How a backyard putting green is built
A real putting surface needs proper base grade, true-roll turf, and PGA-spec cups set into the base.
What you'll learn
- Why decomposed granite base outperforms class-II for putting greens
- How to plan cup placement around stance lines and break
- The infill weight that produces a stimp 9–11 surface
- Why fringe turf around the green matters for chipping
Step by step
- Lay out the green shape. Mark contours and cup positions.
- Excavate 4 inches. Lay decomposed granite base in lifts. Compact to grade.
- Set PVC cup liners flush with the base. Cement in place.
- Roll putting turf, glue seams, brush in fine sand infill to manufacturer spec.
- Add fringe turf ring around the green for chipping.
Safety note
The most common DIY putting green mistake: skipping the cup liners and dropping cups into loose dirt. They never stay level.
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