First-of-its-Kind Synthetic Turf Green Sets Benchmark in Australia

POSTED ON January 22, 2025 @ 4:00 pm

(Golfers can be putting on the green the day it’s completed.)

Flagstaff Hill Golf Club in Adelaide, Australia, is undergoing a groundbreaking upgrade to its golf facilities, spearheaded by Himalayas Golf, a global golf design and construction firm. This ambitious project, set to transform the clubhouse area, comprises three key phases:

Synthetic turf practice green
18-hole synthetic turf putting course spanning 2,200m²
Short game practice facility and first tee box complex featuring 1,150m² of bent grass greens

(Masterplan layout of the clubhouse area at Flagstaff Hill GC by Himalayas Golf)

A Milestone in Synthetic Turf Greens

(The Precision Putt turf offers the truest role out there and can achieve stimp speeds of up to 13.)

(With the ShotStopper Pro underlay system, shots can be hit into the green with the same ball reaction as a grass green, without leaving any pitch marks.)

The completed green covers a total area of 350m², including 210m² of putting surface. What makes this green truly unique is the innovative synthetic turf and underlay system used – a first for Australia and among the first of its kind outside North America.

The Benefits of Synthetic Turf

Construction of the synthetic turf green began in early November and, impressively, was completed and opened for play by mid-November. This rapid turnaround highlights the efficiency of synthetic turf installation.

Synthetic turf provides numerous advantages, making it an ideal solution for modern golf facilities. It offers a highly consistent playing surface, free from wear and tear. Unlike natural turf, synthetic turf is not damaged by pitch marks or divots, ensuring a flawless appearance and performance over time. Additionally, it requires significantly less maintenance than natural grass, reducing water usage, mowing, and fertilizer needs. These benefits make synthetic turf a sustainable, cost-effective choice for year-round play.

A Practice-Focused Design

The synthetic green has been designed with practice in mind, featuring distinct areas that allow golfers to work on various aspects of their short game. Whether it’s perfecting lag putting, mastering short putts with both straight and breaking lines, or honing wedge distance control, this green offers tailored opportunities to sharpen critical skills. This intentional design provides a comprehensive training space that caters to golfers of all skill levels, helping them improve their game in a controlled and enjoyable environment.

A Collaborative Effort with Global Reach

(Himalayas Golf and Synlawn with the group of attendees from the training event.)

Synlawn supplied their Precision Putt Turf and ShotStopper Pro Underlay System, which represent the pinnacle of synthetic turf technology. This product combination allows players to hit shots into the green with the same ball reaction as one would find on a tour set up golf course. These products deliver an incredibly realistic playing surface, earning Synlawn recognition as the official synthetic turf partner of the TGL by SoFi (Tomorrow Golf League) — the team golf league backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroys TMRW Sports.

In fact, the SoFi Center in Florida where the TGL is based, features nearly 3,000m² of Synlawn’s advanced synthetic turf, including putting surfaces identical to the ones installed at Flagstaff Hill GC. Designed to meet the highest standards for professional players, the system underwent years of rigorous testing to replicate the authentic feel of tour-level greens.

Himalayas Golf were responsible for the design and construction of the green. Meanwhile, Synlawn used the installation process as an opportunity to train clients from across the Asia-Pacific region. The workshop drew over 50 attendees from as far away as South Korea and as close as Adelaide, offering hands-on experience with the intricate installation process.

The training event was highly successful, equipping participants with the knowledge to replicate these advanced systems in their respective regions.

(The attendees installed the ShotStopper Pro underlay system. This patented technology allows shots can be hit into the green with the same ball reaction as a grass green, without leaving any pitch marks.)

(Synlawn demonstrating the installation process of their Precision Putt synthetic turf.)

Himalayas Golf were responsible for the design and construction, whilst Synlawn used the installation process as an opportunity to train clients from across the Asia-Pacific region. The workshop drew over 50 attendees from as far away as South Korea and as close as Adelaide, offering hands-on experience with the intricate installation process.

The training event was highly successful, equipping participants with the knowledge to replicate these advanced systems in their respective regions.

What’s Next?

The next two phases of the project are set to begin in January 2025:

The 18-hole putting course is scheduled to open by April.
The short game practice area, will open approximately three months after seeding (late February)

The putting course has been designed with both playability and enjoyment in mind. Wide putting areas and undulating slopes aim to attract new golfers while still offering challenges and creative shot making for seasoned players. One standout feature is the 7th hole, designed as a miniature replica of the club’s signature par-3 7th hole.

The short game area will include wedge target greens by renowned short-game guru Dave Pelz, allowing players to hone their wedge distance control. Additionally, two bent grass practice greens will be paired with a unique scorecard system developed by Himalayas Golf. This system enables players and coaches to track progress, compete, and Practice With Purpose.

An aerial of the green with the natural turf surrounds being installed and grown in.

A Catalyst for Membership Growth and Revenue Generation

These new facilities are expected to play a crucial role in growing the club’s membership base by introducing more people to golf. The engaging and accessible design of the 18-hole putting course and short game practice area caters to golfers of all skill levels, making the game more approachable and enjoyable for newcomers.

Additionally, the facilities are designed to generate alternative revenue streams for the club, such as hosting corporate events, group lessons, and casual social play. This diversification of offerings will help Flagstaff Hill Golf Club remain financially sustainable while fostering a vibrant community of golf enthusiasts.

A Benchmark for Australian Golf

Himalayas Golf is excited to deliver this innovative project, which combines entertainment, training, and community engagement. By concentrating these features around the clubhouse area, the project sets a new benchmark for golf facilities in Australia.

Flagstaff Hill Golf Club is poised to become a model for clubs nationwide, demonstrating how thoughtful design and cutting-edge technology can transform the golfing experience for players of all skill levels.