Artificial Grass Putting Greens

Sand-Infilled vs. Nylon Putting Greens: Choosing the Right Surface for Your Backyard

At All American Turf Solutions, we know a backyard putting green isn’t just about golf — it’s about creating a space where family, friends, and neighbors can enjoy time together. As a small family-owned business built by a former professional golfer, we take pride in guiding our clients to surfaces that truly fit their lifestyle.

When it comes to putting greens, two main options stand out: sand-infilled turf and nylon (or infill-free) turf. Both are excellent choices, but they each bring their own feel, maintenance needs, and long-term benefits. Let’s break them down so you can make the right call for your backyard.

Option 1: Sand-Infilled Putting Greens

What it is:

Sand-infilled systems combine synthetic turf fibers with a layer of fine sand brushed in between the blades. The sand adds weight and stability to the turf and allows you to adjust how fast or slow the ball rolls.

Why families and golfers love it:

Creates a softer, more natural “underfoot” feel, much like walking on a manicured course.
Provides flexibility — more or less infill can slightly change ball speed.
Offers realistic chipping performance in addition to putting.

Things to consider:

Needs regular brushing to keep fibers standing tall.
Sand may need to be replenished over time, especially in high-use areas.
More ongoing maintenance compared to nylon options.

This choice is ideal for golfers who want their backyard green to feel as close as possible to the course they play on.

Option 2: Nylon (Infill-Free) Putting Greens

What it is:

Nylon greens are made with dense, tightly woven fibers that stand tall without the need for added infill. This makes them durable, consistent, and lower maintenance.

Why families and golfers love it:

Provides a smooth, predictable roll — every putt feels the same.
Extremely resilient, even under heavy foot traffic or playful kids and pets.
Low-maintenance design: no infill to brush or replace.

Things to consider:

A little firmer underfoot than sand-infilled systems.
While great for putting, they don’t replicate chipping as realistically as sand-infilled greens.

This choice is perfect for busy families who want a “set it and forget it” surface that still delivers professional-quality putting performance.

How to Decide Which Green Is Best for You

When helping families choose, we encourage you to think about:

Realism vs. Simplicity: Do you want the authentic feel of a golf course, or the low-maintenance ease of nylon?
How You’ll Use It: Will you be practicing chips and putts, or is this more for fun with family and friends?
Maintenance Comfort Level: Sand-infilled greens need more care; nylon requires very little.
Climate and Space: Hot summers, pets, or large greens may influence which surface will last longer with less upkeep.

Feature	Sand-Infilled Putting Green	Nylon (Infill-Free) Putting Green
Feel Underfoot	Soft, lifelike, similar to walking on a real course	Firmer, but consistent and stable
Ball Roll	Adjustable with more or less sand; realistic for both putting & chipping	Smooth and predictable; best for putting
Maintenance	Requires brushing and periodic sand replenishment	Very low maintenance — no infill to replace
Durability	Long-lasting, but fibers rely on proper infill care	Extremely durable; fibers stay upright naturally
Play Style	Great for golfers who want the closest feel to a real green	Great for families and casual golfers who want ease and consistency
Best Fit For	Players wanting authentic realism and versatility	Families wanting hassle-free fun and reliable putting practice

Our Promise to You

At All American Turf Solutions, we treat every installation like it’s going in our own backyard. We’re not just installing turf — we’re building spaces for kids to grow up on, friends to gather, and golfers to sharpen their game. Whether you choose a sand-infilled system for its authentic play or a nylon surface for its durability and ease, our team will walk you through every step so you feel confident in your investment.