Frequently Asked Questions.
Prolinks Putting Greens has been designing and building residential and commercial putting greens since 1990. For your convenience, we have used our experience to compile some questions you may want answered.
What types of synthetic turf are available?
The two basic types of turf used in putting green installations are nylon and polypropylene. We install both types of greens. The nylon turf mimics the characteristics of a natural bent grass green. It is truly maintenance free, and the ball rolls true no matter which direction you putt from. This surface is for the golfer who wants to focus on their putting and short chip shots to the green.
Polypropylene turf is made up of coarse fibers that need an infill to get the fibers to stand up straight. Typical infill's would include sand and crushed rubber. These greens will hold a shot from a greater distance. This surface is for the golfer who wants to practice longer shots to the green.
What is sand-filled polypropylene turf?
Polypropylene turf is made up of coarse fibers that need 8 to 10 pounds of sand per square foot in order for the fibers to stand up straight. The sand eventually displaces from the turf due to rain and use, causing the turf to flatten and become very fast. This requires the green to be regularly brushed full of sand to keep the fiber vertical. It also needs rolled frequently to smooth the surface. These greens tend to hold shots well, but they are high maintenance, poor quality putting greens.
If I hit the balls onto the green, will I damage the surface?
The impact of thousands of balls hitting the green will not distort the nylon fiber, nor will it have any effect on the way the green looks or putts.
Can I switch the cups at any time?
Once the cups are installed, they cannot be changed. We install several cups in different locations to give you a variety of putts.
Are there any limitations to the undulations you can put in the putting green surface?
We will build the green that you want. The undulations are dictated by the size of the green. Generally speaking, the larger the green, the greater the opportunity for more contours.
How does the New England winters affect the green?
The winter has little or no effect on the green. You do not even have to cover the green. If there is no snow, you can enjoy your green year round.
Is there an average size putting green?
Each green is designed in proportion to the site. Our projects usually start in the 375-sq. ft. range and go to 3000 sq. ft.
How durable is the turf? Do I have to keep my children off of the green?
Our putting greens are extremely durable. You can hit irons off of it without fraying or damaging the turf. It is durable enough that children can play on the turf without damaging it.