Walpole Country Club was among the first in WA to install a synthetic bowling green. Now over 55% of bowling greens in the State are synthetic.Synthetic golf greens were not initially as successful as they packed down, hardened and then did not act like grass greens. Now:
As expected the surrounds have been improved and maintenance of the greens has been minimal. Continuing improvements are being made both to the surrounds of the greens and the course itself which now receives many complements. Heavy winter rains do not effect the greens and unlike sand can be played without any flooding or wash problems.
- Advances have demonstrated that our new synthetics behave like grass greens and do not become hard and fast because of the "Envirofill" infill. They stop the ball and putt truly. They are already widely used as practice greens by professional golfers.
- Our synthetics are an environmentally acceptable product as they are infused with Microban protection; require no fertilisers, insecticides, and little other herbicide/fungicide. Importantly they also do not require watering or binding agents as do sand greens; significant issues in Walpole because of the proximity of the Walpole/Nornalup marine park and national parks.
- The synthetics will encourage more people to play more often which will have undoubted health benefits. With synthetics establishing more interesting forms of the game for beginners can be made easier.
- Maintenance of synthetics is less than sand and vastly less than grass, requiring less machinery or human effort. Replacement costs are a fraction of the initial installation.
- Our synthetics are unique and as a consequence the already significant number of visitors to the club will increase dramatically. Players who will not play on sand will visit to see the new developments.
As expected the surrounds have been improved and maintenance of the greens has been minimal. Continuing improvements are being made both to the surrounds of the greens and the course itself which now receives many complements. Heavy winter rains do not effect the greens and unlike sand can be played without any flooding or wash problems.