The Benefits of Training on Real Grass Versus Artificial Grass
The Benefits of Training on Real Grass Versus Artificial Grass
As an experienced player and coach, I have experienced firsthand the impact that a training environment can have on a golfer’s development. One of the most significant factors to consider is the surface on which you practice, real grass or artificial grass. While both have their places in golf training, real grass offers several distinct advantages that can elevate your game to the next level.
Realistic Course-Like Conditions
The primary benefit of training on real grass is the ability to replicate on-course conditions. Real grass provides the most accurate representation of the fairways, rough and greens that you will encounter during course play. The variability in grass types, height, density, and moisture better prepares golfers for the diverse challenges they will face on different courses. This realistic practice environment allows golfers to develop a deeper understanding of how their clubs interact with the ground, leading to improved low-point control and an enhanced understanding of strike efficiency.
Enhanced Feedback
Real grass offers more precise feedback on your shots compared to artificial grass. When hitting from natural turf, you can feel the resistance and interaction between the club and the ground. This feedback is crucial for refining your swing mechanics and improving your ball-striking consistency. For instance, if you take too much turf, you will immediately feel the drag, helping you to adjust your technique. On artificial grass, this feedback is often muted as a driving range mat is far more forgiving than real grass, making it harder to identify and correct mistakes.
Improved Short Game Development
The short game—putting, chipping, and pitching—is where golfers can significantly lower their scores. Practising putting on real grass is invaluable because it allows you to experience different elements such as slopes, grass types, length and green firmness. Real grass greens react differently to spin compared to artificial surfaces. For the short game, it is crucial to practice from real grass to gain an understanding of different lies, what shots are playable and the differences in how the club interacts with the ground depending on the lie. Training on real grass helps you develop a more sensitive touch and better judgment for green reading and shot, club selection.
Physical Conditioning and Injury Prevention
Training on real grass can also be beneficial for your physical conditioning and injury prevention. Natural turf provides a softer and more forgiving surface than artificial grass, which can reduce the strain on your joints and muscles, such as elbows and wrists. This is particularly important during long practice sessions or for golfers who practice frequently. Real grass’s natural give and variation can help in building the strength and resilience needed to withstand the demands of the game without overuse injuries.
Conclusion
While artificial grass, often found at driving ranges, has its conveniences, especially for all-weather practice and maintenance, the benefits of training on real grass are undeniable. From providing realistic play conditions and enhanced feedback to improving your short game and aiding in physical conditioning, real grass offers a comprehensive training experience that can significantly boost your performance on the course. As a PGA professional, I always advocate for incorporating as much real grass practice as possible to precisely hone your skills and achieve your golfing potential..
