Golf Signs?

[Designer]

I am considering getting into the golf hole sign business. By golf hole sign I mean the sign at the tee box on each hole that shows the layout the ground between the tee and green. Seems simple enough; however, making a sign that will hold up in all types of weather is something to think about. Does anyone have any advise concerning the material and finishes to use?

Thanks in advance for any advise.

[Alex Naumenko]

We been using king colorcore for years.

[tri4sale]

We been using king colorcore for years.

Just started using it myself for some outdoor signs, really happy with it so far, easy to cut, durable. Now to just find a cheaper supplier!

[phil_o]

Signfoam, http://signfoam.com/ is a competitive product. Lot's of info on their site. Another excellent choice.
If your signs are VCarved, no 3D images, PVC such as Azek, will do the job very well. Much less expensive. Available at Home Depot, Lowes, lumberyards etc. in a wide variety of dimensions as well as 4' x 8' sheets.

Phil

[jerry_stanek]

Signfoam, http://signfoam.com/ is a competitive product. Lot's of info on their site. Another excellent choice.
If your signs are VCarved, no 3D images, PVC such as Azek, will do the job very well. Much less expensive. Available at Home Depot, Lowes, lumberyards etc. in a wide variety of dimensions as well as 4' x 8' sheets.



Phil

Signfoam is not the same as kingcolor and would not be very good for golf signs

[joe]

On projects like this the first thing I do is, find the retail prices. Second step, to see what the market is being offered. This is a well trodden path.

I'm with Jerry about not using HDU. That material would be one of the least desirable. GC markers need color, which can be applied with vinyl. That makes PVC very desirable. It's tough, and affordable. Please let us see how you do.

[curtiss]

Tee Signs need to be placed near the back of the tee to avoid a nasty ricochet. A golf ball can take off at 150 mph, many times in the wrong direction. Test material with a golf ball & slingshot to see how it holds up.

Golfers who hit poor tee shots sometimes take it out on the tee sign which is why many are made of stone.

[Designer]

Thanks for all of the great inputs. I will experiment with the various materials. I have yet to cut PVC or any other plastic, so that will be a learning curve.

I will definitely take a close look at the market. I know the owners of a couple of courses, so I'll get their inputs and try to find out if there is a market demand, or if it is already satisfied. If the market is good, I'll make some and post pictures.

Since I golf I know what Curtiss is saying is a real issue. The ball does not always go where I plan. LOL.

[EricSchimel]

Cutting HDPE is really easy. If you don't already have the right bits a quick call to ONSRUD will get you setup. Tell them what machine you've got, and what you're cutting and they'll get you setup with the right bit.

I use these on HDPE: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0020B5G88/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm typically cutting in .2" passes at 4IPS at 18K RPM and I get a really nice finish.

PVC I go a little faster and get good results as well.

[joe]

How do you paint HDPE?

[EricSchimel]

I wouldn't even attempt to paint HDPE. That stuff doesn't like anything to stick to it. If I were doing golf signs at any kind of scale I'd do this:

http://www.kingplastic.com/products/king-colorcore/

Just mill into the material and expose the brighter color underneath. This stuff sticks to a vacuum like glue, and if you use the right speeds and feeds requires very little, if any cleanup afterwards. Very effecient.

[joe]

That's my finding too. Not sure how HDPE was inserted in the thread.

[phil_o]

My fault, I misread the KingColor statement.

Phil:(

[Designer]

I realize that it has been a while, but my full time job has kept me busy. I finally spoke with one of the local golf course owners. There is a company in my area that makes this type of sign. He does not charge the golf course, he charges a sponsor $300.00 per year per sign. So, there is a market and competition. I will post a picture of one of the signs later this week.
I also found a course that has no signs. I plan to discuss the possibilities with it owner in the near future. So, this is not just sign making but also selling advertisement to sponsors.