How to Create a Garden Putting Green at Home

For any golfer, the short game is where rounds are won and lost. And while you can't exactly fit a par-72 course in your back garden, a home putting green is well within reach for most UK homeowners. It's one of those projects that sounds ambitious but is actually more straightforward than you'd expect, especially if you go down the artificial grass route.

Here's everything you need to know to plan, build, and enjoy your own garden putting green.

Planning your putting green: size, shape, and location

Before you buy anything, spend some time thinking about how your putting green will sit in your garden. The good news is that you don't need a huge amount of space. In fact, most home greens in the UK range from 15 to 40 square metres, and even a compact 10 to 15 square metre area can work well for one or two holes.

Shape is largely down to personal preference and the space you have available. Rectangular greens are simple to install and measure up, while kidney or free-form shapes blend more naturally into a garden layout. Both work well.

For location, choose a reasonably level area where possible. Some slope is fine and can actually add challenge to your putting, but significant changes in ground level will require extra groundwork to level out. Avoid areas where water tends to pool after rain, as drainage is an important part of getting a putting green that performs well.

Natural grass vs. artificial grass: which is better for a putting green?

If you've ever watched a golf course greenkeeper in action, you'll know that maintaining a real putting green is no small task. Natural putting green turf needs to be cut to around 4 to 5mm using specialist reel mower equipment, watered consistently, treated against pests and disease, and topdressed with sand several times a year. It's a serious maintenance commitment.

For a home garden, artificial grass is almost always the better choice. Once installed, it requires minimal upkeep, performs consistently regardless of the weather, and will hold up to regular use for 10 to 15 years or more. There's no mowing, no watering, and no seasonal variation in how the surface plays.

Choosing the right artificial grass for a putting green

Not all artificial grass is suitable for putting. A standard lawn grass, however good it looks, won't give you the smooth, consistent ball roll you need for a proper practice session.

For a putting green, you want a short, dense pile, typically between 10 and 15mm, made from polypropylene fibres. Polypropylene is the material of choice because it allows the ball to roll cleanly and evenly across the surface, mimicking the feel of a real course green far more closely than polyethylene or nylon alternatives.

Browse Grass247's putting green artificial grass range to find options designed specifically for this purpose.

How to install a garden putting green: step by step

1. Mark out and prepare the area

Mark the shape of your green using a garden hose or spray paint. Once you're happy with the outline, remove the existing turf and excavate to a depth of around 100mm. This gives you enough depth for a solid sub-base.

2. Lay the sub-base

This is the most important part of the whole project. A good sub-base is what separates a putting green that plays well from one that ends up with puddles and soft spots.

Fill the excavated area with compacted MOT Type 1 aggregate (crushed stone) to a depth of around 75mm, compacting it firmly as you go. Top this with a 25mm layer of sharp sand or granite dust, levelled and compacted to a smooth, even finish. Take your time here. Any unevenness at this stage will show up in the finished surface.

3. Add a weed membrane

Lay a weed membrane over the sub-base before you lay the turf. This prevents weed growth coming up through the surface over time and will help the green stay looking clean.

4. Cut your hole positions

Before laying the grass, decide where your holes will go and cut them out of the sub-base. Drop your hole cups in and secure them in place, either with a small amount of cement or by packing the surrounding material firmly. Most home greens have two to four holes. Even a single hole is enough for a genuinely useful practice setup.

5. Lay and secure the turf

Roll out your putting green turf over the prepared surface, making sure the pile direction is consistent throughout. Trim the edges neatly to your marked outline.

Secure the perimeter using artificial grass fixing pins every 150-200mm, or use adhesive and seaming tape if you're joining pieces together. For a putting green, getting the joins right is especially important since any ridges will affect ball roll.

6. Brush in and finish

Once the turf is secured, brush the surface with a stiff brush against the pile direction to stand the fibres upright. Add your flags, and you're ready to play.

Adding extras: fringe, chipping zones, and edging

A fringe is the slightly longer grass around the edge of the putting surface. It looks more realistic, creates a more satisfying target to putt towards, and also lets you practice chip shots onto the green. If you have the space, it's worth including.

Some home golfers also add a small chipping area a few metres back from the green, using a slightly longer pile of grass. This gives you a more complete short game practice setup without needing a huge garden.

Edging boards or banding around the perimeter give the finished green a neat, defined look and help the turf edges stay in place over time.

Maintaining your artificial putting green

One of the biggest advantages of an artificial putting green is how little it asks of you once it's down. A few simple habits will keep it in good shape.

Give the surface a brush with a stiff-bristled rake or brush every few weeks to keep the fibres standing and the ball rolling consistently. Remove leaves and debris regularly to prevent any build-up that could affect drainage or the playing surface. If you have pets using the garden, an occasional rinse with clean water will help keep things fresh.

That's largely it. No specialist equipment, no seasonal treatments, and no worrying about whether it's had enough rain.

Frequently asked questions

What size should a garden putting green be?

Most UK home greens range from 15-40 square metres, but even 10-15 square metres is enough for one or two holes and a satisfying practice session.

How many holes should a home putting green have?

Two to four holes is the most common setup. A single hole is still plenty for practising short putts and working on your stroke.

How long does an artificial putting green last?

A quality installation can easily last 10-15 years with minimal maintenance. The sub-base work is the biggest factor in longevity, so it's worth taking the time to get it right.

Can I install a putting green myself?

Yes, in fact, it's a manageable DIY project if you're comfortable with some groundwork. The key is the sub-base preparation. For more complex shapes, significant levelling, or larger areas, professional installation is worth considering.

How much does a garden putting green cost in the UK?

DIY material costs for the turf alone typically start from around £25-£35 per square metre, before base materials and any labour. Professionally installed greens generally range from around £90-£160 per square metre, depending on size and complexity.

What type of artificial grass is best for a putting green?

Look for a short, dense pile of 10-15mm made from polypropylene fibres. Purpose-made putting green turf gives far better ball roll consistency than standard lawn grass. Take a look at the Grass247 putting green grass range for options built specifically for the job.