How Rickie Fowler Created the Ultimate Backyard Turf Installation With Southwest Greens
When a PGA Tour pro builds a practice setup at home, you know it needs to be the genuine article. Rickie Fowler — known for his signature style and elite short game — turned to Southwest Greens to bring his backyard vision to life, and the results say it all.
Here's a behind-the-scenes look at what went into this one-of-a-kind artificial turf installation.
TWO OUTDOOR PUTTING GREENS, ONE PROPERTY
The focal point of Rickie's setup is a pair of custom outdoor putting greens that give him a tour-grade practice area just outside his door.
The larger of the two greens measures approximately 1,800 square feet. This one carries history — Southwest Greens finished it in 2012. It has held up beautifully over the years, a real testament to skilled installation work. The second green — roughly 500 square feet — is a more recent addition and showcases Southwest Greens' latest premium products.
The second green — roughly 500 square feet — is a more recent addition and showcases Southwest Greens' latest premium products.
Both greens feature GB177 synthetic turf, a high-performance putting surface that produces the repeatable roll and speed a player like Rickie demands during practice rounds. The compact green also got a finishing touch with GB134 fringe turf, lending it that clean, defined edge you'd see at a professional golf facility.
The outcome? A two-green setup that lets Rickie work on all aspects from mid-range putts to careful lag putting, right from the comfort of his own backyard.
NOT JUST FOR GOLF
This is where the project gets really interesting. Rickie's backyard isn't just a golf haven — Southwest Greens also designed and installed a one-of-a-kind bocce ball court complete with precision-laid synthetic grass that delivers smooth, consistent play game after game. It's the kind of feature that converts a backyard into a true entertainment destination.
And for the more athletic side of things, Southwest Greens installed synthetic grass for a pole-vaulting practice zone, using Bolt turf for the project. Bolt is built to withstand high-impact athletic activity, making it a strong choice for a sport that calls for a reliable, safe landing and approach surface.
THE REASON WHY ARTIFICIAL TURF MAKES THE MOST SENSE FOR SERIOUS ATHLETES
For a professional player balancing a demanding tour schedule, the last thing you want is a natural grass putting green that needs ongoing watering, trimming, and periodic reseeding. A synthetic grass installation remains picture-perfect year-round with low upkeep — and that's a real advantage when your time is limited.
Artificial putting greens throughout Kennewick have evolved considerably. The GB177 surface used on Rickie's greens is designed to simulate the feel and playability of a natural bentgrass green, so the hours he puts in at home carry over directly to his performance on the course.
BUILD A PERSONALIZED PUTTING GREEN OF YOUR OWN
You don't have to be a PGA Tour pro to enjoy a Kennewick backyard putting green worth bragging about. Southwest Greens of Eastern Washington constructs custom artificial putting greens for commercial and residential properties of every size — whether you're seeking a modest 200-square-foot green to improve your short game or a multi-hole layout like Rickie's.
From the initial design to the final blade of synthetic grass, every Southwest Greens installation is crafted with the same level of craftsmanship you witnessed on this project.
Looking to plan out your custom outdoor putting green in Kennewick? Contact Southwest Greens today and find out what is possible in your Kennewick space.