How to Make a Golf Putting Green

Choose a suitable location. The most desirable location for a putting green is on an elevated area of your property. This is important in that water must be able to drain off the surface and not form pools, which will damage grass and negatively affect the firmness of the green.

Map the area and clear it of debris and trees. Dig out shrubs, trees and large rocks. If you are planting new grass, you must dig up the existing grass with a backhoe or hand spades and shovels. Remove all buried obstructions. Smooth the surface with a tamp or grass roller. If your grass is healthy and can be trimmed short enough to make solid, true putts, simply roll the surface and maintain it.

Begin planting your grass. Before you begin walking on your green, the grass on your green must be healthy and the soil firm. If you are starting from bare soil, you will need to plant the proper grass. Bentgrass is preferred for putting greens. Bentgrass seeds can be purchased from various dealers. Ask your local home center first. If you are unsuccessful, there are several online dealers out there (see Resources).
Plant seeds according to dealer specifications. Water your green every day, avoiding washing away seeds. Your new grass will take several weeks to grow.

Groom your green before putting. As your new grass grows, monitor its stiffness. Gently roll a golf ball across the surface. It the ball rolls true and the grass can withstand your weight without being damaged, you are ready to add your cup and flag stick.
If you are using your existing grass, roll the surface with a grass roller without damaging or killing the grass. Water and seed your green as often as it's needed.
To keep your green trimmed, mow only on dry days when lawn mower wheels won't damage the green or leave large wheel tracks.

Obtain a cup and flag stick. An official cup and flag stick can be purchased at any golf course supply house or at your local golf shop. If an official outfit cannot be obtained, there are many practice cup and flag stick packages available (see Resources).
To build them, find a strong aluminum or tin can approximately 4 ¼ inches wide. Find a flexible plastic rod or wooden dowel. Cut a hole in the bottom of the can so the stick can securely rest in the cup and be removed easily. Add a flag to the stick. An official flag stick stands 7 feet from the top of the putting surface.

Cut the hole for your putting cup. If you are installing a commercial-grade or official cup, follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. Or simply trace the diameter of the can onto the green and dig its hole with a small shovel or spade. Dig about ½ inch deeper than the height of the can. Insert the can snugly and add the flag stick.