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Highlights
- The typical cost to build a backyard putting green is between $400 and $9,000, with homeowners across the nation paying an average of $4,300.
- The main factors that influence the cost of a backyard putting green include the size and design of the green, the turf material used, the number of cuts, and the cost of labor.
- A backyard putting green is easy to customize and offers homeowners convenience, additional outdoor recreation, and health benefits; homeowners can use their putting green to perfect their golf skills right at home.
- A homeowner who has experience installing artificial grass may be able to install a backyard putting green themselves, but most homeowners will want to hire a professional to ensure the area can fully serve its purpose.
Installing a backyard putting green can help improve a homeowner’s golf game and create a realistic golf experience right at home. Whether the green is made from natural grass or artificial grass, the installation cost of a backyard golf green will depend on its size. How much does a backyard putting green cost? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, installing a backyard green ranges in price from $400 to $9,000, with the national average at $4,300 for a 200-square-foot golf green. One of the biggest cost factors is the green size. Backyard putting greens can cost from $4 to $40 or more per square foot, depending on the kinds of grass used, the green design, the number of cuts, and local labor costs.
The cost of hiring a professional landscape designer typically runs between $50 and $150 per hour. These professionals can provide custom designs for a putting green that is perfect for backyard games. Labor to install sod ranges from $0.15 to $1.65 per square foot, and synthetic grass costs between $3 to $9 per square foot for installation, excluding materials. This guide will examine the important factors that influence backyard putting green cost, additional price factors that can change the overall installation price, the benefits of installing a putting green, and important questions that homeowners will want to ask before deciding on a backyard golf green.
Factors in Calculating Backyard Putting Green Cost
While many homeowners spend between $400 and $9,000 to install a backyard putting green, the overall price can vary from the national average of $4,300 due to a few important factors. These can include the size of the putting green, the overall design, the turf material, the number of cuts, and local labor costs.
Size
The average size of a backyard green is around 500 square feet, but these can be smaller or larger depending on the overall size of the backyard space. Backyard golf greens typically cost from $4 to $40 per square foot. It can cost about $400 for a smaller 100-square-foot DIY putting green, and it can run as high as approximately $9,000 for a 500-square-foot professionally designed golf green. Professionals usually lower their rates for larger projects since they take more installation time, and it’s common for contractors to charge less per square foot for larger putting greens.
Design
The overall cost of a backyard putting green also depends on the complexity of the design and the skill level required to create and install it. Professional putting green designs ensure proper drainage with the use of perforated holes and meet the specific aesthetic needs of the customer. They can mimic a specific tour green and perfectly accent the backyard space. Designing a putting green takes precise skill, and the more intricate the green design, the more expensive the green cost.
Turf Material
Homeowners can choose between natural grass or artificial turf for their backyard putting green. The cost of natural grass installation averages between $1 and $2 per square foot, and artificial grass installation ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot. While natural grass has less expensive up-front costs, regular maintenance costs can make that option much more expensive in the long run. Real grass greens require extensive labor, lawn treatment, watering, and speciality equipment to keep them in good condition, while artificial turf requires significantly less maintenance—with the exception of cleaning with a hose, a rake, or a broom. The advancements in artificial lawn technology enable the synthetic turf to look and respond like natural putting green grass, and some even have antibacterial infill to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.
Homeowners also have the option of buying a synthetic putting green mat for between $460 and $1,360, depending on size. These putting green mats offer little in the way of variety in design, turf cuts, or hole placements.
Number of Cuts
Backyard putting greens can be customized with the number of cuts for the turf. If a homeowner wants to practice more than simply putting and prefers to put more time and effort into all aspects of their short game, additional turf cuts can mimic the type of grass found on professional golf courses. Adding more cuts of fairway turf and fringe will allow for more practice of all types of shots, but it will also increase the installation time and labor cost by about 10 percent.
Labor
The cost of labor can vary according to the size of the green and the complexity of the installation project. The cost to hire a landscape designer to design the best putting green for the backyard space can run from $50 to $150 per hour. Natural sod installation costs range from $0.15 to $1.65 per square foot, and sod delivery fees can run from $65 to $230 per truckload. The cost of artificial turf ranges from $3 to $9 for installation, but this doesn’t include the materials themselves. If the backyard area isn’t sloped the correct way for a putting green, regrading the lawn can cost from $975 to $3,000. Putting greens with hills, bunkers, curves, or slopes, or those that are oddly shaped, can add another 20 percent to the overall labor prices.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for backyard putting green costs, many homeowners may find that there are additional price factors and considerations that can change the final installation price. These can include the installation location, the cost of hiring a landscape designer, prep work, landscaping and additional features, accessories, ongoing maintenance, and repairs.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Artificial putting greens can be installed both indoors and outdoors, depending on the preference of the homeowner. An indoor option can cost from $160 to $400, or it can run as high as $4,000 or more, depending on size. An outdoor putting green can cost from $400 to $9,000 or more.
Landscape Designer
Hiring a landscape designer for a putting green and for backyard landscaping can take all the guesswork out of creating a comfortable backyard space. How much does landscape design cost? The typical cost to hire a landscape designer ranges from $1,944 to $7,213, with many homeowners spending in the neighborhood of $4,571. The wide range of pricing is due to the size and complexity of the design project, the time of year, the designer’s experience level and fee structure, and the types of materials needed.
Prep Work
The amount of site preparation to install a backyard putting green also influences the overall cost of installation. And regardless of whether the grass is natural or artificial, some contractors may not include the cost of preparation work with the pricing of the grass. The cost of land excavation runs from $50 to $200 per cubic yard. If the putting green site is difficult to access, the overall labor costs can increase significantly. If earth-moving equipment cannot be used at the project site, then the alternative requires workers to use shovels and wheelbarrows, which will make the project even more expensive. If the area needs to be graded, leveled, or if slopes and hills need to be installed, the overall price will be more expensive.
Landscaping and Additional Features
It can cost between $50 and $100 per hour to install additional features, not including the cost of materials. How much does landscaping cost? Adding slopes, hills, water features, or additional turf cuts will all come at an additional charge beyond the basic putting green design. Below are some extra features that homeowners can choose to add to their space when installing a backyard putting green.
| Additional Putting Green Feature | Average Price Range |
| Deck | $4,000 to $11,400 |
| Landscaping | $1,300 to $5,840 |
| Outdoor lighting | $2,000 to $4,500 |
| Outdoor seating | $350 to $4,000 |
| Storage shed | $2,500 |
| Water feature | $850 to $4,500 |
Accessories
Holes and flagsticks are the most common accessories for a backyard putting green. Some homeowners prefer to buy professional accessories to maintain a polished look to the putting green at a cost of about $300, while others like to personalize their backyard green with a DIY approach.
Maintenance and Repairs
Artificial turf putting greens are easier and less expensive to maintain than a natural grass putting green. Synthetic greens have sand infill in the turf to create a more realistic grass feel when users are putting and walking across the surface. Vacuuming an artificial turf putting green will remove the sand infill, so it’s recommended to brush the turf with a broom or use a lawn blower to remove unwanted debris from the area. Placing a tarp or a custom pool cover over the putting green when it’s not in use can keep organic debris off of the area. This can prevent leaves from rotting on the artificial turf and help minimize the buildup of organic material that can cause weeds or moss to grow. A natural grass putting green requires regular maintenance—at least weekly—at a cost of $50 to $220 per visit. A well-maintained putting green can last 5 to 15 years or more, while a neglected putting green will deteriorate over time.
It’s common for artificial grass to need repairs, and the cost to patch artificial turf ranges from $2 to $8 per square foot. For a natural grass green, reseeding can cost from $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot to fill in bare spots. The cost to move or add holes with an extraction hole cutter runs approximately $150 per hole.
Types of Backyard Putting Greens
Backyard putting greens can be small, medium, or large, depending on how much space is available for a golf green. Below are the average price ranges for backyard putting greens based on size.
| Backyard Putting Green size | Average Cost (Labor and Materials) |
| Small green (under 400 square feet) | $25 to $40 per square foot |
| Medium green (between 400 and 2,000 square feet) | $20 to $30 per square foot |
| Large green (over 2,000 square feet) | $15 to $20 per square foot |
Small
Small putting greens are usually under 400 square feet in size. The average price range per square foot runs from $25 to $40, and the average cost per square foot is $32 for a smaller backyard putting green. Smaller projects usually cost more per square foot since they take less time to complete, so a contractor’s rates may be higher to make it worth their time.
Medium
Medium-size backyard putting greens typically measure between 400 and 2,000 square feet. The average price ranges from $20 to $30 per square foot, and the average cost per square foot is about $25.
Large
A large backyard golf green is over 2,000 square feet. The cost to improve your short game on such a large green can run from $15 to $20 per square foot, with the average cost per square foot at $17.
Benefits of Installing a Backyard Putting Green
With a putting green just outside the back door, homeowners can work on their short game and practice all types of shots at any time of the day. Some of the perks of installing a backyard putting green are convenience, outdoor recreation, improved golf skills, health benefits, and customization options.
Convenience
Having a backyard putting green allows golf players to practice putting skills at any time. It takes more than just a few rounds of golf with friends to improve a short game. Having the ability to practice shots at home can help improve the highly sought-after putting skills necessary during a competitive game.
Outdoor Recreation
Getting outside, practicing a golf swing, and breathing fresh air along with friends and family can improve stress levels and is an excellent way to enjoy one another’s company. Homeowners can enjoy time alone outside or invite friends over for a few rounds.
Improved Golf Skills
By having the opportunity to practice putting at any time of the day, golfers can improve their golf shots. Instead of having to travel to a golf course to practice all types of shots, it can be done from the comfort of the homeowner’s own backyard.
Health Benefits
Getting out and playing golf has many benefits, including stress relief, improved problem-solving and strategizing, muscle memory, confidence, and focus. Having a putting green in the backyard means homeowners can enjoy these benefits at any time.
Customization Options
A backyard putting green is open to many customization options, including soil and turf type, various types of terrain—from hilly to flat—and variations in base options. Installing extras, such as grass or sand bunkers, water features, additional landscaping, and other customizations, can make the backyard putting green a personalized experience.
Backyard Putting Green Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Installing a DIY backyard putting green requires knowledge of how to lay artificial grass. If a homeowner chooses to install their own green, they can pay as little as $400 for a very small green on a flat surface. Typically, a DIY putting green can cost from $500 to $2,000, not including the cost of grading or leveling the landscape. If the area does not drain properly or the putting green is installed incorrectly, the homeowner’s golf game could suffer. Installing a backyard putting green requires specialized knowledge and extensive experience to ensure the green functions as it should. For many homeowners, spending the money to hire a professional to design and install a backyard golf green is worth it to ensure that the green is fully functional.
How to Save Money on Backyard Putting Green Costs
Installing a backyard putting green has many benefits, but the cost of artificial grass and customizations can quickly add up. Below are some money-saving tips to help homeowners save as much as possible on backyard putting green cost.
- Get multiple estimates. Get at least three estimates from reputable local contractors or the best landscaping companies to find a price that works with your budget.
- Keep it simple. While a large backyard putting green with all the bells and whistles might be your dream, it can get expensive. By keeping the putting green simple, you can reduce the overall project costs.
- Go smaller. The size of a backyard golf green influences the final cost of the project. Although the price per square foot may be less for a larger green, the overall price of a smaller putting green will be less in the long run.
- Make some of the accessories yourself. Getting the family involved in making customized flags and flagsticks can create a personal experience to ensure your putting green is like no one else’s.
- Buy wholesale. If you’re interested in installing an artificial turf green, buying the grass wholesale can save on the markup from retailers.
Questions to Ask About Backyard Putting Green Installation
Asking a landscaping or backyard putting green installation professional the right questions can help save money and avoid miscommunication. Before hiring a professional to design and install a backyard golf green, homeowners will want to know all the important information about backyard putting greens and the installation process. Below are some key questions to ask a professional.
- How much experience do you have installing backyard putting greens?
- Will you provide references?
- Do you have a portfolio of past backyard putting green installations?
- Do you offer on-site consultations?
- How much excavation does my putting green project require?
- How long will it take to install the backyard putting green?
- What type of base preparation does the site need?
- What is your process of installing golf holes and cups?
- How do you seam and seal the artificial turf?
- What type of infill materials do you have to choose from?
- How does the artificial turf that you use compare to other products?
- What kind of maintenance does the green turf require?
- What types of artificial turf do you offer?
- Who will install the backyard putting green?
- Do you hire subcontractors at any point during the installation process?
- What type of warranties or guarantees do you offer?
- How can I leave a review of your work?
FAQs
Planning to install a backyard putting green comes with many questions and involves making numerous decisions. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about backyard golf greens and the installation process.
Q. Is a backyard putting green worth it?
For those who frequently play golf and want to improve their short game and practice putting, yes, a backyard putting green is worth it. While the overall costs to install a putting green can get expensive, homeowners can save money since they’re not paying for time to practice shots at a golf club. For many homeowners, the installation cost is worth the convenience.
Q. What is a good size for a backyard putting green?
For many golf players, the ideal size for a backyard putting green is 500 square feet or more. For some, a smaller green of 100 square feet fulfills the need to practice basic putt shots.
Q. How much does a backyard putting green cost to DIY?
Many DIY putting greens can cost between $400 and $2,000. There are some DIY putting green kits that are available at a cost of $4 to $20 per square foot, not including the cost to level or grade the installation area.
Q. How long do backyard putting greens last?
With proper maintenance, a backyard putting green can last from 5 to 15 years. Natural grass putting greens require weekly, if not daily, maintenance, and this can get expensive. Regular artificial turf maintenance that includes keeping it clean, clearing debris, and replacing worn spots can extend the life of the green.
Q. How much slope should a putting green have on a house?
It’s important for a backyard golf green to have the correct drainage and allow for proper water evacuation. Grading the installation space to have no more than a 3 percent slope can provide the best results.
Q. Is it hard to maintain a putting green?
A natural grass putting green requires more maintenance and attention than one that’s covered in artificial turf. While artificial backyard putting greens cost more up front, the overall maintenance that’s required includes cleaning the surface with a hose and brushing off debris with a broom or a lawn blower. Some homeowners like to cover their putting green with a tarp or custom pool cover to ensure organic debris does not collect on the surface.
Q. Are artificial putting greens good?
Many homeowners prefer artificial putting greens since they require minimal maintenance after the installation. They have lower ongoing costs, and most types of artificial turf successfully mimic natural grass.
Q. Is an indoor putting green worth it?
If you don’t have the outdoor space for a putting green, an indoor green is an excellent solution to practice the important skill of putting.
Q. How long does it take to build a putting green?
Backyard putting greens can be installed in time spans from 1 day to 1 week. The overall installation time depends on the size and complexity of the job and how accessible the site is to excavation and construction equipment. A smaller 100- to 400-square-foot putting green may take a day or two to install, while a 2,000-square-foot or larger golf green may take a week or more.
Q. What do you put under a putting green?
Installing a correctly built base under the putting green is important. This is what creates the slopes, hills, and flat areas of the green. After the old grass is removed, a layer of crushed rocks is laid down and raked into place to create the design of the green. It’s then sprayed with water and compacted down to create a smooth base.
Q. How thick is putting green turf?
Putting green turf is typically between ½- to ¾-inch thick to ensure the golf ball rolls across the green correctly.
Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Xgrass, Rubber Flooring Inc
