Practicing off of a Mat

[tgwise]

I just wondered if practicing hitting down on the ball and taking a divot would be a waste of time practicing on a turf type matt. I don't want to waste time and effort and possibly ruin some clubs if this is not worth the time and effort. I set up a hitting spot in my garage for practice this winter and was just thinking about this. Thanks in advance.

[walk18]

I don't like mats, but in the winter there's no other option. You can still see the ball flight, and ideally you're hitting the ball first anyway. I don't think it's a waste of time and you won't ruin your clubs. But mats will make fat shots look better for sure.

[whatwhatwhat]

Theres about a million threads on this but personally I would rather not hit balls than hit off mats, its just a bad habit to get use that set up(ie level ground, perfect lie, false feedback) imo

[jamo]

Try setting up some string or something behind the ball so you know you aren't hitting it fat.

[wrx_junki]

Theres about a million threads on this but personally I would rather not hit balls than hit off mats, its just a bad habit to get use that set up(ie level ground, perfect lie, false feedback) imo

Guess that would mean you should never live in a big city. There are no grass ranges anywhere near me. You can feel that you are hitting fat on a mat.

[tristanhilton85]

Guess that would mean you should never live in a big city. There are no grass ranges anywhere near me. You can feel that you are hitting fat on a mat.

And if you can't, you can always do this...

Try setting up some string or something behind the ball so you know you aren't hitting it fat.

[kennay92]

i personally hate hitting off mats, for some reason, everytime I hit off of them I feel like it always alters my swing... Would almost rather not hit than to hit off mats.

[max power]

I prefer grass to mats-but disagree 100% with those who say they'd rather not hit than hit off a mat. If you can't tell the difference between hitting ball first or mat first you're doing something very wrong.

[soloredd]

I've been hitting off mats a lot in the past 2 months or so - and my range sucks in the winter on the grass, it's full of sand. I don't mind the mats but I do get some pain every now and then.

Anyhow, I use string (as suggested) but often times I can see my clubhead coming through and can see if I hit behind or not. And you can definitely feel it.

[CassinoNorth]

hate it, but gotta do it in the winter.

At least my range has a decent sand complex and a nice fast putting green or I'd be miserable.

[ohiolefty]

When it gets really cold...the mats get frost on them. Then it's easy to see if you're hitting behind it.


Mats are mats. No need to complain too much. My only gripe is that I end up 'picking it' a little too much, which (for me) leads to problems.

[nevets88]

Buy some tees. Cut it so that the tee is poking out just a tad. It'll be more obvious you're hitting it fat.

If you're worried about hitting the ball thin after getting used to the clipped tee, you can put a board underneath the mat around your stance area.

What is the trajectory of a fat shot? To me it doesn't rise as fast off the tee and has a lower, flatter flight.

Have you ever seen Tiger Woods' mat from his garage or practice area when he was a kid? The thing is worn yellow in front of where the ball is placed.

[AnthonyGraziano]

I hate hitting off mats, im not a amazing golfer ive only been playing 2 months but I hit alot better at the golf course then in a driving range/off a mat.

[iacas]

Has anyone asked Matt how he feels about this?

Thread edited. Ugh.

[glock35ipsc]

The place I took my lessons use these when the weather is bad, they can throw open a bay door and hit to the outside. You can hit down and through these. At $230 they are kinda pricey, but the are not at all like hitting off of a regular mat.

http://www.thegolfmat.net/home_consumers/