PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Many golf enthusiasts build golf greens in their back yards so they can practice putting without traveling to a golf course and paying fees. While you can build a golf green by grooming the grass you have or by planting grass, if you want a green that meets the standards of the U.S. Golf Association (USGA), you must excavate the area, bring in gravel and topsoil, and install irrigation and drainage systems.

  1. Your green should be built on a spot that has sandy soil, plenty of sun and good drainage. The location must also allow for breezes to come through in order to keep the grass healthy. [1]
  2. Be sure to remove all the existing sod so you don't have to contend with weeds.
    Advertisement
  3. It should have a variety of slopes to challenge you, but ultimately slope away from the center. This will prevent puddles from forming after it rains.
    • If you want to have a depression in your green, you must install a drain pipe beneath it to carry away the water. However, this won't work if you build a green in a climate where the puddle will freeze during winter.
  4. [2] Duct tape the connections and wrap the pipes so they won't come apart or you'll have to dig up your green to make repairs later.
  5. Keep in mind that adequate, even irrigation is the key to keeping turf healthy. Watering your green with a garden hose is time-consuming and tends to irrigate unevenly.
    • It's easiest to use your municipal water source if you do not live in an area that restricts water usage during droughts. If you choose a different water source (well, rainwater, gray water, etc.), you will have to more carefully monitor the effect of the water on your turf and irrigation system. Some water sources may clog sprinkler nozzles or introduce harmful chemicals.
    • You can water your green with garden sprinklers or drip lines connected to timers, but you will spend a lot of time moving them on and off the green. An underground system with pop-up sprinklers can be fully automated.
    • Install a residential sprinkler system rather than one designed for a golf course. Golf course irrigation systems operate at higher pressures in order to spread the water over a wider area. However, since you only have one green to irrigate, a residential system will work well and is less expensive.
  6. The gravel will hold water near the roots when you irrigate the green, but will allow water to pass through quickly during heavy rain so the grass doesn't drown. Compact the gravel layer. [3]
  7. It's best if you buy the right soil and bring it in, but you can test the soil you've got to see if it meets USGA standards. Compact this layer.
  8. Sodding often results in an uneven green, so seed instead if you have the time and patience to care for the grass until it matures. The variety of grass you will use for your green will largely depend on your climate.
  9. You may want to add a vapor barrier around your green before sodding to keep the surrounding area from sucking water away or adding water to your green.
  10. You may also want a cup changer that will allow you to change the position of your cup. You will also need to buy a special mower and mow your new green every day. You might be able to pick up a used one for less than $5000.00.
  11. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What kind of grass should be used in the US northeast?
    Community Answer
    Many golf courses in the NE have creeping bentgrass greens. 007 and PennCross are popular varieties.
  • Question
    What kind of grass do I need for a golf green in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
    Community Answer
    Bentgrass. This will withstand winter damage and give you an even putting surface.
  • Question
    Can I put a deeper cup in my green that would penetrate the sand and gravel? Would this do any harm to the drainage?
    Community Answer
    You would never set a cup deeper than the 14-inch top layer -- the cup cutter wouldn't be large enough to go that deep. Also, there is no reason to be that deep.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Because of the difficulty and the need to meet precise standards, you may want to hire a contractor with experience in building golf greens to do the work.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 222,638 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement