Tour-Style Home Turf: The Custom Backyard Setup of Sam Burns

Sam Burns made his breakthrough on Tour after turning pro in the 2017 season and has steadily advanced season after 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 show why authentic course play is so important 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 GREEN: GB177 GOLDEN BEAR PUTT
Sam went with GB177 (color 301) for a putting area that reads like real greens. The compact pile height gives consistent ball roll and predictable pace, so every stroke offers a lesson. For a player who practices feel when off-tour, that reliability counts.

THE BACKYARD LAWN: 164SW IN COLOR 301
The 1,500 sq ft lawn area uses 164SW in the coordinated color to ensure visual consistency from green to fringe. That space is great for warmups, pitch shots, backyard fun, and retaining a clean look with very little upkeep.

THE BUNKER: REAL SAND OVER TURF
Instead of a simulated sand appearance, Sam’s bunker features real sand layered on artificial grass. That creates true-to-life bunker conditions while keeping edges sharp and simpler upkeep 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 dial in speed and line. The urf lawn area provides controlled landing zones for shots and a place for the family to enjoy. The sand zone delivers realistic bunker practice without the fuss of a full-scale bunker renovation.
Background on Sam: Sam claimed his first title at the 2018 Savannah Golf Championship, finishing with birdies on the last three holes, and later expanded his Tour success, including the Sanderson Farms PGA event and Valspar events. He sharpened his game at LSU before achieving success at the Tour level.