College Golf Programs Develop All-Season Facilities with Synthetic Turf

As college golfers are always hoping to stay ahead of the competition, synthetic turf putting greens and driving ranges now allow athletes to practice their skills regardless of weather conditions. Facilities constructed with synthetic turf have provided colleges across the country cost-effective options for all-season training - and interest is growing.
Beyond the commonly-seen putting surfaces, many college driving ranges have utilized the newest forms of synthetic turf for all-season practice situations. The national champion Clemson Tigers use a covered facility with synthetic turf tees that open onto the existing driving range. Also, when rain creates poor conditions on the course, the Tigers can still practice their short game on the sand-filled synthetic putting green. These advancements are part of a state-of-the-art sports complex that also includes computer and video training systems.

So far, the responses of college players to such synthetic turf projects have been nothing but positive. These college athletes have certainly preferred the new artificial turf products to the older, less realistic driving range mats and putting surfaces. The coach of the Clemson Tigers, Larry Penley, says his players far prefer their state-of-the-art practice facility “to hitting off mats for rainy days or bad weather practice.”

As an example of a more traditional installation, Berry College in Georgia installed a 1200 square foot putting surface with a fringe perimeter for chipping. With limited space at their disposal, the campus was able to obtain a green that fully maximizes the playing area. For students at smaller campuses like Berry College - where a golf course may not always be accessible - a synthetic turf putting green offers an excellent resource. The team’s coach, Dr. Scott Pierce, says the “green leaves little excuse for our team members to not have a great short game.” As synthetic turf putting greens can be constructed on small, unused areas of the campus, even the tiniest college can create a training facility.

Putting greens like these have even been placed inside of athletic centers or other campus buildings. Such indoor putting greens allow students and athletes to practice their short game anytime, as many colleges and universities offer late-night or 24-hour access to athletic facilities. The indoor putting green also eliminates the need for any type of maintenance, as snow and leaves won’t need to be cleared from the surface. Putting greens could even be installed in general commons areas for the enjoyment of the entire student body. With low maintenance and incredible durability, a campus putting green would certainly be a welcome diversion from the stresses of academic life.