Building a putting green in your backyard can be an excellent way to improve your golf game without having to go to the driving range or golf course. But putting greens don’t come cheap. Depending on the size, materials and special features, the total cost can range from a few hundred dollars for a basic small putting green up to $30,000 or more for a large, elaborate custom putting green.
Page Contents
- 1 What factors affect the cost of a putting green?
- 2 Putting green size
- 3 Putting green location
- 4 Putting green materials
- 5 Additional putting green features
- 6 Professional green installation vs DIY
- 7 Ongoing and hidden costs
- 8 DIY ways to cut costs
- 9 Factors that increase cost
- 10 Ways to reduce maintenance costs
- 11 How much does it cost to maintain a putting green?
- 12 Should you install a putting green?
- 13 Conclusion
What factors affect the cost of a putting green?
There are several factors that can impact the overall cost of installing a putting green at home:
- Size – Larger putting greens cost more due to needing more materials and labor.
- Location – Greens installed in difficult to access backyard locations or on uneven terrain will have higher costs.
- Materials – More expensive turf, base materials and amenities will increase the price.
- Special features – Elements like sand traps, undulations and artificial turf can boost the price tag.
- Professional installation – Hiring a landscape company to handle the entire project will be pricier than doing it yourself.
- Accessories – Things like flags, cups, practice mats and balls add to the overall cost.
In general, you can expect to spend $25-$45 per square foot for a professionally installed putting green with high-end turf and features. More basic DIY greens can be done for $5-$20 per square foot.
Putting green size
One of the biggest factors determining cost is the overall size of the putting green. A larger green will require more materials, labor and maintenance. Here are some typical putting green dimensions with estimated costs:
| Putting Green Size | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 ft x 10 ft (100 sq ft) | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| 15 ft x 15 ft (225 sq ft) | $2,250 – $10,000 |
| 20 ft x 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $4,000 – $16,000 |
| 30 ft x 60 ft (1,800 sq ft) | $18,000 – $81,000 |
As you can see, the putting green size makes a huge difference in overall cost. Even a relatively small 10 x 10 green can cost $1,000 or more when done professionally with high-end materials and turf. The costs grow exponentially as you increase the putting green size.
Putting green location
The location where you plan to install the putting green is another big cost factor. Greens placed in relatively flat, open and accessible areas of the yard will generally be cheaper. But locations with the following factors may increase the installation price:
- Uneven terrain – Requires grading and fill to create a flat surface.
- Poor drainage – May need drainage system installation.
- Limited access – Higher costs to transport materials and equipment.
- Tree removal – Taking down trees makes room but adds expense.
- Buried utilities – Working around underground pipes and wires drives up the price.
Ideally you want a relatively flat spot with full sun exposure and good drainage. Avoid areas with large shade trees, uneven ground or buried utilities if possible. Any backyard terrain challenges will likely get reflected in the final installation quote.
Putting green materials
The materials used to construct the putting green surface and base will impact the cost as well. Higher quality materials lead to better playing conditions but also higher prices. Some material options include:
Artificial turf
Using artificial turf instead of real grass avoids ongoing maintenance. But the materials cost more upfront. Expect to pay $6-$13 per square foot installed for putting green quality turf.
Natural turf
Natural grass like bentgrass or Bermuda provide excellent ball roll. But regular mowing, watering and other care is required. Cost per square foot depends on grass variety.
Base material
This refers to the aggregate, gravel and drainage layers installed below the turf. A high-quality base prevents settling and promotes smooth ball roll. Expect to pay more for premium base materials.
In general, select the highest quality turf and base within your budget to maximize putting green functionality and longevity.
Additional putting green features
You can add several enhancements to make your putting green function more like a real golf course hole:
- Artificial hazards – Installing sand traps and water features boosts realism.
- Contoured terrain – Mounding and undulation provides challenge.
- Multiple hole placements – Cutting several holes lets you reposition the cup.
- Fringe – Simulates the manicured collar area around the green.
- Rough – Longer grass around the perimeter adds difficulty.
- End boards – Contain errant putts and mimic a real hole.
While features like these improve the putting green experience, they also raise the installation cost. You’ll need to balance playability with budget when deciding on features.
Professional green installation vs DIY
Hiring a professional golf course or landscape contractor to handle the entire putting green installation will undoubtedly be the most expensive option, but also the easiest. Companies that specialize in putting green construction will have all the necessary tools, materials and expertise to complete the project from start to finish. Here are the tradeoffs:
| Professional Install | DIY Install |
|---|---|
| Higher upfront cost | Significantly lower upfront cost |
| Completed faster with less personal effort | Requires heavy labor over several weeks/months |
| Higher quality final product | More risk of mistakes and imperfections |
| Typically comes with a warranty | No warranty unless you purchase separate materials warranty |
Professional installation costs approximately $25-$45 per square foot on average for a high quality putting green with turf, drainage, features and accessories. Doing the work yourself can reduce the upfront cost to around $5-$20 per square foot, but requires extensive DIY landscaping skills.
Beyond the actual green installation, there are ongoing and hidden expenses required for a functional home putting green:
Maintenance
Even with artificial grass you’ll need to groom the turf, fill seams and keep the area clean of debris. Expect to spend $200-$500 per year maintaining a backyard putting green.
Supplies
You’ll want equipment like ball collectors, putters, training aids and enough golf balls for regular practice. Allocate $500-$1,000 for accessories.
Turf replacement
Depending on usage, artificial turf needs replacement every 8-10 years. Natural grass may need re-sodding even more frequently. Budget $1,000-$5,000 for eventual turf replacement.
Impact on home value
A high-end putting green could boost your home’s value. But some buyers may see it as a maintenance hassle. Talk with local realtors to understand potential impact on sale price.
Take ongoing costs into account when planning your backyard putting green budget. These extras can add up over time.
DIY ways to cut costs
If budget is a concern, here are some ways to reduce the cost of a DIY putting green installation:
- Start small – A 10×10 green takes less materials and effort.
- Use basic turf – Upgrade to premium turf later if desired.
- Minimize grading – Work with existing terrain when possible.
- Seed vs sod – Growing from seed costs less than installing sod.
- Simplify the base – Use basic granular fill materials.
- Reuse – Use demolished concrete or pavers as edging.
- Wait on features – Add bunkers, undulations later to spread out costs.
With smart design and material choices, you can install a basic putting green for under $2,000. Just be prepared to spend more time and effort during construction.
Factors that increase cost
On the other hand, the following putting green elements will drive up the installation price tag:
- Large size – Big greens require exponentially more materials and labor.
- Multi-level tiers – Moving and shaping large amounts of dirt costs more.
- Retaining walls – Needed for significant elevation changes.
- Extensive grading – Major earthmoving equipment rental costs pile up.
- Premium base – Multi-layer rock, gravel and sand bases improve drainage.
- Upgraded turf – Higher quality greens increase ball speed and smoothness.
- Full landscaping – Integrating trees, rocks, pathways and lighting dresses up the area.
- Water features – Installing babbling brooks or streams boost the ambiance.
- Amenities – Benches, ball washers, club racks provide functionality.
Adding any of these elements will likely put the total project cost well above $10,000. Weigh the benefits of extra features against the budget impact.
Ways to reduce maintenance costs
Ongoing putting green maintenance requires both time and money. Here are some tips for minimizing upkeep:
- Select durable artificial turf materials
- Install drainage for optimal moisture
- Use soil stabilization polymers to limit erosion
- Groom and fill seams regularly to maintain smooth putting surface
- Apply enzyme cleaners to prevent organic buildup
- Clear debris like leaves frequently
- Adjust mower height to the manufacturer’s recommended setting
- Aerate yearly using core or spike methods
- Overseed to maintain turf density
Proper construction and care techniques will help extend the life of your putting green and minimize ongoing upkeep expenses.
How much does it cost to maintain a putting green?
Here are estimated annual maintenance costs for backyard putting greens based on size:
| Putting Green Size | Estimated Yearly Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 ft x 10 ft | $200 – $500 |
| 15 ft x 15 ft | $500 – $750 |
| 20 ft x 20 ft | $750 – $1,000 |
| 30 ft x 60 ft | $2,000 – $3,000 |
As shown above, you can expect yearly upkeep costs between $200-$500 for a small 100 sq ft putting green. This covers grooming, cleaning, turf repair, mowing and other routine maintenance. Larger greens above 400 sq ft may cost $2,000 or more annually to keep in top playing condition.
Should you install a putting green?
Installing a high quality putting green in your backyard can be a great way to improve your golf game. But it carries a substantial cost. Before taking the plunge, make sure to honestly assess the following:
- Do you have adequate space in your yard?
- Does your home budget support the upfront and ongoing costs?
- Are you committed to proper maintenance and upkeep?
- Will the time investment required be worth it for your skill level?
- Will the putting green positively impact your home’s value?
For avid golfers willing to pay the price in dollars and sweat equity, having a private putting green can be well worth the investment. But more casual players or those with limited space may be better off using a portable practice green or visiting the public course.
Conclusion
Building your own backyard putting green comes with big benefits for improving your golf skills on your own property. But it also carries significant costs in terms of budget, time and maintenance. Typically expect to spend $25-$45 per square foot for a professionally designed and installed putting green. More basic DIY projects can cut the upfront investment to $5-$20 per square foot, but require heavy physical labor. Ongoing costs for supplies, maintenance, repairs and eventual turf replacement can run $500-$3,000+ per year depending on the putting green’s size and amenities. Carefully weigh all these factors when deciding if creating your own private putting paradise makes financial and lifestyle sense.