March 22, 2021

Your handbook to appreciating the value of bounce on artificial turf.


Natural Bounce — Why It Matters

Envision this. You are working on your chip shot, and the artificial putting green you are setting up on will just not receive the ball properly. Regardless how good the shot is, the ball bounces and flies off the green. As a devoted golfer, you need a putting green that plays like natural.

Excellent synthetic golf green characteristics should include these top reactions:

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

The essential point here is to have the artificial turf behave as naturally as real grass does. From the impact when your ball hits the green, you can witness if you’re playing on first-class turf or not. If you’re hitting a chip shot, you should be able to expect it will be accepted by the grass properly, bounce properly, and roll as expected.

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


The Science Behind Turf Bounce

Southwest Greens has been able to quantify key performance signals. By acknowledging what variables affect performance we are able to mirror natural greens.

Test methods were diagnosed to comprehend what variables truly impact performance. Spin, firmness, and bounce were evaluated using a mixture of GSGA and proprietary testing methods. These tests reflect normal shot and surface interactions.

Bounce Test-

  1. Tru Firm Measures, the displacement of the surface to see how surface affects energy transfer.
  2. Bounce. Proprietary device that replicates 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 gauge the surface interaction to understand how the friction of the surface influences ball spin will translate to performance.

The Southwest Greens Difference

At Southwest Greens Charlotte, we have perfected the art of installation to offer the best playing surface possible. Here’s an example of how we develop our turfs:

Subgrade

Depending upon where you live, the land may change from sand to clay and rock. Accurately installed synthetic turf accounts for this, with a base designed to facilitate proper drainage.

Aggregate Base

Stone is applied on top of the subgrade (ground) to aid in drainage and create a properly constructed surface. It is vital that the aggregate be formed and compacted to the right depths. For golf operations, a second shaping aggregate is added to build undulations and breaks.

Backing

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

Infill

Integral to the turf system, infill is made up of rounded washed silica. Infill provides ballast, assists with drainage, and immediately impacts the key bounce indicators.

Turf Fiber

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


Watch this installation video to understand how we decide on the appropriate infill layers and synthetic green surface for your situation.


Trying to find a product where a chip shot will land, bounce, roll, stop, and react as close to a real golf green as possible?

Residential putting greens vary a lot from traditional lawn turf. Base work, cup placement, undulations, and turf selections are all vital features of an artificial golf green that adds value to your game, your family, and your home, all while shrinking maintenance costs.


Take a look at one of our fan-favorites: Golden Bear Turf

Golden Bear is our premium-grade synthetic turf with the look, feel, and bite of real grass. It’s the turf selected by amateurs as well as PGA Tour players for their homes. In other words — it’s the most precise playing surface for sale on the market today. Our artificial turf is a fine choice for more regularity, predictability and even aids in preventing injuries generated by irregular playing surfaces. Although created with golf in mind, this long-lasting, high-quality turf can also be installed at heavy-traffic points like playgrounds and recreational areas.

The partnership with Southwest Greens and Nicklaus Design commenced in 2004 and has evolved greatly 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 experience best-in-class integrating 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 high-level artificial turf bounces, rolls, and receives just like a pro course. Shot after shot, Golden Bear has the most rigorous aim of any putting surface. Playability that is so real, you will think you’re putting on the real thing. It’s easily the best turf on the planet, and you can even find it at Southwest Greens Charlotte.


Our Golden Bear Turf brings you championship-level bounce right in your own backyard. Scientifically designed 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.

See the Greens