A backyard putting green is one of the most-used things we build. It's also one of the easiest to get wrong, because a green that isn't true or drains poorly stops being fun fast. Four decisions determine whether yours holds up.
Size and shape first. A useful green needs enough length for a real putt, usually fifteen feet or more, and at least two or three cup positions so it doesn't get boring. Kidney and freeform shapes fit most yards better than rectangles and look more natural against turf or pavers.
Second, the base. A putting green is built on a compacted crushed-stone pad, shaped with subtle breaks if you want them, and finished dead smooth so the turf lies flat. This is where the labor goes, and it's why a proper green costs more than laying turf on dirt.
Third, the turf itself. Putting turf is a short, dense nylon or polypropylene product infilled with sand to set the speed, and it's a different material from lawn turf. Fringe turf around the edge gives you a chipping surface and a clean transition to the yard. Last, drainage: the pad has to shed water so the green doesn't puddle after a storm. Get those four right and the green will roll true for years.