Golf Digest Magazine, February 2006


Finally, fake greens that aren’t so fake

For years synthetic putting greens were like
fat-free potato chips – nice concept, but not
an enjoyable experience. But the latest greens
from a company called SofTrak (SofTrak) are getting a lot
closer to looking and playing like the real thing.

We tested a year-old SofTrak green at an
estate in New Canaan, Conn., and found that
it held shots from 150 yards, like a real green
on a dry day (firm but receptive), and putts
rolled true (about 11 on the Stimpmeter)
except for a little oscillation as the ball stopped
on the woven fiber. A 1,000-square-foot green
(about a third the size of Augusta National’s
par-3 12th) costs $15,000 ($15 per square foot)
to have installed.

The company lists tour pros Steve Flesch and Fred Couples as customers.