FAQ - SYNTHETIC TURF PRACTICE GOLF GREENS
_What is the average size for a practice green?
We build practice greens in all sizes, shapes, and dimensions. We seem to have a lot of requests for 400 to 600 square feet, but many people don't have the space, while others want them much larger. No project is too big or too small, and overall size is one of the determining factors in turf selection, longer nap for larger projects, for very small areas short nap works well.
Will I be able to chip to my green?
Yes. You can chip to an Advantage Golf Greens practice green if you select deep infill style of construction.
What about longer pitches?
Our deep infill putting greens will hold a shot from as far away as you can get off a shot without breaking any windows, just like a natural grass golf green. This enables golfers to practice establishing spin on their shot, or maybe get rid of some spin.
How can I be sure I'm choosing the right company to build my practice green?
Go see their work. Take the time, it will pay off. There is an enormous difference in the quality of both materials and installations. Once you see them you can make your decision, based on your budget and your desired project.
I found some really nice looking turf online! What am I missing, the price seems too good to be true?
Please consider the wonderful, "high quality turf" you are looking at online is highly likely to be seconds or irregulars. Only professional installers that purchase in bulk are able to obtain top quality, and it is generally at a lower price.
What about installing it myself, will I have a high quality result?
While this is possible, it has not been the case for anyone in our experience. This is not a learn-as-you-go, DIY type of project -- too many little details to know.
Do you work in Eastern Washington?
Yes.
Will moles try to come up through synthetic turf?
We have never seen moles attempting to come up through the turf. Moles like to crawl through tunnels in the soft earth, in search of tasty morsels--our gravel base is compacted and would mean a lot more work for them.
My landscaper says he can install my synthetic turf, and save me money. Is this a good idea?
Think of it this way: Would you want your roofer to install your pool? Your electrician to put in your new sink? Your carpet layer to install your new granite counter tops? Probably not. Working with synthetic turf requires expertise, hire a pro for a good job--which will save you money anyway. See below for more on this.
I found a terrific deal on a turf install! What should I watch out for?
In today's economy we are seeing some of the worst installations in the 15+ year history of our company. An inexperienced installer will make major mistakes that cannot be fixed, and is not likely to have access to good material to begin with. The better manufacturers will only sell to experienced, licensed professionals, and generally at a lower price. We have replaced an extraordinary number of projects, having to rip out and throw away a freshly installed inferior product, rework the bases, and finish them properly. You can avoid this nightmare experience but you must do your due diligence.
Do you have a waiting list?
Generally, yes.
How long is your wait list?
This varies, generally not more than a few weeks. If a company does not have a wait, as yourself why this may be so!
I am thinking of purchasing straight from the manufacturer, I think it will save me money--is this the right way to go?
First, double check any business claiming to be a manufacturer in the Puget Sound Region. Sometimes people can save money by purchasing from a manufacturer-direct. It always sounds appealing. Consider this though: there are no textile mills in the State of Washington, so chances are this "manufacturer" may be importing product(s) from another country. Our synthetic turf is actually manufactured in the United States of America, under the strict guidelines and rigorous and frequent inspections by the EPA. Also, as a first-time buyer one cannot receive the discounts Advantage Golf Greens, aka Synthetic Turf Northwest does.
What should the base construction material consist of? Crushed rock, granite, sand, or something else?
First, there are lots of types of turf. Let's talk about the base that 99.5% of our customers select. With a longer tufted turf, a specialty, permeable, "clean" rock base is best for stability and durability. There are certain situations where concrete bases are necessary--call for details.
Will a crushed rock base shift, crack, move or become untrue over time?
Not a properly built one.
Can I do part of the work myself? I'm very handy.
Maybe. And we do discount for this.
I have watched videos of how to install synthetic turf, are there any special secrets I should know?
Yes, way too many to list here. Keep this in mind: The videos you watched are worth exactly what you paid for them.
What are the proper grades to get the ball to roll legitimately, and at what speed?
We do not disclose this information, but it is important for the contractor to know.
Will seams show? And what is all this talk about pile height?
The correct type of turf combined with highly skilled seaming techniques will ensure invisible seams. The length of turf and tufts per square inch are part of 'pile height' and density, which is critical to a desired outcome.
When do seaming mistakes become evident?
When the project is near completion. Painful experience.
What size cups will I have, 6" regulation size or something else? And will the cup set look like a real golf green does?
Advantage Golf Greens uses regulation size cups and the cup set closely simulates a natural grass practice green.
Does Advantage Golf Greens use rubber infill for cushioning?
There is no advantage to a rubberized in-fill for a golf practice green. Therefore, our customers do not have rubber bits tracked into their house after putting on their golf green.
Will my green need more top dressing or infill after a year or more?
Our unique "bent tip" finishing process eliminates ball marks and sand shifting due to foot traffic. The more use, the better!
Will there be any hidden costs associated with my project?
We will thoroughly review all costs associated with your project, from excavation to flag tips. No surprises.
We build practice greens in all sizes, shapes, and dimensions. We seem to have a lot of requests for 400 to 600 square feet, but many people don't have the space, while others want them much larger. No project is too big or too small, and overall size is one of the determining factors in turf selection, longer nap for larger projects, for very small areas short nap works well.
Will I be able to chip to my green?
Yes. You can chip to an Advantage Golf Greens practice green if you select deep infill style of construction.
What about longer pitches?
Our deep infill putting greens will hold a shot from as far away as you can get off a shot without breaking any windows, just like a natural grass golf green. This enables golfers to practice establishing spin on their shot, or maybe get rid of some spin.
How can I be sure I'm choosing the right company to build my practice green?
Go see their work. Take the time, it will pay off. There is an enormous difference in the quality of both materials and installations. Once you see them you can make your decision, based on your budget and your desired project.
I found some really nice looking turf online! What am I missing, the price seems too good to be true?
Please consider the wonderful, "high quality turf" you are looking at online is highly likely to be seconds or irregulars. Only professional installers that purchase in bulk are able to obtain top quality, and it is generally at a lower price.
What about installing it myself, will I have a high quality result?
While this is possible, it has not been the case for anyone in our experience. This is not a learn-as-you-go, DIY type of project -- too many little details to know.
Do you work in Eastern Washington?
Yes.
Will moles try to come up through synthetic turf?
We have never seen moles attempting to come up through the turf. Moles like to crawl through tunnels in the soft earth, in search of tasty morsels--our gravel base is compacted and would mean a lot more work for them.
My landscaper says he can install my synthetic turf, and save me money. Is this a good idea?
Think of it this way: Would you want your roofer to install your pool? Your electrician to put in your new sink? Your carpet layer to install your new granite counter tops? Probably not. Working with synthetic turf requires expertise, hire a pro for a good job--which will save you money anyway. See below for more on this.
I found a terrific deal on a turf install! What should I watch out for?
In today's economy we are seeing some of the worst installations in the 15+ year history of our company. An inexperienced installer will make major mistakes that cannot be fixed, and is not likely to have access to good material to begin with. The better manufacturers will only sell to experienced, licensed professionals, and generally at a lower price. We have replaced an extraordinary number of projects, having to rip out and throw away a freshly installed inferior product, rework the bases, and finish them properly. You can avoid this nightmare experience but you must do your due diligence.
Do you have a waiting list?
Generally, yes.
How long is your wait list?
This varies, generally not more than a few weeks. If a company does not have a wait, as yourself why this may be so!
I am thinking of purchasing straight from the manufacturer, I think it will save me money--is this the right way to go?
First, double check any business claiming to be a manufacturer in the Puget Sound Region. Sometimes people can save money by purchasing from a manufacturer-direct. It always sounds appealing. Consider this though: there are no textile mills in the State of Washington, so chances are this "manufacturer" may be importing product(s) from another country. Our synthetic turf is actually manufactured in the United States of America, under the strict guidelines and rigorous and frequent inspections by the EPA. Also, as a first-time buyer one cannot receive the discounts Advantage Golf Greens, aka Synthetic Turf Northwest does.
What should the base construction material consist of? Crushed rock, granite, sand, or something else?
First, there are lots of types of turf. Let's talk about the base that 99.5% of our customers select. With a longer tufted turf, a specialty, permeable, "clean" rock base is best for stability and durability. There are certain situations where concrete bases are necessary--call for details.
Will a crushed rock base shift, crack, move or become untrue over time?
Not a properly built one.
Can I do part of the work myself? I'm very handy.
Maybe. And we do discount for this.
I have watched videos of how to install synthetic turf, are there any special secrets I should know?
Yes, way too many to list here. Keep this in mind: The videos you watched are worth exactly what you paid for them.
What are the proper grades to get the ball to roll legitimately, and at what speed?
We do not disclose this information, but it is important for the contractor to know.
Will seams show? And what is all this talk about pile height?
The correct type of turf combined with highly skilled seaming techniques will ensure invisible seams. The length of turf and tufts per square inch are part of 'pile height' and density, which is critical to a desired outcome.
When do seaming mistakes become evident?
When the project is near completion. Painful experience.
What size cups will I have, 6" regulation size or something else? And will the cup set look like a real golf green does?
Advantage Golf Greens uses regulation size cups and the cup set closely simulates a natural grass practice green.
Does Advantage Golf Greens use rubber infill for cushioning?
There is no advantage to a rubberized in-fill for a golf practice green. Therefore, our customers do not have rubber bits tracked into their house after putting on their golf green.
Will my green need more top dressing or infill after a year or more?
Our unique "bent tip" finishing process eliminates ball marks and sand shifting due to foot traffic. The more use, the better!
Will there be any hidden costs associated with my project?
We will thoroughly review all costs associated with your project, from excavation to flag tips. No surprises.