There is more to synthetic turf than the backyard putting green; and as technologies improve, the applications for synthetic turf will only increase. However, the current generation of long-grain (2”) synthetic turf fibers is already being used on driving ranges, tee boxes and around putting greens with great success.
When applying synthetic turf in tee box installations, the advantages are numerous. Besides being able to increase the possibilities of year-round play, synthetic turf tee boxes significantly decrease the need for maintenance. As one of the most abused parts of the course, tee boxes often require new sod and always need divots to be filled. Synthetic turf will maintain its pristine appearance on the tee box and rarely requirement any repairs.
This synthetic turf, designed for tee box usage, can also be used for driving ranges. The 2” pile height fiber offered by The Putting Green Company and X-Grass can stand up to the abuse that regular turf tees and driving range mats can’t. When applying this 2” fiber to an entire driving range, the savings can be incredible. A synthetic turf driving range offers potential year round use without the need to mow or worry about dead grass. Furthermore, range balls won’t get plugged in soft grass, will be easier to pick up and won’t require cleaning.
This same material can even be used around putting greens as a replica for primary rough. When used around putting greens, players have found that the characteristics of the 2” synthetic turf fibers successfully mimic the performance of real grass. Players and professionals have also commented that the appearance of this 2” synthetic turf fiber greatly resembles natural grass.
Just like the putting green turf offered and installed by The Putting Green Company, a course application of our 2” synthetic turf fiber will provide the following incredible benefits:
• Elimination of costs for irrigation and fertilization – savings that could pay for the synthetic turf project in one season
• Very low overall maintenance
• Long lasting investment with an estimated lifespan of fifteen years
• Potential year-round use for putting greens and driving ranges
• Reduced operating costs for driving ranges because balls are easier to collect and don’t require cleaning
• Quick installation prevents extended downtime at the course
• Improved drainage for putting greens and driving ranges
• Manufacturer’s five-year UV degradation warranty on all synthetic turf
• Comprehensive warranty from The Putting Green Company covers all labor and materials

As you contemplate the installation of a synthetic turf putting green, you will probably ask yourself: “How long will my putting green last?” Of course, the ability of your synthetic putting green to withstand inclement weather and abuse is certainly an important factor when assessing a project’s long-term value.
Though the current range of synthetic turfs has only been in use for a few years, specialists have been able to determine that most synthetic putting greens should perform at a high level for at least 8-10 years. If well cared for, synthetic putting greens can be expected to last 15 years or more.
However, if any unforeseen problems develop with your installed putting green, The Putting Green Company offers a one-year comprehensive satisfaction guarantee. This unique warranty covers all materials and workmanship, protecting you and your green from any unexpected issues. Beyond the first year, The Putting Green Company will remain available for assistance and maintenance, if needed.
As weather is one of the biggest factors affecting the lifespan of your green, The Putting Green Company’s synthetic turf carries a five-year manufacturer UV degradation warranty. This warranty is especially useful if you reside in a warm, sunny climate – such as the Desert Southwest, Southern California or Florida.
Beyond these comprehensive warranties, here are some additional tips to help you extend the lifespan of your backyard putting green:
• Go over your synthetic turf putting green with a rake at least a few times a year. In addition to removing leaves and any other undesirable materials, raking will help the grass fibers retain their position and balance the distribution of the fill materials.
• Prevent natural grass and other plant life from growing into your putting green by using popular weed killing products. This will keep your green looking great and not harm the surface.
• Cleaning up after pets is a snap! Droppings can simply be picked up off the surface while liquids will drain through the putting green. Afterwards you can hose down the surface or use any number of cleaning solutions to keep your backyard putting green looking great. If you aren’t sure what products are safe, just ask us.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff! Synthetic turf putting greens typically drain faster than natural turf greens, can’t be harmed by pets or insects and are easily weeded – as roots have difficulty growing in synthetic turf.
• Whenever you have any questions about the care of your putting green, give us a call. The Putting Green Company is here to help you get the most out of your backyard putting green.

If you do a search for “backyard putting greens,” you will most likely find handfuls of companies making the same promises. Each manufacturer will claim to have the most realistic materials and advanced installation techniques. As there aren’t any comparison resources available on the internet, here are some tips to find exactly what you are looking for in a putting green company.

You can start your shopping by obtaining price quotes from various firms in your area. If you know the dimensions and type of backyard putting green you are looking for, most companies should be able to offer reliable quotes with materials and installation charges. While you are obtaining price quotes, make sure to ask plenty of questions of your putting green company to determine what your best options are.

After obtaining this initial information, you may want to ask around for recommendations. If your friends or family have installed backyard putting greens, ask if they are happy with their investment. When you come across a nice synthetic green at a golf course or resort, consider talking to the personnel about their experiences.

At this point, you have probably narrowed down your options a bit more. To directly compare how each manufacturer’s material will hold up, try to obtain some samples of different synthetic turfs. Even a small square will allow you to compare how the individual grass blades will react and how realistic the surface will feel.

Perhaps the most important research you can do is the analysis of existing examples of the company’s work. Many websites will have photos of projects undertaken by each firm, but by visiting an existing installation you will see the product as it would be on your own property (if you are lucky, you will be able to putt on it also).

After talking to different companies, you should be able to determine which companies really know their product. The best of the best will offer a diversity of materials for different uses, i.e. synthetic turfs designed specifically for putting or approach play. They will be able to analyze your needs and develop a putting green that fits your property, blends in with your existing landscaping and performs to your highest expectations. Always remember that if a company’s claims seem too good to be true, they probably are.

If you follow these simple tips when looking for the perfect putting green for your home or business, you definitely won’t be disappointed when it comes time to pull out the putter.

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.

Most golfers are quick to tell you that a successful round is the product of science as much as luck. However, few players understand this precise science as well as some junior high students. Across the country, students are getting a break from the classroom to learn the basics of physics and geometry on putting greens and golf courses.

One 8th grade pre-algebra class in Michigan designed and constructed putting greens as part of a geometry lesson. Using simple materials like plywood, paint cans and artificial turf, the students put together the 18-hole Emerald Dragon. Students performed calculations for their project and presented their findings as scale drawings for the holes. In addition to teaching students to work together effectively, the project contained essential lessons about area, volume and scale.
The class’ mentor makes an interesting point about standardized testing and how putting greens can serve as learning tools, “It’s always been a struggling point for us on state assessments, so we’re always looking to teach the practical applications of geometry.” Suffice it to say, the students also enjoyed the golf project a lot more than working from a textbook. One student said, “This was my favorite project I’ve ever done. Plus, we get to play on it afterward.”
Down south, a program funded by the USGA and guided by Mississippi State University is teaching kids in that region how to play while offering lessons in physics, math and engineering. Science on the Green, a summer program for 6th to 8th graders, offers students both a unique learning opportunity and a fresh outlook. The director of the program says, “Many students are totally unaware of the many opportunities in science, mathematics, engineering and technology that exist. They do not picture women and minorities as scientists or engineers or think of science and engineering careers in industries such as golf.”
Students spend the mornings learning about the game itself. In the afternoons, the kids gain a greater understanding the game they’ve been practicing by applying more traditional school studies. The topics of study are wide-ranging, covering everything from water conservation to applied mathematics and physics. Laboratory exercises using lasers and other precision tools analyze the ball in motion, off the tee and on the green.
It should be mentioned that applied learning programs of this nature are growing in popularity due to overall student success and relatively low cost. In fact, many of the tests conducted by the students are easy enough to perform that if you and your children are feeling just a little ambitious, you could pull out your old science kit and give it a try on your own backyard putting green.

To read the complete articles, click here and here.

With a little ingenuity, your backyard putting green can provide a lot more than a place to work on your short game. Your prized artificial turf can also serve as your home’s entertainment centerpiece. So, next time you entertain, turn off the television and keep the party outside on the course. A backyard putting green party is a great idea for the grown-ups or even a children’s birthday party. Besides, you are proud of your new synthetic putting green and it’s time to show it off.

First things first, you should start with a fun golf-themed invitation. Develop a scorecard for your putting green and print the party information on the back. Though guests might be encouraged to bring their own sleeve of balls or putter (BYOP, if you will), you will have already supplied a necessary component and created a little competitive zeal in the process. If you are feeling extra crafty, create a folding card by attaching a square of artificial turf to the invitation.
Regarding the theme and décor of the event, keep it classy like the country club if you wish, but there is certainly no harm incorporating an island or beach theme. Simple flourishes with tropical flowers and well-chosen party favors could give the party a relaxed atmosphere (and take some of the bite off those missed four-footers).
For the cuisine, consider something along the lines of ‘surf and turf’ for your bash. If you want to keep the barbeque closed for the evening, stick with some freshly prepared fish and shrimp served with saffron rice and a salad with hearts of palm and a light citrus vinaigrette. There are also plenty of flavorful drinks (alcoholic or not) to accompany such a menu.
Returning to golf, you should certainly try to develop a nine or 18-hole layout beforehand to prevent any later disagreement. Mark off the holes as best you can and draw a map of each hole, if possible. Assuming you will be participating in the putting competition, create holes that will challenge you as well as your guests. Handicap the competition if necessary, but let like skill levels play together as much as possible. Consider providing some fun, affordable prizes to the winners – something worth competing for, but not worth fighting over.
Follow some of these simple ideas, add your own personal touches and your guests are guaranteed a great evening at the putting green.
To see complete recipes and additional tips for your backyard golf party, read the complete article here.

In one form or another, backyard putting greens have existed since the advent of golf. Yet, until recently, the prospect of having a practice space on one’s own property was greatly hampered by the cost and upkeep. As authentic putting green surfaces require daily mowing and treatment, only the most committed (and wealthy) golfers could enjoy their own putting greens. However, technological developments in artificial surfaces have significantly altered this trend in recent decades.
As the first major development in artificial turf, Astro Turf™, saw extensive application on baseball and football fields in the early 1960s. The possibility of a maintenance-free surface for training allowed the product to quickly make the jump to the golf world. Though the injuries that came to plague athletes performing on Astro Turf didn’t affect backyard golfers, it was immediately realized that the surface could not properly replicate the nuances of a real green. However, variants of Astro Turf can still be seen on many practice putting surfaces and driving ranges today.
College football was at the forefront of the next major development in artificial turf. The 1980s and early 1990s saw the implementation of a process involving artificial turf with padded backing laid on a concrete surface and then filled with sand. Much like Astro Turf, the surface proved to be an injury risk for athletes because of a slippery surface and a hard base, resulting in numerous career-ending knee ailments. When this process was tested for putting greens, it was realized that surface would harden over time, eventually becoming a very poor surface for chipping and pitching. Some companies attempted to counter this problem by substituting a coarser silica material, but these surfaces still lacked consistency and required upkeep to maintain proper density.
As the interest in golf continues to swell, the industry now finds itself on the cutting edge of synthetic surface development. The nylon and polyethylene fibers developed for today’s putting surfaces are able to replicate individual blades of grass with astounding realism. Additionally, the elimination of sand fill allows the putting greens to maintain consistency and performance. These fibers also guarantee longevity with minimal upkeep, even in the most inclement climates.
Unlike previous decades in which golf was the follower, the technologies currently utilized in the putting green industry are now finding applications in regular lawns, commercial developments and other sporting industries. More and more, the previously unattainable dream of having a realistic backyard putting green is becoming a viable reality.

Early in his presidency, President Dwight Eisenhower had a putting green and small sand trap installed outside the Oval Office. The construction of the putting green and the fact that Eisenhower played over 800 rounds during his eight year administration seemed to do as much as any professional to bring the sport into the American consciousness, according New York Times reporter Don Van Natta Jr., author of First Off the Tee. As 14 of the last 17 commanders-in-chief played golf, with varying degrees of success, during their tenures in office, Van Natta believes that golf is “a way to really judge their character. They’re really themselves out on the golf course.”
William Howard Taft was the first presidential golfer, though not a good one. Blazing a trail for all presidential golf enthusiasts to follow, Taft once remarked, “I’ll be damned if I’m going to give up my golf game to see this fellow,” in regards to a scheduled meeting with a Chilean diplomat.
According to Van Natta, Calvin Coolidge was “the absolute worst” golfer. “He went out there dressed as if he was going to a dinner party. On the first tee, people didn’t know whether he was going to make a toast or hit a golf ball.” Woodrow Wilson, on the other hand, played almost every day. Van Natta says, “He played in the snow…with golf balls painted red by the Secret Service men, but never got good despite all that practice.”
Most interestingly, John F. Kennedy was the best presidential golfer, though he continually tried to conceal his playing. Presumably, Kennedy didn’t want to be seen golfing because “he wanted to contrast with Eisenhower’s image of golfing his way through the presidency.” Van Natta says,
JFK and his aides made a lot of hay out of Ike’s golf playing. They called him the Duffer in Chief…They kept JFK’s game in the closet. In fact, Americans didn’t really realize JFK loved golf until several months after he was in office. They let the cat out of the bag only because there were all these rumors about JFK and other extracurricular activities. He was sneaking off doing other things and [spokesman] Pierre Salinger had to tell people, ‘No, no, no. He’s playing golf.’ That was better than the alternative.
More recently, Bill Clinton came to be known for his excessive use of mulligans. When Van Natta played with the president, he claims that “it took him about 200 swings to score an 82.” Clinton, however, was responsible for the construction of a new putting green on the south grounds of the White House in 1996.
George W. Bush and his father play what Van Natta calls “aerobic golf.” Unlike President Clinton, “who will take six hours to get through 18 holes with no one in front of him, the Bushes want to get off the course as quickly as possible. The score doesn’t matter. It’s the time elapsed that matters the most to the Bushes.”
To listen to Don Van Natta’s interview with NPR in its entirety, click here.

Much credit is given to golfers who can consistently hit their irons and woods, and to be fair, it is important to be able to hit the long shots well. However, a well-known fact is that the biggest difference between the games of tour pros and amateur, competent golfers is a rock-solid short game.

When’s the last time you saw a pro three-putt a hole? It happens very rarely, and is usually followed by the sound of a putter being broken or thrown violently away. Two-putting is the name of the game, and the secret to a successful two-putt scenario is the lag shot.

Generally, it is preferable to consider any shot over twenty feet a lag shot. At that distance, getting the ball to drop in the hole is up to the gods of golf. You can spend all day looking at the lie, anticipating the flow of the terrain, but you will not truly know what the ball will do until it is in motion. This is where the lag shot comes in. Start by visualizing the hole as the bull’s eye of a target about five feet across. If you can get the ball to come to rest anywhere in that target area, you’ll be looking at an easy shot for the hole.

Keeping your head still is vital for solid contact with lag shots. This is important with all golf shots, and goes doubly for lag shots. Bringing your head up too soon can cause the ball to hook to your weak side, and over the distance of a lag putt, you might be looking at a twelve foot approach instead of a three foot one just because you wanted to look up to see where your ball was going and got impatient.

Direction is actually less important with lag shots than are distance and control. Sacrifice the laser-precise accuracy of a slow, controlled shot in order to eat the distance between you and the hole. Keep the stroke steady and strong, and keep your hands together and slightly ahead of the club head at the moment of contact.

As complicated a game as golf is, it is vital that you be prepared for any potential shot you may have to perform. Ideally, you want an arsenal of shots prepared, so that faced with something potentially difficult like a thirty-five foot putt, you are positioned to walk away with a solid two-putt.

For many golfers trying to fit in a game or two per week between work and their other social obligations, inconsistent and undependable greens conditions can be frustrating.

“I mostly play in the mornings,” said Scott Lee, a former collegiate golfer working as a chemist in Salt Lake City, “And in the fall and spring those greens are like tundra that early in the day. Sometimes, it’s more like shooting pool than playing golf.”

Afternoon golfers experience similar aggravation, often having to play while dodging massive sprinkling arrays and eventually putting on waterlogged, marshy ground. In a game like golf, where consistency is everything, dealing with logistic annoyances can make the game a good deal less fun.

Scott initially heard of the advent of modern synthetic greens while researching synthetic residential lawns online and the idea intrigued him. “The things they can do with artificial grass these days are amazing,” said Scott, “I know there are courses around that have artificial putting greens near their pro shops, why not on the course too?”

Ease of play is only one concern. Salt Lake City, and indeed most of Utah, is a desert. Water conservation, while perhaps not the concern it may be in Southern California or Arizona, is still an important and galvanizing issue anywhere in the western United States.

“It takes a huge amount of water to maintain a golf course,” said Scott, “And I don’t think we’re far from seeing the first all-synthetic courses popping up. For now, it doesn’t seem far fetched that you could put together a course that’s part natural and part synthetic. Cut their water usage by twenty percent? Maybe even fifty percent?”

The idea of an all-synthetic golf course is not a new one, but seems closer now than ever before due largely to the advent of the modern era of artificial grasses. Enthusiasm for the idea has never been higher. “If someone built one,” said Scott, “I’d definitely play on it.”