Indoor and Outdoor Putting Greens Compared: Choosing the Right Setup for Your Game

So you want a home putting green. Smart move. Very little improves your short game faster than daily practice. But this is where most Greenwich golfers hesitate: should you go indoor or outdoor?

It really comes down to your practice habits, the space you have available, and honestly, how much you want to invest. Some golfers swear by a compact indoor putting green for dialing in stroke mechanics. Others want a full backyard putting green setup with putting green turf that replicates real course conditions. Let's compare both so you can decide which one makes sense for your game.

WHY CHOOSE AN INDOOR PUTTING GREEN

It's all about repetition. When you've got an indoor setup, there's no putting practice off because of the weather. Rain, snow, 100-degree heat doesn't matter. You can get in 50 putts before breakfast in your pajamas if you want.

The surface stays predictable. That's huge if you're focused on a particular issue, like fixing a takeaway or dialing in your tempo. You're not dealing with wet grass one day and crusty turf the next. You putt, you see the result, you adjust. Simple.

Zero maintenance. No mowing, no fertilizing, no wondering if you need to aerate before summer. Roll it out, practice, pack it away (or don't — nobody's judging).

Fits almost anywhere. Got a garage? Basement? Unused room that's just become storage overflow? You can set up a roll-out mat or a custom turf kit pretty quickly. Even apartment dwellers can pull this off.

WHY CHOOSE AN OUTDOOR PUTTING GREEN

You get authentic playing conditions. An outdoor putting green gives you an actual green-reading experience, like gentle undulations, grass grain, and outdoor elements at play. All the stuff that happens when you're going for a six-footer for par.

More room to work with. Indoors, you're usually capped around 10–15 feet. Outside? You can build 30-foot lag putts, add undulations, throw in a practice bunker, even create a chipping area. It becomes a full-scale short-game facility in your Greenwich backyard.

It looks incredible. A professionally installed outdoor putting green using quality synthetic turf or artificial grass is a showpiece. It enhances your landscape alongside patios and gardens, and it stays green all year while your neighbor's lawn goes dormant.

Built to last. Modern putting green turf drains like crazy and holds up under foot traffic, pets, and daily use and activity. We're talking years of use without it looking tired.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Here's the basic overview:

Small indoor setups (roll-up mats or short custom strips): The most budget-friendly option. Cost-effective, especially if you're just getting started.

Mid-range outdoor installs (8–20 feet with some basic contouring): Mid-level cost. You're getting a permanent addition here, not just a practice tool.

High-end outdoor builds (full backyard greens with slopes, fringe, drainage system, the works): Top-tier cost. But you're also building something that can enhance property value to your property.

The actual price depends on size, site preparation requirements, and your customization level. If someone quotes you without mentioning prep work and drainage, that's a warning sign. Ask for a detailed estimate so you know exactly what you're paying for.

HOW EACH SETUP IMPROVES YOUR GAME

Indoor: Close-range practice, alignment checks, tempo work, and monitoring improvement. This is your go-to training station. It’s perfect for short focused reps where you're just ingraining the fundamentals.

Outdoor: Distance control, pace control on slopes, green reading, and that competitive feel when you've got friends over, and nobody wants to miss. You're replicating on-course situations, which translates directly to lower scores.

MAINTENANCE BREAKDOWN

Indoor turf needs occasional vacuuming or brushing. Maybe clean it off if you spill coffee on it. That's about it.

Outdoor artificial grass requires a bit more, such as periodic brushing to keep the fibers upright, washing it occasionally, and basic inspections, depending on your product. Still much lower effort than real grass.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SETUP

Go indoor if:

• Space is tight
• Your priority is daily stroke repetition
• You want consistent access without stepping outside
• You're on a lower spend range

Go outdoor if:

• You've got backyard space to spare
• You want true-to-course conditions
• You're looking for a landscape feature that also improves your game
• You want room for expanded short-game work

Go hybrid if you're serious: An indoor mat for daily reps plus a small outdoor green for advanced practice. That's the setup a lot of low-handicappers end up with, and for good reason—it checks every box.

FAST DECISION GUIDE

Before you make your final decision, ask yourself:

What's my practice goal? Daily stroke work or full course simulation?

What space do I actually have? Spare room, garage, or backyard?

What's my budget? Entry-level, mid-range, or go-big-or-go-home?

What's my style? Simple mat you can move around, or a permanent landscape feature?

LET'S GET STARTED

If you want a custom plan, we can design the right layout, compare turf options, and outline pricing for both indoor and outdoor installs. Reach out to Southwest Greens for a consultation and a risk-free quote. Whether you end up with a basement practice station or a backyard masterpiece, we'll make sure it fits your game and your home.