of course, we’d love to help you out with the design and concept, too!
Call us now at 757-210-7690 or fill out our online contact form to get started on your new backyard putting green today!