Homeowners who enjoy golfing and want to practice but don't have time to make it to the course or putting range on a regular basis may choose to install a backyard putting range. Depending on their level of skill, the will want to choose a design that encourages improvement or helps them to maintain their current level of ability. Landscape companies that install artificial turf will have many different backyard putting green designs on hand to choose from.
A basic putting green is ideal for the golfer who is just learning the different strokes and techniques. Normally a basic green has a long green with few curves or valleys. It provides a minimal level of difficulty that allows the golfer to become accustomed to his or her clubs and how they feel during a swing. Over time, a basic green can be altered to include small hills or changes in the terrain to make it more difficult, but for the beginner, simple is the best way to learn.
Odd Shaped Putting Greens
When having a backyard putting green installed, it is important to use features that are already found in the yard. Small hills, curves, anything unique that could be used as an obstacle or challenge will give the golfer a chance to improve their game. An odd shaped green allows the golfer to employ different shots at different angles, giving them experience for times when they find themselves “in the rough”. If the lawn is rather small, creating an odd shaped green will allow the landscaper to increase the size of the green and customize it to fit within the area provided. This means bigger challenges and higher degree of difficulty.
Putting Greens on Uneven Terrain
Installing a putting green on uneven terrain gives the golfer a chance to play on a surface that is similar to an actual golf course. Uneven terrain involves dips and valleys that can cause a ball to roll in an unexpected direction. When the backyard putting green is installed, its overall surface will be relatively smooth, it is the natural hills and valleys that occur in the lawn itself that will create the challenge. Yards and lawns that have a rolling surface make ideal putting greens because they make it difficult to judge distance, allowing the golfer to learn how to estimate the length from the tee to the cup.
Bring On The Challenge
One of the most common reasons for installing a backyard putting green is to practice. Practicing involves not only learning control, but also learning how to handle new challenges. If a backyard putting green is being installed, various things should be added to make it challenging for as many skill levels as possible. A basic putting green is fine for a beginner, but over time as the person gains experience, they will need a greater level of difficulty if they wish to continue to improve. Using the natural contours of the lawn itself is one way of adding new challenges. Landscapers can add small sand pits or ponds to increase the level of difficulty.
Depending on the size of the lawn, a homeowner can have a virtual golfer's paradise. Putting green designs can be found that include all of the things seen at a regular golf course. Any number of unique features can be added to customize the putting green so that it meets the needs of the homeowner. When artificial turf is used, the putting green can be altered whenever needed to increase the level of difficulty. This is important if the golfer expects to continue to improve their stroke and degree of difficulty.
