DIY Outdoor Putting Green Kits – A Buyer’s Guide

DIY Kit Supplies

Putting green kits offer an all-in-one solution for DIY installation. They come pre-cut, pre-designed, and complete with instructions.

Kits Typically Include:

• Base panels: Padded interlocking panels that support leveling, drainage, and stability.
• 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: Stone or gravel base material required for long term performance and stability.
• Tools & 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 have all of the supplies you’ll need. All you need are the tools and a bit of landscaping know-how.

The Best DIY Kits

1. 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.

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2. 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.

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3. 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.

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4. 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.

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The Bottom Line: For top tier performance, longevity, and customization, go with Pro Putt Systems or XGrass. 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

• Easy installation: Designed for straightforward setup with basic tools and minimal effort.
• 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 limitations: Often simplify base preparation, which can affect true ball roll compared to professionally installed greens.
• Longevity limitations: Simplified base work may compromise drainage, stability, and the overall lifespan.
• 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 ensures the highest quality, performance, and peace of mind for your putting green.

Pros

• Superior product: Guarantees proper materials and installation for better performance, aesthetics, and longevity.
• Faster completion: Experienced teams complete projects efficiently, often in a single day.
• Peace of mind: 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 those prioritizing top-tier quality, durability, and a hassle-free experience, professional installation is the definitive choice.

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.

But their biggest limitation is the base preparation. Kits typically use padding instead of gravel, hand tools instead of necessary equipment, and just fall short of that ‘on the course’ feel. They won’t look as good or last as long either.

With a full DIY approach, you could end up paying more and spending more time than you had ever bargained for.

When you need a backyard putting green that’s as close to ‘on the course’ as you can get, one that will last, look good, and all without the headache – then you need professional installation.

At American Greens, we’ve been building premium putting greens for 26 years. Our team of installation experts combine technical skill with a love of the game to ensure playability, longevity, and aesthetic. We work with each customer to understand their unique vision, and bring it to life better than they had hoped for.

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

Let’s start the conversation on getting you the backyard green you’ve always wanted, without any shortcuts.