Updated November 2026
On an artificial putting green, infill is fine silica sand brushed into the surface. It holds the blades upright and sets how fast and how true the ball rolls. AGL Grass putting greens use silica sand infill, which sets ball speed and roll.
What is turf infill?
Infill is loose material, usually sand or rubber granules, brushed into the pile of synthetic grass after it is laid. It holds the blades up and adds weight. On a putting green, the infill is silica sand, and it sets the speed and roll of the ball. For lawns, see how much infill artificial grass needs.
Sand infill for putting greens
Putting green sand infill is fine silica sand, spread over the green and brushed down into the surface once the green is laid. The sand fills the space between the blades, so the ball rolls on a firm, even surface instead of sinking into the fibres, and it sets the speed and roll of the ball.
Our Golf Leisure Putting Green is a 40 oz per square yard nylon surface with a 9/16″ pile, installed with silica sand infill to set ball speed and roll. For what else to look for in a surface, see how to choose a putting green surface.
Infill-free putting greens
Some other putting greens are made to play without sand, using a denser surface to hold the blades up. They skip brushing sand back into place, but without sand there is less to adjust: speed and roll come from the surface as made. AGL Grass putting greens use sand infill.
Infill vs non-infill putting greens: how they compare
| Sand infill green (AGL Grass) | Infill-free green | |
|---|---|---|
| Ball speed and roll | Set by the sand | Set by the surface as made |
| Upkeep | Brush to keep the sand even; top up where it thins | Brush the blades upright |
| Over time | Roll stays even while the sand is kept even; uneven sand can change the roll in spots | Roll stays as made |
AGL Grass installs greens with silica sand infill; see how our artificial putting green installation works.
Putting green upkeep with sand
Brush the green every couple of weeks, against the grain of the blades, so the sand stays even and the blades stand up; brush more often where you putt most. If the sand thins in a busy spot, top it up with fine silica sand and brush it in. Clear leaves and rinse with a hose as needed. Our artificial putting green maintenance guide covers it season by season.
Lawns are different
Sand belongs on the putting green, not the lawn around it. AGL lawn grasses, including the Kent Fringe Grass we use for fringe and chipping areas, are made to stand without infill; read more about artificial grass with no infill.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. AGL Grass putting greens use silica sand infill, which sets ball speed and roll. Some other greens are made to play without sand.
The sand holds the blades upright and gives the ball a firm, even surface, which sets how fast and how true it rolls.
Every couple of weeks, against the grain of the blades, and more often where you putt most. Top up any spot where the sand thins.
No. AGL lawn grasses are made to stand without infill; only the putting green uses sand infill.
A putting green costs more per square foot than a lawn. See backyard putting green cost for what goes into the price.