Hi everyone, JW here and today’s question is one I hear all the time: Why don’t putting greens have drainage holes, and how do you prevent “Standing Water” from sabotaging the surface?

Over the past decade, synthetic putting greens have gained significant popularity. But here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: most putting green materials are manufactured without drainage holes punched into the backing. Yes, that’s right… No drainage holes.

Why is that, you ask?

It’s because these drainage holes allow water to flow through the turf and into the compacted base.

Why is that a bad thing?

Excessive water intrusion, particularly a lot of water, can soften the base, initiate settlement, and destroy any existing planetary undulations that were created.
When this happens, you end up practicing on long-term damage and uneven surfaces. Good luck with making birdies on that one.
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Now, if your green is completely flat and level, water has nowhere to go.

It can get trapped by the exterior fringe, and during a heavy storm, that trapped water can cause serious issues.

One of those issues is called “air-locking.” That’s when air gets trapped under the synthetic turf and has nowhere to escape. It is crazy how this happens”.

When the golf green gets flooded, the moving water pushes trapped air beneath the surface, distorting the turf, creating large air bubbles, and stretching the entire surface.

And when the water has subsided and dried out? You are left with more wrinkles than a Shar Pei dog and a putting surface that can never be used.

So how do you prevent all of this?

The key is in the design of the installation. I’ve always recommended creating a positive slope within your undulations. This helps shed excessive stormwater and maintains a planetary surface.

The base must be elevated to prevent any water from damaging its integrity.

Drainage rock must be used below the surface to allow the excessive water run-off to flow under and through to prevent settlement.

So, remember, putting greens don’t need drainage holes. What they need is smart design, proper slope, and the right base prep to stay playable, durable, and puddle-free.

Thanks for watching Ask JW. If you’ve got a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode, drop it in the comments or send it to us through SGW.

Until next time, keep it rolling true.