NATURAL BOUNCE - DOES IT REALLY MATTER?

Imagine this. You are working on your chip shot, and the synthetic surface you are playing on will just not receive the ball smoothly. No matter how ideal the shot is, the ball bounces and rolls off the back of the green—for the third time. As an avid golfer, you can look and tell that this green is of subpar quality.

Quality artificial golf green attributes should include these priority reactions:

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

The main purpose here is to have the artificial turf behave as naturally as real turf. 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 assume it will be received by the grass properly, bounce naturaly, and roll as expected.

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

THE SCIENCE OF TURF BOUNCE

The difference in the bounce between natural and artificial turf comes from the properties of the turf and how it absorbs the kinetic energy of the bounce.

Let’s check out some of the science.

Bounce, Aim, Roll
The Golden Bear system mimics natural greens by utilizing base, pad, sand, and fibers to attain comparable performance metrics. By researching 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 TEST TURF AT SOUTHWEST GREENS

To make certain you’re provided with an excellent reaction from our synthetic turf, we conduct many experiments, but here are the big ones you should be aware of.

BOUNCE TEST

Tru Firm: Evaluate the displacement of the surface to spot how the surface impact energy transfer.

Bounce: Proprietary device that simulates natural pitch shot approach angle and spin. This will Create a baseline and quantify the surface interaction to understand how the surface will react to a pitch shot.

Spin: Advanced machinery that simulates natural spin. Standardize and collect data of the surface interaction to take samples of how the friction of the ground alters ball spin will translate to performance.

HOW IS SOUTHWEST GREEN DIFFERENT

We have managed to quantify key performance indicators to create a fantastic golf game experience. By studying what variables affect performance, we can recreate natural greens.

We developed test methods to learn what variables actually impact performance. Spin, firmness, and bounce were assessed using a blend of GSGA testing protocols and proprietary testing methods. These tests mimic normal shot and surface interactions.

At Southwest Greens, we have honed the art of installation to give you the finest playing surface available. This is how we create our turf:

SUBGRADE

Taking into account where you live, the dirt may be distinct from sand to clay to rock. Properly installed synthetic grass takes this into account, with a base created to encourage proper drainage.

AGGREGATE BASE

Stone is employed on top of the subgrade (ground) to help drainage and provide a permit to 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

Synthetic grass is developed by sewing the fiber through multi-layer backing. The backing, in turn, is coated with high-quality polyurethane to protect the stitches.

INFILL

Essential to the turf system, the infill is created from rounded washed silica. Infill yields ballast, helps with drainage, and has influence on the key bounce indicators.

TURF FIBER

Extruded, PP/PE/ Nylon come in a large number of constructions, 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 decide the appropriate infill layers and artificial grass surfaces for your situation.

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 differ quite a bit from ordinary 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, touch, and bite of natural grass. It’s the green favored by novices and experienced golfers for their homes. In simple terms — it’s the most precise playing surface accessible on the market today. Golden Bear is the perfect pick for more consistency and better predictability. Although manufactured with golf in mind, this long-lasting, high-quality turf is also pretty and can offer backyard serenity.

The alliance with Southwest Greens and Nicklaus Design started in 2004 and has evolved significantly over the years in both design and grass engineering. All buyers can benefit from custom-designed golf greens installed by certified Southwest Greens dealers. Now everyone can participate in superior integration of professional design, installation, and Golden Bear exclusive turf products.

Golden Bear Turf is rated highest in quality, look, and results for artificial turf products. This high-level synthetic turf 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 authentic you will feel like you’re playing out on a local Vancouver course.

Our Golden Bear Turf offers you championship-level bounce right in your own yard. Scientifically researched and tested to have 20-25% more ball retention than other leading artificial turf for real playability. Connect with Southwest Greens Vancouver (Second Generation Landscapes) if you have more queries about the science.

LET’S FIND YOUR BACKYARD PUTTING GREEN

We’re prepared to assist you discover the right solution for your backyard putting green. Contact us when you are ready to start your project.

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