5 Golfer-Approved Small Backyard Putting Green Ideas

Here’s a piece of advice that landscape designers give out all the time: regardless of your backyard’s size, use it to make a beautiful space that incorporates hobbies you love most. Well, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised how many folks are searching for beautiful putting green ideas for small backyards, huh? So, if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s tee off with 5 beautiful, golfer-approved backyard putting green ideas. And then I’ll lay out the best approach for you to design your own perfect golfer’s backyard.

I hope you brought some comfy golfer’s shoes, because we have a lot of ground to cover.

Why an Artificial Grass Backyard Putting Green?

• • Small backyard putting greens provide convenient practice at home
  • Creative designs maximize limited space for an optimal golfing experience
  • Proper installation and minimal maintenance keep your green in top shape
  • Accessories and landscaping enhance aesthetics and functionality
  • Artificial turf enables a high-quality, durable putting surface year-round

I don’t know about you, but I usually just want to spend a few moments unwinding after a tough workday. Sure, you could couch-potato it up. But wouldn’t it just be so much more centering and physically calming to step out onto a beautiful backyard putting green? Then you can let all those stresses meld into the background as you take a few practice putts in the privacy of your backyard.

Ya see, that backyard putting green isn’t just a picturesque novelty. There are actually many benefits:

• • Convenience: No more battling traffic to get to the golf course. Your practice haven is just steps away!
  • Improved short game: Consistency is key, and having a green at your fingertips allows for daily practice.
  • Family fun: Get the whole gang involved! A backyard putting green provides entertainment for all ages.
  • Increased property value: Not only does a well-designed putting green boost your enjoyment, but it can also add value to your home.

5 Small Backyard Putting Green Ideas

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are five beautiful, golfer-approved ideas for small backyard putting greens that will have you feeling like you’re at Augusta National (well, a super-tiny version, anyway):

1. The Multi-Level Marvel

Don’t let a sloped yard discourage you. Embrace it! Create a tiered putting green with 2-3 levels connected by gentle slopes. This design maximizes space while adding exciting breaks and challenges to your putts. I once played on a friend’s tiered green, and let me tell you, it made every practice session feel like a mini-adventure.

2. The Contoured Kidney Bean

For those with really tight spaces, consider a kidney bean-shaped green. This organic design fits nicely into corners and can incorporate subtle contours and undulations to keep things interesting. Plus, it looks pretty darn cool from an aerial view – perfect for those Instagram shots!

3. The All-in-One Practice Zone

Divide your small space into different turf textures. Have a main putting area, surround it with a strip of longer “fringe” turf, and even add a small patch of “rough” in one corner. This setup allows you to practice a variety of shots without leaving your backyard. I’ve found this particularly useful for improving my chip-and-run game.

4. The Combo Green

Design a small circular or oval putting green with a dedicated chipping area on one end. Use artificial turf with different pile heights to simulate fairway and green conditions. For an extra challenge, add a small sand trap or water feature between the two areas. It’s like having a mini golf hole in your backyard!

5. The Night Owl’s Delight

Incorporate LED lighting into your putting green design for those late-night practice sessions. Use rope lighting around the perimeter and install in-ground lights near the hole locations. Not only does this extend your practice time, but it also creates a beautiful backyard feature for evening entertaining. Just be prepared for neighbors asking to join your midnight putting parties!

How to Design Your Backyard Putting Green

Alright, alright. Beautiful pictures of small backyard putting green ideas are one thing. But you don’t want to just see other people enjoying a few backyard practice swings. You want to have your own! Carpe diem, right? So, let’s make a great plan, so you can make an even greater lawn putting experience for yourself!

Assessing Your Space and Budget

The quickest way to waste money is to start spending it before you make a plan. So before diving into the design phase, take stock of your available backyard space and budget.

Here’s a quick list to help you keep the important things in mind:

• • Yard size and layout
  • Existing landscaping and features
  • Desired green size and complexity
  • Budget for materials and installation

Artificial Turf vs Natural Grass Options

So, every golfer (just like every landscaper) has their personal perspective about artificial grass versus the natural stuff. I get it. But can you use artificial grass for this in your yard? And when you’re trying to make something amazing out of a small space, there are a lot of factors to consider.

And since a lot of this decision is about maximizing your space and budget, let me mention a few advantages artificial turf will have for your putting green:

• • Consistently smooth surface
  • Minimal maintenance requirements
  • Durability for year-round use
  • Customizable pile heights and colors

I mean, part of the draw of the backyard putting green is to bring joy and relaxation. So why would you want to choose grass that requires constant mowing, watering, maintenance, and upkeep? Modern artificial grass may have a higher up-front installation cost, but it saves you money, time, and headache in the long run. It just stays beautifully putt-perfect season after season.

Choosing the Right Putting Green Surface

Your backyard putting green will require you to make a lot of choices. Few will be as impactful as your choice of green, though. So, let’s go through a quick artificial grass options primer, so you walk into this decision with a good knowledge base.

When selecting your artificial turf, key considerations include:

• • Pile height: Shorter pile heights (1/4″ to 1/2″) provide faster ball roll, while taller pile heights offer a slower, more forgiving surface.
  • Infill: Proper infill materials, like silica sand, provide stability and mimic the feel of natural grass.
  • Backing material: Look for a strong, permeable backing that allows for drainage.

Choosing the Size and Shape of Your Putting Green

I said it earlier: putting greens come in all shapes and sizes. So, what should you do? Work with your space and get creative! And think about including fringe and rough areas around the green. Gotta get that chipping practice in, right?

Designing the Layout and Contours

Adding contours and undulations to your green creates visual interest and putting challenges. A few ideas worth noodling on for your green:

• • Subtle breaks and slopes
  • Tiered designs for elevation changes
  • Strategic low spots and collection areas

Incorporating Practice Features (Bunkers, Water Hazards, etc.)

But why stop there? A next-level putting experience is just a few extra add-ons included. So, start thinking about what other real-course features you can include in your yard.

• • Sand bunkers: Ideal for practicing those tricky greenside shots.
  • Water hazards: Incorporate a small pond or stream for an added challenge.
  • Chipping areas: Include various turf lengths around the green to simulate real course conditions.

Other Great Accessories, Equipment & Landscaping

So, what’s one great thing about putting a putting green into your backyard? You get to customize it and finish it out however you like! So instead of just plopping a green down and calling it done, take a while to consider exactly how you want your space to look.

Elevate your backyard putting green experience with these additions:

• • Multiple holes and pins for varied practice
  • Lighting for night-time putting sessions (and fantastic ambiance)
  • Seating areas for relaxation and spectating
  • Landscaping: Surround your green with native plants, rocks, or garden beds for a polished look.
  • Drink holders: Because every golfer needs a place for their favorite beverage!

Artificial Turf Putting Green Installation & Maintenance

So, to DIY or not to DIY, is that the question? Well, if you’re the hands-on type, I’m here to help you as with as much insight as I can offer. But I also can’t stress enough the value of artificial grass professionals. You don’t want a shoddy-looking putting green, and the synthetic turf installation process has a lot of steps with a lot of effort.

At the very least, talk to a professional before you decide one way or the other. Our Artificial Turf Supply team has installed turf for decades, and they’re a quick call away (866) 677-9405) to help you do it right the first time. (So you don’t end up paying for turf twice.)

Here’s a quick overview of the installation process to help you understand the steps. We have a more in-depth artificial grass installation article that really helps you understand all the details. One thing that might get overlooked is drainage. Nothing will ruin your putting green faster than standing water. This goes for natural and artificial grass, so don’t race past this step.

Artificial Grass Installation Steps:

1. 1. Excavation and base preparation
   2. Installing the sub-base and drainage system
   3. Laying and securing the artificial turf
   4. Infilling and brushing the turf
   5. Final shaping and detailing

Once installed, artificial turf putting greens require minimal maintenance (link):

• • Regular brushing to maintain turf pile
  • Occasional infill replenishment
  • Removal of debris and leaves
  • Spot cleaning for spills or pet waste

The End of a Long Walk Spoiled

So there you have it, folks – a crash course on transforming your small backyard into a golfer’s paradise. With the right design, materials, and a sprinkle of creativity, you’ll be sinking putts with your friends and families in no time. Life’s too short for boring backyards. Unleash that inner golfer and enjoy some golf-quality turf for years to come.