Mini golf courses offer entertainment value for backyards as well as hotels, office complexes, and countless commercial venues. Whether you’re a homeowner building a backyard putt-putt course or a business owner adding amenities to your property, artificial grass provides an ideal foundation for a custom mini golf installation. Here’s how to design and build a synthetic turf mini golf course that delivers consistent performance and delights every player who uses it.

Choose the Right Putting Green Turf Products

The foundation of any great mini golf course starts with selecting appropriate synthetic turf. Not all artificial grass is created equal, and mini golf requires specific performance characteristics. You need a synthetic turf putting green product engineered for consistent ball roll and durability under heavy foot traffic.

Look for artificial turf putting green materials with shorter pile heights, typically between 0.375 and 0.5 inches. These shorter fibers provide the smooth, consistent surface necessary for predictable putting. The turf should feature dense fiber construction that prevents the ball from getting caught or deflected unpredictably. High-quality synthetic grass putting green products also include UV inhibitors to prevent fading, which matters for Bay Area installations that receive significant sun exposure.

For multi-use areas or family-friendly courses, consider designating different zones with appropriate turf types. The actual putting surfaces should use premium putting green turf, while the surrounding areas might use standard artificial grass that’s more forgiving and comfortable for walking. Some designers even incorporate playground turf or kid-friendly turf in waiting areas or seating zones, creating comfortable spaces for younger players.

Add Creative Obstacles

Obstacles are what make mini golf engaging rather than just simple putting practice. This is where you can differentiate your course and create memorable holes. While you don’t need to do anything over-the-top and elaborate, thoughtful obstacle design makes a significant difference in playability and visual appeal.

Physical obstacles include tunnels, ramps, loops, curves, and elevation changes. Water features add visual interest but require maintenance planning. Moving obstacles powered by solar panels add difficulty while aligning with sustainability priorities. Strategic placement of rocks, logs, or barriers creates challenging shots without requiring complex construction.

Keep in Mind Players of All Ages and Abilities

The best mini golf courses accommodate everyone from young children to seniors and from beginners to experienced golfers. Universal design principles ensure your course remains fun and accessible for all players.

Hole length matters for accessibility. Shorter holes work better for children and those with limited mobility. Consider creating 6-12 foot holes rather than 15-20 foot distances. Multiple tee positions on each hole allow players to choose appropriate difficulty levels.

The artificial grass surface should be smooth and level enough for wheelchairs or walkers to navigate easily. Avoid steep slopes or narrow passages that might create accessibility barriers. Kid-friendly turf in high-traffic areas provides safe, cushioned surfaces that reduce injury risks from falls or stumbles.

Difficulty should also escalate gradually throughout the course. Start with easier holes that build confidence, then increase the challenge as players progress. This approach keeps beginners from becoming frustrated while still engaging experienced players.

Building a custom mini golf course with artificial turf requires careful planning, from turf selection and obstacle design to accessibility. The combination of industry-leading synthetic grass putting green materials and thoughtful design results in a course that provides reliable entertainment for all players for years to come. Contact SGW Bay Area to discuss our putting green turf options and design considerations for your mini golf project.