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 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 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.