How to Make a Backyard Putting Green: From First Sketch to Final Putt
- Indy Artificial Turf
- Oct 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 14
Nothing sharpens your short game or impresses your golf-loving friends quite like stepping outside to a smooth, private putting green. And with today’s advances in artificial turf technology, Colorado homeowners can build a green that rolls true 365 days a year, shrugs off snow, and never needs mowing.
Below, we walk you through every stage of the project, from sizing and shaping to the finishing touches that blend the green into your overall landscape. Whether you’re a confident DIYer or simply want to understand the process before hiring pros, this putting green installation guide has you covered.
1. Dream Big, Then Measure Twice
Define Your Goals
Pure putting practice? A compact 300 sq ft oval works great.
Short-game work-out? Include a fringe for chipping and a small sand-style bunker.
Family fun zone? Add multiple cups and a gentle slope or two so kids won’t get bored.
Assess the Space
Use marking paint or a garden hose to sketch possible shapes. Consider:
Sun exposure – Full sun dries snow quickly but can heat turf; a bit of afternoon shade is ideal.
Existing drainage – Avoid natural low spots unless you’re ready to re-grade.
Access – You’ll need a path for wheelbarrows or a compact skid steer while digging the base.
A 20 ft × 30 ft rectangle (≈600 sq ft) is a popular sweet spot. Large enough for three cups plus fringe, yet manageable in most suburban yards.
2. Choose the Right Turf System
All artificial grasses are not created equal. For a backyard green, you need:
Low-Pile Putting Surface – Dense nylon or polypropylene blades ⅜–½ inches tall supply tour-level roll (Stimp 9–12).
Fringe Turf – A 1¼–1½ inch landscape turf that can accept chip shots and frame the green.
Cup & Flag Kit – Regulation 4¼-inch cups and fiberglass pins.
Silica Sand Infill – 30–50 mesh for the putting surface; less in the fringe.
Optional Shock Pad – Closed-cell pad for a softer feel or to fine-tune speed.
Make sure the turf is UV-stabilized for Colorado’s mile-high sunshine and backed with perforations that drain at least 20 inches per hour.
3. Excavate and Build a Rock-Solid Base
Strip Sod and Topsoil
Cut at least three inches below your intended finish grade (four if your native soil is clay). Remove roots and rocks.
Install Containment Edging
Pressure-treated lumber, flexible bender board, or poured curb locks gravel in place and gives your green crisp lines.
Lay Geo-Fabric
A woven stabilization fabric prevents soil from migrating into the base, keeping drainage fast for decades.
Add Crusher-Fines Base (3–4 in.)
Spread ¼-minus granite fines in two-inch lifts, watering lightly and compacting each layer with a vibratory plate. Aim for 95 % compaction; if a heel print leaves more than ⅛ in dent, compact again.
Shape Your Slopes
Use a landscape rake and a laser level to sculpt breaks. A 1–3 % grade is challenging yet playable. Place cup locations on mildly sloped areas; extreme slopes frustrate golfers and collect water.
4. Set Cups Like the Pros
Auger or hand-dig each hole through the compacted base. Slip PVC sleeves until the lip sits ¼ inch below the future turf height. This gap disappears once turf and sand go in. Tamp crusher fines firmly around every sleeve so they never wiggle.
5. Install Optional Shock Pad
If you want a slightly softer underfoot feel or need to raise ball speed, roll a closed-cell foam pad over the entire surface, trimming around cups. Tape seams with manufacturer-approved adhesive. Choose a pad rated for –40 °F flexibility so Colorado winters won’t crack it.
6. Roll Out, Seam, and Trim Turf
Dry-lay the putting carpet first, ensuring blade direction matches your planned putting line; nap affects ball roll. Butt seams tightly, glued with two-part polyurethane adhesive on specialized seaming tape, and weight boards on top for even curing.
Trim excess around edges with a sharp hook knife, then repeat the process for fringe strips, tucking their edges slightly under the green for a seamless finish.
7. Sand Infill for Speed and Protection
Pour kiln-dried silica sand in 20-lb increments and broom aggressively. For a 600 sq ft surface, you’ll use 600–800 lbs. The sand nestles between fibers, guards against UV, and sets green speed. More sand equals faster roll. Add fringe infill sparingly; you want soft bite, not putting-green pace.
Test with a dozen putts. If balls roll slower than desired, add 10 % more sand and brush again. Not happy with the break? Add a little sand on the low side to tweak.
8. Finish the Scene with Full Landscaping
Because Indy Landscapes handles both turf and complete landscape design, we can integrate:
Low-voltage LED path lights that turn the green into an evening practice space.
Boulder or timber retaining walls to frame elevated sections.
Xeric plant beds filled with Russian sage, yarrow, and native grasses — low water, high color.
Flagstone or paver patios for spectators (and post-putt refreshments).
A discreet sand-style bunker filled with white golf sand for real-world practice.
These extras turn a simple practice pad into a backyard showpiece that boosts property value.
9. Maintenance: Simple Routines for Tour-Level Performance
Leaf Blow Weekly – Keep debris off the surface to avoid buried organic matter.
Brush Monthly – A stiff-bristle broom or power brush lifts fibers and redistributes sand.
Top-Up Sand Annually – Colorado’s dry winds can whisk away a thin layer; 50–100 lbs per year keeps ball speed consistent.
Rinse Quarterly – A quick hose spray removes dust and pollen that slow putts.
Snow Removal – Use a plastic shovel or leaf blower. Never chip ice with metal tools.
With these five tasks, about an hour a month total, your green will deliver a perfect roll for 15–20 years.
10. DIY or Bring in the Pros?
A confident handyperson can build a small green over a long weekend, but be realistic:
Heavy Lifting: Hauling a ton of crusher fines is serious cardio.
Precision Grading: Even ¼-inch dips show up in your putting line.
Seam Work: Invisible seams require practice and pro-grade glue.
Tool Rental Costs: Compactors, lasers, and plate tampers add up.
For many golfers, hiring Indy Artificial Turf & Landscaping saves time, sweat, and a handful of golf buddies who would rather play than push wheelbarrows. We deliver tour-quality contours, laser-straight seams, and full landscaping integration in as little as three to four working days, backed by industry-leading warranties.
Ready to Sink More Birdie Putts at Home?
Crafting a backyard putting green is equal parts engineering and artistry. Excavate too shallow or skip the drainage fabric, and you’ll battle puddles; rush contouring and the break will never feel natural. Follow the steps above, or trust the Indy pros, and you’ll enjoy a personal practice green that stays lightning-fast in July, drains instantly in March, and looks flawless at every holiday barbecue.
Want a free, no-pressure design consultation? Call (720) 263-6513, email info@indyartificialturf.com, or request a quote online. From the first shovel of soil to the final flagstick, Indy Artificial Turf & Landscaping turns your backyard into the ultimate golfer’s retreat—so you can shave strokes without ever leaving home.
