All synthetic golf course

[billchao]

I'd play on synthetic grass. Like others have said, I think it would be great during the seasons where the courses aren't in the best of shape.

I was thinking it might be good when there's been a lot of rain, for example. You wouldn't have to worry about plugged lies. Then I thought, well you can just play LCP like the pros do in South FL

[Patch]

As I said above, I'd play on it. Then again I tend to hit the ball on the thin side. Those folks who would need to take divot might find it some what tougher. Unless of course they make it so a person could take a divot. I don't think the technology come that far as yet.

[sgt1372]

I'd sure try it BUT a Heavenly Greens vendor once quoted me over $10k to install synthetic grass in my postage stamp sized backyard.  Can't imagine what it would cost to do any entire golf course, even if the guy's getting the material at wholesale.

[Patch]

I'd sure try it BUT a Heavenly Greens vendor once quoted me over $10k to install synthetic grass in my postage stamp sized backyard.  Can't imagine what it would cost to do any entire golf course, even if the guy's getting the material at wholesale.

I read an article once that said it would cost between $8-$12 per square foot to do a golf course in synthetic turf. $300,000.00 per hole on average. Grass itself is much cheaper until you add in maintenance, fertilizer, watering,  irrigation lines, pumps, valves and assorted other electrical stuff.

[billchao]

Grass itself is much cheaper until you add in maintenance, fertilizer, watering,  irrigation lines, pumps, valves and assorted other electrical stuff.

True, but the difference is synthetic is a huge cost up front vs cost over time. Sure, maintenance of a grass course probably exceeds the initial cost of a synthetic course at some point, but present value of money and all that jazz. Plus, an irrigation and drainage system should be cheaper to install than artificial turf. The more I think about it, the less it makes sense from a business standpoint. Golf courses don't exactly make the greatest investments, so why add to that cost? Plus, you could probably just build a dirt course, plop in some artificial greens, and make everyone play with one of these: [CONTENTEMBED=/t/77578/never-seen-this-before-smart-mat-for-winter-rules layout=block][/CONTENTEMBED] Or you can cut your watering costs by going the Pinehurst route. I'd still play an all synhetic course, though.

[Golfingdad]

True, but the difference is synthetic is a huge cost up front vs cost over time. Sure, maintenance of a grass course probably exceeds the initial cost of a synthetic course at some point, but present value of money and all that jazz. Plus, an irrigation and drainage system should be cheaper to install than artificial turf. The more I think about it, the less it makes sense from a business standpoint. Golf courses don't exactly make the greatest investments, so why add to that cost? Plus, you could probably just build a dirt course, plop in some artificial greens, and make everyone play with one of these: [CONTENTEMBED=/t/77578/never-seen-this-before-smart-mat-for-winter-rules layout=block][/CONTENTEMBED] Or you can cut your watering costs by going the Pinehurst route. I'd still play an all synhetic course, though.

Just wanted to point out that a synthetic course would still need a drainage system. Only thing they wouldn't need is irrigation, and considerably less maintenance.

[Topper]

It would be interesting to see a true evaluation of the economics.  I suspect the very high initial capital costs for artificial turf courses (relative to the probable life span of the turf) combined with ongoing course maintenance costs result in economics that are not dramatically different than natural courses that utilize environmentally friendly practices.

I'd be willing to give it a try....as long as I wasn't roasted on a sunny day.

[billchao]

Just wanted to point out that a synthetic course would still need a drainage system.

You're right. I don't know why I added that. It wasn't in my original draft.

[Patch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patch

Grass itself is much cheaper until you add in maintenance, fertilizer, watering,  irrigation lines, pumps, valves and assorted other electrical stuff.

True, but the difference is synthetic is a huge cost up front vs cost over time. Sure, maintenance of a grass course probably exceeds the initial cost of a synthetic course at some point, but present value of money and all that jazz. Plus, an irrigation and drainage system should be cheaper to install than artificial turf.

The more I think about it, the less it makes sense from a business standpoint. Golf courses don't exactly make the greatest investments, so why add to that cost? Plus, you could probably just build a dirt course, plop in some artificial greens, and make everyone play with one of these:

Or you can cut your watering costs by going the Pinehurst route.

I'd still play an all synhetic course, though.

You are correct about the dirt course. I played a course up in central Nevada that was made of oiled sand that had been compacted. It was out in the middle of no where as we were driving by. Saw the sign, and pulled in. It was private course for a mining company, and there were only 5 holes as I recall. We made some donation to a fund, and they let us on. It played well, although there were longer roll outs after the carry. It was fun, and we were still golfing.

I always wondered why courses just didn't do away with grasses in non normal playing areas. I think grass could be used only on fairway landing areas, and a green. If you missed a landing area, or the green you played out of dirt, or some other non maintenance required material.  I don't see a need for grass on tee box.

[Braivo]

I'd play it, absolutely. Particularly in early spring or late fall when other courses are in poor shape.

This is likely the popular opinion.  Unfortunately, this isn't a very convincing business case for someone looking to invest up to $15million in a course.  Not likely to happen anytime soon.

Perhaps, in a densely populated urban area this would have a chance as a touristy type attraction, similar to the indoor ski dome in Japan.

[billchao]

I always wondered why courses just didn't do away with grasses in non normal playing areas. I think grass could be used only on fairway landing areas, and a green. If you missed a landing area, or the green you played out of dirt, or some other non maintenance required material.  I don't see a need for grass on tee box.

The dirt course wouldn't work around temperate climes. It was a poor suggestion on my part for my area. Bare dirt during the growing seasons (spring and early fall) would quickly get overrun with weeds. I have seen pictures of desert courses that are basically little green islands of grass in the middle of the desert. They're pretty cool to look at.

[tristanhilton85]

I'd play it.

[ghalfaire]

I guess they would not have to "overseed" every fall and that would be nice.  But having hit off artificial grass on driving ranges I'm not sure I'd like such a golf course.  But I would try it once anyway and whether or not I'd play a second time would depend on the first time experience.

[Golfingdad]

There is a nice new kids park by my house that used artificial turf all around the playground area.  It was the first time I'd seen artificial grass in a hilly setting.  Down near the bottom of the hill the grass (and mind you this was brand spanking new) was kind of bunched up with these little ripples that didn't belong there.

It seems like it would be a chore to avoid that kind of stuff over the several acres that make up a golf course.  I'd also be concerned with how it could stand up to golf carts.  Specifically, younger people who make sharp turns or skid the brakes.

I would love to try one out, but it seems like the feasibility would be low.

[Foursum Golf]

I'd definitely give it a try. I was curious about the economics of a course like this so I'm glad somebody added it above.

[Zeph]

I don't see a reason why I wouldn't try it. If done properly, I'm sure it works out.

[Dave2512]

I've heard there was one here. Story is it was 3 holes with a self serve box with a slot in it to pay fees. They shoveled snow off it in the winter. Locals speak fondly of it so done right it sounds pretty cool.