What putting greens cost
Putting greens sit at the premium end of turf pricing. For comparison, ordinary landscape turf runs $12 to $22 per square foot installed.
| Project | Range |
|---|---|
| Golf putting green | $15 to $30 |
| Landscape turf, all tiers | $12 to $22 |
At those ranges, a 300 sq ft green runs about $4,500 to $9,000.
What drives the price
- Size. Bigger greens cost more in total. Very small ones can cost more per square foot because setup work spreads over less area.
- Contours and slope. Rolls, breaks and elevation changes take more base shaping than a flat surface.
- Putting turf. Greens use short, dense turf that differs from lawn turf. Ask what product is proposed and what it is made for.
- Short-game features. Chipping areas, bunkers and extra holes add scope.
- Fringe. A longer turf border around the green can blend it into the yard.
- Removal and access. Taking out sod or rock, and getting materials into a backyard, both add labor.
Plan the layout first
Decide what you want to do on it. A flat surface for rolling putts is a different build from a green you chip onto. Measure the open space and mark sprinklers, trees and fences.
Think about sun and shade. Turf gets hot in direct sun, which affects where you stand and how comfortable it is. See does artificial turf get hot.
The base matters even more
A putting surface shows every flaw in the ground under it. A base that settles shows up as a bump in the ball's path. Thornton's turf permit rules call for at least 3 inches of compacted aggregate and glued seams. A green deserves at least that. Read how turf is installed.
Rules and HOAs
Putting greens usually sit in the backyard. State law protects backyard turf in many single-family HOAs, but check your covenants and any city rules first. Ask for the manufacturer's warranty in writing.
Get an accurate number
Request a free on-site estimate with a rough size, a sketch or photos and the features you want. We look at slope, drainage and access, then write up the price. Our putting greens page shows what we build, and the Denver page has local notes. Use the installer checklist to compare quotes.
Plan the green before you price it
The best way to get a useful number is to decide how you will use the green. A small chipping and putting area costs less than a full contoured green with a fringe, bunker shapes and several cups.
Walk the yard and think about three things. Where does the sun hit? Where does water run? How much room do you need around the green for a backswing and for guests? Send us photos and measurements, and we will talk through size, slope and layout during a free on-site visit.
Ask each installer how they build the base and how they finish the edges. A green plays true only if the surface underneath it is firm and even. For the full process, see how artificial turf is installed.
Common questions
What does a backyard putting green cost per square foot?
SitePrep's 2026 guide lists $15 to $30 per square foot for golf putting greens.
How big should a backyard putting green be?
It depends on your space and what you want to practice. Share your yard dimensions and goals when you request an estimate.
Is putting green turf different from lawn turf?
Greens typically use a shorter, denser turf than lawns. Ask any installer which product they propose and why.
Sources
- SitePrep: artificial grass cost guide (2025)
- City of Thornton: Minor Planning Permit, Artificial Turf
- Colorado SB23-178 (HOA water-wise landscaping)
Checked November 11, 2026. Laws, programs and prices change, so confirm with the source before you decide.