Home Putting Green Install

[Cactus Jack]

I’m renovating my backyard and decided to install a putting green. I had no idea how involved the process is so I thought I’d share some thoughts and pics. I apologize if I’m posting in the wrong area. 
 

The first step is coming up with a general design, then the base is roughed out. The base on my green is multiple layers of different size granite aggregate. The base is then hand contoured. 
 

Once contoured we spent a good hour rolling a basketball across the green to test the undulations. Once that was set the granite was compacted, and we rolled a basketball for another hour. Apparently the basketball rolling is a Jack Nicklaus trick.
 

After nailing the undulations the guys use hand trowels and a concrete type mix to smooth out any low spots. We also set the cups, which are set in the concrete. Before putting the turf in they lay a 5mm dense pad over the putting surface. The pad ensures the final surface will be as smooth as possible. 
 

That’s as far as we are at the moment. I’ll post updates and more pics as the project progresses. 
 

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Cactus Jack

[GoTime]

Are you using a national brand or local?

[Cactus Jack]

These guys are moving fast. 
 

Once the pad is tacked down they lay the putting green turf down and stretch it to size. They then glue it and tack it to the pad. 
 

Unlike standard precut putting green turf, we’re using using 2” long material. Once in place the green will be built up using a combination of silica sand and slag material until just the tips of the blades are exposed.  After the fill is in place the entire green will be rolled giving it a bent grass putting surface. 
 

Im getting excited!

[sadclevelandsports]

I'm having this done on Friday. Just out of curiosity, how much did they charge you? I was at around $12/sqft, pricing seems to vary significantly from company to company. 

[Ri_Redneck]

Bent grass roll in Bermuda grass country? Looks great though.

 

BT

[Cactus Jack]

32 minutes ago, sadclevelandsports said:

I'm having this done on Friday. Just out of curiosity, how much did they charge you? I was at around $12/sqft, pricing seems to vary significantly from company to company. 

 

Same price for me. I talked to a few companies that were less expensive, but I like the quality of their work the best. Plus, they just finished a project a Jon Rahm’s house. If they’re good enough for Jon, I suppose they’re good enough for me 🙂  

[Cactus Jack]

48 minutes ago, GoTime said:

Are you using a national brand or local?

I’m working with Celebrity Greens. So far I’m impressed. However we have a ways to go and I’ll reserve judgement until I see the final product. 

[Cactus Jack]

I talked to the guys about the pad. Apparently it keeps the green soft and react properly to chips and pitches. I’m told greens without the pad, or something similar, can get very hard, hard as concrete.  The PM told me they tear out greens on regular basis because they become unplayable.  

[Cactus Jack]

A few more pics. The guys are laying the glue and tacking down the edges. They put a good size nail every two inches around the entire perimeter. 
 

I’m anxious to see how that seam turns out. I’m expecting perfection...

[jml4]

wow looks cool. Excited to follow along

[Cactus Jack]

The fringe is going in and they added a few chipping circles. 
 

Below is another shot of the putting surface material. I’m having a hard time seeing how this is going to come together but the crew is doing excellent work. 
 

I'm excited to see how they use the power brushes. 

[Cactus Jack]

Here’s how they use the power broom. Basically it’s a turf lawn mower and pulls out any loose material. 

[Cactus Jack]

 

Edited February 22, 2021 by Cactus Jack

[chsneggs]

Beyond Excellent and very close to Superb ...

[Reds]

Looks amazing. I wish I could do this however right now we have 12" of snow on the ground. Keep the pics coming!

[Cactus Jack]

The roller is out!

[Cactus Jack]

Here’s what they use for the top layer of fill. It adds a bit of camo neutral color to offset the green turf. Also, it’s anti microbial which is a win for dog owners. The second pic is just to show the color before it gets brushed in. 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Cactus Jack

[Cactus Jack]

My crew finishing up Rahm’s house before coming to mine.
 

What I appreciate is even though I’m not a PGA super star, these guys are treating me like I am. They are doing great work and clearly take deep pride in their craft. 

[Cactus Jack]

Wow. Talk about attention to detail. They are getting the cups just right and are now hand trimming the turf. Wow. 

[Cactus Jack]

So close! One heck of a days work. It needs one final roll tomorrow to bring it up to 10.5 on the stimp.

 

Now, I need to dial in the landscape lighting 😀

[capking]

That’s awesome 

[coomdaddy]

Super jealous. Congratulations!  Looks great. 
 

[gsrjc]

Awesome 

[Munich77]

That is really awesome - I wish I had the backyard for it!

[Calle83]

wow ! I mean wow! that would be so awesome to have in the backyard 

[capking]

Stupid question for you, is the circle at the top supposed to be sand?

[dropkicked]

12 hours ago, Cactus Jack said:

So close! One heck of a days work. It needs one final roll tomorrow to bring it up to 10.5 on the stimp.

 

Now, I need to dial in the landscape lighting 😀

Question for you: Are you chipping from the thicker green, bordered areas or are you using the circular sections they designed for you?

I am seriously contemplating this for my yard (I AM DONE WITH CUTTING/MOWING!!!) and appreciate you taking the time to document these steps. 🙂

[Cactus Jack]

3 hours ago, capking said:

Stupid question for you, is the circle at the top supposed to be sand?

 

That's an inground trampoline. My kids are ruthless negotiators, and somehow got me to compromise for their benefit. Always seems to go that way 🙂 .  

[Cactus Jack]

1 hour ago, dropkicked said:

Question for you: Are you chipping from the thicker green, bordered areas or are you using the circular sections they designed for you?

I am seriously contemplating this for my yard (I AM DONE WITH CUTTING/MOWING!!!) and appreciate you taking the time to document these steps. 🙂

 

Both.

 

The thicker stuff approximates greenside rough/second cut fringe, while the chipping circles are typical tight fringe. The longer stuff is primarily for aesthetics though, but it's functional too. 

 

They made me a few portable chipping mats to drag around my patio. 30 yard pitch shots off both surfaces feel great and react/spin on the green as good as any natural greens I play on. 

 

I'll try to post some videos this weekend.  

[landolakes]

Thanks for taking the time to share so much of this project