A custom putting green in Sacramento, CA, is a great way to delight the golfers in your family or elevate your curb appeal. Thanks to synthetic turf’s low-maintenance design, you can bring the luxury of the country club into your backyard for a fraction of the cost. However, knowing which products are worth investing in is essential for maximizing ROI and course longevity. Follow our guide to learn the top putting green turf red flags and how to identify premium artificial turf!

Unrealistic or Low-Quality Appearance

The first (and fastest) test of top-tier synthetic grass products is their appearance. If artificial turf looks too shiny, rough, patchy, matted, or oddly uniform in color, odds are that it’s a low-quality product. While appearances can be deceiving, putting green turf that looks unrealistic or cheap is likely a subpar option that won’t hold up long. 

Opt for synthetic grass products with texturized, 3D fibers in varied shades of green to more accurately mimic the look of fresh grass. Putting green turf should feel plush, with a pile height of roughly 0.5 inches. This length ensures a sturdy playing surface and professional-level stimp speeds. When it comes to artificial grass, appearance impacts more than your curb appeal — it indicates overall quality and playing experience.

Low Fiber Density

Custom putting greens experience higher foot traffic and activity levels than your average lawn, which makes adequate fiber density critical. Artificial turf putting greens with low fiber density won’t provide the sturdy, consistent surface necessary for a smooth and accurate ball roll. Turf with a low face weight is also more delicate and will likely deteriorate more rapidly due to the higher foot traffic experienced by backyard putting greens. Opt for synthetic grass with a face weight between 40 and 100 ounces to guarantee peak performance and longevity.

Weak Backing Systems

The backing system is the foundation of good putting green turf. This critical component reinforces the synthetic turf fibers against damage from foot traffic, extreme weather, and club impacts, which often create divots in natural grass. Putting green turf with a high-quality backing, like the K29 Triple-Later Non-Expansive Backing, is significantly sturdier and more secure than turf with subpar backings, saving you money on repairs and replacements.

Premium backings provide an additional advantage: drainage. A top-tier backing is designed to efficiently drain water to prevent waterlogging, soil erosion, and bacterial growth. Add a high-quality drainage grid to optimize flow rates for maximum drainage potential. Don’t let weather or pet messes disrupt your gameplay and deteriorate your course! Invest in high-quality synthetic grass products in Sacramento, CA.

Lacks UV Protection

While indoor courses are always an option with artificial grass, it’s likely that your custom putting green will be outside in Sacramento, CA. This means extensive sun exposure, which can cause significant fading of the rich, green hues in subpar turf products. As a result, your course won’t retain its realistic appearance for long. Advanced putting green turf features UV inhibitors that coat each turf blade during the manufacturing process. This innovation protects the verdant hues of backyard putting greens from the sun, ensuring colorfastness for years.

Investing in premium synthetic grass is critical for maximizing ROI and player satisfaction. SGW Sacramento makes accessing the best putting green turf easy, with a celebrated selection of premium products and accessories like checkered flags and cups. Our streamlined distribution makes custom putting greens more affordable and helps landscapers complete their lawn projects on time. Call SGW Sacramento at 916.797.0682 or contact us online to elevate your property with country club elegance!