New 9 hole course in France to have synthetic turf.... trend of the future?

[Jeff Schley]

It was inevitable and IMO overdue as we think of of water scarcity. Big wave of the future?
Next consideration is not just about water, but how much CO2 does it take to produce and install the turf vs. maintenance and loss of carbon capture of the natural grass.

https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/content/synthetic-turf-course-in-construction-in-northeast-france

[Tim Martin]

There’s something to be said for not drawing a bad lie.

[Ally Mcintosh]

We’ve just torn up one of these in Dublin because it didn’t work. Back to natural grass.

[Steve_ Shaffer]

A 6hole synthetic turf short  course exists  at Foxfield, a residential community  in southern Delaware County in PA:




https://www.foxfield55plus.org/default.php

[Paul Jones]

I think synthetic turf will only work at driving ranges or maybe a par 3 course

[James Reader]

Surely covering large areas with plastic can’t be the right answer to anything, least of all a climate and biodiversity crisis.

[MCirba]

Lord, I hope not.   


I'm not sure I'd even want to play that game, although it may make economic sense in some environments.

[Thomas Dai]

Generally synthetic tees maybe ok. The rest, no. And why have bunkers at all? Rare breeds sheep for general area ‘mowing’ would be environmentally friendly and would produce a nice height of cut too.
In some climates/regions of the world there may be some benefit to more use of synthetic materials although could/would the synthetic materials stand up to extreme climates for prolonged periods?

Atb

[Michael Chadwick]

Surely covering large areas with plastic can’t be the right answer to anything, least of all a climate and biodiversity crisis.

+1

[Ben Stephens]

Surely covering large areas with plastic can’t be the right answer to anything, least of all a climate and biodiversity crisis.

+1

I agree with you and I try to avoid using plastic wherever on a golf course or building design. On the other hand it reduces the use of lawnmowers, chemical use on the golf course and you only would need a rough mower meaning maintenance costs are reduced.


Nothing is perfect its a balancing act of the pros and cons for some.