The cost of installing putting greens in the USA can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size, materials, and installation. A basic putting green can be installed for around $2,000, while a more elaborate green with multiple holes and features can cost upwards of $50,000. The cost of materials can also vary depending on the type of grass used, with artificial turf being more expensive than natural grass. Installation costs can also vary depending on the size and complexity of the green.
Here are some factors that affect the cost of a putting green:
- Size: The size of the putting green will obviously affect the cost. A larger green will cost more to install than a smaller one.
- Materials: The type of materials used to build the green will also affect the cost. Artificial turf is more expensive than natural grass, but it is also more durable and requires less maintenance.
- Installation: The cost of installation will vary depending on the size and complexity of the green. A simple green can be installed for a few hundred dollars, while a more elaborate green with multiple holes and features can cost upwards of $50,000.
- Location: The location of the green can also affect the cost. A green that is located in a difficult-to-access area will cost more to install than a green that is located in a more accessible area.
- Maintenance: The cost of maintenance will also vary depending on the type of green. A green that is made of artificial turf will require less maintenance than a green that is made of natural grass.
If you are considering installing a putting green, it is essential to get quotes from several companies to get an idea of the range of costs. You should also consider the factors that will affect the cost of the green, such as the size, materials, installation, location, and maintenance.
We here at Man Cave Expert recommend putting in an artificial turf green. Why is that? Because of maintenance and cost. To keep a natural putting green rolling smooth and soft is a giant project in itself now add on the expense of buying the proper equipment to cut and maintain it and it is something we don’t recommend!
If you go the artificial route the most maintenance you will have is taking care of weeds! Nowadays artificial stuff can last years and feels great. You also get to save a lot of water.
One downside of artificial turf is that it can get very hot in the sun! That is something they don’t tell you when you buy it. But in some cases, the artificial turf gets hotter than just loose aggregate! So if you are in the sunbelt you may need to water it on the days you plan to work on your putting game!
How To Create Putting Green At Home
If your warm weather plans include increasing the fun level of your backyard by building your own putting green then check out our to-do list below of what you will want to do!
As mentioned above we always will advise installing an artificial putting green for too many reasons to list but we have provided some info on a natural one as well!
Natural Putting Green To-Do List
- Choose a location in your backyard that gets plenty of sunlight. Typically you will want a flatter site so you’re not moving a ton of soil around. But the natural option is great because it will be easier to make a flowy green.
- Clear the area of any debris or plants. You want to make sure you get everything by the root. Try not to remove any large trees because that is more work than you think. Removing everything to the roots helps so that you can start new with the new type of grass you will put down.
- Mark the outline of your putting green with stakes and string. We definitely recommend drawing it out first and then placing it down prior to doing anything to make sure it will fit.
- Remove 8-10 inches of soil from the area. Compact the base with a tamper or a compaction machine. The machine will make this work easy.
- Add sand to the giant hole you have just made. It could be a lot of sand depending of the size of your green. Remember that you must compact the sand down so if you are using a hand tamper it’s probably best to do two 5-inch lifts to make sure everything is compacted. If you don’t do any compaction the area will settle over time causing holes and bumps in your green. Now is the time to get creative with your green but just make sure it will be playable in the end. Be sure to have some drainage to one side or the other so that rain doesn’t collect on the green and bog it down. It is also probably best to be higher than your surrounding lawn to that rain collection isn’t an issue. If you have a lot of clay in your soil you may have to use some slotted pipes under the green to move water away quicker so you can 1 putt your way to the hole quickly after a storm.
The sand you use should be sand that can drain well. If you can get your hands on it find a sand that meets the specs of the USGA specifications. It is quite common in the big box DIY stores. Want to dive deeper into their specifications of sand check out the USGA topdressing programs for greens.
- Sow grass seed or sod over the area. The basic rule is that seeding will provide better quality while sod will be a lot easier to install. You need to ensure you get the correct seed for your area! This is very important. What works in Florida doesn’t work in Michigan. Check the USDA plant hardiness map for your zone!
- Now it’s time for maintenance! We highly recommend that you talk to a lawn care expert about how to fertilize and water your area. Your green could be usable in about 2 to 3 months and in about 4 months your green will be ready for the masters! So with that said make sure you start your project early because you don’t want to be closing up shop for the fall by the time it’s ready!
- You will need to purchase a hole puncher so that you can move your hole around and get practice from different slopes and angles.
- Here is where it gets expensive. You will need to get a special mower and a roller to help get them to be nice a smooth. Expect a home mower to cost around $2,000. The cost is really high because of the precision they need. If you can get some of the neighborhood guys to cut some greens in their backyard too you can split it!
Tired yet? I am! But be ready to put even more time on your natural green during the winter and every season from here on out. It will be a thankless job but your handicap may thank you for it. Putt for the dough!
Artificial Putting Green Installation List
- First plan out the size of your green. Don’t make it too big because you will have to install two pieces at seem which can be noticeable if you haven’t done this before. Rolls of artificial turf come in 15 ft wide rolls so plan accordingly.
- Choose a level spot in your yard but if it’s not level you can definitely make it level. If it’s a small area then you will need a shovel and a compactor. Compaction is key so that you don’t get bumps after it rains.
- Remove any existing grass or weeds from the area. You need to remove any plant living from the soil because as soon as another layer is installed it will want to grow again.
- Excavate the area to a depth of six inches,
- Install a layer of sand. At minimum utilize 2 inches of sand and up. Use a flat-headed shovel or a rake to ensure uniformity of the surface. We don’t advise making a complex sloped surface your first attempt. When your sand surface is ready you will need to compact it with a tamper or a compaction machine if the area is large. The better compacted sand you have the better your surface will be. You may have to repeat this step several times to ensure you get the surface you want. Adding a little water over the sand can help create a nice tight compaction, but only a little!
- Install a weed barrier fabric. This step is self-explanatory. Be sure to add extra past the width of your green to ensure no weeds want to creep over. Over time you will get weeds anyways but this should help for a while.
- Choose the artificial turn you will want to use. Just in case you don’t know golf you need to choose a blade that is very short and tight to the surface. This is so the golf ball can have a great roll all the way to the cup!
- Trim the artificial turf to the desired size. Go crazy on the shape to make a cool unique hole or simply cut a circle or a square to make it easier. A utility knife is best for cutting.
- Now it is nailing time! Pin your turf down with 7-inch spikes that will make sure your turf doesn’t move. If you skip this step there is really nothing holding it down and it will bunch and bubble. Utilize a rubber hammer or a hammer with a big surface to make the work easy. Put a nail in at a spacing of 4 to 5 feet and work from one side to the other. It will help to have other people hold down the turf to avoid movement.
- After installation, it is best to use a bristled broom to fluff up your blades and make them come alive! With the shorter blades, it may not be as necessary but the longer blades will need this.
- To blend in your green utilize a longer turf around it and then blend that into existing natural turf or landscaping rock. Landscaping rocks that are lighter in color can help make the green come to life in your backyard.
How Much Do Putting Greens Cost Summary
So you can definitely save some of the cost of a putting green some money by doing the installation yourself but it will take a lot of time and effort. At the end of the day, there is nothing like doing something yourself especially when you have fun using it day in and day out. Just remember that your friends might consider you the expert groundskeeper and request you to help out on their job.
While a natural green is going to be the option that will help your putting the most, an artificial green is by far the easier and cheaper option. Once it is installed you will only be on weed duty once in a while.
We estimate that a DIY solution would cost you $2,000 to $3,000 if you are handy and skilled at grading and installation of turf or artificial turf. That is considering a small area and not too many features. Double that for someone else to install it!
Whatever you choose get ready to have a blast in your backyard and be the envy of all your golfing friends!
If the putting green isn’t your thing check out our awesome back yard man cave ideas.