Many golfers dream of having a personal putting green at home. But before investing the time and money, it’s natural to ask, “are backyard putting greens worth it?” This question is common among homeowners considering the balance of cost, maintenance, and game improvement.
In this article, we’ll weigh the major backyard putting green pros and cons to help you decide if installing one makes sense for you. By the time you finish this read, you’ll know whether a backyard putting green is a hole-in-one decision or a sand trap of regret.
The Advantages: Why a Backyard Putting Green Can Be Worth It
Practice Anytime, Improve Your Game
For avid golfers, this is the number one perk. Having a green just steps away means you can practice your short game whenever you want, without driving to a course. Even a quick 15-minute putting session each day can sharpen your skills. (In fact, mixing in some targeted backyard putting green drills can make those sessions even more effective.)
Remember, putting accounts for roughly 40–45% of strokes in a round, so regular at-home practice can shave strokes off your score. A home green offers unmatched convenience for game improvement.
Fun & Entertainment for Family and Friends
A backyard putting green is great for solo practice but it’s also a source of fun for family and friends. It can turn your home into the go-to for gatherings. Think about hosting a summer BBQ: after the burgers, you set up a friendly putting contest. Kids love having a mini-golf hole at home, and it gets everyone outside and interacting.
Unlike a big pool or full sports court, a putting green is low-impact and all-ages. It brings people together for some lighthearted competition and outdoor enjoyment. Basically, it makes your home more fun.
Year-Round Green Beauty in Your Yard
From a landscaping perspective, an artificial putting green can add some beauty to your yard. It stays lush and green year-round, through summer heat or winter cold.
In the height of summer it won’t turn brown from drought, and in cooler months it remains a vibrant green when natural grass might go dormant. You’ll have a patch of “perfect” green no matter the season. This pop of color can make your backyard look like a little luxury golf oasis. It’s eye-catching and always looks well-kept (with minimal effort on your part). It’s not just for your putting game. It’s a visual exercise, too. Think of it as your own personal golf hole, minus the country club membership.
Low Maintenance Leisure
Compared to many other backyard amenities (like a swimming pool or even a natural grass putting green), an artificial putting green is very low maintenance. There’s virtually no daily or weekly chore attached to it.
You’re not out there mowing it at 0.125” or watering and fertilizing. The turf just sits there looking perfect with no work. At most, you’ll occasionally blow off some leaves or rinse off dust. This means you get the leisure and recreation benefit without adding to your to-do list. For busy homeowners who want an enjoyable yard without more yardwork, a putting green checks that box.
Adds Unique Value to Your Home
A well-integrated backyard putting green can increase the value of a home putting green by making your property stand out in a positive way. It’s a unique feature that not many homes have, which could increase your home’s desirability. A golfer who visits will be instantly impressed (it might even sway a buyer who loves golf).
Even for non-golfers, an artificial green is basically a low-maintenance lawn feature that looks luxurious. Some real estate articles have noted that the value of home putting greens can contribute to resale appeal when it comes time to sell. However, not all buyers see it as a plus, and in some cases, a putting green could even reduce home appeal if it’s too niche. Learn more about the backyard putting green resale value considerations.
At the very least, it makes your home memorable. And unlike something like a permanent pool (which not everyone wants), a putting green can be removed relatively easily if a future owner prefers. So, it’s not likely to hurt your value. In the meantime, you get to enjoy it, which is a value in itself for your lifestyle.
The Considerations: Potential Downsides to Keep in Mind
Significant Initial Cost
For many homeowners, the big question is, should I install a putting green at home, or would my money be better spent elsewhere? It’s a valid concern, given the upfront investment.
There’s no way around it–installing a quality putting green is a financial investment.
Are backyard putting greens worth it? That depends on whether the cost aligns with how much you’ll use it. Depending on the size and features, you could spend several thousand dollars upfront (see our backyard putting green cost guide for a detailed breakdown). It can run into several thousand dollars, comparable to installing a patio or hot tub. Even a DIY build will incur costs for turf, base materials, and cups.
So ask yourself: will you use it enough to justify that cost? If you’re wondering, should I install a putting green at home, consider how much you already spend on practice or rounds. It might actually save you money over time. Otherwise, be sure the expense aligns with how passionate you are about golf.
Uses Up Yard Space
A putting green will occupy a portion of your yard that then can’t be used for something else (at least not at the same time). If you have a large property, this might not be an issue. But in a smaller yard, dedicating a big section to a green means less room for gardens, a play area, or open lawn.
You’ll need to consider your family’s priorities for the yard. For example, if you have kids who play soccer or dogs that need space to run, will they miss that lawn area? On the flip side, kids might love the green too. It’s a trade-off of space. One smart approach is to install the green in an underused spot (for example, a shady corner where grass struggles), so you minimize the impact on your main yard space.
Not Everyone Is a Golfer
If you sell your home, not every potential buyer will be thrilled about a putting green. Someone with no interest in golf might see it as something they’ll remove to reclaim yard space. This doesn’t mean it devalues your home (as noted, the turf can be taken out and replaced with normal sod), but it could slightly narrow your buyer pool.
More importantly, think about usage in your own household: if you’re the only golfer in the family, will others find it a waste of space? Make sure the green brings enough joy to you (and maybe family/friends) to merit taking over part of the yard. It should be a feature you will get a lot of use from, regardless of whether everyone shares your golf enthusiasm.
Seasonal Usage
Depending on where you live, an outdoor putting green might not be usable all year. In colder climates, it could be under snow during winter months (though turf will be fine when the snow melts). In extremely hot summers, you might avoid using it during the peak heat of midday.
So, you should set expectations that you’ll use it mostly in your good-weather seasons. That said, this is true of most outdoor amenities (pools, patios, etc.). In places like the northern US or Canada, expect it to be a 3-season feature. In more temperate climates, you’ll get more year-round use. It’s just something to keep in mind. You may not be putting in January in Buffalo, but come spring and summer, it’ll be ready to roll.
Low Maintenance Doesn’t Mean No Maintenance
We’ve praised how low-maintenance an artificial green is, but let’s clarify: “low maintenance” isn’t “no maintenance.” You will need to occasionally do a bit of upkeep. Leaves and twigs will land on it, you’ll want to blow or rake those off periodically so they don’t accumulate. If you have trees nearby, expect to clear the green now and then.
If you have pets, you’ll need to pick up after them (though pet urine won’t create dead spots like it would on real grass). And it’s a good idea to hose it down once in a while to rinse off dust or pollen. These tasks are minor and infrequent, maybe a few minutes of TLC per month or after a storm, but they do exist. So, an artificial green is very low maintenance, not zero. It’s wise to know that upfront.
Maximizing the Value: Tips if You Decide to Install One
Invest in Quality Installation
If you decide to go for it, one key to answering ‘are backyard putting greens worth it?’ is ensuring a high-quality installation. Whether you DIY or hire pros, make sure the base is properly prepared (a flat, well-compacted crushed stone base with good drainage) and the turf is installed correctly (tight seams, secure edges). And avoid common installation mistakes like poor base work or bad seams.
A poorly installed green can lead to frustrations, bumps that throw off your putts, or water pooling because of bad drainage. Spend a little extra now or spend years cursing at a lumpy, unpredictable surface, it’s your choice. A well-installed green rolls true, drains properly, and lasts. Do it right, and you’ll be sinking putts instead of sinking into frustration.
Design It to Suit Your Goals
Tailor your green to how you’ll use it. If you’re serious about practice, you might include multiple holes or a slight contour to mimic breaking putts, and maybe add a fringe or chipping area so you can work on chip-and-putt shots.
If family fun is a big goal, design it with that in mind (perhaps a creative shape or features for mini-games). The point is to customize the layout to fit your lifestyle. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all design if it’s not what you want. Make it your personal golf green so you’ll use and enjoy it more.
Make a Habit of Using It
This might sound obvious, but once you have a backyard green, use it regularly! It’s easy after the initial excitement for it to sit idle if life gets busy. Instead, incorporate it into your routine so you get the full value. Set aside time, maybe 10 minutes every morning or a weekly family putting contest, so it doesn’t just sit there. Regular use is the best way to increase the return on your investment in the green. After all, it’s only worth it if you actually use and enjoy it.
So, Is a Backyard Putting Greens Worth It for You?
Many golf-loving homeowners end up saying their backyard putting green was absolutely “worth it.” They practice more, enjoy more family fun, and have a unique yard feature they’re proud of. On the other hand, if the cost, space, or level of use don’t align with your lifestyle, you might feel differently.
In the end, only you can decide. We hope this rundown of pros and cons has helped with your decision. If you want more personalized guidance, feel free to reach out to AGL Grass as we’re always happy to chat and offer advice. Good luck, and happy home putting!