Artificial grass is a key part of the sporting landscape in the UK. From durable 3G football pitches to lush golf greens and practice fairways, artificial grass for sports lets you play, whatever the weather.
So, what other sports use artificial grass?
Which sports are played on artificial grass in the UK?
You might be surprised how many sports in the UK are played on hybrid or fully artificial pitches. With its multiple benefits, sports artificial grass is the ideal choice for various outdoor activities or even in the gym. So, which sports use synthetic grass in the UK?
Football
So-called ‘plastic pitches’ were banned by the FA in 1988. Modern 3G pitches solve the problem by combining 95% natural grass with 5% synthetic fibres for increased resistance, durability and playing time. With a good infill, this type of artificial grass retains its structure and bounce for optimal shock-absorbance.
Rugby
Did you know that Saracens and Newcastle Falcons both play their rugby on a 3G artificial turf pitch as well as rugby league side Widnes Vikings? These pitches utilise specially designed artificial turf that is laid on shockpads with sand and rubber infills. 3G pitches are also approved for use in the Rugby World Cup.
Tennis
Artificial grass is incredibly popular for club level tennis, offering a consistently playable surface. Wimbledon has begun tests on hybrid courts that stitch artificial grass into natural turf to improve drainage and resilience.
Golf
If you’re a keen golfer, the chances are that those smooth putting greens are artificial grass. Professional golfers appreciate synthetic golf grass that plays true and is more environmentally friendly, as it doesn’t require water or pesticides to preserve its good looks.
Want to keep playing all year? Consider a golf mat to make winter practice a breeze.
Hockey
We all remember the UK women’s team winning a historic hockey Gold in Rio. But did you know they played on a synthetic pitch? These water-based pitches are ideal for improving ball roll. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, hockey was played on the world’s first carbon-neutral turf.
Why UK sports love artificial grass
But why are hybrid and synthetic grass surfaces so popular for UK sports? These are just a few of the reasons why artificial turf has become so popular.
All-weather playability
The British weather is famously unpredictable — it can be pouring with rain one minute and baking hot the next. As the weather changes, natural grass pitches can become muddy and waterlogged or baked hard, a free-draining artificial pitch remains playable whatever the weather.
Low-maintenance
Keeping a pitch or putting green looking great is no mean feat. Artificial grass isn’t fully maintenance-free, as it needs regular sweeping and raking to keep the pile fluffed up. But with no watering or mowing required, it’s hassle-free and could save your club time and money.
Learn more about maintaining artificial grass.
Consistency is key
One thing all players crave is a consistent playing surface where the ball runs true. Natural pitches and fairways can be inconsistent, which can affect your game and lead to injuries. There are no such problems with artificial pitches and golf greens, allowing you to improve your game with a consistent surface.
Durability under duress
Natural grass pitches can take a beating. Without time to recover, they can rapidly deteriorate and show signs of excess wear. Artificial sports grass is designed for durability and stays looking good for up to 20 years, making it ideal for busy sports clubs or high-traffic facilities.
Sustainable sport
Maintaining natural grass requires scarce water resources and chemical fertilisers that can be harmful to wildlife. Although manufactured from synthetic materials, artificial grass can be a sound and sustainable choice.
How to select the best artificial grass for specific sports
Artificial grass technologies make sports grass a great choice for your sports ground or practice fairways. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best synthetic turf:
Blade length
For a multiple-use pitch, you’ll need a blade length that replicates natural turf. Our Essex 38mm is one of our best-performing products, as it mimics the look and feel of real grass with none of its drawbacks. It’s available in 5m widths for easy installation, and the pile height minimises infill splash. Manchester 30mm is a similar product with a natural look and high tuft gauge.
Pile density
Challenging sports like rugby and football require sports grass that’s tough and resilient for high-performance results. Artificial grass like Golf Pro+ 16mm uses high-density fibres to ensure your ball runs true. Look for good fibre coverage for a green and even surface.
Infill and underlay
Infill is essential for stability and to prevent injuries. Our non-toxic Envirofill is incredibly durable while eliminating problems associated with some infill materials. Additionally, a shockpad underlay is vital for contact sports like rugby.
Why choose sports grass from Artificial Grass Direct?
At Artificial Grass Direct, we stock sports artificial grass to suit multiple sports, from football and rugby to golf. Explore our full collection of sports artificial grass, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
