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 When
planning a putting green many things have to be taken in
consideration. When deciding what type, size and style of
putting green to install other factors such as price, area
for installation and traffic can make that decision even
more difficult. In this section we will examine all the
factors of the different turfs and the manner in which they
all fit into this decision.
Price
Establish a budget and work within that budget.
Type
What do you plan to use your putting green for? Are
you going to use it strictly for putting, chipping a short
distance or for long distances? Read the Turf Description
page and learn which turfs will take what kind of shots.
Style
and Color
Once you have selected the type of turf you want to use,
order a sample and make sure it is going to work for your
situation.
Layout
 Before
you begin to consider designing a putting green, remember
which product you intend to use and the width that it is
manufactured in. All of our nylon turfs come in 15’ widths
with the exception of our PGD CHICAGO 625N and all of our
polypropylene turfs come in 12’ widths. All dimensions when
designing will have to take these nominal widths into
consideration. The PGD CHICAGO 525N along with all of the
polypropylene turfs have a "grain" in the manufacturing
process and careful consideration must be given when laying
out the material to take that in consideration. The "grain"
of the turf must run in the same direction when laying out
the green.
Bases
The base of all greens are either concrete, crushed
limestone or some other form of compacted aggregate. The
cost of the base is a factor when considering the estimation
of a putting green. For most small installations, we
recommend an aggregate type of base. They are easier and
quicker to work with and most times your space constraints
are such that getting concrete material into these areas is
a daunting task.
Topography and Drainage
All turfs basically drain off the top. When planning a green
remember that you do not want a green laying in a low spot
on the property. Also when designing a green do not leave a
low spot (or bowl like area) in your green. It is preferable
that if anything it should have a slight grade. A green will
drain best when the design has a small crown similarly to
the greens of Pinehurst.
Trees
and Roots
Particular attention should be paid to tree root
systems. Trees that have extending or surface breaking root
areas should be avoided. These areas can disturb a base and
can cause permanent damage to the base of a green even if it
is concrete. The best way to prevent this fatal error is to
avoid these problem areas all together. Also try to avoid
areas that have severe over hanging branches and sap
producing trees. These problems with a bit of careful
planning can make the life of your green extend for a very
long time.
Landscaping, Bunkers and Chipping Areas
 How
does the green fit in the overall area you are working in?
Consider the layout carefully before you put a shovel in the
ground. The finished product will need either a fringe made
of turf, sod, stone or mulch. These are some of the
finishing touches that can make or break a putting green. Do
you want a bunker? If so, the bunker should not be facing a
house or a neighbor’s house. Remember the last time you
"sculled" a bunker shot? Also chipping areas should be
strategically placed to take advantage of the green.
Chipping shots will need a place to "run" out, so don’t
short side your chipping areas with no hope of stopping the
ball.
Line it
out
 Take
field marking paint and layout the green, then measure,
remeasure and measure again. You must consider the shape of
your green, you may need more material depending on the
style of your green. The turf is not manufactured in ovals,
kidneys and other shapes from the mill.
Accessories
Before you finish your order, take into account any
extra features such as custom flags, cups, etc.
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