Why do some players use the very front part of the mat?

[nevets88]

Like in the photo below. The only reason I can think of is low point hits less mat. Any clues?

 

 

[No Mulligans]

So when the graze the ball with the toe of the club they don't hit the guy/gal beside them who is also hitting from the front of the mat. 

 

That's all I've got.

[TN94z]

Maybe so when they hit down on the ball directly, they can take a divot on real dirt instead of slamming the mat??

[Golfingdad]

Like in the photo below. The only reason I can think of is low point hits less mat. Any clues?

 

 

Don't know ... the places I know have mats sitting on top of concrete, so if you're so far forward that your club "misses" the mat then you're smacking into solid concrete.  Can't see how that would be good for you.

Of course, it's possible that you could sort of practice downhill lies doing this if you don't push the ball too far forward.

I think the guy might just be a weirdo. ;)

[TN94z]

Don't know ... the places I know have mats sitting on top of concrete, so if you're so far forward that your club "misses" the mat then you're smacking into solid concrete.  Can't see how that would be good for you.

Of course, it's possible that you could sort of practice downhill lies doing this if you don't push the ball too far forward.

I think the guy might just be a weirdo. ;)

That's what I was thinking. All of the ranges I have been to with mats, normally have them on concrete.

[SavvySwede]

If it's an old mat the preferred hitting area could be worn out. I've seen some that had a low spot form from the grass being eroded away.

[newtogolf]

If it's an old mat the preferred hitting area could be worn out. I've seen some that had a low spot form from the grass being eroded away.

That was my guess.  Old mats are all worn out in the center so to get full cushion and mat effect you have to move forward or backward. 

[mchepp]

If it's an old mat the preferred hitting area could be worn out. I've seen some that had a low spot form from the grass being eroded away.

Yes, this is why I do it. The spot in the middle of mat has been destroyed but up there tends to be virgin mat grass.

[mvmac]

If it's an old mat the preferred hitting area could be worn out. I've seen some that had a low spot form from the grass being eroded away.

Yes I would guess it's something like this.

[vangator]

I like "virgin mat grass".