Jim McLean: Trackman numbers different on mats vs grass

[nevets88]

I think I read about radar number differences between mats and grass - less spin higher launch on mats here or referenced from elsewhere here what feels like a long time ago. Too bad I don't have enough access to radar to use this bit. So he has a "new", just learned about it now, released in June, "book" only available in Kindle format for $50 on Trackman. He also noted less CHS difference between indoors.

 

[ScouseJohnny]

I'm not a golfer who worries much about numbers, but this study is interesting and I have to say I'm not remotely surprised. I've long noticed that hitting long and mid irons off the mat at the range produces shots that take off like a rocket - a much higher launch angle than similar shots hit from the grass on the course. The mats are far more forgiving, and, I think, give you a distorted impression of how you're hitting the ball. OK, a top is a top, whatever you're hitting from, but the mats don't seem to punish fat shots.

This is why I spend very little time at the range these days. The range owner has zero tolerance of you moving a couple of feet forward from the booth to hit from the grass. I worry that I can embed bad elements into my swing at the range, which are not evident in hitting from the mat, but which will come back to haunt me when I hit from the fairway. Also, the permanent tees poking through the mat mean there is no way of teeing a ball to the height I like for my driver - the assumption seems to be that everyone with a 460cc driver wants to tee the ball four inches above the ground (slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean). I prefer to practice on the practice ground and the course itself, these days.

 

[TourSpoon]

A mat in a golf store seems to produce numbers that always play downwind! 

Personally, I don't hit off mats for the reasons you described.  I don't like how they feel and there is no feedback like hitting off real turf. Hogan did say that the secret is in the dirt. 

Edited September 19, 2016 by TourSpoon

[Groucho Valentine]

Personally, Ive never noticed much of a differnece between a mat and grass when I'm hitting balls. Im hitting the ball first, anyway.. I've also never had my swing anaylized in that way. though. Honestly, I'm not too sure i care to know what my spin rate is...lol. 

But the study seems interesting.