Personal Country Clubs

Not long ago the only people who would install a putting green at their residence were those who could probably afford to buy a whole golf course. Not so, these days. Materials have improved and costs have diminished, enough so that for a moderate price you, too, can be practicing your putt without leaving your yard.

Moreover, a putting green can add an unexpected dimension to your landscaping. If you have space that just looks vacant, a green can fill it nicely while simultaneously giving you a space to perfect your short game. In fact, Michael Gismondi of Elite Synthetic Surface in Jericho says that 35-percent of the people who hire him to install home putting greens aren’t even serious golfers — they just like the look of the feature in their yard.

Gismondi offers clients a few options for surfaces, but usually recommends people choose the nylon-based green he favors. Not only is it durable, but it grants a truer roll than any surface other than grass. However, if you want to hit anything stronger than a chip or a putt to get near the hole, he recommends a sand-filled green— the roll won’t be as traditional, but long shots will land and stick just like you’re hitting onto grass.

The primary advantage of a synthetic green is the lack of maintenance required to keep it looking good and performing well. A grass green is notoriously difficult to keep healthy. “Nylon is much easier to own,” Gismondi says. “Nothing is maintenance free, but nylon requires minimal maintenance. Once a year in the springtime we tune up all our greens, change the cups and flags, make sure everything is intact, and that’s about it. There’s no irrigation, no chemicals and no watering.”

Greens can be customized with as many options and features as the imagination can conjure. Gismondi regularly installs accompanying bunkers, water hazards and tee boxes. He also elevates land to provide tiers or undulation. Also, to fulfill the ultimate golfer’s fantasy, Gismondi can even emulate a favorite hole from courses around the world.