Backyard synthetic putting green

[Shapotomous]

On 4/10/2021 at 11:12 AM, Kenny B said:

I sooo want to have one of these... put in!!!   

 

[Tom the Golf Nut]

On 4/10/2021 at 11:12 AM, Kenny B said:

I sooo want to have one of these... put in!!!   

What!!!!!  Look at all the exercise you are missing out on. Shoveling tons of crushed stone, stone dust, and sand, jarring your entire body for hours with a compactor, brushing the blades of grass with a broom so they stand up perfectly.  Spending hours on the surrounding landscape to impress your buddies. Come on man.. find your inner golfing spirit. You can do it! 

[Kenny B]

1 hour ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

What!!!!!  Look at all the exercise you are missing out on. Shoveling tons of crushed stone, stone dust, and sand, jarring your entire body for hours with a compactor, brushing the blades of grass with a broom so they stand up perfectly.  Spending hours on the surrounding landscape to impress your buddies. Come on man.. find your inner golfing spirit. You can do it! 

20 years ago I might have done that; this nearly 74-year old body can't.  Besides, it would mean giving up golf while I do it.  Sorry.

[Tom the Golf Nut]

2 minutes ago, Kenny B said:

20 years ago I might have done that; this nearly 74-year old body can't.  Besides, it would mean giving up golf while I do it.  Sorry.

I know the feeling. I'm in the process of taking up green # 2. It's a sand filled synthetic and it weighs tons. I take a yard tractor and pull back the green by about two feet. Then cut off the two feet and drag it off to the woods by chain. Each strip of 12 feet by two feet weighs over 500 pounds. I think then I'll have to rent a bob cat to dig a hole and bury it all later on.  In the mean time I'll just add some top soil and plant real grass. I'll leave the base and cups in place just to have a target to hit to. Being just shy of 62, this is kicking my butt. I thought about installing another one close to the house just for putting. Then I woke up!   I'll drive 5 minutes to the golf course.    

[Kenny B]

14 minutes ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

I know the feeling. I'm in the process of taking up green # 2. It's a sand filled synthetic and it weighs tons. I take a yard tractor and pull back the green by about two feet. Then cut off the two feet and drag it off to the woods by chain. Each strip of 12 feet by two feet weighs over 500 pounds. I think then I'll have to rent a bob cat to dig a hole and bury it all later on.  In the mean time I'll just add some top soil and plant real grass. I'll leave the base and cups in place just to have a target to hit to. Being just shy of 62, this is kicking my butt. I thought about installing another one close to the house just for putting. Then I woke up!   I'll drive 5 minutes to the golf course.    

Here's my backyard looking out from my patio.  I have a retaining wall that extends my entire backyard property line.  

I'm considering having a putting/chipping green put in on the upper level from those center steps by the small evergreen trees to the right.  From the steps to the left is my garden area with a few patches of grass.

Here's the right side of the upper level where I want the putting/chipping green.

 

The steps here on the right is the only viable way to get a mower to the upper level = pain-in-the-arse!!  I think all the grassy areas should be artificial or rock.  The greenhouse is going; I don't use it.  From the small dogwood tree to the evergreen shrubs I have about 45 feet to work with and it's about 14 feet wide.  I wish the power pole and cable weren't in the way but it's near the edge of the property, and I can work around it. 

[GolfSpy BOS]

4 minutes ago, Kenny B said:

Here's my backyard looking out from my patio.  I have a retaining wall that extends my entire backyard property line.  

I'm considering having a putting/chipping green put in on the upper level from those center steps by the small evergreen trees to the right.  From the steps to the left is my garden area with a few patches of grass.

Here's the right side of the upper level where I want the putting/chipping green.

 

The steps here on the right is the only viable way to get a mower to the upper level = pain-in-the-arse!!  I think all the grassy areas should be artificial or rock.  The greenhouse is going; I don't use it.  From the small dogwood tree to the evergreen shrubs I have about 45 feet to work with and it's about 14 feet wide.  I wish the power pole and cable weren't in the way but it's near the edge of the property, and I can work around it. 

It looks like that would be an awesome spot!  Nice backyard.. I love the landscaping work there.

[WaffleHouseTour]

6 minutes ago, Kenny B said:

The steps here on the right is the only viable way to get a mower to the upper level = pain-in-the-arse!!

For that reason alone you need to install a green. Protect your health!   Also why I have rubberized mulch surrounding my green - one less place I need to try to mow.  

[Kenny B]

3 hours ago, B.Boston said:

It looks like that would be an awesome spot!  Nice backyard.. I love the landscaping work there.

Thanks!!  I didn't do it.  I bought the house 16 months ago from the original owner who bought it 20 years ago.  He did all the landscaping and concrete work; I'm just trying to maintain it looking nice.  Lots of work.  Grass is growing but the irrigation water hasn't been turned on yet; maybe by the weekend.  It's getting dry in spots; not much rain, just wind!!

[Sevefan]

OK, tell me if I'm crazy.  I got the turf and the fringe border.  I have 2 inches of gravel base down but not compacted.  I'm getting ready to start compacting and I find that there are three cicada holes and emerging cicadas coming up through the uncompacted gravel.  I'm in Virginia and the cicada plague is about to begin.  Now I'm nervous about putting down the turf that I just spent $%&#! on because what if I wake up in two weeks and fine that 20 cicadas have chewed through my brand new putting green.  I'm hoping they won't be able to get through the compacted gravel, but it's making me consider that maybe I should not roll it out until they have completely emerged.  Is this insane?  

[Eli-short]

We did one of these in our patio area. Converted a large flowerbed, Wedge shape with straight edges both 20 ft long, ~315 square ft. we did this as more of a play area for my son and I decided to add a couple putting cups for myself. It is right next to the house so I don't use it for approach shots. similar to you I was wanting something budget friendly because the primary use isn't even for golf. I agree with some of the other people on here, I would recommend something larger. You will be surprised how small it feels, I think you will be happy you chose to go bigger if you do. Also it would be easier to do it now rather than expand later.

I tilled up the ground then raked it smooth. Added several bags of sand to make up the base, rock would be better, I think pros use AB3 for putting green base. Borrowed my neighbors plate compactor and packed everything down good, wetting with a hose between rounds.

next I cut in the cups I did two, three would be good for my size green but I also dug in a sandbox in the corner.

Rolled out the putting surface, Just your basic green outdoor turf carpet like you have on mini golf courses. I had a couple seams so I used seam tape underneath.

Finally I used u-shaped landscaping stakes to secure the carpet around the edges and on the seams. The stakes showed up too much on the carpet because the turf is short (<1/4 inch), with longer turf you can hide your stakes. I cut the stakes so they were just straight with a small hook at the end. This made them much easier to hide.

After this you could infill with sand or colored rubber infill, I decided against this because I felt the sand would be visible. I haven't had any issues with movement. However the turf grain all goes one direction so putting against it is a little tough. Brushing in infill would hold up the grass blades so the grain would be more even.

 

We had some storm damage to our house last year and my green was punctured so I will be replacing it here shortly. I plan on expanding the surface and using longer turf around the edges and on one side for a kids/chipping area. Then putting surface around 10x10.

Here are some before and after pics, I'll add the new and improved version once it is finished.   

Edited April 17, 2021 by Eli-short
picture formatting

[Tom the Golf Nut]

6 hours ago, Sevefan said:

OK, tell me if I'm crazy.  I got the turf and the fringe border.  I have 2 inches of gravel base down but not compacted.  I'm getting ready to start compacting and I find that there are three cicada holes and emerging cicadas coming up through the uncompacted gravel.  I'm in Virginia and the cicada plague is about to begin.  Now I'm nervous about putting down the turf that I just spent $%&#! on because what if I wake up in two weeks and fine that 20 cicadas have chewed through my brand new putting green.  I'm hoping they won't be able to get through the compacted gravel, but it's making me consider that maybe I should not roll it out until they have completely emerged.  Is this insane?  

I would wait. Even if they can't chew through they will want to try to tunnel out to the side.  Raising lumps and bumps on the way. I know you are anxious. Its not going anywhere.

[Sevefan]

5 hours ago, Eli-short said:

We did one of these in our patio area. Converted a large flowerbed, Wedge shape with straight edges both 20 ft long, ~315 square ft. we did this as more of a play area for my son and I decided to add a couple putting cups for myself. It is right next to the house so I don't use it for approach shots. similar to you I was wanting something budget friendly because the primary use isn't even for golf. I agree with some of the other people on here, I would recommend something larger. You will be surprised how small it feels, I think you will be happy you chose to go bigger if you do. Also it would be easier to do it now rather than expand later.

I tilled up the ground then raked it smooth. Added several bags of sand to make up the base, rock would be better, I think pros use AB3 for putting green base. Borrowed my neighbors plate compactor and packed everything down good, wetting with a hose between rounds.

next I cut in the cups I did two, three would be good for my size green but I also dug in a sandbox in the corner.

Rolled out the putting surface, Just your basic green outdoor turf carpet like you have on mini golf courses. I had a couple seams so I used seam tape underneath.

Finally I used u-shaped landscaping stakes to secure the carpet around the edges and on the seams. The stakes showed up too much on the carpet because the turf is short (<1/4 inch), with longer turf you can hide your stakes. I cut the stakes so they were just straight with a small hook at the end. This made them much easier to hide.

After this you could infill with sand or colored rubber infill, I decided against this because I felt the sand would be visible. I haven't had any issues with movement. However the turf grain all goes one direction so putting against it is a little tough. Brushing in infill would hold up the grass blades so the grain would be more even.

 

We had some storm damage to our house last year and my green was punctured so I will be replacing it here shortly. I plan on expanding the surface and using longer turf around the edges and on one side for a kids/chipping area. Then putting surface around 10x10.

Here are some before and after pics, I'll add the new and improved version once it is finished.   

What a great idea to put a few holes in your son's play area.  Sorry about the storm damage.  I hope you're fully repaired other then the play area.  

[Sevefan]

5 hours ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

I would wait. Even if they can't chew through they will want to try to tunnel out to the side.  Raising lumps and bumps on the way. I know you are anxious. Its not going anywhere.

Thanks for the feedback, Tom.  That's wise advice.  I didn't know if I was being ridiculous in even worrying about it, so it's good to hear that you think it may be an issue.  I guess this should be a concern for everyone with a backyard green if you're in cicada territory.  

I think I finished the compacting today.  I was able to roll the turf out and hit a bunch of putts.  I made lots of adjustments and compacted it a bunch of times, and it's rolling quite true.  One big takeway: with all that gravel under the surface, it's amazing and pretty maddening how much chaos one misplaced pebble can do.  

Last thing I did was cut one (of four) holes.  Went pretty well, and I was able to dig out enough to put a bunch of drainage stones below the cup.  I'll insert the three other cups tomorrow and then roll it up until these darn critters have stopped interfering with my backyard dreams.  

[Tom the Golf Nut]

3 minutes ago, Sevefan said:

One big takeway: with all that gravel under the surface, it's amazing and pretty maddening how much chaos one misplaced pebble can do.  

Last thing I did was cut one (of four) holes.  Went pretty well, and I was able to dig out enough to put a bunch of drainage stones below the cup.  I'll insert the three other cups tomorrow and then roll it up until these darn critters have stopped interfering with my backyard dreams.  

One pebble is just like someone's un-repaired divot or spike mark.  Throws your ball of line. I went with a fine stone dust as a top dressing plus a bit of the play sand.  I did water it a lot so it set up like cement in a way. Im still in the process of taking up my last one and the base is still great 10 years later.

[Shapotomous]

23 hours ago, Sevefan said:

OK, tell me if I'm crazy.  I got the turf and the fringe border.  I have 2 inches of gravel base down but not compacted.  I'm getting ready to start compacting and I find that there are three cicada holes and emerging cicadas coming up through the uncompacted gravel.  I'm in Virginia and the cicada plague is about to begin.  Now I'm nervous about putting down the turf that I just spent $%&#! on because what if I wake up in two weeks and fine that 20 cicadas have chewed through my brand new putting green.  I'm hoping they won't be able to get through the compacted gravel, but it's making me consider that maybe I should not roll it out until they have completely emerged.  Is this insane?  

I don't think you're crazy to wait.   And since my green is less than 17 years old I am wondering what might happen here?!?!?!    I hope the grading got deep enough to remove any of the buried cicadas, anybody know how deep they burrow into the ground?  Edit....I just researched and found out they burrow 8' into the ground!!!  We sure didn't go that deep......fingers crossed they don't come up in the middle of the green.  And I thought mole tunnels would be the big danger to putting green longevity.

 

And +1 on Tom's comment about stone dust on the top layer. 

[sglj3]

Good morning everyone,

So we are going to replace our horrible backyard with turf - just finalized the bid and accepted. My question is for a 300SqFt (15x20) putting green portion of this project how many holes would you put in? Would you ask for any undulations for break to be added? Any other thoughts on this?

[Tom the Golf Nut]

14 minutes ago, sglj3 said:

. My question is for a 300SqFt (15x20) putting green portion of this project how many holes would you put in? Would you ask for any undulations for break to be added? Any other thoughts on this?

What will be the shape of the green? Did you get a non filled green?

My first green was roughly that size in comparable sq/ft. I put in three holes and one break. My second green was larger but I still only put in three holes but no breaks. The first one was mainly for putting. The second one was for approach shots up to 100 yards.  If you look on page 1 of this thread you can see the cups if you click on the images. I picked up a full size flag pole and flag from a golf course so I had something precise to aim for at 100 yards. You would be surprised by the amount of old stuff laying around in a golf courses maintenance shed. Just go ask.  I got all my cups, a pole, and 2 flags for nothing. 

One thing to consider is the break. Once you hit the putt a dozen times or so you know where it is going. Then after a while you just become automatic and don't even have to read the putt. So on my second green I opted for everything to be flat.  If you got a non filled type putting turf you could always roll it back and change your break. Filled type would not be possible. 

[sglj3]

1 hour ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

What will be the shape of the green? Did you get a non filled green?

My first green was roughly that size in comparable sq/ft. I put in three holes and one break. My second green was larger but I still only put in three holes but no breaks. The first one was mainly for putting. The second one was for approach shots up to 100 yards.  If you look on page 1 of this thread you can see the cups if you click on the images. I picked up a full size flag pole and flag from a golf course so I had something precise to aim for at 100 yards. You would be surprised by the amount of old stuff laying around in a golf courses maintenance shed. Just go ask.  I got all my cups, a pole, and 2 flags for nothing. 

One thing to consider is the break. Once you hit the putt a dozen times or so you know where it is going. Then after a while you just become automatic and don't even have to read the putt. So on my second green I opted for everything to be flat.  If you got a non filled type putting turf you could always roll it back and change your break. Filled type would not be possible. 

It will be filled so I was thinking flat, I appreciate your opinion on the break as it does make complete sense that you would just learn it quickly. I live in a suburban area with decent size lot, the turf is going to be about 1600SqFt but not an area I can hit to. I will be able to do some chipping to it but we do have a deck above our patio so posts are in the way of some chipping.

[WaffleHouseTour]

17 hours ago, sglj3 said:

My question is for a 300SqFt (15x20) putting green portion of this project how many holes would you put in?

My green is ten by twenty and I have five - the four corners and one just off the middle but the hitting strip. Four would have been enough.  I work my way  around the world.  Because I have a base system that  mine sits on I can add and remove breaks whenever I choose. It’s a not a permanent decision.
 

If it had to be permanent, I’d do something subtle and try to place it so you get both a RtoL and LtoR so two uses out of it. 
 

You may find a 15x20 green is the perfect spot to set a practice net on, or make some ten to twenty yard pitches. 
 

[sglj3]

4 hours ago, WaffleHouseTour said:

My green is ten by twenty and I have five - the four corners and one just off the middle but the hitting strip. Four would have been enough.  I work my way  around the world.  Because I have a base system that  mine sits on I can add and remove breaks whenever I choose. It’s a not a permanent decision.
 

If it had to be permanent, I’d do something subtle and try to place it so you get both a RtoL and LtoR so two uses out of it. 
 

You may find a 15x20 green is the perfect spot to set a practice net on, or make some ten to twenty yard pitches. 

A hitting net is already in the plan to use with my Rapsodo MLM And yes the way my yard is situated I will be able to do some pitching as well!