Extreme Weather Fuels the Rise of Artificial Turf Greens

Consistent conditions, easier turf maintenance
Cost savings, realistic spin and shot feel
TGL launch showcases full-scale use of artificial turf

The area that domestic golf courses invest the most effort in is the greens. When the greens are in good condition, amateur golfers tend to give more favorable evaluations. Conversely, if the greens are poorly maintained, a golf course can quickly earn a reputation as “a place you never want to visit again.”

Most golf courses aspire to create what is known as “glass-like greens,” but the reality is far from easy. The costs are significant. In Korea, bentgrass is most commonly used on golf course greens. While it maintains a vibrant green color even in winter and is visually appealing, it is difficult to manage. Maintenance personnel often need to be deployed even during play. To ensure the safety of workers, announcements like “Ball coming, please be careful” are frequently repeated.

Recently, climate variables have compounded these challenges. Unusual heatwaves and high temperatures have scorched the greens, and heavy rainfall has further damaged cool-season grasses. As a result, more golf courses are beginning to switch to Korean grass varieties.

TGL is a new golf league that combines indoor screen golf with cutting-edge artificial turf technology. AP Yonhap News

In this context, artificial turf greens are emerging as an alternative. They are less affected by weather and can maintain consistent playing conditions. With only basic cleaning and infill replenishment, artificial turf can be used for extended periods, reducing maintenance demands. In the long term, this leads to cost savings as well. Thanks to recent technological advances, artificial turf now closely replicates the ball behavior and roll of real greens, earning praise for providing a natural feel even from the fairway.

There is also a wide variety of artificial turf materials. The most widely used is polyethylene (PE), which is soft and provides an appearance and performance similar to natural grass. Polypropylene (PP) offers excellent heat and chemical resistance. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide (nylon) are also used. Recently, products that combine multiple materials to maximize their respective strengths have been introduced to the market.

Using artificial turf to create golf greens can reduce costs and benefit the environment. Provided by STI Korea

The environmental advantages are also significant. Artificial turf greatly reduces water usage and eliminates the need for fertilizers or pesticides, thereby helping to reduce soil and water pollution. Its long lifespan and recyclability are further benefits. Artificial turf also maintains relatively stable performance even under extreme weather conditions, while offering easier maintenance and reducing the risk of injuries. Products featuring advanced coating technologies and drainage systems now provide water repellency, flame resistance, and UV protection as well.

Uiryeong Chinhwangyeong Golf Course, located on the banks of the Nam River in South Gyeongsang Province, is the only golf course in Korea to have adopted artificial turf greens. As an eco-friendly walking course with natural river scenery, it has minimized pesticide use areas by applying artificial turf to the greens.

Uiryeong Chinhwangyeong Golf Course is the only golf course in the country to have constructed its greens with artificial turf. Provided by Uiryeong Chinhwangyeong Golf Course.

Artificial turf is also actively utilized in the screen golf sector. A representative example is the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), launched in January 2025, spearheaded by Tiger Woods (USA) and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland). This indoor screen golf league incorporates cutting-edge technology and is highly space-efficient. It is held at Sofi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States, inside an approximately 23,000-square-meter indoor stadium equipped with a large screen measuring 19.5 meters wide by 16 meters high. By combining artificial and natural turf, the league recreates a setting similar to an actual golf course, and although there is only one green, each hole has different shapes, slopes, and undulations to enhance strategic play.

As such, artificial turf has already become part of everyday life. In addition to golf courses and driving ranges, it is widely used in various field sports such as soccer, baseball, and tennis. Its applications are expanding to include children’s playgrounds, landscaping areas, and even dedicated spaces for pets.

The practice range at Pocheon Ildong Lake Golf Club has been receiving favorable reviews after installing artificial turf that closely resembles natural grass. Provided by STI Korea

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.