Home Turf Fit for a Pro: The Custom Backyard Setup of Sam Burns
Sam Burns broke through on Tour after becoming a professional in the year 2017 and has grown stronger with every season. He’s won multiple PGA Tour events, including back-to-back Valspar Championship titles and notable achievements on the Korn Ferry Tour — achievements that highlight his need for real course feel.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT
Putting green: 1,000 sq ft — GB177 (Golden Bear Putt), color 301
Lawn turf grass: 1,500 sq ft — 164SW, color 301
Sand bunker: 144 sq ft — Artificial turf topped with real sand
Total project: 2,644 sq ft
THE PUTTING GREEN: GB177 GOLDEN BEAR PUTT
Sam opted for GB177 (color 301) for a putting area that performs like a real course green. The short, dense pile gives a true roll and consistent pace, so every stroke teaches you something. For a player who values touch practice between tournaments, that consistency matters.
THE GRASS AREA: 164SW IN COLOR 301
The 1,500 sq ft lawn area uses 164SW in the matching color to create a smooth transition from putting green to fringe. That space is perfect for warmups, pitch shots, family time, and maintaining a neat yard with minimal maintenance.
THE BUNKER: REAL SAND OVER TURF
Instead of a simulated sand appearance, Sam’s bunker is built with actual sand on artificial grass. That delivers realistic trap shots while maintaining neat boundaries and low maintenance around the green. It’s a practical idea for anyone considering a synthetic grass installation with custom features.
THE BENEFITS OF THIS DESIGN
This setup blends practice with leisure play. A dedicated practice putting green lets Sam work on speed and line. The turf lawn provides soft landing zones for shots and a place for relaxation and play. The sand patch delivers true bunker practice without the fuss of a full-scale bunker renovation.
Sam’s Career Highlights: Sam scored his first pro win at the 2018 Savannah Championship, winning with a final streak of birdies, and later added Tour victories, including the Sanderson Farms and Valspar events. He honed his game at the LSU golf program before achieving success at the Tour level.