Imagine this: you drain a smooth 10‑footer without heading to the course. A backyard putting green lets you sharpen your game at home and doubles as an eye‑catching feature. Swapping natural turf for synthetic grass cuts down maintenance, while a custom practice putting green keeps you committed to improvement. Considering your own backyard green? Here are key planning points: 

1. PLAN YOUR SPACE

First, calculate the available space you have. Even a 10×15‑foot space accommodates a few holes and a short fringe area. Map the shape you'd like — oval, kidney, or free‑form — and note where you might roll out a golf hitting mat. Remember to leave a few feet around the green for edging or a walking path.

2. ESTIMATE THE EXPENSES

The artificial surface expense usually falls in the $5–$8 per sq ft range. Once you add installation and prep costs, the total often ends up at $10 to $14 per square foot. Accessories like golf hitting mats and ball returns will increase the final price, but make your green more versatile.

3. CHOOSE YOUR SURFACE

There’s no perfect answer when it comes to artificial grass. Low‑pile options offer faster roll for fast greens, while dense turf gives traditional speed. Ask your turf pro about infill options — some fills improve lifespan without affecting roll. If you want to replicate top-tier surfaces, we highly recommend Golden Bear Turf.

4. KNOW THE INSTALL STEPS

A typical installation involves four main phases: excavation and leveling, creating a crushed-stone base, laying down weed fabric, and installing and rolling out your turf. For a small putting green, expect 3–5 days from start to finish. Expansive or hilly sites can extend the timeline. Quick tip: Having water and power on‑site helps crews finish faster.

5. ADD STYLE AND FUNCTION

After-hours putting is easy when you install energy-efficient lighting around your green. Decorative edges can give a refined, finished appearance. For added challenge, place a golf hitting mat nearby for chip shots — perfect when you need to practice longer shots.

MAKE YOUR GREEN A REALITY

Want to take the next step? Contact us to get a quote and look through your material choices. Browse finished installs and see how San Francisco homeowners like you built their dream backyard putting green.