Wouldn't it be nice to practice your short game in your underwear? Well, any time can be tee time for homeowners who have converted their back yards or basements into synthetic putting greens.

Jason Burkholder, 30, of Putting Greens International, said at-home putting greens are becoming more popular in Indianapolis.

"PGI has installed 50 greens in basements and close to 1,000 in back yards," he said.

The maintenance-free putting greens are constructed using concrete, compact stone, asphalt or Styrofoam beneath a nylon turf.

Burkholder said PGI -- an Indianapolis company started in 1988 -- uses the system because it makes the greens feel similar to "country club greens."

Also, the putting greens can be custom-designed to fit your needs as well as your budget, he added.

On average, Burkholder said installing one of the synthetic putting greens in your home or back yard will cost $7,000 to $8,000.

"It's about $16 to $17 per square foot," he said.

In addition to putting greens, PGI will install other comforts of the course such as sand bunkers, tee boxes, benches, ball washers and custom flags.

"The greens are also becoming more popular, because it's another practice tool," he said.

"It's especially nice here in Indiana, when it's hard to practice during the winter months."

Southwest Greens of Indiana, located in Zionsville, also installs at-home putting greens, along with play areas and athletic turfs.

The Zionsville company opened in June and boasts its polypropylene-polyethylene surface with an aggregate stone mix and foam padding underneath.

"It's a great product, because it's conducive for real golf," said Kyle Ehman, 30, of Southwest Greens. "When you practice on one of our greens, you will surely improve your putting stroke by being able to rely on consistent putts with a true roll from every position on the green."

Doc O'Neal, director of operations at Bridgewater Club/Golf Preserve, recently purchased greens from Southwest.

"This green probably gives the best simulation for chipping as any artificial surface that I have experienced," he said.

Ehman said it is difficult to price custom-made putting greens but said on average they are $15 per square foot.

Neither Southwest Greens nor PGI has do-it-yourself kits, but kits are available online at several sites online, including www.allprogreens.com or www.synthetic-turf.com.