Grand Island, NE – Golf has a special way of bringing families together across generations. For one golf-loving couple in Grand Island, the game is a big part of the time they spend with their grandchildren, who come over to visit every week. They wanted a place where everyone, from the grandparents to the youngest golfers, could play together right in the backyard. So they hired the golf experts at SYNLawn Nebraska to build an expansive family golf green.

Multi-tier backyard family golf green with white flags, river rock flagpole circle, and landscaped berm in Grand Island, NE

A Backyard Green Built for Three Generations

Now, weekly visits come with a friendly putting contest. The grandkids can practice their stroke alongside their grandparents, learn the game at their own pace, and make memories on a green designed just for them. The homeowners asked for a space focused on putting and close-range chipping, without flop shots or a bunker, so every member of the family could join in no matter their skill level.

Designing a Custom Family Golf Green With Multiple Tiers

This was a big project for SYNLawn Nebraska. The team designed a diverse green with 70-foot spans and multiple tiers, offering long putts and short fringe shots throughout.

Smooth Precision Putt putting surface with flags and golf balls bordered by SYNAugustine 847 fringe beside a backyard pool

During the design phase, the team carefully planned for several challenges:

  • Drainage: Planning drainage beneath and around each cup.
  • Undulation: Varying the slope percentages across the green to create shots from many different angles.
  • Base material: Shaping the base from the end of the patio to the fence to achieve the right undulations. With grade changes of up to 7 percent, the team increased the base rock from 40 tons to 120 tons.
  • Fringe options: Accounting for how the base rock would affect the fringe areas.
  • Short game focus: Keeping the entire area dedicated to putting and close-range chipping, as the homeowners requested.

Premium Golf Turf That Supports Nebraska Farmers

SYNLawn Nebraska built the custom green with 2,500 square feet of SYNAugustine 847 and Precision Putt.

Curving backyard putting green with undulating tiers, river rock borders, and multiple holes in Grand Island, Nebraska

SYNAugustine 847 is soft to the touch, strikingly realistic, and built to handle years of foot traffic from an active family. It’s engineered with Super Yarn™ Technology, featuring Sanitized® Antimicrobial Technology, DualChill™ IR Reflective Technology, and StatBlock™ Anti-Static Component, making it one of the cleanest and safest turfs available. It’s also a USDA Certified Biobased product made with SYNLawn’s exclusive plant-based EnviroLoc+™ Backing System, created from soybean oil. That was a big selling point for the homeowners, who wanted a product that supports Nebraska’s farming community.

On the putting surfaces, Precision Putt gives the family a true-rolling green with tour-quality ball roll, bounce, and speed. Its durable nylon fibers and reinforced rubber backing deliver fast, consistent play at 10 to 12.5 on the Stimpmeter. HeatBlock™ Technology helps keep the surface comfortable on hot summer days, and UV-stabilized fibers help it resist fading.

Wide artificial putting green with five flags and a rock-and-evergreen landscaped berm along a privacy fence

Project at a glance:

  • Location: Private residence, Grand Island, Nebraska
  • Installer: SYNLawn Nebraska
  • Project type: Multi-tier backyard putting and chipping green
  • Size: 2,500 square feet with 70-foot spans and up to 7 percent grade changes
  • Products: SYNAugustine 847 and Precision Putt, with 120 tons of base rock
  • Recognition: “Best Outdoor Residential Golf Project” award at the annual SYNLawn Conference

An Award-Winning Dream Green

SYNLawn Nebraska had to be strategic, balancing the homeowners’ vision with the existing hardscape. Through creativity and hard work, the team delivered a dream green that multiple generations of the family will enjoy together for years to come. The project earned SYNLawn Nebraska the “Best Outdoor Residential Golf Project” award at the annual SYNLawn Conference.

Award-winning family golf green with outdoor kitchen pavilion, covered pool, and flagpole in a Grand Island, NE backyard

Design Your Dream Golf Green in Central Nebraska

Whether you’re picturing a family putting green in Grand Island, a short game practice area in Kearney or Hastings, or a backyard green anywhere from Lincoln to the Sandhills, SYNLawn would love to help. From design to installation, we’ll work closely with you to make your vision a reality using premium golf products built for consistent play. Contact SYNLawn today to talk through your ideas and get started.

Matthew Wagner