Having a practice golf course in your backyard can definitely increase your chances of partaking in official games and tournaments. Doing your everyday exercise and training in the comfort of your own home does not only improve your swings and gameplays but can also improve your mental health. But, how much does it cost to install putting greens in a backyard?
The average cost of installing a putting green is around $15 to $30 per square foot. The price varies depending on the size of the lot, the materials used, and the type of artificial grass. Contractors will lower the price per square foot if they get bigger projects.
In this article, we will discuss the costs involved when planning to install a putting green in your backyard. We will also tackle the average home putting green cost, the cost of a synthetic putting green, the price difference between an indoor and outdoor putting green, and the cost of a backyard golf green.
Putting Green Installation Cost
Installing a putting green in your backyard typically costs around $15 to $30 per square foot. However, this will change based on the size of green you want as most contractors are willing to lessen the price for bigger projects. This means that the larger your putting green is, the lesser you’ll be charged per square foot.
Also, most contractors will increase their rates for smaller projects to compensate for the lesser time and materials spent. For example, a large project that covers 2,000 square feet or more might cost you about $15 of putting green per square foot. Whereas, for about 400 to 1,500 square feet projects, you can expect a putting green to be around $20 to $30 per square foot. Finally, for one 400 square feet and under, the typical cost is $30 per square foot.
You can also find DIY putting green kits on the market that are sold per base panels. The sizes range from 200 to 500 square feet and cost around $13 to $18 per square foot.
Average Home Putting Green Cost
There are three steps to follow for the installation of a home putting green, and each has its own cost to ensure your project’s success. These steps are the following:
1. Land grading
Land grading and residential excavation jobs cost between $1,400 to $5,300, and most companies charge between $30 to $150 per hour depending on the project bids. These project bids refer to the cubic yards of dirt moved and cost around $40 to $200 per cubic yard.
For residential projects, a land excavator contractor will prepare your site for your projects. Their jobs include digging and grading the land, removing trees, cutting and filling, removing dirt, compacting land clearing, and all the other tasks related to earthmoving.
The cost may also change based on the machinery used to perform the task, which depends on the size of the project and the surrounding plant life. The most commonly used machines by contractors are a backhoe tracker and an excavator.
2. Installing turf
The cost of installing the turf is between $3,000 to $7,300 depending on the size of the area. For a 500-square-foot area, a homeowner can expect to pay around $6,000 to install artificial grass. These prices may change based on the type of turf material used, yard size, and turf brand.
In most cases, installing artificial grass has an average cost of $5 to $19 per square foot, which may also vary depending on the materials used and the contractor’s labor costs.
3. Installing flagsticks and creating holes
For your putting green to be complete, you’ll need to create holes and install flagsticks in your backyard. The average cost to complete these tasks is around $300 depending on how many holes you’re trying to create and the brand on your flagsticks. You can also DIY your flagsticks to minimize your expenses.
Synthetic Putting Green Cost
Installing a synthetic putting green in your backyard can cost you $15 to $40 per square foot. You also have the option to buy synthetic mats, which cost between $450 to $1,400. Again, the prices vary depending on the size you need.
The good thing about synthetic putting greens is that they last 15 years or more with proper maintenance. They can withstand any weather conditions, like sun, rain, ice, and snow.
To maintain your synthetic putting green, follow these simple tips:
1. Brush it with a rake
Before raking your way through your putting green, make sure to pick up any birds and other animals’ fecal matter. Once you’re sure that there is no animal waste left, you can rake your way through your backyard.
Simply brush all the dirt, pollen, dust, and leaves from your artificial grass. You can pick up any small item that your rake can’t catch. Once you’re done, simply put all the waste on your disposable bag and you’re good to go.
2. Use a hose to rinse off the dirt
To ensure that your synthetic putting green doesn’t accumulate dirt and other unnecessary items, lightly rinse the grass using a hose. It’s also ideal to thoroughly rinse your turf at least once a month.
3. Perk up the grass blades using a broom
You’ll notice that with heavy foot traffic on your synthetic putting green, the artificial grass blades start to lie flat and lose their vibrant look. To bring it back to life, you can either use a stiff-bristled or power broom. All you need to do is scrape your way through your grass and you’ll immediately see the results.
Practicing and improving chipping skills is challenging and frustrating at times, but you need to do it to get better at the sport. Luckily, you don’t need to be on the golf course to do that, you can exercise it straight in your backyard. Here is everything you need to know about setting up a golf chipping practice area in your backyard.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Putting Green Cost
An outdoor putting green typically costs around $15 to $30 per square foot, although this would vary based on the surface you want to cover. However, indoor putting greens are more expensive depending on how close the outdoor design that you want to achieve is. In most cases, an indoor putting green costs around $150 to $400 per square foot.
Backyard Golf Green Cost Per Square Foot
As mentioned earlier when discussing how to install putting greens, the cost of installing a backyard golf green depends on the size of the project. Most contractors are willing to lessen their prices if they take on bigger projects. The typical cost for installing a backyard golf green is about $15 to $30 per square foot.
For example, if the project is less than 2,000 square feet, you can expect to be charged $30 per square foot. But if it is 2,000 square feet or more, then the price per square foot would revolve around $15.
Hiring a Professional vs. DIY Cost
If you’re looking into a budget-friendly and not-so-serious golf practice in your backyard, then you could understandably choose to install your putting green yourself right at your residence. But, it’s important to remember that this is not an easy project to complete.
Before you can install your artificial grass, you’ll need to do extensive land grading, excavation, and more. These tasks require knowledge and skills to make sure that your backyard golf will function and look at it should.
If you’re not sure about whether or not you can do it, it is best to hire a professional to do the land grading and install the putting green. Any avid golfer knows that their training depends on the little details on a golf course. If there are improper slopes and bumps, for instance, there’s a good chance that it can hurt your game.
Factors that Affect the Cost of an Artificial Grass Putting Green
Seven factors affect the cost of artificial grass putting green. Before you hire a professional to install one in your backyard, make sure to consider the size of your backyard, the type of green you want, its design, the number of cuts needed, the site preparation, the features you want to be included, and the installation process itself.
1. Size
Know the actual size of your backyard first. Measure the area where you want your backyard golf course to be before contacting a contractor. Keep in mind that the bigger the project, the lower the price per square foot you’ll get from contractors.
2. Type of Green
There are different types of synthetic turfs, designs, and construction methods. Before you give your contractor the go signal, conduct thorough research on what type of green you want to install. It will make it easier for both you and your contractor to continue with your plans with little to no delay.
3. Design
Of course, a backyard golf course would not be complete if it didn’t have designs for the holes and flagsticks. For you to perfect your swing and overall game, you need a design that will maximize your training and potential. Discuss your plans with your contractor before starting the site preparation to ensure that you have a common plan and goal. This will also allow your contractor to give you the estimated cost of the project.
4. Number of Cuts
Just like the design, you need to discuss with your contractor the number of cuts you want on your backyard putting green in order to mimic your performance for any given tournament. Create multiple cuts of fairway and fringe on your turf so that you practice all types of shots you need to use.
5. Site Preparation
One thing that can greatly impact the cost of your project is the time it takes different types of machinery to access your site. You can expect the cost to be higher if there’s not enough space for backhoes, wheelbarrows, and other equipment to easily pass through.
6. Features
Of course, a backyard golf turf would look boring if there were no additional features to it. For example, some contractors can add tree boxes, water hazards, dry creeks, bunkers, and other obstacles you may find on a real golf course. Although, you must remember that adding these features will impact the total cost of the project.
7. Installation
When it comes to installing putting greens, make sure you get a contractor who has the proper experience, knowledge, and skills to complete the project perfectly. Make sure to discuss the timeline of your project from start to end as this will greatly affect the overall cost.
Conclusion
There are different expenses that you need to consider when you’re planning to create a backyard golf turf. Before starting your project, make sure to consider the seven factors mentioned above to ensure that you have the right budget in mind. Also, consider the costs mentioned earlier to get an idea of how much it will cost you per square foot.
