If you’re planning a home putting green, you’ve likely come across the term “infill.” Infill is the material (usually sand or rubber granules) added between the fibers of artificial turf to enhance its stability and performance. Why use it? Infill keeps synthetic grass blades upright, adds weight to hold the turf in place, and helps control the surface firmness and speed.
Traditionally, installers pour silica sand into artificial putting green turf to fine-tune how fast the ball rolls and to mimic the feel of natural greens.
In recent years, artificial putting green technology has advanced dramatically. Some modern putting greens are now infill-free, meaning they don’t require any loose sand or rubber at all. Brands like AGL Grass have engineered products that stay lush and true without the mess of infill.
This evolution raises a key question for homeowners: infill vs non-infill putting green, which is right for you? Let’s compare the two options in terms of how they’re built, their pros and cons, performance, and maintenance.
Traditional Sand-Infilled Putting Greens
In a traditional artificial putting green, the turf (usually a short-pile synthetic grass) is installed and then filled with sand. Fine silica sand is brushed into the turf fibers, adding ballast to keep the surface stable, helping the blades stand upright, and allowing the installer to adjust the green’s speed by varying the amount of sand.
Pros of Infilled Putting Greens
Sand-infilled greens have been the standard for years and can offer excellent realism. The infill can be adjusted during installation to achieve your desired putting speed. These surfaces also have a slightly softer feel underfoot as the sand provides a bit of cushion.
A well-built infill green can even help a chip shot “bite” (stop quickly) when it lands, as the sand absorbs some impact. For golfers who want a very specific speed or enjoy a traditional setup, sand infill offers extra control.
Cons of Infilled Putting Greens
The main downsides are maintenance and cleanliness. Infill can shift or compact over time, so a sand-filled green needs periodic care. You’ll have to brush the turf occasionally to keep the sand evenly distributed and add more infill if certain areas get low.
The sand also tends to trap debris and moisture. Leaves and dirt can get mixed in, and pet urine can be absorbed, potentially causing odors if not rinsed out.
Installation is labor-intensive due to hauling and spreading all that sand. And you might notice some sand migration. For example, grains could stick to your golf ball or shoes. In short, a sand infill putting green can play beautifully, but it comes with ongoing upkeep to keep it in top shape.
Infill-Free Putting Greens and New Turf Technology
Now let’s look at infill-free putting green designs. These use advanced turf engineering to eliminate the need for added infill. The turf is manufactured with ultra-dense, resilient fibers and a specialized backing that together provide the necessary support and weight. In simple terms, an infill-free green is designed to perform right out of the box without a sand top-dressing.
For example, AGL Grass offers an infill-free artificial putting green solution that uses a multi-layer backing and dense fiber construction to keep blades standing tall on their own. Once it’s installed over a properly prepared base, no additional infill is required to start putting.
Pros of New Artificial Putting Green Technology
The biggest benefit is low maintenance. With no sand to deal with, the surface stays consistent over time with very little effort. This makes infill-free greens very appealing to homeowners who want to spend more time playing and less time on upkeep.
It’s also a cleaner solution: no loose sand means you won’t track grains indoors or around the yard, and there’s no infill to harbor bacteria or smells. Despite having no sand, modern infill-free greens offer excellent performance. A quality infill-free turf provides a smooth, true ball roll that feels natural for putting. In short, infill-free artificial turf benefits include simplicity, cleanliness, and a reliably authentic play experience right from day one.
Cons of New Artificial Putting Green Technology
One consideration is that infill-free turf must be high quality to deliver world-class results. Cheaper products might not have the density or durability needed, so it’s wise to choose a reputable brand.
Also, unlike a sand-filled green, you can’t easily alter the speed once it’s installed. You’re generally going to get the stimp speed the product is built for. For most backyard golfers this is perfectly fine, since manufacturers design these greens to a realistic medium-fast pace.
Lastly, an infill-free green can feel slightly firmer underfoot compared to a sand-filled one (because there’s no layer of sand cushioning the surface). However, many infill-free systems use innovative fibers or pads to give a pleasant, cushioned feel, so the difference is minor.
Performance Comparison: Infill vs Non-Infill Putting Greens
A good sand-infilled green and a good infill-free green both deliver smooth, true ball roll (manufacturers even test them to meet realistic golf speeds). Any differences in performance are subtle. An infilled green often feels a bit softer underfoot due to the sand, while an infill-free green feels slightly firmer. Both can be designed to accept chip shots similarly to natural turf.
So, both types offer realistic putting and short-game performance as long as you use quality materials (like a premium artificial putting green turf) and proper installation. The main difference is that an infill green’s roll can be affected over time if the sand isn’t maintained (you might get an inconsistent spot), whereas an infill-free green’s roll stays consistently true with minimal effort.
Maintenance and Longevity: Comparing Upkeep Needs
Maintenance is a big factor for many homeowners. Sand-infilled greens require more ongoing attention. You’ll need to brush the surface regularly to keep the sand level and the fibers upright.
Occasionally, you’ll have to add sand to areas that settle or get heavy use (like around the cup or your favorite practice spot). It’s also important to keep it clean by rinsing the turf to flush out dirt or odors, since the infill layer can hold onto moisture and debris. If you keep up with these tasks, your green will continue to play well; if you neglect them, you might start to see uneven roll or odors over time as the infill compacts or gets dirty.
Infill-free greens, by contrast, are about as easy as it gets. With no infill to worry about, upkeep is basically removing debris and an occasional rinse. A leaf blower or broom will clear off leaves and dust. Since there’s no sand to settle or compact, the surface performance remains the same year after year with minimal effort.
In terms of longevity, both types of greens can last well over a decade if you invest in a quality turf. An infill-free green removes the variable of sand shifting, while an infilled green might need a bit of extra care to keep it performing like new.
Infill vs Non-Infill Putting Greens: Which to Choose?
- Choose an infill-free putting green if you want the most hassle-free experience. This option is perfect for homeowners who prefer to focus on practice rather than maintenance. It’s especially convenient if your green will see frequent use or if kids and pets will be playing on it (since you won’t have to worry about sand being kicked out or tracked around). You’ll get a consistently good putting surface with little effort required to keep it that way.
- Consider a sand-infilled green if you don’t mind a bit of upkeep and you value the traditional feel. If you’re a golfer who doesn’t mind spending time on lawn care or you like the idea of “tuning” your green, a sand-infill system can be rewarding. It also makes sense if you have specific performance preferences that you want to dial in during installation. Just remember you’ll need to maintain it to preserve those ideal playing conditions.
For most homeowners, the infill-free route is the popular choice today. You get nearly the same playability with a fraction of the maintenance. However, whichever type you choose, a consistent artificial putting green maintenance routine will ensure your green stays in peak condition.
The Future of Infill-Free Greens
Artificial putting green technology keeps improving, and infill-free putting greens are at the forefront of this evolution. They deliver a true golf experience with minimal hassle. While sand-infilled greens aren’t gone (they still appeal to certain purists and specialized uses), the convenience of infill-free systems is leading many homeowners to opt for this modern solution.
So, when weighing infill vs. non-infill putting greens, think about how much maintenance you’re willing to take on and how particular you are about tweaking your green’s performance. Both types can provide a fantastic backyard golf experience. If ease of ownership and consistent performance rank highest for you, an infill-free green is likely the best fit. It represents the latest innovation in home putting greens. One that lets you spend more time sinking putts and less time on upkeep.