This content was originally published on OldHouseOnline.com and has been republished here as part of a merger between our two businesses. All copy is presented here as it originally appeared there.
Unlike other sports, it isn’t very easy to practice playing golf. Outside of playing on actual courses, you do have a few options, such as mini-golf or heading to the local driving range, but other than that, you’re out of luck – that is, unless you have tools at home. It’s not impossible to play golf at home, and while your options are limited, you can at least get some practice going with putting mats.
It’s a common misconception that you’d need a good lawn to actually practice golf at home, but that’s not the case anymore. Putting mats are a great way to round out your golfing skills and knowing how to putt effectively will do wonders for your overall performance. We’ve gone through the top-rated putting mats, and these are the features that really caught our eye:
- A portable design
- The shape of the mat
- Surface texture and quality
Buying Guide: Putting Mats
What Is a Putting Mat?
A putting mat is a type of mat that’s used for practicing golf at home. Specifically, putting mats are made to help practice puts, which are crucial for actually landing the golf ball in the hole.
Why You May Need a Putting Mat?
It’s easy to use
Sometimes, even the simplest of actions can be overwhelming when practicing in an actual course. When using a putting mat, you won’t have any expectations or pressure, allowing you to practice at your own pace.
You can practice at home
Golf is an expensive sport and it can cost quite a bit of money to visit a driving range or mini-golf course. Having a putting mat at home means that you don’t need to leave your living space to get some good golf in, especially when you know how to practice efficiently.
It can help pass the time
Putting mats can help scratch that golfing itch when you just can’t help but want to play. Not a whole lot of people have the luxury of playing golf every day, and with a putting mat ready to go, you can at least have fun using a golf club and ball without actually heading to a golf course.
Tips When Practicing With a Putting Mat
Focus on your form
The goal of a putting mat is to develop form and control when putting a golf ball. For the most part, the angle at which you put doesn’t matter too much, which is why most putting mats come in a straight line. Learn to prioritize your form first and foremost so you know what to look out for if you make a mistake.
Know how to locate mistakes
This part can be a little tricky when you don’t have anyone train you, but if you’re the only one helping yourself, you’ve got to develop that sense of awareness. Whenever you make a mistake while practicing, try to figure out why you made that mistake. Did you not move your hips right? Was the follow-through short? Think about these small differences and try eliminating them in future practice sessions to see if that caused any improvement.
Know when to stop
It can be tempting for a lot of people to keep on practicing for hours on end when they have a putting mat. After all, you already have a way to practice, why not make the most out of it? That said, this isn’t always a good idea, as you may end up tiring yourself in the process. Even worse, you may end up drilling the wrong form and the wrong info into your head due to fatigue, entirely ruining the point of practice. Practice regularly, but don’t overdo it.
Things to Look Out for When Buying a Putting Mat
Size
Putting mats are pretty big because they’re meant to simulate a golf lawn. When choosing a putting mat, you’ll want to figure out where you want to install the mat at home. Then, get the measurements and find any mats that fit within those dimensions.
Material quality
Quality is very important when it comes to putting mats. You’ll want to pay especially close attention to the evenness of the lawn. Any bumps or ridges found on the mat can make practice very difficult and inaccurate, so always try to inspect for an even surface if you can.
Comparing the Top Putting Mat
Perfect Practice Putting Mat
– Best Overall
Check Price On Perfect Practice
The Perfect Practice Putting Mat is the perfect mat to practice on. It can be extended to varying lengths depending on your preferences, and there are two holes – a regulation-size hole and a reduced hole for a real challenge. There’s even the ability to set the holes at an incline to really test your control with a golf ball. You can pack up the putting mat and take it with you wherever you want, allowing you to use the mat indoors and outdoors. It’s the best overall choice thanks to its customizability, ease of use, and portability.
Pros
- Highly portable
- Three adjustable lengths
- Can be set at an incline
Cons
- Needs a lot of space to set up
SKLZ Putting Mat
– Most Affordable
Golf is an expensive sport, and even training equipment can set you back quite a bit. Luckily, there are budget options for just about anything, including putting mats. This putting mat by SKLZ is a great pick-up if you’re looking for something that isn’t just a straight line towards the hole. It’s got a more natural curve that’s reminiscent of varied terrain in golf courses. Even better, the mat can easily sit on any flat surface and you don’t need any deep holes since the golf balls will just slot right into the spaces provided. It may not be the best-looking mat, but it’s a great deal nonetheless.
Pros
- Great price for the quality
- Can be rolled up and carried anywhere
- Bunkers to catch missed putts
Cons
- Not the best-looking putting mat
Shaun Webb Golf Putting Mat
– Premium Pick
This next putting mat is a direct upgrade of sorts from the previous product. It’s got a very similar design, with three holes to aim for and two bunkers behind that catch stray balls. The difference, however, is in the quality – Shaun Webb’s mats are more durable and are made out of higher-quality materials. Of course, this comes at a price, but you’ll be getting a pretty sturdy putting mat for what you’re paying. With an even surface that’s a joy to put on, you won’t have any trouble honing your skills on this mat.
Pros
- Consistent and even surface
- Durable, high-quality build
- Sleek and elegant design
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar products
Putt-A-Bout Putting Mat
– Best Rectangular Mat
There are some fancy putting mats in the market, but you don’t need any of those to get good practice. Even a simple rectangular putting mat, such as this one by Putt-A-Bout, is great for learning your form. The rectangular shape works in your favor as it makes the mat especially easy to slot into corners. You also get a good amount of room to practice with, provided that you can actually make room for the mat. And, with a back that keeps the mat flat at all times, you won’t run into any unnatural bumps or ridges as you practice.
Pros
- Stays flat thanks to premium back
- Rectangular shape makes it easy to place
- Wide area for beginners to practice with
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space
PuttOut Putting Mat
– Best for Beginners
If you’re still getting the hang of golf, you may not want to jump into playing on a golf course right away. Boasting all of the necessary components for an easy learning experience, this putting mat makes practicing your puts as a beginner very easy. You have alignment markers to know where to aim, look, and position, and there are foot markers for measuring distance, too. It’s a very straightforward mat, which may not be ideal for more experienced golfers. But if you’re just starting to get into the “swing“ of things, this mat will help you drill in the fundamentals.
Pros
- Great for beginner golfers
- Includes alignment lines and foot markers
- Helps you learn the basics of putting
Cons
- Not as helpful for experienced golfers
People Also Asked
Q: Where should I install my putting mat?
A: You can set up your putting mat anywhere inside or outside your home, but setting it up inside may be better as it’s a lot cleaner indoors.
Q: Do I need a golf club to practice with a putting mat?
A: Yes. Putting mats usually don’t come with a golf club or golf ball, so you’ll need to buy those separately if you don’t have them already.
Q: How often should I practice with a putting mat?
A: This depends on your schedule and willingness to learn. A putting mat will give you good practice if you put in an hour or so per day.
