Indoor vs. Outdoor Putting Greens: Choosing the Right Setup for Your Game

So you want a home putting green. Solid decision. Nothing improves your short game faster than daily practice. But this is where most Kennewick golfers hesitate: should you go indoor or outdoor?

It really comes down to how you practice, what space you're working with, 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 break down both so you can decide which one makes sense for your game.

BENEFITS OF 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 knock out 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 won’t have to deal with wet grass one day and crusty turf the next. You putt, you see the result, you adjust. Straightforward.

Virtually no maintenance. No mowing, no fertilizing, no wondering if you should aerate before summer. Set it up, practice, roll it back up (or don't — no one’s keeping score).

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 in an afternoon. Even apartment dwellers can make this work.

WHY CHOOSE AN OUTDOOR PUTTING GREEN

You get real-world conditions. An outdoor putting green gives you an actual green-reading experience, like natural slopes, grass grain, and environmental factors affecting putts. All the stuff that happens when you're going for a six-footer for par.

More room to work with. Indoors, you're usually maxing out at 10–15 feet. Outside? You can build 30-foot lag putts, add undulations, add in a practice bunker, even create a chipping area. It becomes a serious short-game facility in your Kennewick backyard.

It looks incredible. A well-done outdoor putting green featuring quality synthetic turf or artificial grass is a showpiece. It fits right into your landscape alongside patios and gardens, and it stays green all year while your neighbor's lawn loses color.

Built to last. Modern putting green turf manages drainage efficiently and holds up under foot traffic, pets, and daily use and activity. We're talking lasting durability without it looking tired.

WHAT'S THIS GOING TO COST YOU?

Here's the basic overview:

Small indoor setups (roll-up mats or short custom strips): The most budget-friendly option. Budget-friendly, especially if you're just testing the waters.

Mid-range outdoor installs (8–20 feet with some basic contouring): Balanced price point. You're getting a dedicated practice area 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 legitimately add value to your property.

The actual price depends on size, groundwork involved, and what features you want. If someone quotes you without mentioning prep work and drainage, that's a cause for concern. Request a detailed estimate so you know exactly what you're paying for.

WHAT KIND OF PRACTICE DOES EACH ONE UNLOCK?

Indoor: Precision putting work, alignment checks, tempo work, and tracking consistency over time. This is your go-to training station. It’s perfect for micro-practice sessions 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 practicing game conditions, which translates directly to lower scores.

MAINTENANCE EXPECTATIONS

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 some routine care, such as periodic brushing to keep the fibers upright, washing it occasionally, and checking seams and infill levels, depending on your product. Still far easier to maintain than real grass.

SO WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU ACTUALLY PICK?

Go indoor if:

• Space is tight
• Your main goal is daily stroke repetition
• You want year-round practice without stepping outside
• You're on a lower spend range

Go outdoor if:

• You've got backyard space to spare
• You want realistic, course-like practice
• You're looking for a visual upgrade that also improves your game
• You want room for long putts, chips, and creative practice routines

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

FINAL CHECKLIST

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?

NEXT STEPS

If you want a custom plan, we can plan the perfect setup, compare turf options, and explain the investment for both indoor and outdoor installs. Get in touch with 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 ensure it fits your game and your home.