[Japan's First] Exclusive Sales Launch in the Japanese Golf Market of Artificial Turf Developed Specifically for Golf for the U.S. Next-Generation League "TGL"

~Artificial turf designed to address the challenges of natural grass maintenance has been installed as a hands-on showcase at the outdoor golf practice facility “ZAMA GOLF”~

2026.06.25 15:30

草光建設株式会社

Kusamitsu Construction Co., Ltd., which operates the comprehensive golf practice facility “ZAMA GOLF” in Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, will begin the exclusive sale and installation of TGL-related products and golf-specific artificial turf manufactured by the U.S.-based company SYNLawn for the Japanese golf market starting in July 2026.

Sales in Japan have become possible through an exclusive distribution agreement between Kusamitsu Construction Co., Ltd. and GreenDesign Co., Ltd., the sole authorized distributor of U.S.-based SYNLawn in Japan.

The new approach practice range “ZAMA WEDGE RANGE,” featuring golf-specific artificial turf and set to open within ZAMA GOLF in July 2026, will serve as a hands-on showcase. The company will use this facility to promote the adoption of these products to domestic golf facilities struggling with the maintenance of natural turf during extreme heat and labor shortages.

人工芝を挿入したところ 1

Artificial turf installed: 1

ZAMA WEDGE RANGE

■ Challenges in Turf Management Due to Extreme Heat and “Why Dedicated Artificial Turf?”

Recent record-breaking heat waves have made managing natural turf at golf courses and practice ranges increasingly difficult.

As maintenance costs—such as watering and mowing—continue to rise, securing specialized facility management personnel, including greenkeepers, is becoming more difficult year by year, making the maintenance of natural turf a major challenge for facility operations.

As a result, replacing or repairing turf—particularly in areas subject to heavy wear and tear, such as approach practice areas and teeing grounds—has become a significant burden.

To address these challenges, Kusamitsu Construction Co., Ltd. has decided to become the first company in Japan (according to our research) to install golf-specific artificial turf manufactured by the U.S.-based company SYNLawn at its own facility, “ZAMA GOLF.” This turf requires no watering or mowing yet delivers a “feel” and “club release” similar to natural grass.

This artificial turf was developed for the “TGL,” the world’s premier indoor golf league featuring players such as Tiger Woods, and is expected to gain widespread adoption in Japan.

SYNLawn社製人工芝

SYNLawn Artificial Turf

■Features of SYNLawn Artificial Turf

Unlike standard artificial turf, SYNLawn’s golf-specific artificial turf was developed with a focus on the feel, durability, and consistency required for golf shots.

In particular, “Tee Strike+,” one of the products in the lineup, is a high-density artificial turf made entirely of highly durable nylon fibers.

Its high density allows standard golf tees to be inserted directly, enabling shot practice that closely mimics actual play—something that was difficult to achieve with conventional hitting mats.

It also features high durability suitable for iron shots and is designed to provide a feel and club release similar to that of natural grass.

Tee Strike+ has begun a trial rollout as a shot mat at the starting points of the short course and at the driving range within ZAMA GOLF, and the company plans to use it as a showcase where users can experience its performance firsthand.

Test installations have also already begun at Furuya Golf Garden in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Going forward, the company aims to popularize Tee Strike+ in the domestic golf market, primarily as a shot mat.

(1) Advantages as an Environmentally Friendly Material

SYNLawn’s artificial turf offers significant advantages from an environmental perspective.

While conventional artificial turf often uses petroleum-derived materials, this product utilizes polyethylene derived from sugarcane and polyurethane derived from soybeans.

Amid challenges such as increased watering due to extreme heat and the burden of replacing turf, artificial turf—which reduces both maintenance costs and environmental impact—offers a new option for facility management.

(2) Potential Installation Locations

The main locations we propose for installation are as follows.

At golf courses, we envision installation around teeing areas—which are subject to heavy wear—as well as on teeing areas for short courses, approach practice areas, and putting greens.

For outdoor practice ranges and indoor golf facilities, we envision its use as a shot mat.

We also handle artificial turf for putting greens and provide proposals tailored to the purpose of each facility, whether outdoor or indoor.

■Kusakou Construction Co., Ltd. and OGS Co., Ltd. Establish a Joint Sales Structure

This project began following a comparison and evaluation of artificial turf from around the world, conducted in collaboration with prominent figures in the golf industry—including Mr. Yuichiro Ichikawa, Representative Director of OGS Co., Ltd., which operates Okura Golf Studio—in preparation for the installation of golf-specific artificial turf at the ZAMA WEDGE RANGE.

Kusakami Construction Co., Ltd. and OGS Co., Ltd. have now joined forces to promote the widespread adoption of SYNLawn’s golf-specific artificial turf in Japan and are launching joint sales activities.

Leveraging Kusamitsu Construction Co., Ltd.’s expertise in construction and facility management, along with OGS Co., Ltd.’s fitting technology and golf industry network, the two companies plan to propose new practice environments for domestic golf facilities and provide support for their implementation.

ZAMA GOLF has already begun a trial installation of shot mats. Following high praise from over 90% of facility users regarding aspects such as feel and reduced risk of injury, the company plans to go beyond simply using them at its own facilities and contribute to improving the environment of golf practice ranges throughout Japan.

■ Target Facilities for Sales

・Golf practice facilities

・Golf courses

・Short courses

・Golf schools

Starting with “ZAMA WEDGE RANGE,” which will open within ZAMA GOLF in July 2026, we are positioning Tee Strike+—installed on shot mats at driving range bays and at the starting points of short courses—as a hands-on showcase for golf course and driving range operators in Japan,allowing them to experience the feel and durability of the artificial turf firsthand.

We will propose new options for high-wear areas such as approach practice ranges and teeing areas, and contribute to improving the golf practice environment in Japan.

■Future Outlook for SYNLawn Artificial Turf Sales

Moving forward, we will strengthen our collaboration with trade publications and industry media targeting golf facility operators and managers,

・Developing products using artificial turf specifically designed for golf

・Reducing maintenance burdens

・A feel similar to natural grass

We plan to promote these features of SYNLawn artificial turf.

We are also planning to exhibit at the Japan Golf Fair, scheduled for 2027, to provide golf facility professionals nationwide with an opportunity to experience the actual quality and performance of our products firsthand.

We welcome inquiries from companies facing challenges with natural turf maintenance or interested in installing specialized artificial turf via the URL below.

Inquiry Form: https://zamagolf.info/form/

■About ZAMA GOLF (Zama Golf Practice Range)

ZAMA GOLF is an outdoor golf practice facility located in Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It operates as a comprehensive golf practice facility featuring a short course, an approach and bunker practice area, and a putting green, with TrackMan systems installed at every hitting bay.

Celebrating its 55th anniversary since opening, the facility welcomes a total of 120,000 visitors annually. Following a major renovation in 2024, it has evolved into a facility that caters to a wide range of golfers, from beginners to competitive players.

We also offer free club rentals, so even beginners can come empty-handed.

ZAMA GOLF練習場