So, I want to build a practice green.

[ApocG10]

I have done the research on what I need to do, and I already have the area and shape of the green marked off. Im lucky in that my dad owns a Bobcat as well as a mini escavator, and a roller, so equipment is not a problem. The green is going to be roughly 50 yards long, and 30 yards wide (my lot was once a farm, and 54 acres were left to me here), and will eventually be part of a par 3/4 and possibly 5. im building multiple tee boxes and angles to create multiple unique holes out of a single green, maybe ill even ba able to make 9 on one green, doubt it though.. I know the contours I want, i've been designing it in autocad to give me ideas of where I want slope and break.

I have two problems ahead of me.

First, is where can I get a mower to cut the green close enough. I have an idea to design one myself, but would prefer to buy it.

Second, what is the best grass to use? Im in Canada, so it will be covered and protected during the winter, but still, im sure some types cannot survive our winters.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Timothy Voyles]

Lots of pics and keep us updated on your progress!

[14ledo81]

I had looked into building a small green before, but I was discouraged by the price of a green mower.  Even the manual push ones are expensive.  I still might try it with one of those shear style mowers(I have seen them for less than $100).  I have seen them that will cut down to .4 of an inch.  I thought I could maybe modify it so it would mow closer.  Not sure how it would work, but if it did not I would not be out to much money.

On a side note, how short of grass would need to somewhat simulate a true roll?

[bwdial]

Originally Posted by 14ledo81

I had looked into building a small green before, but I was discouraged by the price of a green mower.  Even the manual push ones are expensive.  I still might try it with one of those shear style mowers(I have seen them for less than $100).  I have seen them that will cut down to .4 of an inch.  I thought I could maybe modify it so it would mow closer.  Not sure how it would work, but if it did not I would not be out to much money.

On a side note, how short of grass would need to somewhat simulate a true roll?

I've thought about the modification of one of those reel mowers as well.  I wonder if you could swap out the wheels for ones with a smaller diameter to get the blades closer to the ground?

[ruascott]

I looked into this at one point, but found out that it is a giant PITA. The amount of upkeep that they require to have anything decent is quite extensive and all consuming. Everyone I talked to that had done it told me to not do it, and get one of the artificial ones instead.

As far the type of grass....a decent bentrass is what you have to go with.

[ruascott]

Oh and as for the mower...i think there are "cheap" for home putting green mowers that you can buy for about $1,500. A real one that a course would use would be in the $6-$10k range.

The best option if you actually go through with this is to contact golf courses and try to buy one of theirs used.

[Dave2512]

There's a few cool sites out there for the home green enthusiast. They sell everything from seed to mowers. I'd do it if I had the room. I'm sure you've probably been here already but if not.

http://www.putting-greens.com/order.html

[Golfingdad]

We had a neighbor growing up (in Fresno, CA) who had one.  His was tiny compared to what you are talking about ... perhaps 15' x 20' at the most, and it was beautiful.  But he had to work on it basically everyday.  He was the guy on the street with the perfect yard all around, in season flowers, topiary plants, etc, so that was his thing.  Oh, and he definitely had a special "green mower" that he used for it exclusively.

Seems like a task, but good luck and post pictures!

[newtogolf]

Have you considered articial turf?

[ApocG10]

Originally Posted by newtogolf

Have you considered articial turf?

No, i would prefer to grow real grass. I understand the work required. Its an hour a day, every day to keep it in putting condition.

Im not sure I wanna go with a bent grass though. Perhaps something a little quicker. Im a long ways from grass, right now its in the planning stages.

If a new hand green mower is 1500$, im sure I can find one used for half of that. As you guys said, i'll check to see hwat old, spare equipment the courses im a member at have. Perhaps I can get something from them cheap.

At this point, I dont expect to be cutting actual grass before next summer, right now I want to get the green built, seed planted, and grass growing. I want the green to mature a bit before I use it.

I dont mind the work, like I said, its not like ill be hauling and shovelling dirt. It will still be a big job though.

Below the green will be 6 inches of Crush rock, to make a base. Then 9-12 inches of sifted soil on top of it. I will use the rocks to create the general contours. Aside from the seed, fertilizer, fuel for the bobcat and excavator, and the mower, my costs will be very low. Im not afraid of a little hard work.

I will be sure to update this thread with pictures as I get started, which should be within the next week.

[ApocG10]

just found a mower for $1100. Also rolls the grass after cutting it. Perfect. That is the Mower I will be buying.

[glock35ipsc]

Originally Posted by ApocG10

First, is where can I get a mower to cut the green close enough. I have an idea to design one myself, but would prefer to buy it.

As cliche as it gets, keep your eye out for garage sales and Craigslist.  I bought a Toro push-type greens mower that I found through Craigslist.  It wouldn't start when I went to look at it, and ended up getting it for $200.  Spend 30 minutes pulling the carb and the gas tank and cleaning then, it runs like a champ!

[glock35ipsc]

LOL, never mind.  Looks like you found one!

[Mattplusness]

I would ask your local courses what grass their greens use for two reasons.

1. It's obviously the right grass for the climate

2. You will be able to take it to the course with the same conditions.

[ruascott]

Faster than bentgrass??? Please inform me, becuase I was under the impression that bentgrass is pretty much the only thing you can use for greens in northern climates. Plus bentgrass greens are the fastest you can probably get. There is a reason that Augusta tried putting in bent greens, even though they it's way too hot down there for that.

[dsc123]

Might want to check this out:

http://www.golf.com/instruction/dave-pelz-backyard-golfers-blueprints

[ApocG10]

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

LOL, never mind.  Looks like you found one!

Ya, I just called the gentleman who owns it. Its 36" wide, walk behind power motor. He said he put new blades on it last year, and has a set of spare blades still in the packaging. It also picks up the shavings fromt he grass before it rolls it.

Guy said he had his green as high as a 14 on the stimp when conditions are dry.

I have decided on Velvet Bent grass. 19.99 a bag, very resilient and widely used in links golf, so it handles the salt air well, which is important here for me.

Also, I decided intead of making one large green this year, im going to build one this year, 30 yards long, 20 wide. And if it turns out well, I may make 2 more next year.

I've also picked places to add some trees (A few spruce, a couple of oak, and some apple and pear trees (who doesn't want a pear between shopts once in a while?), fairway bunkers, as well as two large greenside bunkers. As it is, the green will play two par 3's, and a par4 from the south side.

[WUTiger]

Originally Posted by newtogolf

Have you considered artificial turf?

I live on Illinois side of St. L area. I talked to a turf expert about me building a golf green in my back yard. Aside from the turf hassle of building a multi-layer green, and buying a rotary mower, there's the chemicals needed for weed and pest control.

He said Illinois required licensing to handle such chems. Not sure what the rules are in Canada. If you actually do some farming, however, you may already have the OK.

He suggested setting up an artificial green with high grade layering and drainage underneath.

OP... If you're considering multiple greens, do some digging into historical golf course architecture. In early 1900s, a couple of design firms were pushing limited-space 9-hole courses which only required three greens. I saw a vintage brochure in an antique store (sorry, can't remember where).