[SprinklerGuy]

Hi all..haven't been here in awhile, but in my latest quest for new ideas I came over here and searched for any threads on putting greens...found a few and wanted to bump this idea to the top.

I have been considering putting greens for awhile now...those that do not know me.....some background....I am an irrigation guy and have been for a looong time. Just sold my company in AZ this past summer and have lived in Colorado now for 4 years almost....this past summer was my first foray into irrigating in a winter climate....and now I have too much time on my hands. Have been helping buddies w/ their home contracting companies..some solar installs....and just built a cedar fence, but money is running out and I am desperate to find a way to make a living......just like old times! (haven't struggled in 10 years....not sure how to handle myself)

Anyway my point...putting greens appear to be a novelty and I am concerned about how they "age". I am also concerned because during my research phase I have come across many companies that say their turf is the "best"....that was to be expected I suppose, but boy am I sick of the friggin run around. Most of the companies want a huge franchise fee..the one company that doesn't want a franchise fee...allprogreens.com....shows up on some of these forums as bad news....poor quality etc. What is a man to do?

Bill Schwab...I respect your opinions...how is your green you put in a couple of years ago holding up?

Some of you others...especially those that were considering allpro a couple of years ago..how did that go?

Any other comments would be much appreciated...thanks in advance!

[cutntrim]

I can't speak about putting greens, but a good way to earn winter money in Colorado would be snowplowing. Even subbing for someone on a light route would earn some extra coin.

[Stonehenge]

We were this close (*fingers spread only slightly*) to landing a putting green this year - had a potential supplier send over a sample. Looked OK, didn't really wow me. Didn't look like the turf at the new Ford Field, which was kind of what I was hoping for.

Can't add much more than that, other than it appeared to be the same product offered by many of the other suppliers.

[Bill Schwab]

I'll send you some pictures of the Carmel Valley bleachers, football field and track we just finished when I get a breather.

You will get some fade, but in areas where water is an expense, very salable.

Tony, the green in our website is as nice as the day we turned that project over to the owner. I would recommend taking a few classes before actually doing a green, there are a few little tidbits you can gleen that will make the job easier for you. It's profitable and easy to train employees.

[HRLand]

I installed in my yard as a test and was not impressed. We followed the directions that came with it and the cups still lifted in the winter.

[SprinklerGuy]

Bill...which classes do you recommend....?

HrLand....if the directions that I have been given were followed, the cups shouldn't have lifted at all....the base of the green should prevent that....hmm..interesting.

Thanks for the advice so far!

[Bill Schwab]

Tony;

The manufacturer of the turf sponsored the classes our guys took. I know there are distributors around who do the same.

Try doing some type of search and I would hope you could get something near where you are at. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[golf green guy]

Tony,

Check out Golf Greens "Fore" U (www.golfgreensforeu.com). I'll tell you up front that I do represent them in VA and NC, but I can put you in touch w/ my counterparts in AZ and/or CO.

I can also, if interested, send you a sample of the turf so you can see for yourself why it's not like any other. I won't get into the details here, but it really is amazing stuff.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do... and if you know anyone in eastern NC interested in this type of thing, let me know. I need help.

Feel free to e-mail if any questions.

Ed aka Golf Green Guy

[bcx400]

I have been researching this subject for years, and have finally purchased a franchise from what I believe is the absolute best putting green installation company out there, Southwest Greens. They have the best product and an incredible marketing program. The green resembles a real bent grass green, putts true, and will take and hold long and short shots like a real green. Check out southwestgreens.com if you are interested. I have been to their headquarters twice, and I can tell you that the product and the system are unbeatable.

[justgardens]

I'm interested in this thread because putting greens are a new potential money maker here in NE Ohio. I have many samples of greens from different companies and many "experts" ideas on the proper way to install..sand or no sand. Anyone installing these in cold weather climates? The freeze and thaw are killers here. My husband is patiently waiting for me to install one for him as I didn't get it done last year. he will be chipping from 100feet. Any suggestions on turf material and the sand versus no sand debate. I'm all ears.

[GLAN]

I was thinking of making my front lawn a green.

Beautifull spot......open area, lots of sun. Have a Chinese Elm on the south side that will provide some shade in the future....my front lawn area is small enough and would be perfect for a green.

OK.......so that's on the wish list.

We do assisted living properties and each has a putting green......One that is shaded most the day is awefull. Mold, fungus is prevelant on the green that is most shaded.

Also we began to see the second season after they were installed that grass is growing through in spots along the boarder.

I wouldn't say that artificial putting greens are maintenance free.

The ones at the Assisted Livings had sand swept into the turf. As of last year they were all hard as concrete. I read that artificial greens that have sand raked in do in fact need grooming periodicaly.

Last year I did some searching and found turf manufacturers that offer putting green turf where they recommend ground rubber instead of sand. One other I found didn't require anything raked or swept into the turf......the later would be my choice.

Sorry.......didn't save my search results