Artificial Greens

[Mark_Fine]

Years ago I designed and built a three hole short course for a First Tee facility with artificial greens but outside of that I don’t do much that isn’t live grass other than some artificial tees on driving ranges.  Anyone here have recent experience/recommendations with building costs and maintenance associated with good high end artificial greens?  I pulled out all the specs we used years ago but I know technology has changed. 


Sent from my iPhone

[Peter Flory]

Have you looked at Gator National? 

[Adam Lawrence]

I haven't seen it in use, but Landscapes Unlimited have a new product developed with Dave Pelz that they say is a game-changer.

[Mark_Fine]

Thanks Peter. I had a look and it’s pretty cool what they did at Gator National.


Adam,
I will have to check that new product out.  I don’t follow the artificial turf developments so this is helpful.  We may not go in this direction but it is helpful to know about other options.  Thanks

[Brian Ross]

Mark,

I built the aforementioned Gator National in Boerne, TX last fall. We considered Dave Pelz's product but ultimately decided to go with Celebrity Greens which was started by the same guy who founded Southwest Greens in the 90s. The artificial turf industry has come a long way and I was really impressed by how well the greens receive and hold balls. You can see my client spinning balls on some 50-60 yard pitches in the videos here:

https://twitter.com/GatorNational/status/1302637486074716161?s=20

https://twitter.com/GatorNational/status/1302638656725880834?s=20

This was my first experience with artificial turf, too, but the process was painless and fairly similar to normal green construction (just with different materials).

Here in Central Texas, you are typically going to see prices in the range of $20-$25 per square foot, all in, but I've heard that other markets tend to be a bit lower. Obviously project scale will have an impact and you can also potentially save a few bucks by doing most of the shaping yourself as we did at Gator National. PM me if you have any more specific questions!

Here are a few photos:

[Mark_Fine]

Brian,
Great info and congrats on Gator National!   Very well done!  We will definitely have to catch up. 


I will be in touch.  Thank you!
Mark