NATURAL BOUNCE - DOES IT REALLY MATTER?

Picture this. You are trying to improve your chip shot, and the artificial putting green you are playing on will just not receive the ball smoothly. No matter how accurate the shot is, the ball bounces and slides off the back of the green—for the third time. As an avid golfer, you can look and tell that this green is of subpar quality.

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

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

The key here is to have the artificial turf respond as naturally as real turf. As soon as your ball touches the green, you can tell if you’re playing on top-notch turf or not. If you are hitting a chip shot, you should be able to predict it will be received by the grass properly, bounce appropriately, and roll as expected.

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

THE SCIENCE BEHIND TURF BOUNCE

The discrepancy in the bounce between natural and synthetic turf comes from the properties of the grass 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 achieve similar performance metrics. By studying natural green absorption, spin, and friction, Southwest Greens has been able to use a mix of these materials to absorb shots, spin on impact, and customize speed.

HOW WE ANALYZE GRASS AT SOUTHWEST GREENS

To make sure you’re getting an excellent reaction from our artificial grass, we carry out many experiments, but here are the major ones you should understand.

BOUNCE TEST

Tru Firm: Measure 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 accept a pitch shot.

Spin: Advanced machinery that replicates natural spin. Create a standard and collect data of the surface interaction to check how the friction of the grass varies ball spin will translate to performance.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT SOUTHWEST GREENS

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

We created test methods to better understand what variables actually effect performance. Spin, firmness, and bounce were evaluated utilizing a combination of GSGA testing protocols and proprietary testing methods. These tests mimic normal shot and surface interactions.

At Southwest Greens, we professionals who are experienced in the art of installation to give you the best playing surface available. This is how we manufacture our turf:

SUBGRADE

Taking into account where you live, the ground may be distinct from sand to clay to rock. Properly installed synthetic turf takes this into account, with a base prepared to promote proper drainage.

AGGREGATE BASE

Stone is used on top of the subgrade (ground) to support in drainage and enable a properly constructed surface. It is important 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 created from rounded washed silica. Infill yields ballast, aids with drainage, and has influence on the key bounce indicators.

TURF FIBER

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

Check out this installation video to get a grasp how we determine the appropriate infill layers and artificial grass surfaces for your condition.

FIND YOUR TURF

On the search 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 regular yard turf. Base work, cup placement, undulations, and turf selections are all essential 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 highest-grade artificial grass with the appearance, touch, and bite of natural grass. It’s the turf favored by beginners and experienced golfers for their homes. In simple terms — it’s the most precise playing surface available on the market today. Golden Bear is the perfect pick for more regularity and better predictability. Although installed with golf in mind, this long-lasting, high-quality grass is also beautiful and can offer garden serenity.

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

Golden Bear Turf is rated highest in quality, look, and performance for artificial grass products. This high-quality 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 real that you will think you’re playing out on a local Edmonton course.

Our Golden Bear Turf brings you championship-level bounce available in your own lawn. Scientifically manufactured and tested to have 20-25% more ball retention compared to other leading synthetic grass for real playability. Connect with Southwest Greens of Western Canada if you want to know more regarding the science.

LET’S SEARCH FOR YOUR BACKYARD PUTTING GREEN

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

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