NATURAL BOUNCE - WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT IT

Imagine this. You are working on your chip shot, and the artificial putting green you are playing on will just not receive the ball correctly. Regardless of how perfect the shot is, the ball bounces and rolls off the back of the green—for the fifth time. As an passionate golfer, you can recognize that this green is of subpar quality.

Quality synthetic golf green characteristics should include these priority reactions:

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

The primary objective here is to have the artificial grass respond as naturally as real turf. As soon as the ball lands, you can tell if you are playing on top-notch grass or not. If you are hitting a chip shot, you should be able to expect it will be received by the grass properly, bounce naturaly, and roll as planned.

If these major features are missing, how could you hope to improve your putt consistency or chipping accuracy?

THE SCIENCE BEHIND TURF BOUNCE

The difference in the bounce between natural and synthetic turf comes from the properties of the turf that absorbs the kinetic energy of the bounce.

Let’s check out some of the science.

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

HOW WE TEST GRASS AT SOUTHWEST GREENS

To make sure you’re provided with an excellent reaction from our synthetic turf, we conduct many experiments, but here are the most important ones you should understand.

BOUNCE TEST

Tru Firm: Calculate the displacement of the surface to see how the surface impact energy transfer.

Bounce: Proprietary device that re-creates natural pitch shot approach angle and spin. This will Create a baseline and quantify the surface interaction so we can understand how the surface will react to a pitch shot.

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

HOW IS SOUTHWEST GREEN DIFFERENT

We have been able to quantify key performance indicators to give your golf game fantastic results. By studying what variables affect performance, we can recreate natural greens.

We developed testing methods to learn what variables actually effect performance. Spin, firmness, and bounce were evaluated employing a blend of GSGA testing protocols and proprietary testing methods. These evaluations mimic normal shot and surface interactions.

At Southwest Greens, we professionals who are experienced in the art of installation to offer the greatest playing surface available. This is how we develop our grass:

SUBGRADE

Taking into account where you call home, the dirt may differ in properties all the way from sand to clay to rock. Properly installed synthetic turf takes this into account, with a foundation developed to promote proper drainage.

AGGREGATE BASE

Stone is used on top of the subgrade (ground) to support in drainage and allow for 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

Artificial turf is developed by sewing the fiber through multi-layer backing. The backing, in turn, is covered with high-quality polyurethane to preserve the stitches.

INFILL

Integral to the turf system, the infill is developed from rounded washed silica. Infill yields ballast, assists with drainage, and directly impacts the the key bounce indicators.

TURF FIBER

Extruded, PP/PE/ Nylon come in a large number of structures, colors, and lengths. Materials and product composition creates an impact on the surface interaction with the golf ball and surface aesthetics.

Check out this installation video to understand how we decide the correct infill layers and synthetic grass surfaces for your situation.

FIND YOUR TURF

Are you on the hunt for a product where a chip shot will land, bounce, roll, stop, and react as comparably to a real golf green as possible?

Residential putting greens differ quite a bit from standard yard grass. Base work, cup placement, undulations, and turf selections are all important characteristics of an artificial 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 premium-grade artificial turf with the appearance, feel, and texture of natural grass. It’s the turf favored by amateurs and professional golfers for their homes. In simple terms — it’s the most accurate playing surface obtainable on the market today. Golden Bear is an excellent pick for more regularity and better predictability. Although manufactured with golf in mind, this long-lasting, high-quality turf is also pretty and can offer garden serenity.

The collaboration with Southwest Greens and Nicklaus Design started in 2004 and has evolved appreciably through the years in both design and turf engineering. All consumers can take advantage of custom-designed golf greens installed by certified Southwest Greens sellers. Now everyone can take part in best-in-class incorporating of professional design, installation, and Golden Bear exclusive turf products.

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

Our Golden Bear Turf gives you championship-level bounce right in your own garden. Scientifically developed and tested to have 20-25% more ball retention than other leading artificial turf for real playability. Connect with Southwest Greens East Bay if you have more queries about the science.

LET’S SEARCH FOR YOUR BACKYARD PUTTING GREEN

We’re prepared to assist you discover the best solution for your backyard putting green. Contact us when you are ready to initiate your project.

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