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Home Turf

When the Greens Fees Are in Your Backyard

In the Palm Beaches, today’s gentleman is rethinking how—and where—he unwinds. Between meetings, family commitments, and packed travel schedules, finding time for a full round can be a challenge. That’s why more men are bringing the game home—literally. The backyard putting green has become one of the most talked-about upgrades in luxury living: part training ground, part escape, and fully tailored to the way modern men want to play.

According to Golf Digest, players who practice regularly on a home putting green improve their short game accuracy up to 25% faster than those who rely solely on time at the course. For golfers who take the game seriously, that’s a stat worth noting. And for those who don’t have hours to spare every weekend, a few rolls after work—maybe a chip and a cocktail—can go a long way.

In South Florida, where heat, humidity, and unpredictable weather can wreck a perfect lawn (and your swing), the synthetic route just makes sense. But this isn’t the fake grass of decades past. Today’s high-end turf is engineered for performance—built to look, feel, and play like a real green. “We design every green to meet the expectations of serious golfers,” says Cody O'Callaghan, owner of SoFlo Turf, a South Florida company known for dialing in the details. “Right down to the speed, bounce, and break. If you want your backyard to roll like Seminole or Augusta—we can make that happen.”

Each surface is laser-leveled and contoured to suit your game. Prefer fast greens with subtle undulation? You’ve got it. Want to practice that knee-knocker uphill left-to-righter from five feet out? Done. And because everything’s built to handle the South Florida elements—UV-resistant fibers, fast-draining backings—you’re looking at year-round playability with zero hassle.

Minimal maintenance is another reason guys are getting on board. No mower, no fertilizer, no sprinkler schedule. Just a quick brush now and then and a rinse when needed. “Compared to natural grass, it’s a fraction of the effort—and always ready for play,” says Cody.

But performance isn’t the only selling point. These greens are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with the property—whether tucked beside the pool, framed by tropical landscaping, or paired with a firepit and cigar lounge setup. “We work hand-in-hand with homeowners and landscape architects to make the green feel like part of the estate,” the SoFlo team notes. “It’s not an add-on. It’s a feature.”

That feature can go far beyond the putter. More guys are opting for full backyard short-game setups—multi-tiered chipping areas, sand traps, even tee boxes. Through a partnership with Hamilton Pools, SoFlo is also designing fully integrated outdoor environments—places where you can chip, swim, grill, and relax all in one shot.

From an eco angle, it’s a win, too. Synthetic turf conserves water, eliminates the need for chemicals, and many models use recyclable materials. A cleaner footprint, without compromising the look or the game.

A pro-level green can last 12 to 15 years with proper care—and in Palm Beach’s competitive real estate market, it can give your home a serious edge. For the right buyer, it’s not just a bonus—it’s a reason to sign.

In the end, it's about more than golf. It's about creating a space where the game fits into your life, not the other way around. A place where you can step outside, line up the perfect putt, and forget the rest of the world—even if just for a few minutes.

For the gentleman who knows the value of a sharp short game—and a well-designed backyard—it’s par for the course.

Businesses featured in this article