How much does a backyard putting green cost?
How much does a backyard putting green cost?
$15 – $40 average installed cost per square foot
Average cost of a backyard putting green
A backyard putting green costs $15 to $40 per square foot installed on average. The total cost of a backyard putting green depends on the size, features, and material type and quality. Installing a real grass putting green in the backyard costs less for materials initially but costs more over time to maintain.
| Putting green size | Average installed cost (per square foot) |
Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (100 – 400 sq ft) |
$25 – $40 | $2,500 – $16,000 |
| Medium (401 – 2,000 sq ft) |
$20 – $30 | $8,000 – $60,000 |
| Large (2,001 – 3,000+ sq ft) |
$15 – $25 | $30,000 – $75,000+ |
Putting green installation cost factors
While size plays a major role, several variables impact the cost of installing a backyard putting green, including location, climate, material quality, and whether you hire a professional or tackle the installation as a DIY project.
Materials
The material cost for a backyard putting green depends primarily on whether you choose real grass or artificial turf. Natural sod mimics professional golf course conditions but requires daily care. Artificial turf costs more up front but requires much less upkeep.
| Turf material | Average installed cost (per square foot) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Natural sod cost | $1 – $2 |
|
| Artificial turf cost | $6 – $17 |
|
Other material costs to consider are the underlayment and drainage materials, as well as the materials needed for any extra features you include.
A proper sub-base and drainage are key to maximizing your backyard putting green's lifespan. Install the green over class 1 or 2 permeable base rock for the most stable foundation.
Most pros recommend budgeting an extra $500 to $1,000 for essential startup gear.
Labor
Any landscaping project requires skilled installation to look attractive and function properly, and putting greens are no exception. Labor accounts for 70% to 95% of the total installation cost, as designing, constructing, and finishing the surface takes knowledge and precision.
Design – Landscape designers charge $50 to $150 per hour to create the perfect custom putting green layout for your yard. Their expertise is invaluable.
Permits – A backyard putting green installation may require a permit, depending on the size and features. Contractors typically include this in the installation estimate, but always ask to be sure. Check your local zoning laws and permitting rules early in the planning process to avoid unexpected issues and delays.
Site prep – Preparation is one of the most overlooked cost factors and can tack on major fees if your yard doesn't already have a flat, smooth section large enough for a putting green. Alternatively, creating hills and slopes for a more challenging green also adds to the cost.
Preparing the site involves assessing current grading, leveling uneven terrain, filling low spots, and clearing away existing sod, plants, or debris, which all require heavy machinery and crews.
Costs increase even more if the property is difficult to access.
Installation – After the land clearing and prep, installers fill the excavated area with crushed gravel to create a compact subbase with proper drainage. Then, they install the turf.
Complex courses with additional contouring, multiple cuts of fringe and fairway, and feature work like adding bunkers or slope variety can increase labor fees by 20% or more.
Additional costs & features
While some homeowners just want a basic flat putting green, others may dream of bunkers, tiered slopes, specialty lighting, multiple holes, or even water hazards. Specialty features increase enjoyment but also add $100 to $2,500+ to the cost due to the extra materials and increased installation time.
In addition to the putting green itself, consider budgeting for additional outdoor features to further enhance your backyard. Some potential options include:
Installing a patio costs $1,000 to $7,000 total for an average 10'x20' installation.
An outdoor fire pit costs $325 to $2,000 installed.
Outdoor landscape lighting costs $80 to $300 per fixture for materials and installation.
A pre-built outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $16,000 installed.
Maintenance & upkeep
Artificial turf specifically built for golf greens requires minimal maintenance with costs averaging $250 to $550 per year for cleaning, minor repairs, and infill replenishment. Natural grass requires constant mowing, watering, fertilizing, aerating, and more, with lawn care costs ranging from $50 to $220 per visit.
DIY vs. professional
Installing a putting green yourself can cost less than $500 for a small, no-frills green using budget-friendly turf materials. DIY kits range from $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on the size and features. Professional installation, however, removes any guesswork and ensures many years of backyard enjoyment.
Backyard putting green FAQs
Is a backyard putting green worth the cost?
A backyard putting green can be well worth the cost for avid golfers or those constantly trying to improve their short game. Being able to practice right in your backyard saves driving time and green fees, offers years of family enjoyment, and can potentially increase property value.
What is a good size for a backyard putting green?
The ideal putting green size for a backyard depends on your available space, budget, and intended usage. 100 to 500 square feet works well for most backyard setups. Consider the number of players you want the green to accommodate and the types of drills you plan to practice.
What is the best grass type for a backyard putting green?
The best grass type for a backyard putting green depends on your budget, climate, desired play characteristics, and maintenance ability. For low-cost durability, artificial turf is hard to beat. For natural grass, Bermuda is a popular choice in warm regions as it is drought tolerant and withstands heavy foot traffic.
How long does it take to build a backyard putting green?
Building a backyard putting green takes 1 to 5 days on average for most professional installations. Larger or more complex backyard greens may take 2+ weeks from start to finish. The total timeframe depends on the green size, terrain challenges, permit approval, material delivery, crew size, weather delays, and other hiccups.
How long does a backyard putting green last?
Most backyard putting greens last 10 to 15+ years if properly maintained. Artificial turf specifically designed for golf use lasts longer than landscape turf. Natural grass greens require more upkeep and last 5 to 10 years barring disease or wear issues.
Will homeowners insurance cover a backyard putting green?
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover putting green materials if damaged by a natural disaster—such as a fire or flood—but won't cover the cost of installing or maintaining the green. Homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear.
Contact your insurance provider to confirm the details of your policy. Consider additional liability coverage as well in case of injuries on the property.
Getting estimates from putting green installers
Proper installation is essential when constructing something as precision-tuned as a putting green, so price should not be the only factor when hiring a pro to make your backyard golfing dreams come to life. Here are some tips to help you choose the best putting green installer near you:
Ask friends for referrals and browse HomeGuide and Google reviews online.
Compare 3+ itemized estimates from reputable putting green installers.
Confirm their licensure, insurance, and certifications are up to date.
Ask lots of questions about materials, features, prep work needed, and expected timeframes.
Carefully weigh pricing vs. quality tradeoffs if quotes vary widely.
Get a final written quote showing the total project cost based on your chosen size, materials, special features, necessary site work, permit fees (if any), and proposed schedule.
Never pay in full until the job is complete.
Questions to ask a putting green installation company
Here are some important questions to ask any backyard putting green contractor you consider hiring:
How long have you been installing residential putting greens?
How many putting greens have you built in the past year?
What is your installation process, and how long will it take?
Do you handle all work or subcontract parts of the job?
What materials do you typically install for backyard greens?
What level of site preparation do you recommend for my property?
Do you pull all necessary permits for backyard golf greens?
What are the most common problems you see during an installation like this?
What warranty or satisfaction guarantees do you offer?
Can you provide referrals or examples of past work?
Will you provide information on how to maintain the green?
Do you offer any ongoing maintenance plans?
Who should I contact if there are any issues after the installation?
Do you have any financing or payment plan options?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.