Indoor vs. Outdoor Putting Greens: Which Option Fits Your Game Best?

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

It really comes down to how you practice, your available space, and honestly, what you're willing to spend. 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 feels like real course conditions. Let's compare both so you can figure out 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 waiting for better weather conditions. Rain, snow, 100-degree heat doesn't matter. You can roll through 50 putts before breakfast in your pajamas if you want.

The surface stays predictable. That's huge if you're working on something specific, like fixing a takeaway or locking in your tempo. No more dealing with wet grass one day and crusty turf the next. You putt, you see the result, you adjust. Straightforward.

Zero maintenance. No mowing, no fertilizing, no wondering if you should aerate before summer. Lay it down, practice, roll it up (or don't — nobody's judging).

Fits almost anywhere. Got a garage? Basement? Spare bedroom that's just not getting much use? You can set up a roll-out mat or a custom turf kit pretty quickly. Even apartment dwellers can set up a practice area.

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 wind pushing your ball offline. All the stuff that is present when you're trying to make a six-footer for par.

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

It looks incredible. A well-done outdoor putting green using quality synthetic turf or artificial grass is a showpiece. It blends seamlessly with 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 manages drainage efficiently and holds up under foot traffic, pets, and whatever else your yard throws at it. We're talking long-term performance without it looking tired.

WHAT'S THIS GOING TO COST YOU?

Here's the rough breakdown:

Small indoor setups (roll-up mats or short custom strips): A great starting place. Cost-effective, especially if you're just trying it out.

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

High-end outdoor builds (full backyard greens with slopes, fringe, drainage system, the works): Premium pricing. But you're also building something that can increase curb appeal to your property.

The actual price depends on size, site preparation requirements, and the design elements you choose. If someone quotes you without mentioning prep work and drainage, that's a red flag. Ask for a detailed estimate so you know exactly what you're paying for.

HOW EACH SETUP IMPROVES YOUR GAME

Indoor: Short putt drills, alignment checks, tempo work, and tracking consistency over time. This is your daily grind setup. It’s perfect for micro-practice sessions where you're just ingraining the fundamentals.

Outdoor: Lag putting, pace control on slopes, green reading, and that tournament-style pressure when you've got friends over, and nobody wants to miss. You're practicing game conditions, which translates directly to lower scores.

MAINTENANCE REALITY CHECK

Indoor turf needs light 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 monitoring wear points, depending on your product. Still much lower effort than real grass.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SETUP

Go indoor if:

• Space is tight
• Your main goal is daily stroke repetition
• You want consistent access without stepping outside
• You're on a tighter budget

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 expanded short-game work

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

QUICK DECISION 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?

READY TO BUILD YOUR SETUP?

If you want a custom plan, we can help you size the green, compare turf options, and explain the investment for both indoor and outdoor installs. Get in touch with Southwest Greens for a consultation and a clear cost breakdown. Whether you end up with a basement practice station or a backyard masterpiece, we'll ensure it fits your game and your home.