Are putting mats useful?

[gbk56]

I am thinking of getting one of those putting mats to practice my putting inside during the winter months. My putting is terrible. I think I had 38 putts and scored a 95 the last time I played.

Anyone have any recommendations?

Do they work or is it a waste of time?

If they work, what are the best ways to practice on a putting mat?

[KIDDEREK]

  gbk56 said:

I am thinking of getting one of those putting mats to practice my putting inside during the winter months. My putting is terrible. I think I had 38 putts and scored a 95 the last time I played.

Not sure if my input would be helpful because I went from 3-4 sometimes even 5 putting to about averaging a little over 2-putts per hole.

I practiced about 10-15 minutes every other day on one of those 6 foot putting mats. It helped me to sink anything inside 6 feet. I still get the occasional 3 putts, but I've managed to bring my putting down to 2 per.

[Socrates]

Any putting will help you. Its more about stroke and being fluid, consistent and understanding your set up more than anything; with that said, it won't hurt to get one.

[g-funk13]

Hey G-MAN!

Funny you should ask, I feel the same way about my putting AND about the winter coming. Know what I did? I ordered this:
https://www.backyard-putting-greens....tCode=TA-4PP-1

It should be here this week. I can't wait! I am going to wear it out this winter!

I will post a review!

Good luck

[supercow]

I think it really depends on the mat itself. A lot of the time the ones that I see in stores are really bad imitations of a green surface on some type of foam which reacts nothing like a real green. On the other hand, g-funk seems to have found something seriously cool...

[Augusta Hacker]

I have been kicking around the idea of creating an artificial grass putting green in my backyard. I have not found any artificial material that would work but still looking. I do like what gfunk found tho...now if I can just convince the wife. LOL.

[Leek]

Have you ever tried the boomerang?

[WhiteSoxFan]

My wife and I did some research and found good reviews about this one. We ordered it the other day, and if we're lucky we'll be putting in the living room while watching football on Thursday.

http://www.austads.com/austads/produ...X9+Putting+Mat

[KIDDEREK]

  supercow said:

I think it really depends on the mat itself. A lot of the time the ones that I see in stores are really bad imitations of a green surface on some type of foam which reacts nothing like a real green. On the other hand, g-funk seems to have found something seriously cool...

I've been on so many bad greens with varying speeds, I think anything other than hardwood is good for practice. Sometimes, hardwood floors might even be good practice with some of the greens I play on.

[josef]

my bestman bought me this for my wedding gift (wife already slightly dislikes him.. haha)
http://www.clubchamp.com/9516.htm

It's by Club Champ and is pretty cheap ($30). I thought it would be junk but it Actually returns the ball right back to you every time so you can just work on your swing. It has really taught be how to make a consistent stroke (for short putts anyway).

Although that one G-Funk found looks Awesome!!

[BritBoy]

The bottom line is that you will build confidence with a putting mat; whether the mat itself is good, bad, or indifferent. I have been practicing on a little 6ft mat for about a year now, and although I still have my bad days, my putting has improved exponentially. Am I still capable of have 38 putts in a round….. Yes. But am I also capable of having 28….. You bet!!!

[moshdirtjumpr]

Those mats are awesome. I want one!

[gbk56]

Thanks for all the input. I guess it is unanimous. I will be getting a putting mat this winter. Hopefully it helps my stroke.

gfunk, awesome golf mat. Let us know how it works out!

[KIDDEREK]

  josef said:

my bestman bought me this for my wedding gift (wife already slightly dislikes him.. haha)

$30 for a wedding gift? No offense, I would expect much more from a bestman.

[Jack_2251]

I have a putting matt just to practice my smoothness and straight back/through stroke. Its only about 7 feet long.

[Diobacco]

gfunk's Huxley mat seems great. I would have never thought I could find myself evaluating to spend that much for a putting mat. Are the accessories worth or it is just a matter of better materials and realistic experience.

My understanding from other posts is that whatever mat will lead to improvement... are those high end ones so much closer to practicing on a real putting green?

Waiting for gfunk feedback... anyone has tried them eg in some indoor golf?

[blkdiamond]

I use a 6' mat, which definately helps. To work on longer putts I will just putt across the carpet, using a yellow ball as the "hole".

[josef]

  KIDDEREK said:

$30 for a wedding gift? No offense, I would expect much more from a bestman.

yeah, he doesn't really get it yet. he's 25 and thinks he's 17. funny really. anyway, he's a good guy though. he knew i was really getting into golf and he thought it was perfect.. so that's cool. it was the thought that counted.. lol.