When Patrick “PJ” Fleming pictured retirement, he imagined time with his grandkids, long afternoons practicing putts, and weekends filled with casual games. His backyard, however, didn’t match the vision. It was little more than mud, rocks, and missed potential.
Lone Star Turf stepped in to change that. What started as a conversation about a residential putting green evolved into a fully customized backyard transformation designed for recreation, relaxation, and connection.
The Vision: A Backyard for Family, Fun, and Play
PJ wanted more than a turf install. He wanted a space that could be a family hub, where his grandkids could run around and guests could enjoy a game of bocce ball.
“His vision was for something for his grandkids, for people to come over and play on,” said Weston, the Lone Star Turf project lead. “So we actually did a bocce ball court as well, with chipping mats around the yard—little circles about five feet wide—where he has different positions to chip onto the putting green.”
The full design included:
- A 2,500 sq. ft. putting green made from Tour Platinum turf
- Multiple chipping mats placed strategically throughout the yard
- A 15’ x 60’ bocce ball court installed with the same short-pile turf
- Rock borders and landscaping added to tie the features together
Collaborative Design in Real Time, Guided by the Customer
None of our projects are a one-size-fits-all job, but PJ’s was especially unique. The design was created through ongoing collaboration on-site at his home in Marble Falls, TX.
“What I like to do with a lot of my customers—especially with putting greens—is be there with them and go through it,” Weston explained. “If something’s changing, we’re going to be on site to help them out with their project.”
They walked the property together and refined the layout to ensure the space felt personal. While PJ had clear ideas, he leaned on Lone Star Turf for technical guidance.
“He kind of knew what he wanted, but in some instances, he really didn’t know what shape he wanted to do,” Weston said. More complicated shapes require more cuts to the turf, which means more seams. “So I gave suggestions to pick a shape to get the most use out of the turf that he’s getting.”
Seams can be a problem with putting greens, both because they show easily and can disrupt the ball when playing. Weston explained, “We try to really minimize seams on putting greens because it’s a super short pile height. But I mean, you can’t tell anything on this one.”
Designed for Daily Use and Lasting Enjoyment
PJ’s green was not designed for professional play, but it was built with the same level of care and performance.
“This putting green was really for his grandkids—so it’s recreational, not professional,” Weston noted. “We used Tour Platinum. You can actually stimp-read it and adjust the speed by adding or removing infill. But in this case, he really wasn’t worried about that. He just wanted it to play well and look good.”
One of PJ’s early concerns was whether chipping onto the green would leave divots over time. Weston explained how their installation method avoids that. “He was mostly concerned with chipping on it—if it would make divots—but it doesn’t,” he said. “We do the base work, and it kind of bounces a little bit. That’s the only difference from a natural green—it bounces more.”
The bocce ball court had its own requirements. Unlike the putting green, which featured rolling contours and playful elevation, the bocce court needed a perfectly level surface to ensure a consistent game. “You have to be a little more cautious with the base because they’re heavier balls,” Weston said. “We used the same turf as the putting green, just installed over a different base structure.”
Solving Challenges Without Compromising the Vision
During excavation, the crew ran into an unexpected issue.
“There was a tree stump that they cut down and got out years ago, but it created kind of a sinkhole,” Weston explained. “We kept trying to fill it, but it was just mushy. So we had to move the green over slightly.”
It turned out to be an easy fix, but it’s an example of how the Lone Star Turf team adjusted the plan on the spot, ensuring the turf base remained solid and the layout stayed true to PJ’s vision.
The Result: A Complete Backyard Transformation
Despite some rain delays, the Lone Star Turf crew completed the project in less than a week. The result was a dramatic change in both form and function.
“We turned his backyard into something that’s wonderful,” Weston said. “He has a pickleball court too, and now he’s got this space where he can do everything. Kind of like his own oasis.”
What used to be an unusable backyard is now a personal retreat for daily practice, weekend games, and family time.
Why This Project Stands Out
- Tailored Collaboration: The design was shaped with the customer’s input at every step.
- Built for Playability: Features were chosen for function, not just appearance.
- Transparent Problem Solving: Site challenges were addressed openly and efficiently.
- Premium Execution: From base prep to turf seams, quality came first.
Thinking About Your Own Backyard Transformation?
If you want to get more from your outdoor space, Lone Star Turf is here to help. We specialize in converting high-maintenance lawns into custom-designed, low-maintenance spaces built for everyday use and long-term value.
From putting greens to pet-friendly turf, we design each project around how you actually live.