Synthetic Lawn: Backyard Artificial Putting Greens

Golf, a popular international sport on both recreational and competitive levels, is a game involving the striking of a ball by a club, wherein the ball is directed towards a cup in the ground. This process is known as 'putting' and the ground on which golf is played is known as 'putting green'. To facilitate the rolling of the putting ball, the grass is cut really short.

Artificial putting greens made their entry in 1960, and since then it has been used in various sporting grounds, where grass grounds were needed. However, the synthetic lawn's surface was hard and caused injuries to players. Thus, it was banned from many football grounds. But, technological developments resulted in the introduction of an upgraded version of artificial putting greens.

The upgraded version features, playing surface made from sand or rubber filling, making it more natural and easy to play on. Today, golf leagues and golf clubs are opting for artificial putting greens as they require no maintenance (no watering, mowing or fertilizing). Moreover, they look and feel like grass, and do not fade easily. They are also safe to use and environmentally friendly.

Artificial putting applications are not limited to golf courses, but are great options for backyards of passionate golfers. Visiting a golf course frequently may not be possible. However, with these backyard artificial putting greens, one can practice the game whenever one desires. Some schools and colleges are also opting for these synthetic lawns for making play grounds.

People have a common misconception that artificial putting greens are nothing but glorified carpets. Cheap ones are rough and require periodic sand-filling. However, the good quality ones look, feel and act like natural grass. They feature specially engineered, synthetic fibers that enable golfers not only to practice 'putting', but also 'chipping'. The lower quality one won't hold chip shots.

The basic installation process of the synthetic lawn involves firstly the determination of the location and size of the artificial putting green. Once, the location has been identified, the grass is to be cleared off. The lawn mower is to be set on the lowest setting and the existing grass is scalped to 1" or lower. A total vegetation killer is spread over the remaining grass.

The lawn, cleared off vegetation, is fitted with a base. Base installation comprises two layers, of which the first is 3-4" thick, consisting of 3/8" fines aggregate material and 3/8" crushed concrete. The second layer constitutes 1" thick layer of sand. Once the base has been installed, a common garden spade is used to dig out holes for the cups, in predetermined positions.

The cup must be wrapped twice in wax paper and taped at the bottom with masking tape. Next, it must be placed in a hole in the base surface. The cup must be half an inch below the surface of the base installed, thus the hole must be dug well. Once the cup has been placed in the hole, Kwik-Crete cement is to be evenly poured around the cup, all the way to the surface of the base installed.

The next step is laying the green turf on the base installed. The outer edge of the green turf is cut as per predetermined design. The green turf hides the cups, which need to be located, and the turf covering the cup is cut with a sharp knife. Next, the cup is removed from the hole, the wax paper is discarded and the cups are re-installed into the hole. The perimeter of the green turf is secured with the help of galvanized nails (4-6 inches long). The putting green is ready to be rolled out with a water roller, for one final time. The backyard putting green is ready.

Home artificial putting greens companies, will install the lawn in just one weekend. They even provide options such as working with the customer's choice of landscaper and help in the installation. One can even do it without professional assistance, however, professional installers will ensure a smooth ride and polished putting green. Since, creating a residential golf area is not a small undertaking and involves investing money, it's advisable to hire services of professionals.

Golf enthusiasts can now bring golf home, by opting for home artificial putting greens. Backyard artificial putting greens are wonderful for family, golf buddies and neighbors to practice golf, have matches, tournaments and even parties. These synthetic lawns change the look of the yard, and add value to the property.