NATURAL BOUNCE - WHY IT MATTERS

Think of it this way. You are trying to improve your chip shot, and the artificial surface you are playing on will just not receive the ball correctly. No matter how ideal the shot is, the ball bounces and slides off the back of the green—again. As an avid golfer, you can see that this green is of subpar quality.

Quality artificial golf green features should consist of these priority reactions:

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

The key here is to have the artificial turf respond as naturally as organic turf. As soon as the ball lands, you can tell if you’re playing on high-quality turf or not. If you are hitting a chip shot, you should be able to assume it will be received by the grass properly, bounce naturaly, and roll as expected.

If these important elements aren’t present, how could you hope to improve your putt consistency or chipping accuracy?

THE SCIENCE OF TURF BOUNCE

The contrast in the bounce between natural and synthetic grass comes from the properties of the turf and how it absorbs the kinetic energy of the bounce.

Let’s explore the science.

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

HOW WE ANALYZE TURF AT SOUTHWEST GREENS

To make certain you’re getting an excellent reaction from our synthetic turf, we conduct many experiments, but here are the big ones you should know about.

BOUNCE TEST

Tru Firm: Evaluate the displacement of the surface to see how the surface effect energy transfer.

Bounce: Proprietary device that mimics natural pitch shot approach angle and spin. This will standardize and quantify the surface interaction so we can understand how the surface will react to a pitch shot.

Spin: State of-the-art device that simulates natural spin. Create a standard and collect data of the surface interaction to see how the friction of the grass changes ball spin will translate to performance.

HOW IS SOUTHWEST GREEN DIFFERENT

We have been successful in quantifying key performance indicators to offer you the best golf experience. By studying what variables affect performance, we can replicate natural greens.

We created test approaches to better understand what variables actually impact performance. Spin, firmness, and bounce were assessed employing a blend of GSGA testing protocols and proprietary testing methods. These evaluations tries to recreate normal shot and surface interactions.

At Southwest Greens, we have honed the art of installation to give you the greatest playing surface available. This is how we make our grass:

SUBGRADE

Considering where you live, the dirt may vary from sand to clay to rock. A professional who is installing the synthetic grass takes this into account, with a base developed to encourage 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. Typically, 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 protect the stitches.

INFILL

Integral to the turf system, the infill is developed from rounded washed silica. Infill yields ballast, helps with drainage, and has influence on the key bounce indicators.

TURF FIBER

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

Check out this installation video to understand how we identify the appropriate infill layers and synthetic green surfaces for your circumstances.

FIND YOUR TURF

On the search 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 quite a bit from ordinary lawn turf. Base work, cup placement, undulations, and turf selections are all essential traits of a synthetic 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 grass with the appearance, touch, and texture of regular grass. It’s the green preferred by beginners and experienced golfers for their homes. In simple terms — it’s the most precise playing surface accessible on the market today. Golden Bear is an excellent pick for more regularity and better predictability. Although installed with golf in mind, this long-lasting, high-quality turf is also pretty and can offer backyard serenity.

The alliance with Southwest Greens and Nicklaus Design started in 2004 and has matured noticeably over the years in both design and grass technology. All buyers can take advantage of custom-designed golf greens installed by endorsed Southwest Greens vendors. Now everyone can take part in best-in-class incorporating of professional design, installation, and Golden Bear exclusive turf products.

Golden Bear Turf is rated highest in quality, look, and results for artificial grass products. This high-level artificial turf bounces, rolls, and receives just like a championship course. Shot after shot, Golden Bear has the most accurate aim of any putting surface. Game-play experience is so real that you will think you’re playing out on a local Fresno course.

Our Golden Bear Turf brings you championship-level bounce available in your own yard. Scientifically researched and tested to have 20-25% more ball retention compared to other leading artificial turf for real playability. Connect with Southwest Greens of Fresno if you want to know more about the science.

LET’S SEARCH FOR YOUR BACKYARD PUTTING GREEN

We’re ready to help you find the right solution for your backyard putting green. Connect with us when you’re ready to initiate your project.

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