DIY Outdoor Putting Green Kits – A Buyer’s Guide

DIY outdoor putting green kits offer affordable, convenient solutions for working on your short game from home.

From the best providers to pricing, pros/cons and alternative options – here’s what you need to achieve your backyard putting green goals.

DIY Kit Supplies

Putting green kits offer a convenient, bundled solution for DIY installation. They typically come pre-cut, pre-designed, and complete with instructions.

Kits Typically Include:

  • Base or padding system: Kits may use interlocking base panels, attached dampening pads, or another support system designed to improve stability and playability.
  • Pre-cut turf: Synthetic turf and fringe material designed to mimic true ball roll.
  • Infill: Typically a silica sand material, it’s placed on top of the turf to hold it in place and enhance playability.
  • Hole materials: Cups, pins, ball retriever bases, and flags to build each hole.
  • Installation manual: Detailed instructions on preparing the area and building the green.
  • Customer support: Backed by support from professional putting green installers.

Kits Don’t Typically Include:

  • Sub-base material: Some kits require you to purchase and install a separate stone or gravel base, while others use an integrated panel or padding system that may reduce or eliminate the need for a traditional sub-base.
  • Tools and Equipment: Most kits only require common tools like a shovel, rake, and hand tamper. However, high-end or custom builds may require more specialized tools including a plate compactor, lawn roller, sod cutter, and post hole digger.

Most kits include the main putting green components, but you may still need to purchase sub-base materials and provide the necessary tools and equipment.

The Best DIY Kits

1. American Greens

The Major Series by American Greens

Best for: Top-tier putting and chipping, easy installation, expert support

At American Greens, we offer The Major Series in two different sizes, along with a fully custom option. Our greens are designed to produce a true-to-life ball roll and support realistic putting and chipping. Instead of using a plastic base system, we utilize attached dampening pads to simplify installation and improve performance on chip shots.

Learn More

2. Pro Putt Systems

Image: Pro Putt Systems

Best for: Wide selection, customizability, expert support

Pro Putt Systems offers a broad range of pre-designed and custom putting greens, providing options for various sizes and configurations. Their focus on customizability and customer support ensures golfers can find a solution tailored to their specific needs and receive assistance throughout the process.

Learn More

3. XGrass

Image: XGrass

Best for: Top-tier performance, customizability, expert support

XGrass delivers high-performance putting greens designed for serious golfers, emphasizing a true-to-life roll. Similar to Pro Putt Systems, they excel in custom design options, allowing for extensive personalization to meet exacting standards for playability.

Learn More

4. Bella Turf

Image: Bella Turf

Best for: Flexibility, cost-effectiveness, turnkey installation

Bella Turf specializes in easy-to-build, all-in-one solutions that seamlessly integrate into any landscape. They offer elegant yet simple kits at competitive price points without sacrificing quality. Bella Turf offers a great balance of affordability and performance.

Learn More

5. BirdieBall

Image: BirdieBall

Best for: Cost-effectiveness, no installation required

BirdieBall provides one of the most accessible and affordable options for backyard putting greens. In contrast to the others requiring installation, their greens are designed as outdoor rollout mats. For those looking for little-to-no installation and affordability, BirdieBall’s our top pick.

Learn More

The Bottom Line: For top performance, realistic chipping, and easy installation, consider us at American Greens first. Pro Putt Systems and XGrass are two great secondary choices, both established names known for their performance and customization options. For lifelike play that’s a bit more turnkey and affordable, Bella Turf is a solid choice. For the easiest, most cost-effective solution, consider an outdoor rollout mat like the ones offered by BirdieBall.

DIY Putting Green Kits: Understanding the Full Picture

While DIY kits offer an accessible entry point to a backyard putting green, it’s important to understand their strengths and limitations, especially when compared to other available options. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of kits, and how they stack up against a fully self-sourced DIY project or professional installation.

Pros of DIY Putting Green Kits

  • Simplified installation: Kits streamline material selection and design, although site preparation and installation still require physical work and basic landscaping ability.
  • Cost-effective: More affordable than professional installation while still delivering good performance.
  • Professional backing: Benefit from expert-designed materials and available support.

Cons of DIY Putting Green Kits

  • Performance considerations: Results vary by kit design, site preparation, and installation quality. Professionally installed greens may provide more precise grading and customization.
  • Longevity considerations: Long-term durability depends on drainage, site preparation, material quality, and proper installation.
  • Premium for convenience: While cheaper than professional help, kits still cost more than sourcing materials independently.

Beyond the Kit: Other Approaches to Your Backyard Putting Green

Understanding the nuances of DIY kits also involves considering other viable options, particularly a fully self-sourced DIY build or the comprehensive solution of professional installation. Each approach caters to different levels of commitment, skill, and desired outcomes.

Full DIY (Sourcing Your Own Materials)

Taking on a full DIY project allows for complete customization and can be deeply rewarding for hands-on individuals.

Pros

  • Maximum control: Design and source everything yourself for a truly custom and potentially more cost-effective or premium build.
  • Rewarding experience: A satisfying project for those who enjoy landscaping and home improvement.

Cons

  • Most labor-intensive: Requires extensive work, including design, material sourcing, installation, and maintenance.
  • Knowledge & skill requirements: Demands accurate material ordering and necessary landscaping expertise for proper installation.
  • Risk of hidden costs: Prone to underestimating true costs, time, or maintenance without professional guidance.

This option is best suited for experienced DIYers who want full creative control and are prepared for the extensive effort involved.

Professional Installation

Opting for professional installation can provide excellent quality, performance, and peace of mind for your putting green.

Pros

  • Professional execution: Provides properly selected materials and experienced installation.
  • Faster completion: Experienced teams can complete projects much more efficiently than most homeowners, although timelines depend on the size, design, and site conditions.
  • Peace of mind: Typically includes warranties and expert support, ensuring worry-free enjoyment and maintenance.

Cons

  • Higher cost: Significantly more expensive, with greens potentially ranging from $15,000 to over $60,000.
  • Less direct control: While your vision is incorporated, the execution is entirely in the hands of the installer.
  • Vetting required: Requires thorough research to find a reputable and effective provider.

For buyers prioritizing maximum customization, durability, and a hands-off experience, professional installation is generally the strongest option.

Why Professional Installation Often Outperforms DIY Options

You’re reading this because you’re a lover of the game, and want to be able to play in your backyard. DIY kits are an excellent solution for many – they’re built for golf, convenient, and affordable.

Some kits use simplified padding or base systems rather than the more extensive site preparation used in a professionally installed green. Although premium kits can provide realistic performance and an attractive finished result, professionally installed greens generally offer greater customization and long-term durability.

With a fully self-sourced DIY approach, you could end up spending more time and money than originally expected.

When you want a backyard putting green that delivers a course-like experience, long-term durability, and a professionally finished appearance without handling the installation yourself, professional installation may be the better choice.

The Long family enjoying the first ever American Greens putting green in 1999.

At American Greens, we’ve been building premium putting greens since 1999. Our team of installation experts combines technical skill with a love of the game to ensure playability, longevity, and visual appeal. We work with each customer to understand their unique vision and bring it to life beyond their expectations.

Click here to view some of our work, or here to get in touch.

Whether you want a professionally installed backyard green or prefer to build one yourself with a Major Series kit, American Greens can help you choose the right approach for your space, budget, and performance goals.