Home Turf Fit for a Pro: Sam Burns Backyard Setup
Sam Burns rose quickly on Tour after joining the professional ranks in his rookie year, 2017 and has grown stronger with every season. He’s earned multiple wins on the PGA Tour, including two straight Valspar Championships and early professional success on the Korn Ferry Tour — achievements that explain why on-course feel matters to him.
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 SURFACE: GB177 GOLDEN BEAR PUTT
Sam opted for GB177 (color 301) for a practice green that performs like a real course green. The compact pile height gives realistic roll and predictable pace, so every stroke offers a lesson. For a player who focuses on feel during downtime, that consistency is critical.
THE BACKYARD LAWN: 164SW IN COLOR 301
The 1,500 sq ft lawn area uses 164SW in the same color to keep the look seamless from green to fringe. That space is ideal for warmups, chipping, relaxing with family, and keeping the backyard looking sharp with easy maintenance.
THE BUNKER: REAL SAND OVER TURF
Instead of a fake sand look, Sam’s bunker is built with actual sand on artificial grass. That offers authentic bunker practice while ensuring tidy transitions and low maintenance around the green. It’s a great solution for anyone considering a synthetic grass installation with custom features.
THE BENEFITS OF THIS DESIGN
This setup offers both pro training and daily enjoyment. A practice putting area lets Sam work on speed and line. The turf lawn provides controlled landing zones for shots and a place for family and friends to use. The sand zone delivers true bunker practice without the hassle of full-size bunker maintenance.
Sam’s Golf Journey: Sam earned his first professional victory at the Savannah Golf Championship in 2018, closing strong with three straight birdies, and later expanded his Tour success, including the Sanderson Farms Tournament and the Valspar Championship. He refined his play at the LSU golf program before rising on Tour.