Home Practice

[steve8820]

All,

I am looking for a decent mat and net setup for my garage. We are expecting our first child next week so my practice/playing time will be extremely limited for the near term. That being said, I still want to be able to work on my swing here and there without leaving the house.

I am considering 2 different mats. "The Golf Mat" by National Golf and a mat made by Softee Manufacturing. Both are supposed to be better on the body than standard mats. Anyone used these or have other mats to recommend?

As far as the net goes, I am considering the Izzo Big Mouth pop-up net. I need something that folds up easy. Anyone have recommendations here as well?

Thanks for your help

[verse214]

I actually just got the Izzo Giant Super Cage Mouth yesterday and it's a little too big (12' high 10' wide); the junior may be a better size. If you just want to be able to collapse it, these nets are great as you just have to pull out the pole ends and they will collapse.

I too am also looking for a mat, and i've heard nothing but good reviews for The Golf Mat, however it only comes with a "house stand mat" or something. I asked their customer service and they claim that it will keep you on the same hitting level or lie as the hitting surface.

I'm going to look into your soft mat suggestion as I haven't heard of it before.

Do you know if the prices are usually in the couple hundred+ range for hitting mats and if there's a big difference between those and the cheapo ones?

If i could redo, I would get the Izzo Junior Giant Super Cage Mouth, I believe it is 9' x 10' and the net is extremely high quality and light.

I didn't go for the one you have listed because with pitching wedges there would be a possibility of hitting it over the net and since i live in NYC, i don't want to be breaking my neighbor's windows!

[steve8820]

I actually just got the Izzo Giant Super Cage Mouth yesterday and it's a little too big (12' high 10' wide); the junior may be a better size. If you just want to be able to collapse it, these nets are great as you just have to pull out the pole ends and they will collapse.

From what I've read there is a big different in quality between the higher and lower priced mats. I definitely want something that gives when you strike the ball. Certainly better on your hands, arms, and shoulders. Check out the Softee mat. I saw it on

www.tgw.com . It is priced at $149 so quite a bit cheaper than "The Golf Mat". Good reviews as well. Not sure what I am going to go with........

[verse214]

I just ordered the Softee mat for 149. Will let you know how it plays when it gets to my house...
have you hit off one of these before?

[steve8820]

Haven't tried the Softee mat, but all the reviews seem to be good. I am sure it is much better than a standard driving range mat........