Next you need to compact the sub base material. If you do not compact the sub base material properly it will eventually settle in a way that will cause irregularities in the surface of your putting green. These irregularities adversely affect the roll of your ball when putting. A couple different tools to be used when compacting. A plate compactor or a mechanical ride-on roller. The increase efficiency of a ride-on roller saves a lot of time. Either of these items can be rented from any local rental facility. If you don’t know were to go to rent these compacting devices you can call you local hardware or lawn and garden supply dealer.

With your garden hose and spray nosal wet the sub base thoroughly, but does not saturate it. Now compact the sub base with whatever you have chosen to use. You will want to compact the sub base several times the length and width of the area to insure good solid compaction. If there are any small bumps, ridges, or irregular dips remaining smooth them out with your rack or shovel. You will notice low spots or dips that are not smooth as the sub base around it. Chances are that you have a low spot on the sub base that needs to be filled. Your main goal is to keep the surface consistently smooth and solid. This is the time when you will finalize the slope or contour that you desire. This is done by adding extra sub base material to an area.

Understand that the putting green turf is going to fit like a glove to the surface you will put it on. If you add too much slope to your sub base material the ball will roll very fast and may roll off your green.

A good basic guideline is: for every 10 to 12 feet in the length of your sub base you will drop the slope 1 inch.

The best way to determine whether you have enough or too much slope or contour is after you have completely compacted the sub base material is take a golf ball and putter and putt on the sub base. The ball will break the same on the sub base as it will when you install the putting green. Your sub base should be a minimum depth of 4 inches when compaction is complete.