Building a backyard putting green is like taking part of the local golf course home. You can tap a few balls after work, or avoid a crowded golf course altogether one day if youre not interested in dealing with the crowd. You can entertain your children and their friends, and even use the home putting green as a centerpiece to your outdoor entertaining. If you enjoy using golf videos to improve your game, you can spend some time inside with the video, then head outside for an immediate dose of benefit from the instruction.

There are a myriad of companies who will build a putting green for you but many do-it-yourselfers are putting in their own green. If you decide to build your own putting green, there are several things to consider:

Time commitment If you choose a natural putting green, theres a great deal of maintenance involved. Theres mowing, getting the drainage just right, keeping the greens, well, green. If you work many hours or have a long commute that keeps you from home until late, this might not be the best option for you. But if you have the commitment, time and desire, many backyard putting greens owners report finding great enjoyment in their backyard golf oasis.

Cost The cost doesnt end when installation is complete. Theres watering to handle (and in some climates, keeping your greens green could expend a lot of water), upkeep via mowing, and costs that might incur from a myriad of possible trouble areas, like pests, disease and other expensive fun-killers.

Expertise If you dont have a great deal of landscape experience, you might not be equipped to handle this job alone. Many experts recommend getting advice and assistance from the people who maintain your local golf course. They can steer you toward a design that will be easier to maintain. Most experts say the most important component in putting green design is drainage. Get that right and the rest should fall into place.

Resources You should have enough room for a backyard putting green, though how big you make it is really your own choice. Instead of getting caught up in the novelty and charm of having a backyard putting green, think about whether or not it will see adequate use. Are you antisocial? Consider that before installing a putting green, because friends and neighbors will likely invite themselves for a little practice now and then. If something changes and you no longer have the time to maintain your putting green, are you willing or able to hire someone to do it for you?

Experts say theres great reward in having a backyard putting green, but you have to make the decision carefully whether or not to install one. You dont want to be stuck with an expensive, half-finished and difficult project.