Build A Putting Green

There are many ways to build a putting green. The style of construction used will depend on what type of green you will be. Synthetic greens are built entirely differently than natural turf greens. They both have some similarities but for the most part they are different construction methods.

Building a Natural Turf Green

The first step to building a green is to shape the sub-surface. This is what will give the green its large undulations and tiers. After the sub-surface has been shaped the next step is to cut drainage lines. Most drainage lines will resemble a herring bone; a main line with branches spreading out throughout the green. Once the drainage trench is cut, drain tile is placed into the trench and covered with a coarse rock.

On top of the coarse rock, you will want to place pea gravel. Once the pea gravel is placed in the green, the green is ready for sand. Sand will be placed on the green and spread out and smoothed with mechanical equipment. After initial grading is complete the sand should be watered thoroughly and allowed to settle. Imperfections should be fixed, and then the green is ready for seed.

Building a Synthetic Turf Green

Building a synthetic green includes the same "layering" construction as natural greens. The first step is to shape the sub-surface. Again, this will act as the basis for any large undulations the green will have. The next step is to distribute and compact the base material. This is the point when you will want to create minor breaks on the putting surface.

Once the base material is compacted, you will need to dig holes for the cup locations. Once the holes are prepared you insert the cup sleeves. Next, you need to place the synthetic playing surface and seam it together. Once the surface has been secured it is ready for top-dressing. Spread sand on to the synthetic material as evenly as possible and brush in with a brush. Finally, you are ready to play on your new putting green.