A Santa Cruz Golfer’s Guide to Putting Green Design

Pro Tips for Crafting the Perfect Backyard Putting Green for Golf Lovers - santa cruz

Here in Santa Cruz, where our love for golf is matched only by our appreciation for low-maintenance landscaping, artificial grass putting greens are becoming the must-have feature for golf enthusiasts. 

One of the best things about artificial grass installation is that you’re the boss here — customize any part of your putting green, from layout to features, as much as you wish. Here are some useful tips to get your creative juices flowing:

Step 1: Size Up Your Space

First things first — how much room do you have to work with? In Santa Cruz, we’ve installed putting greens as compact as 100 square feet and as sprawling as 1,000 square feet. It all depends on your available space and how you plan to use it.

Consider:

Will this be solely for putting practice or do you want room for chipping too?

How many holes do you want?

Do you need space for multiple people to practice simultaneously?

Step 2: Location, Location, Location

Choose a spot that’s:

Easily accessible from your house

Visible (so you’ll be motivated to use it)

Relatively flat (though don’t worry if it’s not perfect — we can work with slopes)

Think about sun exposure too. While artificial grass can handle full sun, you might prefer some shade for those hot Santa Cruz afternoons.

Step 3: Design for Both Function and Aesthetics

This is where the fun begins. Your putting green should challenge your skills while complementing your existing landscape. Consider:

Contours and Breaks: Do you want a flat green for mastering straight putts or undulations to practice reading greens?

Multiple Holes: Variety keeps practice interesting

Fringe Areas: Adding a fringe of longer turf around the green adds realism and chipping practice opportunities

Aesthetics: How will the green blend with your existing landscaping?

We’ll help you polish your design, but these should help you get started in the right direction.

Choosing the Right Artificial Turf Putting Green

Not all artificial grass is created equal, especially for putting greens. Here’s what we look for:

Pile Height: Typically between 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch for optimal ball roll

Density: A dense turf provides a truer roll and better durability

Color: We can match the shade to your preferred look, from Augusta-green to a more natural California hue

Infill: The right infill material affects ball speed and bounce

The Installation Process: Bringing Your Putting Green to Life

While we don’t recommend DIY installation (especially here in Santa Cruz where our soil and terrain can be tricky), understanding the process helps you appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

1. Site Preparation: We’ll remove existing vegetation and create a stable, level base

2. Drainage System: Crucial in our climate to prevent water accumulation

3. Base Layer: A carefully compacted layer of crushed stone creates the foundation

4. Turf Installation: We meticulously lay and secure the artificial grass

5. Adding the Details: Cutting and installing cups, flags, and any extra features

Elevate Your Game: Optional Features with Putting Greens

Want to take your green to the next level? Consider:

Sand Traps or Bunkers for Added Challenge

Lighting for Nighttime Practice

A Small Seating Area for Spectators (or post-practice relaxation)

Book a Free Consultation

A well-designed putting green isn’t just about improving your golf game — it’s about creating a space where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy our beautiful Santa Cruz weather year-round.

At Santa Cruz Artificial Grass, we’re passionate about creating custom putting greens that match your skill level, style, and space. From the hills of Scotts Valley to the shores of Pleasure Point, we’ve helped golfers across the county bring their putting green dreams to life.

Ready to start designing your backyard golfing oasis? Give us a call at 408-723-4954 or drop us a message through our website. We’ll set up a free consultation to survey your space and start transforming your backyard into your personal putting paradise.

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