Your guide to appreciating the value of bounce on artificial turf.
Natural Bounce — Why It Matters
Picture this. You are practicing your chip shot, and the artificial putting green you are playing on will just not receive the ball correctly. No matter how perfect the shot is, the ball bounces and rolls off the green. As an avid golfer, you crave a putting green that plays like natural.
Quality synthetic golf green characteristics should include these priority reactions:
- Realistic golf ball bounce
- Accurate reaction to aim
- True directional roll
- Predictable playability
The vital idea here is to have the artificial turf react as naturally as real grass does. From the second your ball lands on the green, you can tell if you’re playing on really good turf or not. If you’re hitting a chip shot, you should be able to assume it will be taken in by the grass properly, bounce appropriately, and roll as planned.
If these key elements aren’t present, how could you possibly improve your putting or chipping regularity?
The Science Behind Turf Bounce
Southwest Greens has been able to quantify key performance signals. By understanding what variables affect performance we are able to replicate natural greens.
Test methods were identified to understand what variables actually impact performance. Spin, firmness, and bounce were assessed using a merger of GSGA and proprietary testing methods. These tests replicate normal shot and surface interactions.
Bounce Test-
- Tru Firm Measures, the displacement of the surface to see how surface influences energy transfer.
- Bounce. Proprietary device that simulates natural pitch shot approach angle and spin. This will standardize and quantify the surface interaction to understand how the surface will accept a pitch shot.
- Spin. Proprietary device that replicates natural spin. Standardise and quantify the surface interaction to see how the friction of the surface alters ball spin will translate to performance.
The Southwest Greens Difference
At Southwest Greens, we have honed the art of installation to offer the best playing surface available. This is how we create our turfs:
Subgrade
Taking into account the area you live, the earth may vary from sand to clay and rock. Properly installed synthetic turf takes this into account, with a base developed to promote proper drainage.
Aggregate Base
Stone is used on top of the subgrade (ground) to assist in drainage and allow for a properly constructed surface. It is imperative that the aggregate be constructed and compacted to valid depths. For golf uses, a second shaping aggregate is added to build undulations and breaks.
Backing
Artificial turf is developed by sewing the fiber through two layers of backing. The backing, in turn, is covered with high-grade polyurethane to preserve the stitches.
Infill
Integral to the turf system, infill is made up of rounded washed silica. Infill yields ballast, assists with drainage, and directly impacts the key bounce indicators.
Turf Fiber
Extruded, PP/PE/ Nylon come in a large number of constructions, colors, and lengths. Materials and product construction directly impact the surface interaction with the golf ball.
Check out this installation video to understand how we determine the appropriate infill layers and synthetic green surface for your situation.
On the search for a product where a chip shot will land, bounce, roll, stop, and react as realistically to a real golf green as possible?
Residential putting greens vary quite a bit from standard lawn turf. Base work, cup placement, undulations, and turf selections are all important features of an artificial golf green that adds value to your game, your family, and your home, all while lowering maintenance costs.
Consider one of our fan-favorites: Golden Bear Turf
Golden Bear is our premium-grade synthetic turf with the appearance, feel, and bite of natural grass. It’s the turf preferred by amateurs as well as PGA Tour players for their homes. In simple terms — it’s the most precise playing surface available on the market today. Our artificial turf is an excellent pick for more regularity, predictability and even aids in preventing accidents generated by bumpy playing surfaces. Although constructed with golf in mind, this long-lasting, high-quality turf can also be installed at heavy-traffic locations like playgrounds and recreational areas.
The alliance with Southwest Greens and Nicklaus Design started in 2004 and has evolved appreciably over the years in both design and turf technology. All customers can benefit from custom-designed golf greens installed by certified Southwest Greens dealers. Now everyone can take part in best-in-class incorporating professional design, installation, and Golden Bear exclusive turf products.
Golden Bear Turf is the ultimate in quality, look, and performance for synthetic turf products. This high-level artificial turf bounces, rolls, and receives just like a pro course. Shot after shot, Golden Bear has the most accurate aim of any putting surface. Playability that is so real, you will think you’re playing out on the local course. It’s plainly the best turf on the planet, and you can even find it at Southwest Greens.