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Artificial Putting Greens

Madhavi Ghare
Most golf grounds grow grass and keep it very short so that it is perfect for a game of golf. However, with the advent of new technologies, artificial turf has begun to take the place of real grass.
In the game of golf, the ball is struck by a club causing it to roll towards the cup. This process is called 'putting'. A putting green is the ground on which the game of golf is played. The grass on this putting green is cut quite short, which facilitates the rolling of the golf ball.
In recent times, artificial turf is gaining in popularity. Let's see why.

History

The invention of artificial turf is credited to David Chaney and his team of RTP researchers in 1960. Since then, this artificial turf has been used in all kinds of sporting grounds where grass played a major role.
Initially, the artificial grass was not very popular with players and fans alike, due to its unforgiving surface which made the players more prone to injuries. It was subsequently banned by many football leagues.
New technological research has come up to resolve these issues. Now, the playing surfaces are made with sand or rubber filling. This makes the surface of these artificial greens more natural and easy to play on. Nowadays, artificial turf has begun to regain its importance and role in professional sport.

Advantages

Artificial putting greens have quite a few benefits compared to real grass.
  • The synthetic putting greens have the look and feel of natural grass.
  • No maintenance is required for these artificial putting surfaces. This includes no mowing, no watering, and no chemicals.
  • The artificial greens do not fade easily.
  • Artificial grass allows for heavy usage without losing out on its shape and form.
  • This artificial grass is environmentally friendly, and very safe to use.
  • Artificial or synthetic turf is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit the requirement of the client or the project.

Uses

These benefits have aided its expansion into home use too. People are using small and large pieces of artificial turf to make lawns and sit-outs in their backyards and gardens.
Artificial greens and turf are now being used for landscaping, home lawns, and even for indoor putting greens and practice greens. 
These indoor practice greens are used by beginners in golf and in arcades. People also install home putting greens or backyard putting green surfaces inside their homes or in their backyards if they are interested in keeping up with their practice of golf.
This artificial turf is also used in parks and schools for making green spaces for playgrounds. Depending on the quality and brand, the cost can be anywhere between $10 to $25 per square foot. As it gains more popularity, it will definitely be used for many more avenues in the coming years.