RPGM's Editor goes one on one with the founder of Putter's Edge...Terry Elkin.

RPGM:Tell our readers how Putter’s Edge began?
Terry Elkin:Eight years ago I was asked to handle the sales and marketing for another synthetic turf company that specialized in sand-filled turf. I installed a large green in my yard and after a few months realized it was high maintenance and subject to the elements.

I researched the nylon turf and liked the low maintenance, but didn’t like the ball roll. It had a wobble as the ball came to rest. I convinced a manufacturer in Dalton, GA to make some minor changes in the manufacturing process and the rest is history.

RPGM:How has the demand for indoor and outdoor putting greens changed since you started the company?

TE:When I started sand-filled greens was the only option, so no one was doing indoor installations. 30% of our business is indoor greens.

RPGM:Does your company install greens directly or is that done strictly through your dealer network?

TE:The demand for greens is great throughout the country. We have a traveling installation team for request where we don’t have a dealer.

RPGM:How many dealers do you have throughout the U.S. (or the world)?

TE:Our first dealer came on board two years ago. At the end of this month we will have three dealers in Canada and eleven in the US.

RPGM:Are your dealers trained to the standards of your company?

TE:All dealers and their crews go through certification training.

RPGM:I strongly believe that consumers need to be careful when hiring an installation professional…not all are the same. Do you agree?

TE:Of course. The majority of greens that have been installed over the years were by landscaping companies who have only installed one or two greens. It is the result of the “Oh by the way do you install putting greens?” question.

RPGM:Any tips for homeowners when hiring a pro?

TE:We replace 2-3 greens per month that were installed improperly or installed with inferior product. There are a number of synthetic turf companies that have great products. My suggestion to the homeowner is “do your homework”.

RPGM:What type of synthetic turf do you recommend for your customers?

TE:Most of our installations are for golfers that want to improve their short game. Our PAR1 (Pure Absolute Roll) is putting only, the PAR2 is putting and shots up to 7 yards and a variety of polypropylene turfs for golfers who want to practice longer shots.

RPGM:Talk a little about the importance of actually planning a green – shape, size, breaks, etc.

TE:Factors such as budget, area available, topography, existing landscaping etc. determine size and shape. The type of putt the customer wants to practice determines the breaks, etc.

RPGM:Does your dealer network install indoor greens as well?

TE:30% of our greens are indoor.

RPGM:Are more elaborate indoor greens growing in popularity?

TE:Definitely.

RPGM:From a cost perspective, and I know there are several variables as to cost, what does an average green cost?

TE:$14/square foot.

RPGM:How long should a well-installed green last?

TE:A well constructed base with quality turf should last 20+ years

RPGM:How important is on-going maintenance to a green?

TE:The nylon turf requires blowing off the debris occasionally. An aggregate base may require rolling or tamping every couple of years.

RPGM:Do you provide any guarantees to your customers – on turf, installation, etc.?

TE:Our PAR turf has a ten-year warranty. The base comes with a five or ten year warranty based on type of construction.

RPGM:Where do you see the industry moving in the next 5 years in terms of better product and popularity of home greens in general?

TE:Eight years ago, most of the greens were installed for entertainment value rather than for lowering the handicap. That has totally changed as golfers realize that putting greens are affordable, functional, low maintenance and lots of fun!

From Putters Edge to Putting Green Construction.