Putting Green Case Studies: Rooftop Installation

Finding a place in your house or in your backyard for a putting green is always the first thought when you decide you want one. Although it might seem you have no where to even put a putting green...there probably is room if you think creatively.

This rooftop installation is creativity at its best. The installation of this green is by Bayscapes, Inc. of Tampa, Florida. They used a Tour Links panel system in this installation.

RPGM had an opportunity recently to talk with the founder of Tour Links about their panel system and this dream project.

Editor's Note: We would like to thank Bayscapes, Inc. for letting us use the great photos in this article.

Carting compacted base material up to the rooftop was an impossibility due to weight restrictions on the roof. The Tour Links panels were easily passed up from the ground one at a time and neatly stacked, waiting for assembly. Once on site this rooftop green proved to be no more challenging than any other modular installation.

RPGM: I believe it is important for our readers to know that putting greens can, basically, be installed anywhere inside or outside the home. Would you agree?

Dave Barlow: This is the exact message that we are trying to put out around the globe. The only limitations are those due to lack of creativity. A modular green can virtually be built in any space or any climate with far less effort associated with a compacted base green and with all the quality associated with a “permanent installation”

RPGM: Tell our readers how your paneling system works.

Dave Barlow: It is really quite simple. Locate a site suitable for a putting green. Add a bit of fill material to create a contour or rake away any high spots that are not desirable.

If creating contours such as in the rooftop installation pictured, simply install one of the Tour Links contour systems and build the panels directly on top the contour. Lay down a high strength commercially available weed control cloth when going over earth and install the panels buy sliding on interlocking panel into the other.

If installing over a hard surface such as concrete or tile simply build the panels right on the existing surface The patented design allows these rigid panels to flex over the underlying contours while creating a perfecty smooth base, ready for turf installation.

Throughout the course of the day the panels will expand and contract ever so slightly creating a living structure ready for years of service. I know it seems overly simplified but it is truly that easy.

Dave Barlow: It is our belief that in time consumers will have the option to install their own custom greens and do so with the same skill as many installers. Once instructed properly via DVD and installation manuals almost anyone could become an expert. The entire premise of the Tour Links pre-packed retail greens is do it yourself.

RPGM: What type of turf was used for this rooftop installation?

Dave Barlow: The customer opted for my favorite which is our Ultra turf 38oz nylon. It rolls beautifully and works well with bump and run shots even when left unfilled.

RPGM: Will your panels, once the correct turf is chosen and installed, hold 100 yard shots into the green? Will it react the same as a traditional install without panels?

Dave Barlow: Think of our panels as the ultimate base system so what ever type surface you want to put on the panels be it nylon of sand filled polypropylene is ok. Using the Tour Links base system will save a bunch of time and energy.

RPGM: How long did the rooftop project take from start to finish? How long would it take the average homeowner?

Dave Barlow: This green took a bit over a day for 2 men. The reason being we had a great deal of detail in cutting of panels around windows and roof pipes etc. We also were hit with thunderstorms. Living in the lightning capital of the world we have a great respect for the weather and take all the precautions possible when bad weather is spotted.

Yes a consumer could do this job if instructed properly before installation began. This green with all the complexity of cutting panels to fit existing architecture etc and would be a solid weekend project for most and one not to be intimidated by.

RPGM: Do you have the same foundation concerns, such as drainage issues, with your panels as you would by using a straight aggregate base installation?

Dave Barlow: The great thing about our panels is they are not sunk in the ground but landscaped up to the panels. The ground preparation is very simple. The less you disturb the earth the better. This does not mean you shouldn't add fill to create contour but you don't want to dig the panels in.

Since the panels rest on the ground this means they are the highest area and that insures great drainage. The panels have so many drain points that you really cant keep water on the panels, it pours out and into the ground or funnels away buy proper sloping of the ground prior to panel installation.

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