There are a number of options, and we’ve looked at most of them. While many can do the job, we have a clear favorite: GolfGreens by ForeverLawn. What differentiates them from others is that they have numerous different turf and product options from which to choose, not just one. Through years of experience and extensive testing they have developed the very best in high performance golf greens. Also, they’ve done thousands of installations and know how to help you achieve your vision with a green that will also fit your desired maintenance schedule and your environment. Each of their options provides a slightly different experience and meets a slightly different need, meaning you won’t just get a green—you’ll get a green that’s perfect for you, your goals, your desired type of play and more.

“Unbeknownst to most consumers, there’s an underlying discussion in the backyard residential golf green community,” explains James Rekart, GolfGreens Brand Leader. “There are basically two different products out there: One is a little more of an old school product, a longer piece of artificial turf. You throw a lot of sand in it, and it accepts a ball really well. That’s the original product, and if you manage it right and install it correctly, that product can work well. Another product, which came along years later, is a sort of curled nylon essentially. It putts more consistently, and it can hold the ball as well, but there are other variables with it.

“A lot of companies offer just one product, but we’re not in one camp or another. We have four different products and can help you to navigate and to choose the right one.”

As he explains, one person might have limited space and want a low-maintenance green. Someone else might want the ability to hit a longer shot into the green and might want a product that, while it can do more, might mean taking on a bit more maintenance. 

“Some people have put a lot of thought into it,” says Rekart. “They’ve thought about it for years, they know the exact square footage, the exact design. And then you have others that have only thought about it for a week or two and then a week later they gave us a call. Whatever it is, a big part of what we can do is to help them figure out what’s right for them. 

“We have layout artists and designers and specialists that can put it all together, working to a customer’s design or to their vision. Every step of the way we’re communicating with that consumer: ‘This is the right turf, this is the right square footage, the right undulation,’ looking at how flat they want it, how many mounds they want, walking through that process with them to make sure they get exactly what they want.”

In the end, in a way, it’s about making a common dream come true, as Rekart acknowledges.

“It starts with a passion for the game, with loving the game and wanting to play the game more. And that’s tied very closely to golfers who want to improve their games. This allows you to play the game more and to enjoy it more, and to improve your game and practice it more—but while you’re at home. You can still spend time with the kids and your significant other, you can entertain friends, all while beautifying your backyard. Also, I know the end consumer well—because I am that person. We meet the needs of the person who loves the game and maybe always had that dream of having a top-quality high performance backyard putting green. Now they can.”