Home Turf Fit for a Pro: Sam Burns Backyard Setup

Sam Burns rose quickly on Tour after starting his pro career in the 2017 season and has kept getting better every season. He’s won multiple PGA Tour events, including consecutive Valspar Championship wins 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 PRACTICE PUTTING SURFACE: GB177 GOLDEN BEAR PUTT
Sam chose GB177 (color 301) for a putting area that plays like a true green. The compact pile height gives a true roll and consistent pace, so every stroke teaches you something. For a player who values touch practice between tournaments, that reliability counts.

THE LAWN: 164SW IN COLOR 301
The 1,500 sq ft lawn area uses 164SW in the coordinated color to keep the look seamless from putting green to fringe. That space is great for warmups, small chip shots, backyard fun, and keeping the backyard looking sharp with minimal 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 keeping edges sharp and simpler upkeep around the green. It’s a clever option for anyone exploring synthetic grass installation with unique options.

WHAT MAKES THIS LAYOUT SPECIAL
This setup balances high-performance practice with everyday usability. A practice putting area lets Sam work on speed and line. The synthetic lawn provides gentile landing zones for shots and a place for relaxation and play. The sand patch delivers realistic bunker practice without the trouble of building a full bunker.
Sam’s Golf Journey: Sam scored his first pro win at the 2018 Savannah Golf Championship, finishing with birdies on the last three holes, and later expanded his Tour success, including the Sanderson Farms Championship and Valspar events. He sharpened his game at Louisiana State University before rising on Tour.