March 22, 2021

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


Natural Bounce — Why It Matters

Imagine this. You are perfecting your chip shot, and the artificial putting green you are using will just not receive the ball properly. Regardless how precise the shot is, the ball bounces and flies off the green. As a fervent golfer, you need a putting green that plays like natural.

Worthy synthetic golf green characteristics should include these priority reactions:

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

The important idea here is to have the artificial turf act as naturally as real grass does. From the moment your ball strikes the green, you can observe if you’re playing on really good turf or not. If you’re hitting a chip shot, you should be able to assume it will be received by the grass correctly, bounce appropriately, and roll as designed.

If these key elements aren’t present, how could you conceivably better your putting or chipping regularity?


The Science Behind Turf Bounce

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

Test methods were identified to comprehend what variables genuinely impact performance. Spin, firmness, and bounce were evaluated by employing a blend of GSGA and proprietary testing procedures. These tests replicate typical shot and surface interactions.

Bounce Test-

  1. Tru Firm Measures, the displacement of the surface to see how surface impacts energy transfer.
  2. Bounce. Proprietary device that imitates 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 see how the friction of the surface alters ball spin will translate to performance.

The Southwest Greens Difference

At Southwest Greens of Connecticut, we have refined the art of installation to provide you with the best playing surface conceivable. Here is how we build our turfs:

Subgrade

Depending upon the area you live, the land may change from sand to clay and rock. Properly installed synthetic turf accounts for this, with a base created to promote proper drainage.

Aggregate Base

Stone is used on top of the subgrade (ground) to help in drainage and allow for a properly constructed surface. It is imperative that the aggregate be formed and compacted to the right depths. For golf uses, 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 secure the stitches.

Infill

Integral to the turf system, infill consists 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 whole host of constructions, colors, and lengths. Materials and product construction directly impact the surface interaction with the golf ball.


Check out this installation video to see how we figure out the correct 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 diverge quite a bit from traditional 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 lowering maintenance costs.


Take a look at 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 available on the market today. Our artificial turf is a great pick for more regularity, predictability and even helps to prevent injuries brought about by irregular playing surfaces. Although designed 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 grown considerably 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 preeminent 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 authentic aim of any putting surface. Playability that is so real, you will think you’re putting on the real thing. It’s plainly the best turf on the planet, and you will find it at Southwest Greens of Connecticut.


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 learn about the science.

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