Exploring Residential Putting Green Design
People who do not play golf may assume that all golf courses are the same. Golfers obviously know better. They recognize that the countless golf courses scattered around the world capitalize on distinct design features to present unique challenges so that every game is a little different. As a result, playing golf requires skills that must be honed through practice. A cleverly designed residential putting green will allow you to practice an essential skill, so it’s no wonder that golfers who have the space and resources are often intrigued by the idea of installing their very own putting green. What goes into creating a residential putting green? Exploring residential putting green design can help you find out.
What Surface Will You Choose?
Putting greens can be crafted from natural grass or synthetic turfs. Professional courses may use natural grass, but they have a professional ground crew to maintain it. For residential putting greens, synthetic turf is heavily recommended because it is so much more manageable. In fact, a quality synthetic delivers better durability, improved resistance to the weather, and easy maintenance, so it can be enjoyed throughout the year. There’s little need for water and absolutely no need to worry about either fertilizers or pesticides. An occasional dusting with a leaf blower is often enough to keep these greens looking amazing for a decade or more. Consider this: You will have more time to play if you aren’t spending hours trying to whip your putting green into shape.
What Design Option Is Best?
While some games call for identical courses or boards, golf welcomes a certain amount of individuality. That means you have plenty of possibilities when it comes to the design of your new putting green. If there’s a particular shot that you’re always struggling with, you can arrange your course to help you master it. Or, you can opt for a design that provides opportunities for you to challenge yourself with a wide range of putts from various angles and distances.
How do you decide on a design? When having a course installed, you can leave the design in the hands of the installation specialist. New England Courts offers three pre-configured, professionally designed putting greens. Or, we can install a client’s custom design. What goes into creating a custom design? According to the United States Golf Association, it helps to keep three principles in mind:
- Firmness: Firmness impacts the way the golf ball lands. Lower firmness is associated with lower scores because the golf ball doesn’t move as much after its initial impact. Greater firmness allows for more movement and increased challenge.
- Slope: Perfectly flat putts would be easily predictable. Slope increases difficulty because it compels golfers to read the line and speed of the putt while simultaneously judging the amount of force that they need to apply.
- Green speed: How far will the ball roll in a straight line on a flat surface? Green speed is one of the factors that affect this. Higher green speeds increase difficulty. Lower green speeds make it easier to calibrate shots.
Are you ready to try your hand at residential putting green design? When you want to enhance your indoor or outdoor living space with a quality putting green, reach out to New England Courts. As installation specialists serving homes, businesses, and schools in the New England area for more than 20 years, we have expertise you can rely on. Whether you want a professionally designed course or prefer a custom creation, our team can install the residential putting green of your dreams. To learn more about our services or discuss your project, contact New England Courts today.