The decision to build your own backyard putting green will be one that you will be grateful for afterwards! Artificial grass provides experienced and novice golfers a similar experience with the ideal surface for practising their game at any time; it is completely maintenance-free! Practice your short game in the privacy and comfort of your own home. A putting green will keep you, your family and visitors entertained for hours. Having your own putting green backyard gives you an excuse to spend more time outside, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine while building lifelong memories. Moreover, a golf green can help increase the value of your home, making it a fantastic investment in your golf game, well-being, and wealth. However, one common issue that golfers encounter when using an artificial putting green is achieving a consistent ball roll. Uneven surfaces, changes in slope, and shifts in green speed can all affect the way the ball rolls and make it difficult to improve your putting technique. Here, we have enlisted some tips and techniques to help you get a consistent ball roll on your artificial putting green to help you practice effectively and improve your game.
Tips to Get Consistent Ball Roll on Artificial Putting Greens
Getting a consistent ball roll on putting green requires a combination of proper technique and equipment; here are some tips to help you achieve a consistent ball roll:
Type and Amount of Putting Green Infill
The type and quantity of infill influence the speed and bounce of the ball. Silica sand, one of the most appropriate green infills, will keep the fibres erect and improve the putting green aesthetic and functional qualities. Moreover, infill aids in controlling green speed – you can increase ball speed by adding more infill or decrease ball speed by removing infill. The recommended amount of silica sand for putting green is 2-3 lbs. per sq. ft.
Make a Flat Base For The Putting Green
Because the base of the artificial turf is abrasive, you would want to avoid dragging it with rocks or pebbles on the way. Remove any rocks and other materials from the ground to make a level, even surface for the turf mat.
The installer will excavate four to six inches of soil, level it, and cover it with the best weed barrier possible. The crushed stone should then be added to the area, spread evenly, and compacted using a compact machine to produce a flat, smooth base.
Usage of Nails On The Putting Green
While installing artificial grass, you should not use nails as they may create divots in the putting greens. While nails can be an effective method for installing artificial grass, it is not always the best option. In areas with heavy foot traffic or if the grass will be exposed to high winds, nails might not be able to keep the turf in place and may even harm someone walking barefoot on the turf ground. Moreover, nailing can damage the underlying irrigation or drainage system into the ground. It is better to utilize specific putting green sand to weigh down the putting green turf, as it helps keep the turf in place, and give you a nice smooth roll.
90 Degree Edges is Must For Putting Greens
Having edges at 90 degrees on the putting green is critical to ensure the surface is level and consistent. Any deviations from a right angle can cause unevenness and affect the ball roll; to achieve 90-degree edges, it is imperative to carefully measure and cut the turf, making sure to use a straightedge and a sharp cutting tool. It is also significant to regularly check the edges and make necessary adjustments to ensure they remain at 90 degrees.
Double Layer of Weed Barrier
Using a double layer of weed barrier on putting greens can be beneficial in preventing weed growth and maintaining the consistency of the surface. It acts as a cushion between the crusher dust and the putting green while helping the rocks to not pull up as the artificial turf moves during the installation. The weed barrier can be installed directly on top of the base layer of the putting green before the turf is laid down.
When using a double layer of weed barrier, it is necessary to ensure that the two layers are accurately secured together to prevent any shifting or movement, which you can establish with the help of appropriate turf adhesives or turf nails.
Using a weed barrier as wide as our 13ft heavy-duty weed barrier helps to avoid overlapping on the putting green surface.
Turf Foam for Putting Greens
Turf pads are installed underneath the artificial turf layer to provide additional cushioning and shock absorption. They can help reduce the impact and stress on the joints, which benefits golfers who experience discomfort and pain while putting. The foam pads also help to improve the overall consistency of the putting surface by providing a more uniform base for the artificial turf layer.
However, it is vital to note that using turf pads can also impact the drainage and airflow of the putting green, which can negatively affect the health of the turf. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the putting green are necessary to prevent debris buildup and to ensure proper drainage.
Cups Lying Flat under the Turf
While playing golf, the game turns more smoothly and is more fun when the ball moves without striking any barriers. The golf cups are situated about one-fourth of an inch below the surface.
Although concrete should be used to secure the area, green cups can be inserted into a foundation, notably if you live in a freeze-thaw climate.
What Makes a Putting Green Fast or Slow?
For golfers, the quality of the ball roll is crucial; a good ball roll quality implies that the ball glides smoothly and at a constant pace. However, several factors may affect the speed of the putting green speed. The prime factors that affect the ball roll speed include the texture and length of an artificial putting green. Below are some other factors that cause a change in its speed:
Fibre Length: The longer the length of the artificial grass fibre, the slower the ball will roll, while shorter fibres create a faster surface.
Infill Material: The amount and type of infill material used can also impact the speed of the green putting. A heavier infill can make the ball roll slower, while a lighter infill can make it roll faster.
Surface Texture: The texture of the artificial grass can also influence the speed of the green. A smoother surface will result in a faster ball roll on the putting greens, while a rougher surface will slow it down.
Slope: The degree of slope on the green will also determine its speed. A steeper slope will increase the speed of the ball, while a flatter surface will slow it down.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance of artificial putting green is essential to maintaining its speed. Keeping the surface clean and well-groomed, and brushing and rolling the fibres, can help keep the ball running fast.
Choose the Right Turf
Choosing synthetic turf can be overwhelming, as there are several brands and types of artificial grass available in the market. Consider the foot traffic, puddles/standing water areas, and pet usage while choosing the turf.
SPORTS PUTT 50 at Premium Grass Blades is one of the best artificial turfs for professional golfers, which can be adequately installed in sports fields and your backyards. The high-density blades allow for a firm, smooth glide surface while the natural green tones let it be a complementary addition to your yard, making it a centrepiece for any avid golfer. Sports Putt 50 ball roll speed is 9-12 on the stimpmeter for a consistent and accurate roll every time.
When looking for a suitable artificial putting green to keep your game on track all year, you can trust Premium Grass Blades, one of the leading synthetic turf providers in British Columbia. Our products are specifically designed while keeping your interests in mind. You can use our artificial turf on residential properties, playgrounds, dog runs, sports fields and more. Because we never compromise on the quality of our products, we can easily offer a 10-year warranty on our synthetic grass while also providing quarterly to annual cleaning services. Explore our Pinterest page to recognize how you can décor your residence with Premium Grass Blades’ artificial turf.
