Putting greens are now becoming a necessity in places like condominium common areas, recreation clubs, landed homes, apartment roof terraces and even balconies. Golfers appreciate any extra practice that they can get. Arnold Palmer once said: “The more I practise, the luckier I get.” So for those of you who have decided to install a putting green and finally convinced the missus to allow you to, here are 5 things you need to consider.
1. Synthetic Turf Putting Green versus Real Grass Putting Green
Actual golf courses use natural grass that requires watering, pruning and maintenance on a regular basis. While a natural turf putting green would provide the closest playing surface to those used on the greens, not many can afford the time and money to maintain them. As natural turf requires soil to grow, this option is also just limited to landed properties.
With more and more good quality artificial turf coming on to the market in recent years, many homeowners are choosing to use artificial turf to create their home putting green. Using artificial turf to create home putting greens in Singapore is ideal as it helps to conserve water and it does not require much maintenance. Using synthetic turf for home putting greens also mean that apartment dwellers can now get their short game fix right at home on their balcony or roof terrace.
2. Location of Putting Green (balcony vs garden vs roof terrace)
For Singaporean apartment homeowners who want a putting green at home, the most common area to locate the putting green is the balcony, especially if the balcony comes with a large planter box. The home putting green serves a double purpose of covering up the balcony planter and also to create an area where the home owner can enjoy improve his short game. The limited space on the balcony means that you probably can create a putting green with only one or two holes. However, this may prove to provide the crucial practice you need.
If you have a roof terrace, you can do a lot more to create a putting green that challenges your skills and keeps the game fresh and interesting. It is not advisable to create any bunkers on the roof terrace to prevent any mishaps from happening when a golf ball goes rogue.
For those living in terrace houses, semi-detached houses or bungalows, your home putting green could take many different shapes and sizes. You may even have space to build a fairway or bunker that can allow you to practise your chipping, putting and approach shots. More commonly though, most homeowners install their home putting green at the sides of the home. The green grass serves to beautify the home, provide a golfing area whenever the homeowners feel like playing golf and also, as it requires no maintenance, helps to alleviate homeowners of the stress of maintaining a lush garden.
3. Landscaping
It is important to bear in mind the landscaping of the area you want to install your home putting green in. You do not want the putting green to jut out like a sore thumb. You can consider using potted plants to add a garden feel to the putting green area. For landed homes, you can even plant trees and shrubs to further enhance the beauty of your putting green. In fact, some well-placed shrubs can help to catch stray balls. However, as homeowners understand that the home putting green is merely a tool for them to practise their short game, stray balls are not much of a concern.
4. Professional Installers or DIY
There are many resources out there on the internet such as Youtube videos to guide those who would like to install their home putting greens themselves. In Singapore where artificial turf in homes is very common, it may be easier to get a professional to install your home putting green for you. They are usually able to complete it within a day or two, depending on the complexity of the job. Professional installers can recommend the right type of artificial turf to use and ensure that the drainage is properly done. This is really important as you do not want your home putting green to flood after heavy rain. Professional home putting green installers also ensure that all synthetic turf is properly secured to the ground to prevent any mishaps that could result in injury.
5. Design
For home putting greens in balconies and roof tops, the design of the home putting green would include the slope of the green, the number of holes to incorporate, the types of grass to use for the putting green, the apron and the general landscaping. Good putting green designers in Singapore use at least three types of artificial turf to create these areas. This makes the putting green look good and provides a great and challenging playing surface.
For bigger landed homes, the design can even include a sand bunker, and even water hazards that can really challenge the player.
For all these designs, it is important to work with an experienced putting green installer who listens to what you want and helps to create your ideal home putting green.
