Build vs. Buy Putting Green
 

I'm torn on whether I want to buy a putting green or build one. I'm pretty handy so that's not the issue... just wondering about cost. It almost seems like it may cost more than just buying, say, a Birdie Ball green. The one I build would have real cups though, which is a big plus. Not a big fan of the shallow cups. If I go the build route, I thought about using the StarPro turf from Home Depot. The website says it stimps at a 10. Has anyone used this material? Additionally, feel free to comment on building vs. buying. Thanks.

This is the same thing I have been wondering myself. I would like to build my own, as I think it would be a fun project and I can design it how I want, but at the same time Birdie Ball has theres for dirt cheap right now.

Yeah... Birdie Balls are super cheap. The only thing that's stopping me is the lack of a real cup... not a fan of the shallow ones. I may get Birdie Ball but still build a 2x4 frame so I can install cups.

I have been "planning" this project since last summer but have not yet committed to it. I have a substantial back yard with the perfect spot all picked out. Now it's simply a matter of doing it or not doing it. Spending 2k on a personal practice area just hasn't been justified ... yet.

There are multiple reviews on the THP home page on some great greens in multiple price ranges. The one we use is featured there, has real cups and works great.

I built one about 6 weeks ago. Here is that thread. http://www.thehackersparadise.com/fo...ing-Green-Home Feel free to PM me for any info.

I'm looking into buying a new home at the moment and one of the things that I'm looking for is enough area out the back to make a practice green for myself. I'll be watching this thread with interest to see which way you go.

I ended up going with BirdieBall. I called them and their customer support was absolutely amazing. The guy mentioned that they are getting ready to release a "new" product for those people who like deeper cups. Basically, they will sell you a second green for 1/2 the price but the green is smooth on both sides, not textured. You simply adhere the two together so you can elevate the green high enough to get deeper cups in. In the end though, I believe I will still whip together a frame with 2x8s on the outside with 2x4 "joists". That will leave a lip around the perimeter and also be deep enough to install some real cups. That setup coupled with the RoboCup... I should be stylin. Hope it helps me improve my stroke and shave some strokes off. I will post some pics when I'm all done and comment on the quality of the BB green.

I wouldn't trade my Tour Links "Training Aid" for anything. Was cheaper than what building what I wanted was going to run me, and its on a heavy platform with a cup, I love it...and my putters appreciate it too lol

Thought about this but just too much money in the end. They look very nice though. The BirdieBall on a wood base with real cups should suffice.

I like this idea. I bought the Birdieball and love it. The only issue is the depth of the cups. I like the idea of building a plywood based frame to go underneath which will create a good depth and make it more permanent.

How would you describe the surface? How close is it to a true green experience?

I will hopefully finish it Saturday, minus the cups... still have to order them. I'll post some pics.

I'm thrilled with this product. paid $155 shipped (4X18 duel speed) (with a duel speed stimp rating - I'd say 10 one way and 11 going back) with three holes. This is foam, but it the texture certainly mimics a real green. At only 5/8", standing on it does have a similar feel to a real green (with a wood subfloor). It seems weird, but the product just does not work well at all on any type of carpet. It just feels and rolls differently. I have seen but not tried the Tourlinks and the Big Moss, but at about 1/2 the price, I couldn't resist. Would I buy it again, I certainly would.

Here are some pics. I haven't installed the cups yet or tacked the trim down... but so far so good :)

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looking real good!

Thought about an outdoor one?? Then you can have breaks and get real grass.

Does anyone have one in their backyard? I am considering getting one and installing myself (I have most of the necessary skills and equipment) I am looking at a 25' x 45' size with 4-5 holes.

If you have one, what brand and how do you like it?