A HOLE IN ONE FOR SYNTHETIC TURF

In a first-of-its-kind project, this synthetic turf green has set a new benchmark in Australia.

Currently in the process of undergoing a groundbreaking upgrade to its facilities, Flagstaff Hill Golf Club in Adelaide is a premier golfing destination. An ambitious project managed by global golf design and construction firm Himalayas Golf, the Flagstaff reimagining is set to take place through three key upgrades: a synthetic turf practice green, 18-hole synthetic turf putting course, and a short game practice facility and first tee box complex.

With a mission to grow the game of golf sustainably across the globe, Himalayas Golf specified SYNLawn to help bring the Flagstaff overhaul to life. The first phase of the project was the turf practice green. Covering a total area of 350 square metres, including 210 square metres of putting surface, the new club amenity offers patrons a quality playing surface.

“What makes this green truly unique is the innovative synthetic turf and underlay system created by SYNLawn — which is a first for Australia and among the first of its kind outside North America,” explains Jean-Luc Regaud, General Manager of International Operations at Himalayas Golf.
Construction of the synthetic turf green began in early November 2024 and, impressively, was completed and opened for play by mid-November. This rapid turnaround highlights the efficiency of synthetic turf installation. “Synthetic turf provides numerous advantages, making it an ideal solution for modern golf facilities,” Regaud explains.

Designed with practice in mind, the new practice green features distinct areas that encourage golfers to work on various aspects of their short game, with tailored opportunities to sharpen critical skills.

More than just a well-designed green, the Flagstaff project was also the launchpad for SYNLawn’s Precision Putt Turf and TrueStop underlay system into the Australian market. Representing the pinnacle of synthetic turf technology, this product combination allows players to hit shots onto the green with the same ball reaction as one would find on a tour set-up golf course, making for an incredibly realistic playing surface. In fact, this revolutionary playing surface was developed for the new TGL by SoFi (Tomorrow Golf League), founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. It’s set to elevate the game of golf to an entirely new level.

While Himalayas Golf was responsible for the design and construction of the Flagstaff green, SYNLawn used the installation process as an opportunity to train partners from across the Asia-Pacific region on this new system. The workshop drew over 50 attendees from as far away as South Korea, offering hands-on experience with the installation process and equipping them with the knowledge to replicate these advanced systems in their respective regions.

With phase one complete, phase two kicked off in early 2025 with the ongoing construction of an 18-hole putting course that will also feature SYNLawn artificial turf.

News of the upgrades is already having a favourable impact on the club’s membership base. “Over the past 12 months, since we announced the development plans, we have welcomed 200 new members, with an additional 20 members in the month since the synthetic practice green was installed,” notes Chris Coulter, General Manager of Flagstaff Hill Golf Club.

Offering a highly flawless playing surface, synthetic turf is not damaged by pitch marks or divots, ensuring consistent performance over time. In addition, SYNLawn requires significantly less maintenance that natural grass, using less water and requiring no mowing or fertilising, which makes for a sustainable, cost-effective option for clubs everywhere.

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Himalayas Golf
Location Flagstaff Hill, SA
Synthetic Turf Supply SYNLawn Australia

COMPANY
SYNLawn Australia
P 1300 796 529
W synlawn.com.au