Looking to perfect your golf game? Practice your put from the comfort of your backyard with an easy to build putting green. With your own spot to get an edge on the guys at the course, you'll feel like a real golf pro.
What You'll Need
Garden Hose
Marking Spray Paint
Sod Cutter or Line Trimmer
Rake
Weed & Grass Killer
Shovel
Landscape Fabric
Gravel
Plate Compactor or Lawn Roller
Tamper
Level
Artificial Grass or Synthetic Turf with short nap
Utility Knife
Turf Pegs or Landscape Staples
Bricks
Pick the Spot and Design
Make sure the area you choose for your putting green has enough space around to avoid hitting your neighbors or windows. Find a level spot with good drainage. This means keep an eye out that any small slopes are out of the center of the green to avoid puddling. To layout your design, you
a garden hose or something similar to form an
outline. Mark the outline with spray paint.
Remove Sod
Before you start digging, call 811 to check for underground wiring or pipes. Cut the grass down with a line trimmer or use a sod cutter to remove the grass on the inside of your outline. Remove 4-5 inches of dirt then rake up remaining debris. Spray a strong weed killer and cover the surface in landscape fabric.
Create a Base
Fill the putting green area with a layer of gravel or crushed stone and a layer of sand, be sure to spread it evenly. Use a hose to gently wet the area and use a plate compactor or lawn roller to smooth it out.
Make a Spot for Cups
Decide where you want the cups to go. You can find these cups at most sporting goods stores. Mark the spot with the cups outline and dig a small hole there. Dig small trenches connecting your cups to the edge of the green for drainage., add gravel and sand. Tamp the trench and around the holes. Use a level to check for any depressions in the base around the cups.
Fills those in with sand.
Turf Time
Cover the putting green area with artificial grass or turf. Cut out the grass based on the outline of your design. Use turf pegs or landscape staples to pin down the turf. Locate the cup holes and cut an "X" above them to pull them out and place them back in. To keep your golf balls from rolling away, build a single row of bricks or other short wall around the green.
Maintain the putting green by sweeping and
hosing it off frequently.
Once you follow these steps and have your green in the ground, you'll soon find yourself practicing more than you've ever had time to before. Next time you hit the course, you can flex your new skills on the fairway.