Want to build your own indoor putting green inside of your house? In this tutorial guide, I’ll show you how to build a DIY indoor putting green all by yourself! No tricks, you can do everything all by yourself in your basement, office, or spare room.
How to Plan Your Indoor Putting Green Design
Before building your DIY indoor putting green, planning is essential to ensure a functional and enjoyable setup. Starting a DIY indoor putting green project requires careful planning to achieve the best results.
Measurement
Start by measuring the available space in your chosen room or area (such as a garage, basement, or spare room) and determine the optimal putting green dimensions. A standard length for practice greens is 8 to 15 feet, but even shorter greens can be effective with the correct layout.
Portable vs Permanent
Next, decide whether you want a portable or permanent installation. Portable greens offer flexibility and easy storage, as they can be easily moved or hidden, while permanent builds allow for more customization, durability, and added slope features.
Some people decide to build a raised platform for added realism. Depending on your goals, either option can provide great value.
Hole Placement
Sketch out hole placements to support a variety of different putts. Try to incorporate distances from 3 to 10 feet and consider adding multiple holes. Try to add slope elements or subtle breaks using foam or another material to simulate real-life green conditions.
Create a Materials List
Finally, create a list of all necessary materials (turf, baseboard, padding, cups, adhesive, and tools), and then establish a realistic budget. Some companies sell ready-made kits or turf for those who prefer not to DIY.
When budgeting, consider the cost of materials and the need to invest both time and money into the project. Planning carefully upfront ensures a smoother construction process and a putting green tailored to your specific needs. Having a green diy build plan before starting construction is crucial for success.
Required Materials for an Indoor Putting Green
Building a DIY indoor putting green starts with gathering the right materials. The artificial turf is the main centerpiece, and you should choose turf specifically designed for golf putting, with a short pile height (typically 0.25”–0.5”). This will give you the most realistic roll.
Some premium options can mimic the speed of real grass, while more affordable turf will be sufficient. Green turf and Camry carpet are both popular options for the putting surface, with Camry carpet known for its durability and realistic feel.
You’ll also need lumber and structural materials to build the base of the indoor putting green. This typically includes plywood (¾” thick) or particle board for the surface, 2x4s for the frame, wood screws, and double-sided tape or carpet adhesive. Optional additions, such as foam padding, can help create slopes. When constructing the frame, consider building an outer framing to provide support and a defined edge, which helps keep balls from rolling off.
It is also essential to prepare the right tools and safety gear:
- Circular Saw
- Drill
- Measuring Tape
- Staple Gun
- Work Gloves
- Eye Protection
Once the green is complete, don’t forget the essential golf accessories, such as plastic or metal cups and flags for the holes.
Lastly, consider underlay materials, such as foam mats or carpet padding, for added cushioning and improved performance. A mat can also be used as a base or practice surface.
A moisture barrier (plastic sheeting or vapor wrap) is essential if installed over concrete or in basements to protect both your green and subfloor, and a cover can help provide additional protection.
How to Install Your DIY Putting Green
Follow these step-by-step instructions for a smooth and effective installation of your DIY indoor putting green:
Step 1: Measure and Plan Your Space
- Measure the length and width of your designated area/room
- Determine your green’s dimensions based on available space and desired practice range.
- Decide on a portable vs. permanent setup.
- Plan hole locations, number of cups, and any slope features you want to include. Consider placing a hole in the middle of the green for central practice, and using three holes for added variety. For slope features, you can create a slope that runs from one end of the green to the other for more realistic practice.
After planning, also consider how you might extend the green in the future if you want a larger practice area.
Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools
Materials:
- Golf-grade artificial turf (short pile)
- Plywood (¾” for base)
- 2×4 lumber for framing
- Screws, adhesive, and staples
- Foam or shims for slope
- Cups, flags, and markers
- Underlay or moisture barrier (especially on concrete)
Tools:
- Saw (circular or jigsaw)
- Power drill
- Tape measure and level
- Staple gun
- Exacto knife (for precise cutting)
- Safety gear (gloves, eye protection)
Step 3: Build the Base Frame
- Cut 2x4s to frame the green size.
- Screw the frame together, adding interior supports every 2–3 feet for stability.
- Lay a moisture barrier on the floor if needed.
- Attach plywood sheets on top of the frame using screws.
Step 4: Cut and Place Cup Holes
- Mark hole locations based on your design, making sure to accurately mark where you will drill holes for the cups.
- Use a hole saw or jigsaw to cut 4¼” diameter holes in the plywood. These holes can be drilled for a clean finish. While achieving a perfect circle is ideal for a neat and flush appearance, small imperfections are usually not a problem and won’t affect play.
- Secure putting cups or sleeves into the drilled holes. If you have trouble fitting the cups, lightly sand the edges or adjust the hole size as needed to ensure a snug fit.
Step 5: Add Slope and Contours (Optional)
- Place foam pads or furniture levelers under the plywood in desired areas to add break and create gentle slopes or breaks.
- Alternatively, you can use furniture levels to create undulation on the surface.
- When testing the slope, apply consistent pressure with your hand to check for realistic break and ensure the green simulates real putting conditions.
- Test and adjust until the slope feels realistic and challenging.
Step 6: Lay the Turf
- Roll out your turf over the base and allow it to relax (flatten) for a few hours.
- Cut holes in the turf aligned with your cup openings.
- Secure the turf with adhesive, glue, and/or staple it to the base frame along the edges. Glue can be used as an alternative to staples or tape to keep the turf in place.
- Smooth the surface to remove any wrinkles or bubbles, ensuring the turf is flat for consistent rolling of the ball.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
- Install borders (such as PVC, wood trim, or turf edging) to define the green area and create an edge that helps contain the balls. These borders serve to keep the green tidy and prevent balls from rolling away.
- Add distance markers, alignment lines, and flags.
- If desired, decorate with fringe turf, lighting, or logos for a polished look.
Step 8: Test and Adjust
- Putt from various distances to check for smooth roll and proper cup depth.
- Make any minor slope or turf adjustments.
- Ensure safety, stability, and overall playability.
DIY Putting Green Advanced Features
Once your basic indoor putting green is built, incorporating advanced features can enhance its realism, functionality, and visual appeal. One effective upgrade is adding distance markers and alignment aids. The easiest way to do this is by using tape, decals, or printed stencils to mark specific distances on the green to practice. Adding visual alignment lines or built-in tracks will help you fine-tune your stroke path and face angle by practicing along a straight line.
For a more challenging and course-like experience, look into integrating variable slopes and breaks. This can be done by inserting foam wedges beneath the turf to create subtle slopes and unpredictable breaks. Rotatable or removable slope inserts can offer changing conditions without a permanent build. Some PGA Tour pros use similar setups to simulate real tournament conditions, making your practice more authentic.
To give your putting green a finished and polished look, consider border finishing and aesthetic enhancements. Trim the perimeter with wood, PVC edging, or turf tape to contain golf balls. You can also enhance the overall aesthetics with faux fringe turf, turf paint for logos, or even ambient lighting. These upgrades make your green look awesome and are extremely valuable for improving your putting skills year-round.
How to Maintain Your Indoor Putting Green
To keep your indoor putting green in good condition, regular maintenance is essential for preserving both the performance and appearance. Start with routine cleaning and vacuuming, as dust, debris, and loose fibers can accumulate over time, which will affect how your ball rolls. Use a handheld vacuum or soft-bristle broom to clean the surface weekly.
Occasionally, you’ll need to address repairs or wear and tear. Check for loose turf edges, lifted corners, or baseboard shifts, especially if your green is portable and gets moved around frequently. Reapply adhesive, replace any worn components, or re-level the surface as needed to maintain a smooth putting area.
To preserve your turf quality, avoid walking on the surface with outdoor shoes and keep heavy objects off the green to prevent unwanted wear. Avoid dropping heavy items on the turf, as a drop can cause damage or accelerate wear and tear. For added longevity, gently brush the turf against the grain every few weeks to keep fibers upright and ensure a consistent speed and roll. With basic care, your DIY green can provide years of effective indoor practice.
How to Practice on Your DIY Indoor Putting Green
If you’re wondering how to get the most out of your indoor putting green, this section will help you maximize your practice.
The first step to maximizing the value of your indoor putting green is to establish an engaging practice routine. Begin by designing targeted drills that focus on specific skills, such as alignment, speed control, and short-range accuracy. Drills such as the “gate drill” for stroke path or the “ladder drill” for distance control are effective ways to build consistency.
To keep practice fun and competitive, you can also create games and challenges with friends. Kids especially enjoy putting games on the green, making it a great activity for the whole family. Try scoring-based activities like “Around the World” or set a goal to make 10 putts in a row from a set distance. Adding variation keeps you focused on getting better.
Consistent improvement on the putting green comes from the ability to track your progress. Use a simple notebook or an app to log your results, track progress, calculate percentages, and note areas for improvement over time. This helps build confidence.
Lastly, enhance your training by simulating real course conditions. Practice putts with varying slopes or breaks if your green allows, and visualize real greens or specific holes from your favorite course. This mental preparation pays off on the course when every stroke counts.
Conclusion
Building your own indoor putting green is a rewarding project that pays dividends in your golf game. With proper planning, quality materials, and attention to detail, you can create a professional-grade practice space that rivals commercial installations at a fraction of the cost.
Take action today and start designing your perfect indoor green. Remember, every great golfer started with practice, and now you can practice perfectly in the comfort of your own home!
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Putting Greens (FAQs)
How much space do I need for an indoor putting green?
A functional indoor putting green can be built in spaces as small as 3’x9′ or as large as 6’x16′. The size depends on your available space and intended practice goals.
What type of artificial turf is best for an indoor putting green?
Camry Golf carpet is highly recommended for its realistic speed rating (around “11”) and cost-effectiveness. It provides a professional feel and consistent ball roll.
How long does it take to build a DIY indoor putting green?
The construction typically takes 1-2 days for a basic setup. More complex designs with multiple holes and break features may require additional time.
What’s the average cost to build an indoor putting green?
A mid-range DIY indoor putting green costs between $500-1000, depending on materials chosen and size. Simple roll-up mats start at $50, while premium builds can exceed $1,000.
Can I create breaks and slopes on my indoor putting green?
Yes! You can install furniture levelers under the frame to create adjustable slopes and breaks, simulating real course conditions.
