Indoor and Outdoor Putting Greens Compared: Choosing the Right Setup for Your Game

So you want a home putting green. Solid decision. Few things improve your short game faster than daily practice. But this is where most Los Angeles and Southern California golfers hesitate: should you go indoor or outdoor?

It really comes down to your practice habits, 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 replicates real course conditions. Let's compare both so you can figure out which one makes sense for your game.

WHY CHOOSE 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, extreme 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 focused on a particular issue, like fixing a takeaway or dialing in your tempo. You're not dealing with wet grass one day and crusty turf the next. You putt, you see the result, you adjust. Simple.

Almost no maintenance. No mowing, no fertilizing, no worrying if you should aerate before summer. Roll it out, practice, roll it up (or don't — no one’s keeping score).

Fits almost anywhere. Got a garage? Basement? Extra room that's just collecting random Amazon boxes? You can set up a roll-out mat or a custom turf kit in an afternoon. 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 subtle breaks, grass grain, and environmental factors affecting putts. All the stuff that shows up when you're going for a six-footer for par.

More room to work with. Indoors, you're usually capped around 10–15 feet. Outside? You can build 30-foot lag putts, add undulations, throw in a practice bunker, even create a chipping area. It becomes a legit short-game facility in your Los Angeles and Southern California backyard.

It looks incredible. A thoughtfully designed outdoor putting green using 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 drains like crazy and holds up under foot traffic, pets, and regular wear and tear. We're talking years of use 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): The most budget-friendly option. Easy on the wallet, especially if you're just trying it out.

Mid-range outdoor installs (8–20 feet with some basic contouring): Moderate investment. 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, how much base prep is needed, and your customization level. If someone quotes you without mentioning prep work and drainage, that's a warning sign. Insist on a detailed estimate so you know exactly what you're paying for.

HOW EACH SETUP IMPROVES YOUR GAME

Indoor: Close-range practice, alignment checks, tempo work, and building repeatability. This is your everyday practice solution. It’s perfect for quick practice blocks where you're just ingraining the fundamentals.

Outdoor: Long putts, pace control on slopes, green reading, and that game-like intensity when you've got friends over, and nobody wants to miss. You're practicing game conditions, which translates directly to lower scores.

MAINTENANCE BREAKDOWN

Indoor turf needs occasional vacuuming or brushing. Maybe give it a quick wipe 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 checking seams and infill levels, depending on your product. Still way less work than real grass.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SETUP

Go indoor if:

• Space is tight
• Your main goal is daily stroke repetition
• You want anytime training without stepping outside
• You're on a lower spend range

Go outdoor if:

• You've got backyard space to spare
• You want true-to-course conditions
• You're looking for a backyard centerpiece 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 advanced practice. That's the setup a lot of low-handicappers end up with, and for good reason—it covers all your bases.

FAST DECISION GUIDE

Before you decide, 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 plan the perfect setup, compare turf options, and outline pricing for both indoor and outdoor installs. Reach out to 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 guarantee it fits your game and your home.