Everyone is spending more time at home in 2020. Whether it’s your choice or not, you might not be hitting the links as much. Practice makes perfect. If you aren’t putting, you aren’t practicing. Might be time to consider adding a DIY putting green to your home sanctuary. It’s easier than you think.
How Many Holes?
Most putting greens have one hole. If you have a small space, put in one hole. But if you’re tired of cutting grass, go ahead and use more of your yard. Add extra holes.
Even when you aren’t putting, that synthetic turf will never need mowing, watering or fertilizing.
Location Location Location
In real estate, location is everything. Same goes for your DIY putting green. Scout the best location. Look for
- level surface
- good drainage
- distance from other structures
That third item is key. You don’t want a stray ball to knock out a neighbor’s window. Even though you’re only putting, you never know.
A level surface makes installation easier and prevents water from ponding on your finished product.
Once you’ve scouted the location, sketch your design to scale on graph paper.
Remove the Turf
Now it’s time to get dirty. That old sod has to go. There are several ways to remove sod from the lawn. Cutting the sod then rolling it up and hauling it off is usually the fastest and cleanest method. Or just relocate that sod to an area you want to mow, water, and fertilize.
Prepare the Surface
Synthetic turf needs a firm, smooth surface. Remove any rocks and debris. Prepare the substrate. Add crushed stone or gravel. Use 1/4″ gravel and then water it down. Now you are ready to compact the substrate. A small tamper works well in a small place. But it’s easier and faster to use a compactor with an engine. Most home improvement stores rent these. Or, you can go to an equipment rental shop to rent one for a few hours.
It’s important to get the surface smooth and compacted.
Install the Cups
Now dig out the space for the cups. Those cups have holes in the bottom for drainage. That’s good. What’s even better is if you place gravel in the bottom of your cup holes for additional drainage. Think a cup-sized mini French drain.
Once the cup is in place, smooth the gravel and fill the area next the to cup lip with sand.
Check your work with a level. Because you are putting, this surface needs to be as level and smooth as possible.
Install the Edging
If you think it’s time to put in the turf you are wrong. Now is the time to put in the edging. That’s if you want to use Wonder Edge, the easiest edging product for a DIY putting green. Psst, it’s what the professionals use too. Wonder Edge doesn’t require digging or trenching.
Nail it in place with the turf nails. Connectors attach consecutive pieces and you bend it to the shape you want. Pick from black, green, or brown edging for your DIY putting green.
If you don’t use Wonder Edge, you’ll put the turf down first then spend more time trenching for edging than you will putting down the turf.
Install the Turf
Now your edging is in place, install the turf. Piece together according to manufacturer directions. Use your hands to find the cups and a utility knife to cut around the cups.
Rough cut exterior edges and tuck into the Wonder Edge slot and nail in place.
Talk about a smooth, clean finish! Go clean up. Your work is done!
Enjoy Your DIY Putting Green
Now get that putter and a cool adult beverage. It’s time to enjoy that DIY putting green. When the links open again, you’ll putt like a pro!
