Indoor and Outdoor Putting Greens Compared: Which Is Right for Your Game?

So you want a home putting green. Solid decision. Few things improve your short game faster than daily practice. But here's where it gets tricky: should you go indoor or outdoor?

It really comes down to your practice habits, your available space, and honestly, your budget. Some golfers swear by a compact indoor putting green for dialing in stroke mechanics. Others want a full backyard putting green setup with putting green turf that feels like real course conditions. Let's compare both so you can determine which one makes sense for your game.

WHY CHOOSE AN INDOOR PUTTING GREEN

It's all about repetition. When you've got an indoor setup, there's no putting practice off because of the weather. Rain, snow, scorching temperatures doesn't matter. You can knock out 50 putts before breakfast in your pajamas if you want.

The surface stays predictable. That's huge if you're dialing in a specific skill, like fixing a takeaway or locking in your tempo. No more dealing with wet grass one day and crusty turf the next. You putt, you see the result, you adjust. No guesswork.

Virtually no maintenance. No mowing, no fertilizing, no worrying if you should aerate before summer. Set it up, practice, roll it back up (or don't — no one’s keeping score).

Fits almost anywhere. Got a garage? Basement? Extra room that's just collecting random Amazon boxes? You can set up a roll-out mat or a custom turf kit pretty quickly. Even apartment dwellers can set up a practice area.

BENEFITS OF AN OUTDOOR PUTTING GREEN

You get real-world conditions. An outdoor putting green gives you an actual green-reading experience, like natural slopes, grass grain, and wind pushing your ball offline. All the stuff that happens when you're standing over a six-footer for par.

More room to work with. Indoors, you're usually limited to 10–15 feet. Outside? You can have 30-foot lag putts, add undulations, throw in a practice bunker, even create a chipping area. It becomes a full-scale short-game facility in your San Francisco backyard.

It looks incredible. A well-done outdoor putting green using quality synthetic turf or artificial grass is a showpiece. It blends seamlessly with your landscape alongside patios and gardens, and it stays green all year while your neighbor's lawn loses color.

Built to last. Modern putting green turf drains like crazy and holds up under foot traffic, pets, and regular wear and tear. We're talking long-term performance without it looking tired.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Here's the rough breakdown:

Small indoor setups (roll-up mats or short custom strips): The most budget-friendly option. Budget-friendly, especially if you're just trying it out.

Mid-range outdoor installs (8–20 feet with some basic contouring): Moderate investment. You're getting a dedicated practice area here, not just a practice tool.

High-end outdoor builds (full backyard greens with slopes, fringe, drainage system, the works): Top-tier cost. But you're also building something that can legitimately add value to your property.

The actual price depends on size, groundwork involved, and your customization level. If someone quotes you without mentioning prep work and drainage, that's a cause for concern. Request a detailed estimate so you know exactly what you're paying for.

HOW EACH SETUP IMPROVES YOUR GAME

Indoor: Short putt drills, alignment checks, tempo work, and monitoring improvement. This is your daily grind setup. It’s perfect for micro-practice sessions where you're just ingraining the fundamentals.

Outdoor: Lag putting, pace control on slopes, green reading, and that game-like intensity when you've got friends over, and nobody wants to miss. You're replicating on-course situations, which translates directly to lower scores.

MAINTENANCE EXPECTATIONS

Indoor turf needs light vacuuming or brushing. Maybe give it a quick wipe if you spill coffee on it. That's about it.

Outdoor artificial grass requires slightly more attention, such as periodic brushing to keep the fibers upright, hosing it off, and monitoring wear points, depending on your product. Still far easier to maintain than real grass.

MAKING THE FINAL CHOICE

Go indoor if:

• Space is tight
• Your main goal is daily stroke repetition
• You want year-round practice without stepping outside
• You're on a more limited budget

Go outdoor if:

• You've got backyard space to spare
• You want realistic, course-like practice
• You're looking for a landscape feature that also improves your game
• You want room for long putts, chips, and creative practice routines

Go hybrid if you're serious: An indoor mat for daily reps plus a small outdoor green for real-world scenarios. That's the setup a lot of low-handicappers end up with, and for good reason—it covers all your bases.

FAST DECISION GUIDE

Before you make your final decision, ask yourself:

What's my practice goal? Daily stroke work or full course simulation?

What space do I actually have? Spare room, garage, or backyard?

What's my budget? Entry-level, mid-range, or go-big-or-go-home?

What's my style? Simple mat you can move around, or a permanent landscape feature?

LET'S GET STARTED

If you want a custom plan, we can plan the perfect setup, compare turf options, and break down costs for both indoor and outdoor installs. Reach out to Southwest Greens for a consultation and a clear cost breakdown. Whether you end up with a basement practice station or a backyard masterpiece, we'll ensure it fits your game and your home.