NATURAL BOUNCE - WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT IT

Think of it this way. You are trying to improve your chip shot, and the artificial putting green you are playing on will just not receive the ball correctly. Regardless of how ideal the shot is, the ball bounces and slides off the back of the green—for the third time. As an enthusiastic golfer, you can already tell that this green is not high-quality.

High-Quality artificial golf green attributes should include these priority reactions:

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

The key here is to have the artificial grass behave as naturally as organic grass. As soon as the ball lands, you can tell if you are playing on high-quality grass or not. If you are hitting a chip shot, you should be able to expect it will be received by the grass properly, bounce naturaly, and roll as planned.

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

THE SCIENCE OF TURF BOUNCE

The contrast 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 take a look at the science.

Bounce, Aim, Roll
The Golden Bear system mimics natural greens by employing base, pad, sand, and fibers to attain like performance metrics. By understanding natural green absorption, spin, and friction, Southwest Greens has been able to use a combination of these materials to absorb shots, spin on impact, and customize speed.

HOW WE EVALUATE GRASS AT SOUTHWEST GREENS

To ensure you’re getting an excellent reaction from our artificial turf, we carry out many tests, but here are the major ones you should be aware of.

BOUNCE TEST

Tru Firm: Measure the displacement of the surface to spot how the surface influences energy transfer.

Bounce: Proprietary device that mimics natural pitch shot approach angle and spin. This will standardize and quantify the surface interaction so we can understand how the surface will react to a pitch shot.

Spin: Advanced machinery that replicates natural spin. Standardize and quantify the surface interaction to see how the friction of the ground alters ball spin will translate to performance.

THE SOUTHWEST GREENS DIFFERENCE

We have been able to quantify key performance indicators to offer you the best golf experience. By understanding what variables affect performance, we can copy natural greens.

We developed test methods to understand what variables actually impact performance. Spin, firmness, and bounce were assessed utilizing a mixture of GSGA testing protocols and proprietary testing methods. These tests simulate normal shot and surface interactions.

At Southwest Greens, we have honed the art of installation to offer the finest playing surface available. This is how we make our grass:

SUBGRADE

Depending on where you call home, the ground may differ in properties all the way from sand to clay to rock. Properly installed synthetic turf takes this into account, with a foundation created to promote proper drainage.

AGGREGATE BASE

Stone is used on top of the subgrade (ground) to help drainage and allow for 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 grass is manufactured by stitching the fiber through multi-layer backing. The backing, in turn, is coated with high-quality polyurethane to preserve the stitches.

INFILL

Integral to the turf system, the infill is created from rounded washed silica. Infill yields ballast, helps with drainage, and directly impacts the the key bounce indicators.

TURF FIBER

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

Check out this installation video to get a grasp how we identify the most suitable infill layers and artificial grass surfaces for your circumstances.

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 vary quite a bit from regular yard turf. Base work, cup placement, undulations, and turf selections are all important 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 synthetic turf with the look, feel, and consistency of natural grass. It’s the green favored by amateurs and expert golfers for their homes. In simple terms — it’s the most precise playing surface obtainable on the market today. Golden Bear is a great pick for more regularity and improved predictability. Although constructed with golf in mind, this long-lasting, high-quality grass is also pretty and can provide lawn serenity.

The alliance with Southwest Greens and Nicklaus Design started in 2004 and has evolved noticeably through the years in both design and turf science. All consumers can take advantage of custom-designed golf greens installed by certified Southwest Greens vendors. Now everyone can participate in superior incorporating of professional design, installation, and Golden Bear exclusive turf products.

Golden Bear Turf is the ultimate in quality, look, and results for artificial grass products. This high-quality artificial 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 you will feel like you’re playing out on a local Phoenix course.

Our Golden Bear Turf offers you championship-level bounce right in your own garden. Scientifically researched and tested to have 20-25% more ball retention than other leading synthetic turf for real playability. Contact Southwest Greens of the Valley 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 perfect solution for your backyard putting green. Contact us when you’re ready to begin your project.

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