So you thought that there wasn't anything new in putting green construction? Never heard of a modular putting green?

Not so fast!

This section is definately for you.

Residential Putting Green Magazine goes one on one with the inventor and founder of Tour Links Putting Greens, Dave Barlow. It didn't take long to find out that Dave and I share a couple of common traits...we are both passionate about our respective companies and the home putting green industry!

For anyone that is in the market for a home putting green (and you know you are), then you don't want to miss this interview.

Dave Barlow: In 1998 the idea of a modular panel system for golf green construction was conceived while working on the design and installations of interactive fan participation areas for sports stadiums and arenas. The necessity for a quickly installed, realistic golf green for these venues led me to the development of the interlocking panel system. My first visit to the PGA Merchandising Show in 1999 convinced me that the there was an opportunity to bring much needed technology to this very young industry.

RPGM: You founded Tour Links before home putting greens began to really take off. What is the biggest change you have seen in the market and in synthetic turf?

Dave Barlow: At the risk of sounding arrogant it would have to be the development of the modular panel system for green construction. No longer is the industry open only to professional landscapers and greens keepers. Anyone can accomplish a professional installation with Tour Links.

The quality of turf has greatly improved over the last year. When I first started nylon turf was average at best. Streaking and inconsistent ball roll was the norm. However through continued technical developments and the demands of consumers and individuals such as myself for something more realistic, the turf we are starting to see now is of a quality and consistency that will allow this industry to grow to the next level.

RPGM: Tell us briefly about your product.

Dave Barlow: Tour Links is the first patented modular panel system that allows for the installation of a professional grade putting green without the need for heavy construction equipment or back breaking labor. The molded panels link easily together creating a base system that will follow the contour of any terrain or when assembled on a flat, level surface create a perfectly true roll. The panels are precision molded from recycled polymers. Although only weighing and average of 7 lbs each the Tour Links panels can support up to 300 lbs per square inch making them strong enough to support a full size automobile. Once assembled simply drop on the pre-cut turf to any of our standard retail products or install high quality nylon, polypropylene or sand filled turf to a custom created base design. A built in country club look or a green with a bump rail edge on a pool deck is all available with the Tour Links system.

One of the true benefits with Tour Links is that although the system is modular, it can be installed permanently in any outdoor location but at anytime disassembled and re-assembled in another location.

RPGM: It seems a nice benefit that Tour Links can be used in varied spaces. Tell our readers about the sizes and where some of your customers are installing Tour Links.

Dave Barlow: Tour Links offers 10 standard retail models that range is size from 3ft x 9 ft to 12 ft x 12 ft. These are the models that we offer through our retail partners worldwide. The beauty of the system is that simply adding panels can create virtually any size or configuration. Tour Links custom greens ranging from14ft x 14 ft to 2000 sq ft installations can be found can be found on five continents.

RPGM: The two major types of synthetic turf are polypropylene and nylon. Can you use both of these with your panels?

Dave Barlow: Absolutely! We have installers who use nothing but nylon and others who only work with sand filled polypropylene. It makes no difference.

RPGM: Many of our readers are considering the option to build their own backyard putting green. Can you give us an idea of how many of your customers install their own greens?

Dave Barlow: The thousands of pre-pack greens we have sold over the last three years were virtually all self installed. These greens typically are up to 12ft x 12 ft. Installing a Tour Links green of a larger size will take longer but still a do it your self project. If a consumer has a bit of skill and the desire to improve his game he can build any size Tour Links base green that will make his golfing buddies jealous.

RPGM: When your customers do install their own green…what seems to be the most common installation mistakes they make during the process?

Dave Barlow: I would have to say not following the step-by-step procedures. Often times new customers get so excited about having a putting green they rush through the installation instructions forgetting a step or assembling the panels in the wrong order. All easily corrected but a bit of delay in improving their game.

RPGM: What is the most difficult mistake to overcome?

Dave Barlow: I admit I have done this one a time or two. When building the green there are specific panels that are designed to hold the patented Tour Links floating cup. The hole position in the this panel can be configured differently depending upon design. If you make the mistake of installing the cup panel in the wrong location there is often times no option but to disassemble the panels and work backwards to the panel that needs to be spun around.

RPGM: Do you see continued improvement of home putting greens in the future?

Dave Barlow: Most definitely. I personally know that I will not be satisfied until every backyard green performs as well as the real thing. Great strides have been made recently towards this goal and I think the best is yet to come and we intend to lead the way.

RPGM: Where will the home putting green market be in 5 years?

Dave Barlow: If I have my way every consumer who wants a putting green regardless of size, shape, desired installation location or budget would be able to enjoy what was once reserved for the rich and famous. This is the direction the market must go to insure strong growth.

RPGM: What size putting green does your average homeowner or dealer install?

Dave Barlow: Our best selling pre-packed model is the 12 x 12. Statistics say that the average size custom putting green installation in the US is about 14ft x 20ft.

RPGM: Can someone install a backyard putting green with very little yard space?

Dave Barlow: We have customers who enjoy our product yet have no yard at all. After all practicing is what is important not the length putts.

RPGM: What is the single most important thing to consider before installing a home putting green?

Dave Barlow: I think it is very important to decide on the type of putts you want to have on your green. Many homeowners tend to want a green that is over contoured. This can quickly turn your green into a mini golf hole. Remember professional golf greens are often times very subtle in their brakes. Don’t over do it!

RPGM: How much maintenance is involved after a putting green is installed?

Dave Barlow: Quite honestly a Tour Links green of any size with our Nylon Turf or our Poly Club Turf is virtually maintenance free. A quick blow with a leaf blower or an occasional vacuuming is all that is needed. Remember if you do not have good turf you will never have a good putting green despite how much maintenance you do.

RPGM: Any maintenance tips for homeowners?

Dave Barlow: I like to occasionally pressure wash my non-filled nylon green. This really keeps it looking great. If you have chosen one of the Tour Links greens with the bump rail edging Armor All does a great job of keeping it looking new.

There is more maintenance required if a sand filled turf system was installed.

RPGM: How long should a correctly maintained putting green last before it needs replacing?

Dave Barlow: Depending upon your location in the country the turf manufacturers warranties for fade are usually 5 to 7 years on most putting green turfs. Indoor installations with quality nylon should last even longer. We believe that once a Tour Links modular base is installed it will outlast any turf.

Click here to see the latest modular putting green from Tour Links.