How to Design a Three-Hole Practice Green
A three-hole practice green gives you a simple, enjoyable way to boost your short-game performance without consuming all your outdoor space. This guide explains a smart layout, easy pin placement ideas, which turf options work best for a backyard putting green setup, and bite-sized practice routines. Sprinkle in a little creativity and a regular practice schedule, and you’ll be sinking more reliable putts in no time.
GREEN SIZE, SHAPE & YARD FIT
Start by identifying a flat or mild-slope section that doesn’t interfere with driveways, flower beds, or heavy foot traffic. A typical three-hole green can fit in 300–700 sq. ft., depending on how much walking you want between holes. Think of three areas that create varied approach angles: a short straight putt, a mid-length shot across a subtle slope, and a challenging long-break putt.
If you choose a full synthetic grass installation, pick a spot with good sun exposure and consider how the drainage will work there. Proper base work keeps the surface uniform and helps the turf perform like a real putting surface. If you’re working with limited space, offset the holes so each one feels unique without needing much additional artificial grass.
LAYOUT TIPS THAT MAKE PRACTICE WORTHWHILE
Vary distances: aim for one short (6–10 ft.), one medium-distance putt (12–18 ft.), and one long (20–35 ft.). That range necessitates different putting speeds and focus.
Use subtle contours: small elevations or gentle hollows add interest without requiring major grading.
Create approach area options: include a small chipping area beside one hole so you can practice pitch-and-putt shots.
Edge details: a low-profile roll-up edge or sand trap adds style and gameplay challenges.
Throughout the layout process, mention your installation preference — whether you want a full synthetic turf base or a hybrid renovation — because turf varieties act differently depending on prep work.
KEEPING PRACTICE FRESH WITH PIN PLACEMENT
Change pin locations regularly. Move pins to the front, middle, and back to create fresh angles. A simple system: ABC pin rotation where A = forward, B = center, C = back-third. For extra challenge, place a temporary pin on the outer edge of a slight slope to train reads and speed control.
Use removable cups or movable pin sets so you can swap pin positions without damaging the turf. Changing pins on synthetic turf putting greens is easy and lets you recreate tournament variety in a Los Angeles and Southern California backyard setting.
SHORT PRACTICE ROUTINES FOR BUSY LIVES
No need for extended training sessions. Try three simple drills that work with this three-hole layout:
Speed Ladder (6–12 minutes): Start at the short hole and putt three balls from each spot—short, mid, long—focusing on a consistent stroke length for each distance.
Break Read Drill (8–12 minutes): From a single starting point, putt to each of the three holes with the pin in a new position. Work on reading the slope and controlling speed.
Pressure Finish (5–8 minutes): Make two-putt circuits around the three holes. If you two-putt all three, reward yourself with a harder approach next round.
Short routines like these keep your improvement consistent and make practice easy to maintain. Mix them throughout the week for full-scope training.