If you are stuck inside all day at a job you hate, and long to be on the lush greens of the golf course instead, consider a freelance business as a golf putting green installer.
Thousands of people across the country have putting greens in their front or back yards so they can practice any time they want. Maybe they have a future Tiger Woods prodigy? Maybe they want to finally beat a certain hole on their favorite course. Maybe they just want to boast to their friends that the golf green is just steps outside their door. For whatever reason, as more and more people build elaborate entertainment spaces outside, golf green installations are popular. Now you can cash in and start offering this service in your local area.
Where can I install putting greens?
Putting greens can technically be installed just about anywhere as there are artificial turf and natural green grass options available. However, if you live in a warm weather spot like Myrtle Beach, SC (the golf capital of the world), Florida, or in the Southwest, you will probably be able to scale your business faster. Temperate and vacation areas tend to have more golfers in general.
The putting green can be placed in a front yard, back yard, or even in a portion of a patio. The key is to keep it in an open area and away from walls and fences so that it will be easier to manage.
How much does it cost to install a putting green?
The cost can range from $10 to $30 per square foot or more depending on all of the bells and whistles. A simple, artificial turf pre-fabricated green is the cheapest option but can look just as nice as a real green. A premium green with real bent grass, a sand trap, and maybe a water feature, would represent the highest offering.
Because the types can vary so much, the business is easy to start since you can begin with a few styles that are simple and affordable to install. Then you can work your way up as you learn more about the industry.
Each feature of the green means more money in your pocket. A green with only one cup is obviously cheaper than a green with six or seven. You could even add maintenance to your packages which would include coming back to the location to pull weeds, water, or edge the greens.
How can I get started as a green installer?
There are a few ways you can break into this business.
One, is to install a green in your own yard and offer the service to people in your neighborhood. Once they see how great it looks and how much fun you are having practicing all the time, they will want in on the action, too. You can promote your green on community social media platforms, too. A few pictures or a video of you completing the installation should be all you need to get a few neighbors inquiring about having one of their own.
The other option is to work for a golf course to learn the ins and out of greens maintenance from professionals. Then you can enter the market offering more of the premium options. This is obviously the longer route, but may be a good option if you live in an area with a lot of golf course professionals to learn from. There are even four-year college degrees in golf course management that have courses specifically about greens.
Fortunately, there is a ton of information for free online in the form of YouTube videos and step-by-step installation guides for all sorts of putting greens from simple to elaborate. Soon enough, you can be practicing on greens all day because someone has to test them out, right? Good luck!