Artificial Turf Development as Surface for Golf Practice (P143)

Abstract

Demand for new golf courses is rising due to the increasing number of golfers, especially in coastal areas of South Europe with high sunshine and temperatures, but with very restrictive factors as water shortage. This factor has produced a growing interest in the introduction of artificial grass for golf courses. The aim of this study was the development of artificial turf for golf. At present, the behaviour of natural grass is considered as the reference for the development of artificial grass as a surface for golf courses. However, there is little information about its mechanical behaviour. The first step of this study was to generate a reference model of natural turf behaviour. Two discussion groups were conducted to identify and prioritize the requirements of the main zones of a golf course. After that, testing procedures and devices were developed for the study of the above-mentioned requirements. The tests carried out were rotational resistance, divot hole strength, ball roll, distance after bounce and angled ball rebound. The testing results were used to develop the proposed reference model in terms of reference values for the measured properties. After that, artificial turf samples (tee (14 samples),fairway (18), green (8)) were build using different carpets, sand size infill and different shock pads. The same tests were carried out on these samples. ANOVA statistical treatment was carried out on the obtained results. From the ANOVA, those artificial turf samples with the most similar behaviour to natural turf’s behaviour were determined for each golf course area.