Golf Practice Mat opinions?

[Rossfraser]

Hi All,

I would just like to know some opinions regarding the Practice Mats with the sequin face to display shot shape and trajectory. What are some of the issues you have encountered and what if anything would you do to improve this product? Also how often do you use these Mats and in which setting is it best suited (home,driving range or on the golf course)

Thank you, I appreciate your input

Ross

 

[revkev]

Ross - welcome!  I have a home set up with a net and hitting mat.  I primarily use it when I'm watching sporting events - I can walk out my back door during half time or timeouts or between periods of a hockey game and hit a few shots into it throughout an afternoon - I find it a great way to work on tempo and contact.  I used to use my PLM when I'd do this but found I would over swing because I was concerned about distance so I jettisoned the launch monitor and now I'm concerned about swing path, square or slighty to the left (I hit a baby draw if I can bet my divot moving a hair left of target).  

 

I could not imagine using a hitting mat on a range.  But again I have one at home.  On the range I'm looking for turf interaction, ball flight and/or some other specific that I might be struggling with.  I'm also trying to carry that smooth tempo that I've worked on at home there and then onto the course.

 

I should add that since I live in Florida I'm able to do the backyard thing year round.  

 

I don't know how much this helps but great to have you onboard and best wishes on your game.

[cnosil]

1 hour ago, Rossfraser said:

regarding the Practice Mats with the sequin face to display shot shape and trajectory. What are some of the issues you have encountered and what if anything would you do to improve this product? Also how often do you use these Mats and in which setting is it best suited (home,driving range or on the golf course)

 

I assume you are referring to products like the DivotBoard.   I haven’t personally used them, but from reviews I have read, the divot board would be the only one to consider as the others appear to rip  easily.   They are designed to help with low point, path, and help indicate heel or toe.  Not sure you can easily interpret shape or trajectory since it doesn’t really show delivered loft or face to path relationship.   

[thechrisgibbs]

The DivotBoard definitely holds up from the reviews. I know @GolfSpy MPR had tested I believe the DivotBoard. 

The ads I get most are for the ChampKey which doesn't have sequins, rather, it has clothe with fibers a little darker on one side over the other. The reviews on it are terrible!

From my experience, cheap mats can be used but will overall hurt your swing as you'll likely decrease your angle of attack for fear of destroying the mat. With a more shallow angle of attack, you'll compress the ball less and lose distance. Key is to stay in the 5-7* angle of attack to get the best performance. 

For what it's worth, I have a piece of carpet I had to replace because I did this exact same thing in my living room. My wife doesn't let me swing the golf club in the house anymore needless to say.

[GolfSpy_APH]

3 minutes ago, thechrisgibbs said:

The DivotBoard definitely holds up from the reviews. I know @GolfSpy MPR had tested I believe the DivotBoard. 

The ads I get most are for the ChampKey which doesn't have sequins, rather, it has clothe with fibers a little darker on one side over the other. The reviews on it are terrible!

From my experience, cheap mats can be used but will overall hurt your swing as you'll likely decrease your angle of attack for fear of destroying the mat. With a more shallow angle of attack, you'll compress the ball less and lose distance. Key is to stay in the 5-7* angle of attack to get the best performance. 

For what it's worth, I have a piece of carpet I had to replace because I did this exact same thing in my living room. My wife doesn't let me swing the golf club in the house anymore needless to say.

Can you not blame it on James?

[thechrisgibbs]

2 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Can you not blame it on James?

His plastic clubs aren't small enough to have made the divot in the carpet haha. A pure 100-yard, 3/4 swing with my 50* Vokey cut through the carpet like it didn't exist. Good swing path though!

 

[LiveOaks]

Frequently 

[majduffer]

I bought a used driving range mat from local rangefor $50. It was one that originally costs $250.   It was in good shape and still had good nape on it.  I then sprinkle baby powder on mat area where my swing impacts.   It is really helpful and since these mats are very large, my feet and swing path impact area are on the same level plan. Also note when I practice on grass, I also use the baby powder on the grass.  This inexpensive trick was shown to me at a John Jacob's golf school.  I also spray Dr Schols foot powder on face of clubs to check where ball is hitting on the face.