Backyard putting greens

Putting green turf has short, dense fibers designed for a ball to roll across, not for walking barefoot. The surface is only as good as the base under it, because every dip or bump shows up in the roll. Greens range from a small practice strip off the patio to a multi-cup green with fringe and a chipping area.

What makes a good green?

• A precisely shaped base. The installer builds and compacts the base in layers, then shapes in the breaks and contours you want.
• The right turf and infill. Putting turf is usually filled with sand and brushed in. The amount affects how fast the green rolls.
• Clean cup installation. Cups are set level with the surface so the ball drops instead of skipping.
• Fringe and transitions. A taller fringe turf around the green gives a border, catches chip shots and blends into the rest of the yard.

How big should it be?

Think about how you'll use it. A short green with one or two cups is plenty for lag and short-putt practice. If you want to chip onto it, you need enough room behind it to stand and swing, plus a fringe to keep balls from rolling off into rock. An installer can mark out a few shapes so you can see them in the yard before deciding.

Sun, wind and dust

Havasu's sun and wind push dust and grit onto every outdoor surface. On a putting green, that debris slows the roll and can change how the green plays. Regular brushing and the occasional blow-off keep it consistent. Ask the installer how often they recommend topping off the infill.

The installer prices the job after measuring the area and seeing what has to come out, what the ground is like and how the space drains. We don't quote prices, and a figure given over the phone before a site visit is only a rough starting point.

Where we connect you with help

• Lake Havasu City
• The Island, Lake Havasu City
• Desert Hills

Related services

• Artificial grass lawns
• Pet turf and dog runs
• Play area turf
• Lawn-to-turf conversions

More background: Lake Havasu artificial turf guide.