Materials
The materials used in artificial grass can contain harsh chemicals which can mix with rainfall and run off into area water supplies. Synthetic turf also needs periodic disinfection because of certain bacteria which are normally dissolved or absorbed into natural soil. Golfers should be aware that artificial grass can also get very hot during summer months since there is no way for it to cool down from heat. Another disadvantage of artificial grass for golfers is the potential of slipping on it when the surface gets wet during rainy seasons.
Maintenance
While an artificial surface does not need mowing, or treatments like natural grass, one of the disadvantages of artificial grass is that it must be "raked" to get excess moisture off of it after rain or frost. Another maintenance problem is that certain types of artificial grass, such as nylon, can become matted down and therefore need complete replacement where natural grass can be given new life without down time for construction.
Unnatural Playing Field
The playing disadvantages of artificial grass for golfers depend on the surface. Nylon turf can only be used for balls being played from under 35 yards away. The surface gives an unnatural bounce to balls from any distance farther than this. A disadvantage of the polypropylene grass is the slowness of putts against the grain. And if this grass is not maintained, ball speed increases to the point where it is unmanageable.
Limitations
The "lie" of the ball on the green will be affected because the ball will not sit naturally on the surface of the ground. Artificial greens have a harder time accepting tees that must be punched into the surface to stand upright so the tee can accept the ball and players may need to use a heavier hardened tee to avoid the tee from breaking.
Injuries
With artificial grass being as hard as it is, the occurrence of "turf toe", where a golfer sprains their toe against the putting surface is a problem. Another problem is the stress the feet take by standing on artificial grass for long periods of time. Friction between artificial grass and skin can cause bruising and burns to a greater extent than natural grass.
About The Author
Jack S. Waverly is a Pennsylvania-based freelance writer who has written hundreds of articles relating to business, finance, travel, history and health. His current focus is on pets, gardens, personal finance and business management. Waverly has been writing online content professionally since 2007 for various providers and websites.
