I want to start a practice area in my backyard. Grass, not astroturf. How can I get a good green? Level, with undulations - not bumps. And real short. Sand trap. I just don't know how to start with the landscaping. I could do it, but it would be sloppy. I want it to look nice. Maybe links or tips, anything would help.
I think they use special mowers for putting greens. I don't think those mowers come cheap but maybe you could find a used one somewhere. They do have those synthetic greens that aren't astroturf but they're still synthetic. They're supposed to behave like real greens, though.
Go with the new synthetic greens, a real green is very expensive and will require daily mowing and upkeep during your growing season. Even a used reconditioned walk behind greens mower is expensive to buy and maintain. If you do go with a real green it will give you a new understanding of golf course and fees. Good Luck!
I looked into building my own backyard green several years ago and believe me....unless you have more hours to spend on maintenance than you do putting on your "baby" I'd go the artificial route. Greenguy would be more helpful here but the plans for a small backyard green included: removal of all existing sod and excavating 8 inches deep. (all that excavated sod and dirt has to go somewhere) A 4 inch layer of pea gravel, covered by 2 inches of filtering sand, topped by enriched topsoil for seeding. After the grass grows in, you need a heavy roller and a special mower to maintain a smooth putting surface.
I promptly decided that the 10 minute drive to my home course's practice green was much cheaper and a lot less work. I've seen a couple of the new synthetic putting surfaces and they're really the way to go. Just be prepared to pay the price! :eek: I noticed that you're from Canada so that means you should probably figure in the cost of heated dome to house your practice green for use during your long off season!
Last edited by leaguegolf : October 7th, 2004 at 09:01 PM.
I have looked into the artificial. This is what is available to me. www.mirageputtinggreen.com Approx. 7000 usd. I wouldn't mind investing the time into creating my own natural, but if the cost is high, I would go artificial. 9000 cdn is the price of 10 years of membership at my course. I don't think the mirage putting green in worth it. awwwwwwwwwww well.
I am putting in a artificial green currently and I will let you know how it comes out. I am driving out there today to see it. If you want pics let me know.
My Pro designed mine for free!
He even gave me a mower........ you have to mow it lots tho.
I have a chipping net, Driving net and a putting green at the moment,
We are also thinking about putting a bunker in.
It only cost us about 200usd.... but most of the things were given to us for free
Triplebogey, take a look at this site. They offer a guide to building your own putting green. However, it's not as expensive as you think. The only thing you will need is a reel mower, since typical mowers cut the grass sideways and wouldn't be able to cut it down that low. $700 should be plenty if you were going to go through with it. I'm sure you could find a decent reel mower fairly cheap.
My Pro designed mine for free!
He even gave me a mower........ you have to mow it lots tho.
I have a chipping net, Driving net and a putting green at the moment,
We are also thinking about putting a bunker in.
It only cost us about 200usd.... but most of the things were given to us for free
October 7th, 2004, 04:24 PM
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