Want to Build a Backyard Putting Green? Here Are 4 Key Considerations

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping out your back door and sinking putts on your very own green, you're not alone. Backyard putting greens are becoming a must-have for golf lovers in Colorado who want to improve their short game or just enjoy a low-maintenance, great-looking yard.

But before you grab a putter and start sketching a design in the dirt, there are a few important decisions to make. At Indy Artificial Turf, we’ve built custom putting greens for all kinds of homes and properties. We know what it takes to get backyard putting green installation right and, more importantly, how to avoid the mistakes that can ruin your game before the first putt.

So if you’re ready to bring the green to your backyard, here are four key things to consider.

1. Location, Location... Drainage?

Sure, you want your green close to the patio or in a spot with a great view, but more importantly, you want it somewhere that drains well. Poor drainage can lead to water pooling, uneven surfaces, and damage to the base layers underneath your turf.

Take a look at your yard:

• Is there a flat or gently sloped area?

• Does water tend to collect there after a rainstorm?

• Is there space for a fringe or chipping area?

We’ll work with you to assess the right placement based on both your goals and what your yard can handle. Our turf systems are designed to drain efficiently, but even the best turf can’t fight gravity if it’s installed in a basin.

Don’t forget the sun. If your yard has shady spots, that’s fine but if you’re adding features like sand traps or flags, make sure they’re not hidden in the shadows.

2. What Kind of Golfer Are You? (Be Honest.)

Let’s talk about your game. Are you a weekend warrior looking to shave a few strokes off your short game? Or are you building your own personal Augusta? Or maybe you're designing something fun for the whole family.

Your answer will shape the design, speed, and complexity of the green. A few things to think about:

• Green Speed: Known as the Stimp rating. Want a fast roll? We can install turf that mimics professional conditions. Prefer something more casual? We’ve got you covered there, too.

• Breaks and Undulations: Subtle slopes add challenge and realism, but too much contour and the ball won’t stop rolling.

• Hole Count and Placement: Most backyards do well with one to three holes. We’ll help you space them out for the best playability.

• Fringe and Chipping Area: If you want to practice chips, not just putts, you’ll need a fringe made from a different turf type and a little extra space.

We design every putting green around how you actually want to use it, not just what looks good on paper.

3. Turf Selection and Base Prep Matter More Than You Think

Not all artificial turf is created equal, especially when it comes to putting greens. A real practice green needs:

• Tight pile height for a smooth, realistic ball roll

• Durability to handle foot traffic, pets, and the Colorado elements

• UV resistance to prevent fading in our intense sun

At Indy Artificial Turf, we source high-quality materials that are built for performance and longevity. We also know the secret to a great roll is what’s beneath the turf.

Here’s what goes into it:

• Excavation and Grading to shape the surface and improve drainage

• A Crushed Stone Base compacted for stability

• Shock Pad Layers (optional) for added softness or slope shaping

• Seaming and Infill that hold the turf in place and control speed

We take care of all of that so your green stays playable and attractive for years to come, no matter how many rounds you play on it.

4. Maintenance: Less Than Grass, But Not Zero

One of the biggest perks of an artificial putting green? No mowing, no watering, no aeration. But that doesn’t mean you can set it and forget it completely.

You’ll want to:

• Brush the surface occasionally to keep the fibers standing upright

• Rinse it off to remove dust, pollen, and leaves

• Check for settling in the base layer over time, especially if you’ve had a heavy freeze or tons of foot traffic

• Replenish infill every few years if needed

We’ll walk you through how to care for your green, and we’re always a call away if you need help. The bottom line? You’ll spend a lot more time using your green than maintaining it, which is exactly how it should be.

Ready to Start Building?

Designing a backyard putting green should be fun, not frustrating. We’re here to make it easy, from the first site visit to your first birdie. Whether you’re imagining a mini oasis or a short-game training ground, we’ll help you turn that vision into a playable, durable, and great-looking feature that raises the bar on your entire yard.

Let’s tee it up. Call Indy Artificial Turf at (720) 263-6513 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.