March 22, 2021

Your manual to understand the significance of bounce on artificial turf.


Natural Bounce — Why It Matters

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. No matter how perfect the shot is, the ball bounces and rolls off the green. As an avid golfer, you want a putting green that plays like natural.

Quality synthetic golf green characteristics should consist of these top reactions:

  • Realistic golf ball bounce
  • Accurate reaction to aim
  • True directional roll
  • Predictable playability

The fundamental fact here is to have the artificial turf behave as naturally as real grass does. From the point your ball lands on the green, you can identify if you’re playing on really good turf or not. If you’re hitting a chip shot, you should be able to expect it will be taken in by the grass accurately, bounce properly, and roll as designed.

If these key elements aren’t a part of the green, how could you conceivably improve your putting or chipping consistency?


The Science Behind Turf Bounce

Southwest Greens has been able to assess key performance indicators. By appreciating what variables affect performance we are able to mirror natural greens.

Test methods were created to comprehend what variables really influence performance. Spin, firmness, and bounce were appraised using a combination of GSGA and proprietary testing methods. These tests replicate common shot and surface interactions.

Bounce Test-

  1. Tru Firm Measures, the displacement of the surface to see how surface influences energy transfer.
  2. Bounce. Proprietary device that reflects natural pitch shot approach angle and spin. This will standardize and quantify the surface interaction to understand how the surface will accept a pitch shot.
  3. Spin. Proprietary device that replicates natural spin. Standardise and quantify the surface interaction to grasp how the friction of the surface alters ball spin will translate to performance.

The Southwest Greens Difference

At Southwest Greens Pittsburgh, we have honed the art of installation to give you the best playing surface available. This is how we create our turfs:

Subgrade

Taking into account where you live, the soil may change from sand to clay and rock. Properly installed synthetic turf takes this into account, with a base designed to promote proper drainage.

Aggregate Base

Stone is used on top of the subgrade (ground) to help in drainage and create a perfectly constructed surface. It is imperative that the aggregate be created and compacted to valid depths. For golf operations, a second shaping aggregate is added to shape undulations and breaks.

Backing

Artificial turf is built by sewing the fiber through two layers of backing. The backing, in turn, is covered with high-grade polyurethane to secure the stitches.

Infill

Essential to the turf system, infill consists of rounded washed silica. Infill implements ballast, assists with drainage, and directly impacts the key bounce indicators.

Turf Fiber

Extruded, PP/PE/ Nylon come in a variety of constructions, colors, and lengths. Materials and product construction directly impact the surface interaction with the golf ball.


Check out this installation video to discover how we determine the proper infill layers and synthetic green surface for your situation.


Looking for a product where a chip shot will land, bounce, roll, stop, and react as naturally to a real golf green as possible?

Residential putting greens differ significantly from standard lawn turf. Base work, cup placement, undulations, and turf selections are all crucial features of an artificial golf green that adds value to your game, your family, and your home, all while reducing maintenance costs.


Consider one of our fan-favorites: Golden Bear Turf

Golden Bear is our premium-grade synthetic turf with the appearance, feel, and bite of genuine grass. It’s the turf chosen by amateurs as well as PGA Tour players for their homes. In simple terms — it’s the most accurate playing surface for sale on the market today. Our artificial turf is an ideal pick for more regularity, predictability and even aids in preventing injuries generated by uneven playing surfaces. Although designed with golf in mind, this long-lasting, high-quality turf can also be installed at heavy-traffic areas like playgrounds and recreational areas.

The partnership with Southwest Greens and Nicklaus Design began in 2004 and has evolved appreciably over the years in both design and turf technology. All customers can benefit from custom-designed golf greens installed by certified Southwest Greens dealers. Now everyone can take part in best-in-class incorporating professional design, installation, and Golden Bear exclusive turf products.

Golden Bear Turf is the ultimate in quality, look, and performance for synthetic turf products. This top-level artificial turf bounces, rolls, and receives just like a pro course. Shot after shot, Golden Bear has the most accurate aim of any putting surface. Playability that is so real, you will think you’re putting on the real thing. It’s simply the best turf on the planet, and you will find it at Southwest Greens Pittsburgh.


Our Golden Bear Turf brings you championship-level bounce right in your own backyard. Scientifically developed and tested to have 20-25% more ball retention than other leading artificial turf for real playability. Contact your local dealer if you want to find out more about the science.

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