The Dos and Don’ts of Installing an Artificial Turf Putting Green
Installing a backyard putting green is an investment in your golf game and your property. When done correctly, an artificial grass putting green provides years of practice opportunities and entertainment value. However, making the wrong decisions during planning or installation can lead to frustration and expensive corrections. At OC Turf & Putting Greens, we’ve installed hundreds of synthetic turf putting greens in Laguna Niguel and across Orange County, and we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Here’s your essential guide to getting it right the first time.
DO: Invest in Professional Installation
The foundation of any successful artificial turf putting green lies in proper installation. A professional turf installer understands the critical importance of base preparation, grading, and drainage. The base must be excavated to the correct depth, compacted thoroughly, and graded for optimal water flow. Even minor imperfections in the base translate to visible imperfections on your putting surface.
Professional turf installers also know how to create seamless joins and properly tension the synthetic grass to prevent wrinkling or buckling over time. While DIY installation might seem cost-effective initially, the expertise of experienced turf installers ensures your putting green performs beautifully for years, even decades.
DON’T: Compromise on Artificial Grass Quality
Not all synthetic turf products are created equal, especially when it comes to putting greens. Lower-quality materials may save money upfront, but they often fail to deliver consistent ball roll and durability. High-quality synthetic grass putting green products feature specialized fibers engineered to replicate authentic stimp speeds and provide consistent performance across the entire surface. These premium materials resist matting, maintain their structure under foot traffic, and withstand UV exposure without fading. When selecting your artificial grass, prioritize performance characteristics over initial cost, and your short game will thank you.
DO: Plan Your Green’s Size and Layout Thoughtfully
The ideal putting green dimensions depend on your available space, budget, and practice goals. A well-designed turf putting green includes multiple hole locations and varied contours that challenge different aspects of your short game. Consider incorporating breaks, slopes, and undulations that mirror situations you encounter on actual golf courses. Your turf installer can help design a layout that maximizes practice value while complementing your existing landscape.
DON’T: Overlook Drainage Requirements
Proper drainage is absolutely critical for artificial turf putting greens. Orange County may be known for sunshine, but when rain does arrive, your putting green needs to handle water efficiently. Without adequate drainage, water pools on the surface, creating unplayable conditions and potentially damaging the base materials underneath.
Professional artificial grass installation includes a properly graded base with efficient drainage grids. The synthetic turf itself should also feature a perforated backing that allows water to pass through, but it only works fully if the underlying drainage system is properly designed and installed.
DO: Choose Experienced, Local Installers
Selecting the right artificial grass installation partner makes all the difference in your putting green’s performance and longevity. Look for turf installers with specific experience in putting green installations, as this specialized work requires different techniques than standard lawn installations.
It’s also best to choose a local company, as local installers understand regional soil conditions, drainage requirements, and climate considerations that impact your installation’s success and longevity. They should provide examples of completed projects, customer references, and clear warranties on both materials and workmanship.
At OC Turf & Putting Greens, we combine years of specialized experience with premium materials to create putting greens that exceed expectations and deliver authentic playing experiences. If you want to elevate your Laguna Niguel property with a custom synthetic turf putting green, give us a call at 888-526-2289 or contact us online to discuss your vision and schedule a personalized consultation.
