An at home putting green can change your golf game forever.
After writing about the best indoor putting greens, I bought my own and love it. It’s so convenient to try out new putting techniques/grips at home and practice while watching TV (especially when golf is on).
Even if you can’t make it to the golf course as often as you’d like, a putting green can save the day. Because never forget, nearly 30% or more of all shots in a round happen on or around the green. The better you are at putting, the better golf you will play more consistently.
But after writing about a new training aid from BirdieBall, I learned about their putting greens as well. They seemed too good to be true so I bought one (because let’s get real, two putting greens is better than one).
So, is BirdieBall putting green worth it?
In short, yes I think it’s 100% worth it.
The entire process with them was flawless and the green itself is one of the best looking. Plus, it produces a true roll just like you’re on a real green from the comfort of home. Keep reading to learn why it’s such a game changer and what to know before you buy.
BirdieBall Putting Green Review
Like most at home training aids, not all putting greens are created equal. This is very clear in the putting green world as some are basically cheap pieces of carpet while others are so good they make it feel like you’re at the golf course.
As you’ll read, there are a ton of differences between this green and other big competitors. One of the biggest factors that differentiates greens is the material itself.
So what is the BirdieBall made of that gives it such a good roll?
Putting Green Material
The BirdieBall greens are not your normal carpet/mat design as they are actually foam.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t realize this when I ordered it and was a little skeptical at first when I took it out of the box. Instead of carpet or felt, it’s actually made of a custom foam.
Here’s how the company describes it on their website,
“At BirdieBall, we believe that having a true-rolling green is everything. This starts by understanding how a natural putting green works. A natural putting green surface consists of short, supple, randomly distributed nubs of grass that allow the ball to be supported on the spongy sub-base of the putting green.
The mown nubs of grass then control the speed of the putt. BirdieBall indoor putting greens are engineered in the exact same way, using a dense and spongy foam material.”
As soon as I started putting it on, my doubts were gone though. Despite the foam design, putts rolled true, and the greens were quick!
What’s cool about the green is that depending on the direction you putt, the speed changes. One direction is into the grain and slower, while the other is down grain and faster. This is something I’ve never seen in a putting green and one of the many ways it separates itself from competitors.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Unlike competitors, BirdieBall offers both an indoor and outdoor model. While there are more customizations and buying options for the indoor greens, there are still plenty of outdoor options as well. It’s nice that they offer both as most companies only specialize in one or the other.
Classic Depth vs. Double Depth
Another differentiator with these greens is that you can choose from classic depth or double depth. Both are great and allow for your golf ball to go into the hole, but the double depth is closer to a real golf hole than the classic design.
The classic design is ½ thick, lightweight, and stores easily. While the double depth is one inch thick and offers a more heavy-duty design.
I selected the classic design for my putting green and it works great. It’s so impressive to have a green that allows the ball to go into the hole without it being raised up (like you’re playing mini-golf).
If you decide on the double depth, just make sure you don’t plan to roll it up and store it. Since it’s significantly deeper than the classic design, it takes longer to flatten out and be ready to putt. You don’t want to roll this up frequently or it can damage the mat and affect performance.
Speed of Green
I think the most impressive feature from these putting greens is the speed.
In fact, you can choose between three speeds based on the courses you most regularly play. This allows you to practice at a similar speed at home so that you can transition to the course effortlessly.
Here the three speeds offered:
- Slow: This is a 9-10 on the stimpmeter. This speed level is closely related to public or municipal golf courses.
- Medium: This is a 10-11 on the stimpmeter. I picked this speed and have to say it’s fast and can’t imagine the faster option.
- Fast: This model is between 11-13 on the stimpmeter. I wouldn’t recommend this option for most golfers because the medium version is fast and this model likely doesn’t replicate many golf courses. Unless you’re someone who gets to play exclusive clubs with superfast greens, this will likely be too fast.
Custom Putting Greens vs. Pre-Built Packages
Another huge benefit is that you can create your own custom putting greens or shop pre-built packages. Unlike other competitors, they don’t offer one cookie cutter design.
While there are a ton of pre-built package options available, a custom green might be your best bet. I chose the custom route as I wanted to customize a few things and didn’t need quite as large of a mat. The process is easy on their website and you can make it 100% your own.
If you go the custom route as a well, here are all the options available.
Size of Putting Green
Unlike their competitors, you can customize your green to fit your space perfectly. Decide the width (2, 3, 4, or 8 feet) and length (8, 10, 12, 14, 16, or 18 feet).
That’s right, they offer a putting green that is nearly 20 feet long! Large ones are great for offices, industrial spaces, or a large living space.
Features
After selecting the size of your putting green, then select your speed; slow, medium, or fast. Then you can choose the cups and flags. Depending on the size you select, you can have between 1-6 holes already installed. Additionally, you can choose where the flags and hole locations are placed on the green.
Or, you can select zero and they will give you a hole cutter, in which you can pick where the hole goes on the green. Talk about customization!
Also, because of the way they’re designed, one side of the green will be slightly faster than the other. Their website will let you know if you choose holes which side will be the faster and which will be the slower.
Then, you can select bumpers as well. All of their putting greens come with end bumpers and for a small upgrade, you can add U bumpers + side/end bumpers. These help keep your golf balls from rolling off the green and remain on the surface.
Finally, you can add a custom putting surface logo and custom flag pin logos as well. Again, this type of customization is second to none!
Additional Add-Ons
The last thing to think about before ordering your custom putting green are any accessories. They offer quite a few that compliment your green perfectly. For example, you can choose from:
- Classic stance mat: This is a small mat that gives you space for your feet and recommended if you go with a smaller green.
- Storage bag: Another huge perk of the classic depth greens is that you can store them up easily. Buy one of their storage bags to keep your green safe and out of the way when you’re not rolling putts.
- Contour shims: This might be the best accessory and again, something that isn’t offered by many competitors. These contour shins allow you to make the hole smaller and give additional breaks. That’s right, instead of practicing straight putts all day long (because it’s not that often we get them on the course), you can practice breaks. The shins slide under the green so you can practice right to left and left to right putts.
- Maintenance brush: The final add-on is the maintenance brush to keep your putting green like new. It’s branded with the BirdieBall logo and makes it easy to clear your green and keep it rolling true.
Pre-Built Packages
Don’t want to build your own? Simply choose from one of their most popular ones instead. They offer an array of standard putting greens and ones that are designed more for entertainment as well.
Here are a few of the pre-built options:
- Ultra Durable Outdoor Putting Green: Choose the length (8-18 feet) and 3’4” wide or 6’7” wide. This one is great for entertaining outside and enjoying the weather.
- PuttUp: This mat has a slight incline and return ramp and several holes.
- BirdiePong: If you like having your golf buddies over for a few drinks, this is an awesome training aid. It combines beer pong with putting for the ultimate golf game.
- Shuffleputt: This putting game combines your love of golf and shuffleboard into one fun, easy to use game.
Price
The price will vary depending on the size, design, and add-ons. While they are more expensive than others, they’re also a higher quality product and offer total customization.
FAQs About BirdieBall Greens
Do you have more questions about the latest product from BirdieBall? Check out our FAQ to learn more about them now.
What’s included in the package?
A lot! Here’s what you’ll get when you open your BirdieBall package:
- Cups and flags for your holes. Depending on if you do a custom build or pre-built package, you will get three holes for free. Plus, you get an additional high back cup as well. All holes also come with a hole plug too.
- Rubber bumpers for both ends. For an extra cost you can add extra bumpers to encase the entire green.
- Hole deepening shim. This will make any hole a full inch deep and make it feel even more like you’re on the golf course.
- Accessories. The above features come with all putting greens but you can buy extra add-ons too.
Can you use BirdieBall putting green on carpet?
Yes, I put my green on my carpet and it rolls perfectly.
My old indoor putting mat needs to be used on hardwood floors so it’s in my hallway and not very convenient. But this putting green doesn’t need a firm surface to still roll fast.
Why do they use foam instead of turf or carpet?
According to BirdieBall, “Simply put, we use foam because it’s the only material we have found that mimics the spongy feel and true roll of a natural putting surface. We believe that you should practice on a surface that closely replicates a natural putting surface. Accurate feedback is essential when it comes to putting practice.”
Are these greens durable?
Yes, the company says that with regular care and proper maintenance they can last a few years. Things like pets, sunlight, and other factors will ultimately affect their longevity but based on my initial few weeks, I think it’s a high quality product.
Can you stand on a BirdieBall putting green?
Yes, you can stand on the putting green. As long as you have socks, bare feet, or normal athletic shoes you’re good to go. Just don’t wear golf spikes or shoes that could puncture the turf.
Footprints might be visible for a very small amount of time but will disappear. For smaller mats, I suggest buying the extra mat to stand on so you don’t have to worry about footprints as you retrieve your ball from the hole.
How do you slow down a BirdieBall putting green?
By putting into the grain.
These greens are so realistic they have grain (the foam mimics grain) so you can putt into the grain or down grain. Putting into the grain will make the putt slower, just like a real golf course.
How do you clean a putting mat?
Each mat requires a specific type of cleaning depending on the type of material used for the design. The best way to clean a product from BirdieBall is to use their specific brush.
The brush is a small add-on and knows that the product is made specifically for the company so it won’t damage your green. If you have pets, make sure to clean your green regularly to not let hair and other debris build up on the green.
Can I chip on this green?
No, you do not want to chip on the BirdieBall greens just like you don’t chip on a green at the course. The foam can damage – instead, opt for one of their outdoor mats to hone your short game skills.
Do they make other golf products?
Yes!
As I mentioned in the intro, I originally found out about the company after writing about their core product, the BirdieBall. This is a revolutionary training aid that helps you practice at home or in a large outdoor space without needing grass.
Click here to read the full review now.
They also offer other accessories like strike pads, targets, and more.
Final Thoughts on BirdieBall Putting Greens
BirdieBall impressed me from start to finish and couldn’t recommend these greens anymore. I ordered my putting green/accessories and a few days later it was at my house, without even expedited shipping.
They provided instructions to use it and within a few minutes I was putting on my new golf green. I didn’t have to wait for it to take shape or weigh it down like other putting greens.
What makes this such a winner is the insane customization and true roll. Plus, you can build your own green so it fits your space perfectly and it rolls just like a normal golf green.
This is a fantastic investment to your golf game and with practice, will help you shoot lower scores. You can learn more at the Birdie Ball website.