Home Turf Fit for a Pro: The Custom Backyard Setup of Sam Burns
Sam Burns made his breakthrough on Tour after joining the professional ranks in 2017 and has kept getting better every season. He’s collected multiple PGA Tour wins, including consecutive Valspar Championship wins and a strong start on the Korn Ferry Tour — achievements that highlight his need for real course feel.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT
Putting green: 1,000 sq ft — GB177 (Golden Bear Putt), color 301
Lawn turf grass: 1,500 sq ft — 164SW, color 301
Sand bunker: 144 sq ft — Artificial turf topped with real sand
Total project: 2,644 sq ft
THE GREEN: GB177 GOLDEN BEAR PUTT
Sam went with GB177 (color 301) for a practice turf that performs like a real course green. The compact pile height gives consistent ball roll and consistent pace, so every stroke offers a lesson. For a player who focuses on feel during downtime, that reliability counts.
THE GRASS AREA: 164SW IN COLOR 301
The 1,500 sq ft lawn area uses 164SW in the identical shade to ensure visual consistency from green to fringe. That space is great for warmups, short chips, leisure activities, and maintaining a neat yard with easy maintenance.
THE BUNKER: REAL SAND OVER TURF
Instead of a simulated sand appearance, Sam’s bunker is built with actual sand on artificial grass. That creates true-to-life bunker conditions while ensuring tidy transitions and easy care around the green. It’s a clever option for anyone exploring synthetic grass installation with unique options.
WHY THIS SETUP WORKS SO WELL
This setup balances high-performance practice with everyday usability. A dedicated putting surface lets Sam work on speed and line. The turf lawn provides controlled landing zones for shots and a place for family gatherings. The sand trap delivers authentic bunker practice without the trouble of building a full bunker.
A bit of background: Sam secured his first pro victory at the 2018 Savannah Championship, winning with a final streak of birdies, and later expanded his Tour success, including the Sanderson Farms and the Valspar Championship. He developed his skills at the LSU golf program before achieving success at the Tour level.