Many golfers dream of having a backyard green, but few know what it takes to make it a reality.
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No two golfers are alike. But many of us share similar ambitions. We would be happy breaking 80. We wouldn’t turn down an invitation for him Augusta. And if we had our druthers, our house would have one backyard by putting greenery.
Of these three ambitions, the last may be the closest. Which doesn’t mean it’s easy to achieve. Building a green yard takes time, money and expertise, and for most people, it’s not a DIY project. It’s usually a job best left to the professionals. But no matter how you go about it, you’ll have to make a number of important decisions.
What are the questions you should ask yourself? Here are some key takeaways from a recent article on USGA Green Section Registrationwhich laid out instructions on how to turn your backyard dream into a reality.
Real or synthetic terrain?
When asked what he preferred, real grass or Astroturf, former Boston Red Sox pitcher Bill “Space Man” Lee famously replied, “I don’t know. I never smoked Astroturf.” As far as we know, he never built a backyard by putting in greenery. But if he had, he likely would have gone with synthetic turf, mainly due to cost and comfort. Sure, real grass is sweet, but maintaining it in golf conditions is labor intensive and expensive. According to the USGA article, even “a modest public course can spend more than $10,000 a year to maintain each of its greens.” Synthetic greens require some maintenance. They are also easier to install.
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Location, location, location
The type of putting green you build is bound to be affected by the site. How much sunlight does it get? Is there a reliable source of water? How is the climate? Depending on the answers, natural grass may not even be an option. Other factors, such as the slope of the terrain (will it need to be graded?) and ease of access for construction equipment will influence your decision. And then there is soil and drainage. It’s possible—but unlikely—that the native soil in your backyard is suitable for a natural grass green. Most likely, you will need to purchase sand-based materials in which natural turf can thrive. Proper drainage is another must. There’s a good chance you need to install it. Is authentic terrain sound preferable to you now?
Size matters. So is the price
According to a recent USGA study, 5,550 square feet is the average size of a green on a golf course in this country. Backyard greens tend to be smaller. But the costs of building them still add up. While a lot depends on the region and construction, here’s a good rule of thumb: A putting green usually costs somewhere between $18 and $20 per square foot. This is just for the materials. The average cost of building a synthetic green is higher (over $30 per square foot or more, depending on the quality of the material). But again, their maintenance is significantly less expensive. And they last a relatively long time, especially given the minimal maintenance required, with an expected lifespan of around 10 years.
Design features
Are you itching to unleash your inner Tom Doak and design a green with wild waves? Or maybe you’re working with a tight and awkward space? Here, again, synthetic turf is often the most sensible choice, as they minimize headaches. No need to worry about how to maneuver your mower, or where exactly to place the sprinkler heads. On the other hand, the USGA article points out, synthetic turf gives you less flexibility with hole location, since you can’t swap out the cups like you can with natural turf. You can read more knowledge from the article here.
