Synthetic Turf Putting Greens

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Synthetic Turf Putting Greens: Debunking Sand-filled Greens and Nylon Greens:

by Henry vanAntwerp
Synthetic Turf International

One of the biggest mysteries of synthetic greens is this question: Which surface to use for a backyard putting green?

This decision is a lot easier than some will have you believe. In this article we will explore these surfaces to give you a clear understanding of which of the surfaces will work best for your application.

Let’s start with taking an up close and personal look at both surfaces.

Sand-Filled Polypropylene Putting Greens:

Polypropylene is just a fancy word for plastic. Plastic in this form does not have memory in the fibers. Not having memory in it makes the turf want to lay down (in one direction) which creates an unplayable surface. To correct this, you have to ‘infill’ the turf with sand.

The sand gets packed from the bottom up and in doing so ‘straightens’ the fibers, removing the laying down and getting rid of most of the grain/nap. Depending on the length of the fibers (pile height) you will need anywhere from 5 pounds up to 9 pounds of infill sand per square foot. This amount of sand will have a tendency to pack, blow around or wash. To avoid this from happening, these greens need year round after care.

You will have to brush and roll the green year round.

This process is needed 4 times a year in the southern US and 2 -3 times in the snowy states (shorter summers). Expect to pay between $2.30 up to $4.50 per square foot for the polypropylene (turf only).

If installed correctly, these greens will roll at 8 – 10 on the stimpmeter and have a 5 – 8 year warrantee. The faster you want this surface the more after care you will need.

Benefits: The amount of sand on these greens allows the green to receive shots from any distance. The sand gives you a ‘beach-like’ affect where the sand absorbs the energy of the golf ball and thus makes the ball stop.

Drawbacks: The sandfilled greens need after care which might turn some golfers away. Some customers have complained that the golf ball osculate (wiggle side to side) on this surface when putting. The golfer might get a ‘false sense of security’ of his/her ability to make the ball stop.

Nylon Putting Greens: Unlike polypropylene, memory can be burned into nylon. With this ability the manufacturers make the nylon where it stands up on its own. Add to this the fact that nylon can be tufted into a very high density (face weight) which allows the fibers to be close to each other and you finish up with a product that does not need infill material and a faster, smoother surface.

(Note: Please keep in mind you will still need about 2 pounds of infill material for this surface. This is only to add weight to the turf to force the backing to follow the slopes and undulations of your putting green base.)

Expect to pay from $4.50 to $7.00 per square foot for the nylon putting surface (turf only).

This material has a roll out speed (when you open the roll of turf) of 9 – 10.5 on the stimpmeter and has a 10 year warrantee.

Benefits: The nylon putting surface needs very little aftercare and you will only need a leaf blower to keep the green clean. Nylon greens have a smooth roll of the ball and controlling the speed of the green in the long run is easier to maintain.

This material has a longer life expectancy and carries a longer warrantee.

Drawbacks: This material does not hold a ball very well from more than 30 feet out.

When choosing a synthetic turf company, consumers should choose a company that is knowledgeable about both products.

Both of these products have a place and a future in the market. If you have the space to hit balls into the green from more than 30 feet out, you are a candidate for a polypropylene sand filled green.

If you prefer an exclusive short game facility where you are only going to hit chip shots and putting, you are a candidate for nylon.

Editor's note: Residential Putting Green Magazine welcomes Henry as a contributing writer each month in 2008. Henry's monthly articles will be focused on educating our readers on range of topics that should prove most helpful for those with existing putting greens and those interested in investing in one.

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Backyard Putting Greens

What are things you must consider before you decide to install a backyard putting green? This article takes a closer look at pertinent questions to ask so you will not make the wrong choices.

A backyard putting green is an investment and can cost thousands of dollars. Make sure you research and make your choices with the big picture in mind... just like any other investment!

Backyard Putting Green

Indoor Putting Green

If you think that an indoor putting green just has a thick piece of carpet and a cup that shoots the ball back to you after you putt, then you are in for a nice suprise.

There are innovative companies in the marketplace that are putting some serious options in front of you...and they will challenge you to improve your putting.

You are only limited by your imagination.

From putting greens that have fully adjustable breaks to indoor greens that will work within any decor...there is an indoor putting green to fit your budget and space within your home.

Take a look at our complete section on indoor putting greens.

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Homeowner Putting Green Spotlights

Reading about actual projects that homeowners just like you have had installed is a great way to learn about the process and get ideas for your own project..

There are many specifics to consider once you decide you want a putting green installed in your backyard. The considerations take the form of space, drainage issues, budget, size, speed, undulation, etc. These putting green case studies can be a big help to you, while giving you examples of what others have done with their projects.

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