Synthetic Turf Newsletter

December 17, 2007, Jupiter, FL—Synthetic Turf International (STI), a global synthetic turf supplier and installer of premium synthetic putting greens and related synthetic surfaces, recently completed the installation of a synthetic putting green, short-game practice area and driving range tee line at the David Leadbetter Academy located at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine, California. The project was completed in conjunction with Pioneer Golf of Newbury Park, California.

Constructed of STI’s exclusive nylon NP50® putting surface, the 1,600 square foot, seven-hole putting course features a unique layout created to produce the same subtleties and character as a traditional golf course. Designed to match a natural putting green’s roll of 10 or 11 on the Stimpmeter, STI’s synthetic putting green allows players to develop their touch and technique through true roll characteristics found in select professional greens. The tour-quality synthetic surface “holds” the ball, enabling consistent putts with a true roll from every position on the green. Strawberry Farms’ distinctive putting course design includes challenging undulations that allow for straight putts, double-breaking putts, fast downhill putts and uphill putts. A fringe of STI’s SoftLawn®® Paspalum synthetic turf surrounds the green.

SoftLawn®® was also used to create a 700 square foot short-game practice area. SoftLawn®’s® multi-directional blades present a realistic appearance while providing the ideal setting for golfers to practice their short-game.

Constructed with STI’s innovative EZ Tee® surface, the uniquely designed tee line was built up to allow students to perform hitting drills from an elevated tee box. STI’s EZ Tee® system is a natural-looking synthetic turf designed specifically for driving range tee lines. In addition to being able to hit directly off the surface, golfers can also hit off a standard golf tee placed directly in the EZ Tee® surface. Virtually maintenance-free, EZ Tee® eliminates the need to relocate and reseed driving range areas, thereby permitting continuous use. This is a key advantage for the myriad of golfers who utilize the Academy.

Commenting on the project, Pioneer Golf’s President Keith Thykeson stated, “We exceed established design standards for every project we undertake. But the size of this particular project allowed us to be creative in our design. We were able to come up with something special for the Academy and the instructors who use it.”
Golf instructor and coach David Leadbetter is known throughout the world for his innovative teaching techniques. There are currently 30 David Leadbetter Golf Academies located in 13 countries around the world. The David Leadbetter Academy at Strawberry Farms Golf Club offers a full roster of instructional programs for all levels of golfers.

Founded in 1995, with international headquarters in Jupiter, Florida, STI is recognized as the leading supplier/installer of residential or backyard synthetic putting greens. STI projects range from condominiums and townhouses to single family homes and large residential estates. The company supplies a host of golf-specific synthetic turf solutions to country clubs, golf clubs, teaching facilities and short game academies. STI is endorsed by David Leadbetter, one of the industry’s most respected instructors. STI provides and installs synthetic surfaces for recreation and sport venues both professional and amateur, including youth football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, lawn bowling, bocce and other sports.

STI distributor partners are situated throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the West Indies, Germany, France, Spain, England and South Africa. STI welcomes distributor inquiries. For sales inquires contact Synthetic Turf International at 800-405-7455. For media inquires please contact Bobbie DuBose at 561-746-6077. Visit the STI website at www.synthetic-turf.com.