What creates a true roll on a putting green

True roll is earned through a flat, firm base and a consistent playing surface. Fiber type sets the ceiling. Infill, grooming, and install precision decide how close you get to that ceiling.

  • Base planarity and firmness control ball path and bounce.
  • Fiber density, stiffness, and face weight govern how the ball rides the surface.
  • Infill type, amount, and distribution set speed, trueness, and durability.
  • Seams, cup installs, and edge details must be invisible to the ball.
  • Grooming direction and rolling tune speed and hold.

Base and surface prep

Build a compacted, laser-true base that drains. A typical outdoor spec uses 3 to 4 inches of compacted crushed stone with 1 to 2 percent slope, plate compacted and screeded smooth. Add a fine screening layer and final roll before turf goes down.

Fiber behavior

Short, dense, texturized fibers resist deflection and reduce wobble. That is why nylon putting surfaces feel fast and precise. Polypropylene systems use sand infill to lock fibers, creating firmness and uniformity for a true roll.

Infill and grooming

Clean, kiln-dried silica sand in the correct gradation is the standard for putting greens. Accurate weights and even distribution matter more than brand names. Groom with a stiff brush and a drum roller to set the surface.

Nylon vs polypropylene for true roll

When nylon shines

  • Out-of-the-box trueness with little or no infill.
  • Dense, abrasion-resistant face that handles foot traffic and repeated putting.
  • Excellent for indoor bays, garages, and compact outdoor greens.

When polypropylene shines

  • Highly tuneable speed and firmness through sand infill and rolling.
  • Cost-efficient material for larger outdoor greens.
  • Great UV-stabilized options for sun-heavy installations.

Key differences that impact roll

  • Speed range: Nylon texturized surfaces commonly stimp about 10 to 12 without heavy infill. Polypropylene infill greens typically stimp about 9 to 12 when properly filled and rolled.
  • Maintenance: Nylon needs periodic brushing and occasional rolling. Polypropylene needs infill checks, top-dressing, brushing, and rolling to keep speeds consistent.
  • Cost: Nylon often carries a higher material cost. Polypropylene is usually more budget-friendly at scale.
  • Outdoors: Use UV-stabilized fibers for both. Polypropylene infill systems are widely used for full-sun, larger builds. UV-stabilized nylon can work well on smaller footprints with light sand dressing.

Choose by use case

  • Indoor training or simulator bay: Nylon texturized putting surface for plug-and-play trueness and low mess.
  • Backyard green with frequent chipping: Polypropylene infill system for adjustable firmness and easy repair of divots. UV-stabilized nylon can also perform if you prefer minimal infill and fast speeds.
  • Large outdoor practice complex: Polypropylene with dialed-in sand infill for scalable cost and consistent speed.
  • Low-maintenance priority: Nylon for the simplest routine. Polypropylene can be low effort once properly filled and rolled, with periodic checks.

Installation tips for a truer roll

  1. Grade and compact the base to a uniform plane with 1 to 2 percent slope. Verify with a laser or straightedge.
  2. Use high-quality seam tape and adhesive. Double-cut seams and keep seam lines outside common putt paths when possible.
  3. Lay grain consistently. Brush against the lay to stand fibers, then finish with light passes in a single direction.
  4. For polypropylene, install and compact silica sand in lifts until the surface is firm. Typical fill for short-pile putting greens is about 6 to 12 pounds per square foot depending on pile height and speed target.
  5. For nylon, run light top-dress as needed, usually 0 to 2 pounds per square foot, to fine-tune speed and stability.
  6. Finish with a drum roller to lock the surface and stabilize speed.

Maintenance that protects trueness

  • Monthly: Brush to stand fibers and redistribute infill if present.
  • Quarterly: Check infill depth and top-dress any lows. Roll to restore firmness and speed.
  • After storms or heavy play: Inspect seams, cups, and edges. Correct immediately to avoid telegraphing.
  • Heat management: Both surfaces can run hot in direct sun. Cooling infill, misting, shade, or lighter colors help control surface temperature.

Performance expectations

  • Stimpmeter targets: Nylon texturized about 10 to 12 with light dressing. Polypropylene infill about 9 to 12 when filled and rolled correctly.
  • Consistency: The flatter and firmer the base, the truer the roll. Installation precision beats any fiber spec on paper.
  • Longevity: Dense nylon handles abrasion well. Polypropylene maintains color and performance with proper UV stabilization and infill care.

Avoid these roll-killers

  • Wavy or under-compacted base that telegraphs bumps.
  • Uneven or insufficient infill on polypropylene surfaces.
  • Visible seams in common putt lines.
  • Skipping the final roll. Firming is essential to speed and trueness.

Want a spec that fits your game

Tell us your footprint, speed target, chipping plans, and maintenance appetite. FusionTurf will recommend a nylon or polypropylene build spec, infill recipe, and grooming plan that produces a true roll from day one.