Luxury Home: Backyard Birdie
03/01/2008
For a dedicated golfer, there is nothing like stepping into your own backyard to practice putting and chipping on a picture-perfect green. For years, many have worked closely with their landscapers to build greens that match the finest courses of the world. However, after a few years, many of these natural greens turn into discolored, weedy patches due to diseases, fungi and poor care."It’s extremely difficult for a home-owner to maintain their own private green," says Mike Gross of TourGreens.com in Atlanta. "A separate greens mower is needed, and special fertilizer and care needs to be taken."
Technological advances have made synthetic greens much more suited for home use. "The initial cost of building a high-quality synthetic green is about the same as a natural green," says Jeff Gordon of Saratoga Custom Putting Greens in Galway, New York. "But afterward the maintenance costs are minimal."
The play on synthetic greens can be very realistic. The surface is generally contoured and given a top dressing of fine sand to stiffen the fibers and give the ball less bounce. "It even looks real," notes Gordon. "We use bi-colored fibers so you see different shades of green, just like on a real course."
Installers can also design the green so that it complements landscaping. "We’re able to do the synthetic green with the fringe surrounding it, as well as the real sod around it, so that it fits right in," says Gordon.
Expect to pay around $20 per square foot and up for a club-quality green, whether it’s synthetic or natural. "There are more construction costs associated with a natural green because you have to factor in the drainage system," says Gross. "The initial investment for synthetic turf may be higher, but overall maintenance costs will be lower in the long term."
The biggest question for many putting green customers is, will it improve my short game? "There are no sure things," says Gordon. "But the fact that you can get out there everyday and practice should give you no excuses."
Tour Greens, 404.255.1941, www.tourgreens.com
Saratoga Custom Putting Greens,
518.882.5559, saratogacustomputtinggreens.com