Building a putting green has its advantages and disadvantages. The good thing about building your own putting green is that it is perfect for polishing your short game at your own convenience. The main disadvantage, however, is putting greens require a great deal of maintenance, can be expensive to install, and have to be built while keeping many factors in mind.
Materials
- Irrigation tubing
- General lawn care supplies
- Fill
- Sand
- Peat
- Seeds
Tools
- Bobcat/shovel
- Metal rake
- Hose
- Wheelbarrow
- Soil removal equipment
Instructions
- Consider all the elements that will determine how durable your putting green is; climate, terrain, grass type, and lawnmowers are relevant factors to consider before building a putting green.
- Measure the area you have available for putting green with a tape measure, and make note of the dimensions. You will need these dimensions to pass on to the supplier so they can provide you with adequate materials for the job.
- On the highest elevated spot on your lawn, use a bobcat or shovel to dig it out, stripping away poor soil and removing all glass, cans, rocks, and other foreign materials by hand.
- The putting green will require three layers to be completed; the base for the shape of the green, a layer for water drainage and irrigation, and a third layer of sand and peat 10” deep to accommodate moisture.
- Add amendments to offset soil deficiencies, considering when you have the most time to maintain your putting green. Create a consistent maintenance schedule and adhere to it.
- Create a strategic placement of irrigation channels, ensuring water will run down the hole and away from the putting green.
Tips and warnings
- When choosing your putting green area, avoid places close to trees and shrubbery. Do not choose locations near buildings or elevated bodies of water. Places that experience heavy foot traffic and especially children’s play areas.
- Inspect your putting green once you’ve finished the setup. Know where the shadows are cast on the green, where the undulations are located, and where the cooler and warmer areas of the soil are. This will assist you in determining when and how the green is treated.
- 3. Utilise homemade baking soda mixtures and amendments in Chapter V of How to Build a Putting Green.
- Give much thought to the suitability of a drainage system. If the drainage is poor, your putting green will be afflicted by puddles, making it unusable.
- The roots of the soil need to be sandy as greens are water sensitive. Using sand will prevent water from absorbing into it as it would a normal lawn. Also, a sandy lawn better withstands foot traffic.
- If you do not have the time for the gardening-type maintenance necessary for a great putting green, an alternative is to use synthetic material to create one. This will allow you to have a working putting green year-round, without the stress or inconvenience of lawn maintenance.