Installation | Artificial Putting Greens

Here at APG we like to use an ‘artist’ analogy when talking about installation. Anyone can go to an art supply store and buy a canvas, some paint and a paintbrush to paint a putting green. But if you are not an artist and have not painted before…your painting will not come out as nice as someone who has been “painting” putting greens for 2 decades! That said, installation of a green is not rocket science; with proper info and guidance anyone can build a nice putting green. APG prides itself on being the best. Browse our installation videos and should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Step 1 - Determine Location & Size

APG products come in either 12' or 15' widths depending on the type you buy. So keep the width of your turf of choice in mind when designing your putting green. We specialize in design and will be more than happy to speak with you regarding your project.

Step 2 - Clear & Dig for Sub Base

The second step in building a putting green is to prepare the area. You do this by clearing the area of grass and other ground vegetation material then digging down to your desired sub-base depth. (The sub-base depth can vary depending on where you live. Someone in NJ will need a thicker base than t

Step 3 - Distribute base material

Distribute the sub-base materials evenly. You will want to manipulate the sub base material to incorporate your desired contours and slopes of your design. Keep in mind when creating contours that the water will run off the top. You do not want to have any "soup bowls", or depressions, in the middle

Step 4 - Compact Base Material

The most common way to compact the sub-base material is with a vibratory plate compactor or a "ride-on" double-drum roller. You should be able to rent either one at your local rental store. APG does not recommend using a sod roller to compact the base.

Step 5 - Determine placement of sleeves

Once you have the sub-base compacted and your contours 'flowing & rolling' the way you want them, locate where your sleeve/cup placements will be. Please note that you should allow a reasonable distance from the edge of the putting green to the sleeve/cup.

Step 6 - Dig holes for sleeves

The way to do this step is simply by using a shovel and dig down roughly 10". If you are privy to a standard golf hole cutter that will work as well. Be advised that when using a 2 layer base (highly recommended) the hole cutter will only get you so far.

Step 7 - Place sleeves

Once your 10" hole is dug, place your sleeve (height = 12" tall) in the hole. Fill in around the sleeve and compact small amounts of aggregate until you have a solid base around the sleeve.

Step 8 - Lay turf over sub-base

At this stage, you want to maneuver the turf over your sub-base. One important thing to remember here is to try not to disturb the base.

Step 9 - Ready the turf for seams

At this point, you want to cut/trim the manufactured edge off the roll of turf. The turf you choose will dictate how you 'prepare' your turf for a seam. There are scrim-backed turfs where you can see the tufting from the back, which will allow you to cut from the back.

Step 10 - Seam the turf

Once you have the seam edges cut, go ahead and bring the edges together and check the entire seam to make sure that the turf fits together. Should there be any areas that don't fit, or look right, address them as needed.

Step 11 - Cutting outer edge

This step is a fairly straightforward step. We recommend that you take a piece of sidewalk chalk and lightly scribe your design onto the top of the turf. If you do not like a certain area, rub it out and draw again! Take your time when cutting your turf.

Step 12 - Cut holes. Insert cups.

Use a carpet knife and cut the turf carefully against the inside wall of the sleeve. Once cut, place your cup inside the sleeve.

Step 13 - Secure outer edge

To fasten the green portion we recommend a 3.5" galvanized finish nail along the edge. (install about a half-inch to one inch in from the edge and every 12 to 24 inches around the perimeter). To fasten a fringe product we recommend a 6" timber nail.

Step 14 - Top Dressing

Note: Polypropylene turf does require sand-fill. Nylon turf does not require sand-fill. That said, there are 2 reasons why one would add infill to a putting green turf. First, to adjust the speed of the putting green and secondly, to help with the 'hold-ability' of any chip shots.

Step 15 - Finish the green

The final steps are left to your creative imagination. Feel free to speak with one of our representatives to discuss the many final touches you could do to create a great looking putting green.

Step 16 - Maintenance

Maintaining your artificial putting green can be as easy as using a leaf blower to rid your putting green of any falling debris. The amount of maintenance you will need will depend on the style of turf you choose. See our products page for more on the differences in 2 major styles (poly & nylon).