Have you ever seen synthetic turf on a golf course? Probably not. Usually synthetic turf is found on putting greens (especially in miniature golf) and driving ranges. But golf courses and their grounds keepers have been very reluctant to use artificial grass on their fairways because it doesn’t have the same look and feel as natural grass. But with golf courses facing the rising costs of maintenance and watering, some courses are giving synthetic turf on the course itself a second look.
However, despite lower maintenance and no watering requirements, synthetic turf still has some drawbacks:
High cost. Synthetic turf is not a cheap option because it must be first manufactured, and then it has to be installed, which is not included in the manufacturing price. And because all golf courses are different, it will be a custom job that will require a much higher price than natural grass. Covering the fairways of an average golf course will be an enormous financial commitment.
Hot temperatures. Artificial grass absorbs a lot of heat, meaning that on a hot day, the ground might be as much as 20 or 30 degrees hotter. On a 90 degree day, this will make the synthetic turf unplayable. On golf courses located in areas with moderate temperatures, it might work. But in a hot area, like the desert areas, synthetic grass is not a feasible option. In fact, the high heat can be downright dangerous for golfers.
Unhealthy bacteria growth. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments. Because synthetic turf doesn’t absorb and drain water as good as natural grass, it can stay wet for longer periods of time, allowing bacteria and other toxins to flourish, which is very harmful for the environment and a health hazard for those playing golf.
Not a realistic feel. While artificial grass can look great, it doesn’t have the same feel as natural grass. For example, when playing golf on natural grass, it is soft and golf club can take a divot. That cannot happen with synthetic turf, which is much more firm and doesn’t allow the club to penetrate below the grass. This can be very painful for the golfer if a wild or improper swing is taken.
The above reasons show that this natural grass alternative might not be as good as it sounds for a golf course. A more realistic and affordable solution would be for a golf course to have a combination of artificial and real grass. This gives the course the best of both worlds; easier maintenance and less watering, but with proper drainage and looks great. This is what Coverlawn specializes in.