About :: Dave Pelz SYNLawn Golf Research

Searching for true golf performance

Can SYNLawn really help your golf game?

Dave Pelz researching pitching characteristics of SYNLawn putting greens

That is the question we asked Dave Pelz. To which he replied, “let’s find out.” It’s one thing to look like a golf green. It’s quite another to actually perform like one. Therefore, he decided the only way to find out if a SYNLawn golf green can truly perform was to test it.

SYNLawn has always manufactured top quality golf products with superior nylon fibers and strict quality control standards. Our internal labs continuously test SYNLawn products for wearability, resiliency and overall workmanship. However, when it comes to understanding true golf performance we knew we had to find an expert.

Measuring pitching distance on SYNLawn artificial putting green surface

Partnering with short game guru and former NASA scientist, Dave Pelz, we invested in creating our own test facility at the Pelz Golf Institute in Austin, Texas. The test facility was designed to focus primarily on the short game and putting, or as Mr. Pelz calls it, “the scoring game.”

Using proprietary testing methods developed by the Pelz Golf Institute, all of our golf products and installation techniques were put through rigorous testing procedures for the past year looking for the best performer in putting, chipping and pitching. The results of the year long tests are represented in the Pelz Rating indicated by each of our putting green products. The installation methods utilized at the Austin test facility are the basis for the SYNLawn Greensmaster™ installation program.

Putting Rating

The putting rating is a performance level indicator of how smoothly putts roll, how much deviation from the perfect putt line occurs, and how consistent the green-speed is maintained across the surface.

Chipping Rating

Utilizing the same criteria as the putting rating, this rating indicates the performance level of ball reaction to short chips from the fringe or within 5 yards of the green.

Pitching Rating

The pitching performance indicator shows the results of how well the green accepts pitch shots from under 100 yards.

Green-Speed Measurement

The green-speed, measured in feet, is the accurate speed of the green as measured by the PelzMeter® in both directions, without infill or top-dressing, when installed on a level base. Green-speed will vary depending on the local geographic climate.