Most golfers dream of having a personal putting green at home. But what many homeowners don’t know is this:
a proper golf practice setup needs two different types of turf — putting green grass and fringe grass.
If you’ve read Multi-Sport Backyards: Why Golfers in Perth Are Adding Putting Greens to Family Play Spaces, you already know how fast golf is becoming a part of modern home design. But to create a realistic practice area that performs like a real course, you can’t rely on just one type of artificial grass.
In this blog, we break down the difference between the two turfs and explain why every golfer — beginner or pro — needs both.
1. What Is Putting Green Grass?
Putting green grass is the turf used on the main surface where you practice your putts. It is engineered with precision and has three important qualities:
1.1 Low Pile Height
Putting green grass usually has a pile height of 10–16 mm, which creates a smooth, tight surface.
This allows:
- Consistent ball roll
- Controlled speed
- Accurate putting practice
1.2 High Density
Putting green turf uses tightly packed fibres so the ball stays on track instead of bouncing.
1.3 Designed for Ball Speed
The turf is built so you can adjust green speed similar to real golf courses.
This is the turf you spend most of your practice time on — mastering direction, distance control, and precision.
2. What Is Fringe Grass?
Fringe grass is used around the edges of the putting green. It creates a soft border, just like the rough on a natural course.
It is slightly longer, thicker, and more forgiving.
2.1 Medium-High Pile Height
Fringe grass usually has a pile height of 25–35 mm—almost double putting turf.
This taller grass:
- Helps stop the ball near the edges
- Creates natural boundary effects
- Allows chipping and flop shot practice
2.2 Acts as a Transition Zone
Fringe turf blends the putting green with the rest of your garden.
It makes your entire golf area look more natural and inviting.
3. Why You Need Both Turfs — Not Just One
Golf is a multi-skill sport. A proper training area must allow:
- Putting
- Chipping
- Approach shots
- Edge control
- Ball stopping practice
You cannot achieve all this using only putting green grass.
3.1 Because Real Courses Use Both Surfaces
On real courses, you never putt directly out of the rough.
Similarly, at home, putting turf should be surrounded by fringe turf to mimic real conditions.
This makes practice:
- More professional
- More game-like
- More effective
3.2 Putting Green Grass Alone Is Too Low for Chips
If you try chipping onto bare putting green turf:
- Balls bounce too much
- You get unrealistic results
- Shots roll too far
Fringe grass absorbs the chip and creates a realistic landing zone.
3.3 Fringe Grass Protects the Putting Surface
Without fringe turf:
- Players step directly on the putting green edges
- The turf wears out faster
- The base becomes uneven over time
Fringe turf absorbs foot traffic and keeps your putting green in perfect condition.
4. How the Two Turfs Work Together
Think of it like this:
Putting Green Grass = Precision
Where you master speed, aim, and control.
Fringe Grass = Versatility
Where you practice short chips, transitions, and creative shots.
Together, they create a complete training ecosystem—the same experience golfers love at professional courses and backyard setups across Perth.
For homeowners planning a complete golf practice area, the product range in Artificial Grass for Golf – Perfect Putting Greens for Perth Homes & Businesses offers both options.
5. Which Turf Should You Choose for Your Home?
Here’s a simple guide:
| Golf Requirement | Best Turf |
|---|---|
| Smooth, true roll | Putting Green Grass |
| Short chips (1–10 metres) | Fringe Grass |
| Edge stabilisation | Fringe Grass |
| Ball speed control | Putting Green Grass |
| Professional practice at home | Both |
If you want your backyard to perform like a real putting range, always choose both turfs together.
Conclusion
To build a high-quality golf practice area at home, you need more than just a beautiful putting surface — you need a functional system.
Putting green grass gives you unbeatable accuracy, while fringe grass adds realism, versatility, and proper shot practice.
That’s why modern golf-focused backyards in Perth — as seen in Multi-Sport Backyards: Why Golfers in Perth Are Adding Putting Greens to Family Play Spaces — always include both surfaces.
When combined professionally, they create a backyard training zone that feels like a real course, performs like one, and lasts for years.