Synthetic vs. Natural Grass: Which Is Better for Your Putting Green?

So, you’ve made the decision to build a home putting green in your backyard. It’s an exciting time, as you now get to design a putting green to help you improve your putt or just knock the ball around. 

When choosing a putting green surface, there are two options– natural grass or synthetic grass. Do you know which one to choose? C&C Courts has the details on the two different types of putting green surfaces and which one is better for you. 

Synthetic Turf for Putting Greens

Synthetic turf for putting greens is manufactured with state of the art fibers, such as nylon, that create a natural surface that is optimized for ball speed and roll. Most synthetic turf types are woven over a foam pad for real grass-feel, and excel at durability and performance. 

There are many benefits of synthetic turf for putting greens. First, it is low maintenance, as you never need to cut it or water it. It will always be ready for you to practice your putting. It will require cleaning and some maintenance during the winter, but with C&C Courts’ exceptional designs, we can ensure proper drainage and durability for winter weather and rain. 

Types of Synthetic Turf

C&C Courts offers three different types of synthetic turf, varying in levels of thickness and performance. Our options include: 

• Par Turf: Designed for beginners and casual players

• Birdie Turf: More emphasis on ball control and break

• Eagle Turf: Premium putting turf with the thickest weave for ball control

We also offer synthetic fringe to help you practice your chip shots. 

Pros and Cons of Synthetic Turf

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of synthetic turf for putting greens: 

• Pros

  • Low Maintenance

  • Durable

  • Year-round availability

  • No need for watering or mowing

  • More consistency with ball roll and control

• Cons

  • Higher upfront costs

  • May not perfectly replicate natural grass

  • Some environmental concerns related to materials

Natural Grass for Putting Greens

Natural grass for putting greens is closer to what you would play at a golf course. It has a bright, green color and is fairly uniform depending on maintenance and mowing procedures. It needs to have good drainage to avoid puddles and pooling, and the surface must be firm, which can affect ball reaction and overall playability. 

In general, natural grass is going to be very high maintenance, but if you are someone who enjoys landscaping, natural grass could be the right fit for you. 

Types of Natural Grass

Natural grass for putting greens is selected to provide ideal playing surfaces for golf and putting. There are a few species of grass typically used for putting greens, including: 

• Bentgrass: Common for cooler climates and can be mowed very low for a fast, smooth surface.

• Bermudagrass: More prevalent in warmer climates. Resistant to drought and can grow in hot conditions.

• Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass): Usually found in cooler climates but is less desirable due to unpredictable growth and texture. 

Pros and Cons of Natural Grass

Let’s look at the pros and cons of natural grass for putting greens:  

• Pros: 

  • Authentic golfing experience

  • Cooler surface temperature

  • Natural aesthetics

  • Soft underfoot

• Cons

  • Requires regular maintenance like watering, mowing, and fertilizing

  • Susceptible to wear and tear

  • Seasonal limitations

  • Higher long-term costs

Which Option is Right For You?

Now that we’ve seen the differences between synthetic and natural turf for putting greens, how do you decide which option to choose? You need to look at your personal preferences, including how much time you wish to dedicate to maintenance and how authentic you want your backyard putting green to be. 

If you are a busy family with less time for maintenance, you will want to consider synthetic turf. However, if you’re ready for landscaping, choose natural grass. Golf enthusiasts who want the most realistic golf experience should choose natural grass. 

Build Your Backyard Putting Green with C&C Courts

For over 30 years, C&C Courts has been building backyard putting greens in Minnesota. Our experienced team of designers and builders will ensure your putting green is properly laid out, with excellent drainage and durability. With innovative technology and materials, our putting greens are great for beginners and professionals alike. 

Give us a call today at 952-746-4545 or contact us online for more information about building your backyard putting green.