artificial green?

[palindromicbob]

Thinking of getting an artificial green to work on my putting.

Just wondering if you think it would be better to put cups in it or maybe use temporary marking (reg size) with chalk dust or something to allow me to work on controlling distance and line but also allow me to move pin position.

 

[leaney]

Why not, it can only help.

And I think it's a good idea to put cups in it.

 

[granters]

I have an artificial green in my garden. It's 12foot by 6foot, used to be bigger.

I put 2 cups in, both 3/4 regulation size. If i want to practice lag putts i simply stick a tee in for a target, away from the line of the hole.

Having the cups really makes practice more visually interesting. certainly the fact i made them smaller has markedly improved my putting on the course.

If you want any advice from my experience give me a shout

 

[Evesdad]

Did you make it or did you buy it?? If you don't mind what did it cost.

 

[granters]

I made it myself. Cost wise, i did it for 30 quid! BUT i work in the construction industry do got most of the materials free, or at mates rates.

And it's superb, honestly. I can't believe how well it turned out. Same as the practice greens in American Golf etc.

Anyway for a 12x 6 foot green you'll need the following-

2 x 4" pressurised timber to construct a frame (approx £30)
Bulk bag hardcore (unless you already have it) (£40)
Bulk bag sharp sand (£40)
Astroturf, depending on quality but basic is fine, mine is "terrace" quality from link (£50) astroturf
Garden roller to flatten


so that's £160, approx, but i imagine you could do it cheaper than that given time. It's changed my putting beyond belief

 

[ScienceBoy]

I wonder what it is on the stimp meter?

I bet the cheaper the astroturf the faster the green?

 

[granters]

I'll do a rough stimp meter measure on mine later and post the results. You can buy specific putting astro turf. It really depends on your budget though. The stuff i've used is basic, but as long as the fibres are short enough you're fine.

 

[TonyN]

I've been toying with this idea for ages. Although I'm useless at DIY. Was thinking of constructing something I can move between the garage and the garden.

Any pictures?

 

[granters]

Will get some pics up later.

My home made stimp meter came out at 9feet average. Thats' rolled from a 20degree angle as per USGA gudelines

So it's about a stimp meter 9

 

[Evesdad]

Great info thanks, def thinking of putting One together (sorry no pun intended) but would have to be moveable or foldable, which may defeat the object! Would love to see some pictures though! A bit sad but when my dogs are gone I'm def having a permanent one.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Not much room on my handkerchief sized back garden even if I had the cash and permission from HID. I'll make do with the one at the club until I win the lottery and have my own mini practice area in the back garden

 

[granters]

My Mrs actually loves it. It really brigthens up the garden and it's nice to lie on in the summer. I'm lucky in that we had a small stretch at the bottom of the garden that we didn't know what to do with. we only have a small garden ourselves. It fits in really neatly.

Off to get some pics...

 

[granters]

Doo doo doo do do do......Augusta? Or Stewarton muni...

Basically the process is to build a frame for the perimeter which is staked into the ground. Then lay and compact a 2" layer of hardcore, followed by an inch or 2 of sharp sand. This gives you good drainage. I left it exposed for a few days to get the rain running through it and to roll twice a day to make sure it was properly compacted.

At this point you have to get it as smooth as possible and add any breaks you want. I put a right to left in it at the top hole. Then decide where your holes are going to be and cut the hole size out of a piece of hardboard, and put this in the position you want the holes, levelling it into the sand. You have to coat the hardboard in pvc glue to water proof it. You need to use the hardboard to get a good clean edge to the hole. Dig out the hole and put your cup under the hardboard hole,

After this, the turf is nailed to the frame, and trimmed to size (get an adult to help you here).

Lastly you need to brush the turf with a scrubbing brush to get the fibres upright and cover thoroughly in sand. Then the sand is brushed off, this supports the turf fibres and weighs it down.. You don't see any sand once you've done it as it settles at the base of the fibres.

Once you've done that, another roll with the garden roller and off you go.

I'm trying to get her to let me get rid of the kitchen and let me put a bunker in. Work in progress..

That's my totties in the yellow tubs, comin along nicely

My auto-putt! He grabs the ball out the hole and fires it back to me. I'm trying to teach him to juggle for 250 nicker off Harry Hill

Surface- give it a brush every week to raise the fibres

About 9feet hole to hole.

Hope you like. Will let you know how the totties turn out

 

[LanDog]

That looks to be a great job!! You have inspired me, I am going to persuade my dad until one is built

 

[Evesdad]

Absolutely amazing!! Love it!! Right chop done apple tree, get rid of trampoline and climbing frame and I'm off and running!! Fat chance. We have a good size garden but long. Get rid of dogs and use their part of garden sounds best!

Anyone want two lurchers!

 

[granters]

Honestly, it's really easy. It used to be a good 6 feet longer but i had to shorten it to get the bins in behind the shed. I am considering lenghthening it again though and just moving the bins out of the road when required.

It's very addictive once you get started.

The secret is to scream like a banshee every time you hole that 4 footer for the imaginary Masters. Neighbours love me

 

[Evesdad]

Lol got the image of the falling to knees, putter aloft, screaming sobbing etc!! And this years masters winner is .......