I finally did a DIY artificial turf practice green in the back yard. This is a silly project that I have wanted to attempt for about 15 years. Fortunately for me, procrastinating for that long ended up with having much better technology in turf to play with. I have about 60 hours in this project and started it on the three hottest days of this summer. So, apparently I am not getting any smarter as I age. Step one was to remove some pool fence and begin excavating with a skidsteer. We later put the fence back in after adding 20 feet more to accommodate some room for the green and some chipping "tee-boxes" that I still have to build. Then I added about 7 inches of road gravel. It was spread two inches at a time and then sprayed down with the garden hose and I ran a plate compactor over each layer. The final layer is crushed 5/8's minus. Then I added some contour with additional crushed fines and broomed them around and compacted. Then, cut in the cups and cemented them in place. Next, stretch the turf over the surface and stretch with a carpet stretcher and use 5 to 6 inch spikes every 4 inches around the outside edge. Then I added chipping turf for fringe and broomed in about 800 pounds of silica sand to provide ballast and create a realistic action to the green. The more sand, the faster the green and it allows the green to accept pitch shots just like the real deal. But, no mowing ever! We have already had a ton of fun on this thing and I look forward to many years of use.
That is awesome!!!!!I always wanted to do something like that but have not been able to justify spending the money when I can go 10 minutes down the road and practice at the course. Maybe somedaythat is definitely the part of the game that could always use some improvement super jealous!!!! Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
The three hottest days of the year with a nice pool inches away? Sounds rough! Looks very nice. A lot of fun can be had there.
That looks really nice man. You certainly put the work in on that project. So when's the driving range going in?
I never did jump in the pool during the heat of the day because I was afraid I would never get out! lol It did make for a nice place to cool off at night with a beverage.
My next project is going to be a simulator in the pool-house next to the green. That may take another 15 years though. lol
Nice project. And there's the one about the guy was going to take up golf. He knew nothing about the game but said he knew all the words.
Where did you get the turf from? I might have to dig into this a little deeper because I feel I would be capable of doing it myself. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
I actually special ordered it through Menard's website and had it shipped to the closest store. Global Syn-Turf. The putting surface is; Allgreen Putt 60 Bicolor and comes in a 15' wide roll. The fringe I used is by the same manufacturer and is called Trainers Turf 63 and also comes in 15' width. I only have about $2,500 in the turf itself. About half the cost and much better quality than what I was looking at years ago. I am completely satisfied with both types of turf. I am actually amazed at how realistic the putting surface is and how it performs so closely to the real thing. If you are going to build one and want some advice, feel free to reach out. I have an entire file of information from weeks and weeks of research and still learned a few things from trial and error. There is definitely a method to the madness! I can save you some time and frustration for sure. Don't wait 15 years like I did. lol
