NATURAL BOUNCE - WHY IT MATTERS

Think of it this way. You are working on your chip shot, and the synthetic putting green you are playing on will just not receive the ball accurately. No matter how ideal the shot is, the ball bounces and rolls off the back of the green—for the third time. As an avid golfer, you can see that this green is of inferior quality.

Quality artificial golf green attributes should include these priority reactions:

• Lifelike golf ball bounce
• Accurate reaction to aim
• True directional roll
• Predictable playability

The main purpose here is to have the artificial turf react as naturally as organic grass. As soon as your ball touches the green, you can tell if you are playing on top-notch grass or not. If you’re hitting a chip shot, you should be able to assume it will be received by the grass properly, bounce appropriately, and roll as expected.

If these key characteristics aren’t present, how could you realistically improve your putt consistency or chipping accuracy?

THE SCIENCE OF TURF BOUNCE

The contrast in the bounce between natural and artificial turf comes from the properties of the grass and how it absorbs the kinetic energy of the bounce.

Let’s check out some of the science.

Bounce, Aim, Roll
The Golden Bear system imitates natural greens by using base, pad, sand, and fibers to reach like performance metrics. By understanding natural green absorption, spin, and friction, Southwest Greens has been able to utilize a combination of these materials to absorb shots, spin on impact, and customize speed.

HOW WE ANALYZE TURF AT SOUTHWEST GREENS

To make certain you’re obtaining an optimal reaction from our artificial turf, we administer many experiments, but here are the big ones you should be aware of.

BOUNCE TEST

Tru Firm: Measure the shift of the surface to see how the surface impact energy transfer.

Bounce: Proprietary device that mimics natural pitch shot approach angle and spin. This will create a standard and quantify the surface interaction so we can understand how the surface will accept a pitch shot.

Spin: Advanced machinery that replicates natural spin. Create a standard and collect data of the surface interaction to see how the friction of the ground alters ball spin will translate to performance.

HOW IS SOUTHWEST GREEN DIFFERENT

We have managed to quantify key performance indicators to create a fantastic golf game experience. By understanding what variables affect performance, we can copy natural greens.

We identified testing methods to better understand what variables actually impact performance. Spin, firmness, and bounce were judged employing a blend of GSGA testing protocols and proprietary testing methods. These evaluations mimic normal shot and surface interactions.

At Southwest Greens, we are experts in the art of installation to provide the best playing surface available. This is how we manufacture our grass:

SUBGRADE

Considering where you live, the ground may be distinct from sand to clay to rock. A professional who is installing the synthetic turf takes this into account, with a base created to encourage proper drainage.

AGGREGATE BASE

Stone is employed on top of the subgrade (ground) to support in drainage and enable a properly constructed surface. It is essential 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

Synthetic grass is created by stitching the fiber through multi-layer backing. The backing, in turn, is covered with high-quality polyurethane to protect the stitches.

INFILL

Crucial to the turf system, the infill is made from rounded washed silica. Infill yields ballast, aids with drainage, and has direct impacts on the key bounce indicators.

TURF FIBER

Extruded, PP/PE/ Nylon come in a large number of composition, colors, and lengths. Fabrics and product composition directly impacts on the ground interaction with the golf ball and surface aesthetics.

Check out this installation video to get a grasp how we decide the appropriate infill layers and synthetic green surfaces for your condition.

FIND YOUR TURF

Are you searching 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 differ quite a bit from ordinary yard grass. Base work, cup placement, undulations, and turf selections are all important characteristics of a synthetic golf green that adds value to your game, family, and home, all while lowering maintenance costs.

Consider one of our fan favorites: Golden Bear Turf

Golden Bear is our highest-grade synthetic turf with the appearance, feel, and texture of natural grass. It’s the turf preferred by beginners and experienced golfers for their homes. In simple terms — it’s the most accurate playing surface available on the market today. Golden Bear is the perfect pick for more consistency and improved predictability. Although installed with golf in mind, this long-lasting, high-quality turf is also pretty and can offer backyard serenity.

The alliance with Southwest Greens and Nicklaus Design started in 2004 and has improved appreciably over the years in both design and turf technology. All customers can benefit from custom-designed golf greens installed by authorized Southwest Greens sellers. Now everyone can take part in superior integration of professional design, installation, and Golden Bear exclusive turf products.

Golden Bear Turf is rated highest in quality, look, and performance for artificial turf products. This high-level synthetic turf bounces, rolls, and receives just like a championship course. Shot after shot, Golden Bear has the most precise aim of any putting surface. Game-play experience is so authentic you will feel like you’re playing out on the local course.

Our Golden Bear Turf offers you championship-level bounce right in your own backyard. Scientifically researched and examined to have 20-25% more ball retention compared to other leading synthetic turf for real playability. Connect with Southwest Greens if you have more queries regarding the science.

LET’S SEARCH FOR YOUR BACKYARD PUTTING GREEN

We’re ready to help you find the right solution for your backyard putting green. Connect with us when you’re ready to start your project.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.