How Big Should a Backyard Putting Green Be? A Practical Guide for Homeowners

One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering a backyard putting green is also one of the most important: how big should it be? Too small, and it feels limiting after a few practice sessions. Too large and it may overwhelm your yard or your budget. The right size strikes a balance between playability, available space, and how you actually plan to use the green.

At Indy Artificial Turf & Landscaping, we design and install custom putting greens across Colorado, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal size depends on your goals, your yard, and how you want the green to function alongside the rest of your landscape. This guide will help you determine the right size for your backyard putting green, ensuring it’s both fun and functional, and built to last.

Start With How You’ll Use the Putting Green

Before measuring square footage, think about how you plan to use the green. Different goals call for different sizes.

If your primary goal is casual putting practice, a smaller green with one or two holes may be plenty. If you’re working on distance control, break reading, and short-game skills, you’ll want more space to vary putt lengths and angles. If the green is meant to be a family feature or entertainment space, size matters even more, so multiple people can use it at once.

Ask yourself:

• Will this be used daily or occasionally?

• Are you practicing solo or with friends and family?

• Do you want to add fringe for chipping practice?

• Should it double as a design feature in your yard?

Your answers will guide everything that follows.

Common Backyard Putting Green Sizes

While every project is custom, most residential putting greens fall into a few general size ranges.

Small Putting Greens (200–400 sq ft)

These are ideal for compact yards, side yards, or homeowners who want a simple practice area.

Best for:

• One to two cups

• Short putts (6–10 feet)

• Casual practice

• Tight spaces

A small green works well if you want a dedicated putting surface without sacrificing much yard space. It’s also a great entry point if you’re new to backyard greens.

Medium Putting Greens (400–800 sq ft)

This is the most popular size range for homeowners.

Best for:

• Two to three cups

• Putt lengths up to 20–25 feet

• Light slopes and breaks

• Fringe for bump-and-run shots

Medium greens allow for variety without overwhelming the yard. They feel realistic, challenging, and fun while still fitting comfortably into most residential landscapes.

Large Putting Greens (800–1,500+ sq ft)

For serious golfers or homeowners with larger properties, a big green opens the door to a true practice experience.

Best for:

• Three to five cups

• Long putts and multiple angles

• Significant breaks and tiers

• Full fringe and chipping zones

Larger greens offer the most versatility and realism, but they require more planning, more base work, and a higher investment. When done right, they become a showpiece feature.

Why Shape Matters More Than Square Footage

Size is important, but shape often matters even more. A well-designed 500 sq ft green can feel more dynamic than a flat 1,000 sq ft rectangle.

Custom shapes allow us to:

• Create natural breaks and contours

• Vary putt distances without adding length

• Fit the green organically into the landscape

• Avoid unused or awkward areas

Curves, subtle bends, and tiered sections make a green feel larger and more engaging without increasing its footprint.

Don’t Forget About Fringe Space

A great putting green isn’t just the putting surface. The fringe, the slightly taller turf around the green, adds realism and functionality.

Fringe allows you to practice chip shots, work on bump-and-run approaches, and protect the edges of the putting surface. It also visually frames the green for better contrast.

When planning size, we recommend budgeting an additional 2–5 feet of fringe around the green if space allows. This can significantly improve the playing experience without drastically increasing cost.

Yard Size and Layout Considerations

The size of your backyard doesn’t automatically determine the size of your green, but it does influence placement.

Small Yards

In compact spaces, a putting green often works best when tucked into:

• A corner

• Along a fence line

• Beside a patio or hardscape area

In these cases, a smaller green with creative shaping and one or two cups delivers plenty of value without crowding the space.

Medium to Large Yards

Larger yards offer more flexibility. Greens can be:

• Centrally located as a focal point

• Integrated with patios, fire pits, or seating areas

• Combined with artificial turf lawns for a cohesive look

Because Indy also installs hardscaping and fencing, we often design greens as part of a complete outdoor layout rather than a standalone feature.

Skill Level and Realism

Your golfing experience should influence green size.

• Beginner or casual golfers benefit from smaller greens with gentle slopes.

• Intermediate golfers enjoy medium greens with varied breaks and distances.

• Advanced golfers often prefer larger greens with multiple tiers and faster speeds.

Remember, realism comes from contours and cup placement, not just size. Even a modest green can feel challenging with the right design.

Budget Considerations

While artificial putting greens are low maintenance, size does affect the upfront cost.

Factors that scale with size include:

• Excavation and base preparation

• Turf material

• Fringe material

• Labor and grading time

That said, many homeowners find that a well-designed medium-sized green offers the best balance of performance and cost. Because Indy focuses on affordable, high-quality installations, we help clients maximize value without cutting corners.

Maintenance and Longevity

Bigger greens don’t mean harder maintenance, but they do mean more surface area. All putting greens require occasional brushing, infill adjustments, and leaf and debris removal.

Thus, smaller greens are quicker to maintain, while larger greens take slightly more time but still far less upkeep than natural grass. Regardless of size, a professionally built green can last 15–20 years with minimal care.

A Simple Rule of Thumb

If you’re still unsure, here’s a general guideline we use with homeowners:

• Under 400 sq ft – Casual use, tight spaces

• 400–800 sq ft – Most homeowners, best versatility

• 800+ sq ft – Serious golfers or large properties

From there, we fine-tune shape, slope, cup placement, and fringe to make the green feel just right.

Designing the Right Green With Indy

At Indy Artificial Turf & Landscaping, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter putting greens. Every project is custom-designed based on your space, goals, and budget. Because we also provide full landscaping, hardscaping, and fencing, we ensure your putting green fits seamlessly into your overall yard, not just dropped into place as an afterthought.

Whether you want a small practice spot or a full backyard golf experience, we help you choose a size that delivers the most enjoyment for years to come.

If you’re thinking about adding a putting green to your yard and want help deciding the perfect size, Indy Artificial Turf & Landscaping is here to help. Contact us today. We’ll walk your property, discuss your goals, and design a putting green that fits your yard, your game, and your lifestyle.