An indoor putting green or putting mat could be the saving grace when it comes to short game practice for amateur and professional golfers alike. If you don't have access to a practice putting green, lack membership to a country club, or are stuck indoors due to weather, there are many reasons your handicap may not be dropping as quickly as you’d like. It all comes down to consistently practicing your putting.
Is Practicing Putting Really That Important?
Approximately half of your shots are taken from the putting green in a single round of golf. That’s 25-35 strokes every 18 holes! However, this is where many golfers spend the least amount of time in a practice session.
Ask any professional golfer to give you one piece of advice on where to focus your time practicing, and they'll tell you to stick to the putting surface. But what if you don't have access to one? A tour-quality putting mat may be exactly what you are looking for to get some extra reps in between rounds.
Why Use a Golf Putting Mat Instead of the Real Thing?
Not everyone has access to pristine practice facilities like those at country clubs or even those available at a municipal course, for that matter. Even if you do play public courses more often than not, many do not offer practice facilities or putting greens to warm up on prior to play.
This leaves the vast majority of weekend warriors unable to work on their golf games outside of a typical round of golf.
Even more challenging is what millions of golfers living in northern climates face without access to outdoor golf for up to 6 months, let alone adequate putting greens. In many locations, an indoor putting surface is the only reprieve to scratch the golf itch over the long winter months.
Working on your putting stroke and using your favorite alignment tool or training aid doesn’t have to be limited to outdoor golf. An indoor putting green or putting mat may be the only option many golfers have to improve their game.
Having an indoor putting green also allows friends and family who don't play golf regularly to join in on the fun. Golf can be very intimidating for first-timers. To those who have never played before, there are a lot of rules, costs, an unspoken guide to etiquette, and, of course, the difficulty of the sport itself. Allowing these folks the option to putt with you in a fun, comfortable, and more relaxed setting might spark a desire to want to learn more about the game. And you never know, engaging them in the sport could afford you more playing partners when the weather warms up!
Top 15 Benefits of Using an Indoor Putting Mat
Whether you are at home or in the office, having the ability to consistently practice your putting is key to being able to make more shots and become a more consistent putter. Investing in a high-quality indoor putting mat with the feel of tour quality turf could be the answer you've been searching for to ensure you walk away with packed pockets from your Sunday skins game.
Accessibility is the one thing standing between you and your best round of putting yet. But that is something you have control over. Everyone has a favorite training or alignment aid, but few get to use them due to a lack of practice time and available facilities. Being able to walk into your living room and spend 30-45 minutes working on stroke maintenance with your trusty putting mirror makes practicing putting easy. Having an indoor putting mat to transfer those techniques to makes it even easier.
Golf is a game, after all, and you should enjoy playing it! Becoming a better putter will guarantee more fun on and around the greens.
There are a lot of positives to owning an indoor putting mat and few cons, if any. Having easy access tools you can utilize regularly could have you putting like the pros in no time. Let’s dig into the countless benefits of using an indoor putting mat:
1. Weather is a non-issue
One of the biggest benefits of an indoor putting mat is being able to practice your putting game indoors. Simply put, there isn’t such a thing as an off-season when you have your own green inside. While this perk is particularly beneficial for those who live in cooler climates, it can also be advantageous to those who live in tropical areas where downpours are commonplace. Rain or shine, snow or hail, you can still hit the links from the comfort of your own home with a putting mat.
2. Easy maintenance (no lawn mower required)
For those who have attempted to have an outdoor putting green, you will know that maintaining one is a challenging task. Not only do you have to spend time mowing and watering the grasses, but the money spent on fertilizers and pest-control chemicals quickly adds up. Indoor putting greens are a whole other ball game. These mats are easy to maintain because, generally speaking, you don’t have to do anything to maintain them. Additionally, fake grass has no time limit, meaning no worrying about killing the grass beneath your feet while you improve your putting.
3. Cost-effective
Many people’s hesitation with purchasing an indoor putting green revolves around the price tag. While buying an indoor putting mat can feel like a big purchase, it's often a one-and-done situation. These mats are built to be extremely durable, and if you purchase a high-quality mat, you will not see any signs of wear or tear for years to come. Because many of these mats also utilize the same tour-quality materials as real-life greens, it's rare for any blemishes, kinks, bumps, or dents to crop up on your putting green.
4. A friendly and fun way to socialize with friends and family
While you might be purchasing your indoor putting green for yourself, that doesn’t mean that other people can’t enjoy it too. Whether you are trying to teach a friend or a significant other how to putt or simply want to get your kids to put down their phones, golf is a game that everyone can enjoy. Bonding over an indoor putting green can create a hobby for your whole family and the start of a lifetime of memories.
5. Focused space without distractions
Golf can be an intimidating game for amateurs trying to improve. During the summer months, golf courses are typically flooded with solo golfers and groups alike. It can quickly begin to feel like all eyes are on you, especially when you are trying to take things slow and be patient with your putts. While indoor putting mats are beneficial for both experts and amateurs, it can be particularly nice for beginners to practice in the privacy of their own homes. You will never feel the need to rush or be distracted by the driving range, and you can always take as much time as you need without impatient golfers waiting behind you on the course.
6. Mimics a real-life green
Remember when we mentioned that high-quality putting mats mimic real-life golf greens? Well, we weren’t joking. PrimePutt’s indoor putting mat was built with consultations from turf and material scientists. The green comprises tour-grade turf, while the backstops and flagsticks are made of premium FSC-certified walnut. After practicing on this mat, you can directly apply your experience to your game on a real golf course.
7. Storable and portable
If your significant other or roommates don’t want your indoor putting green taking over your home, no problem. Indoor putting mats are very easy to move and store. For instance, PrimePutt’s mat is made of relatively lightweight materials. Rolling it up and putting it in a closet or garage should take only a few minutes and won’t affect the mat in any way. Once you roll it out again for your next putting session, it will always lie flat as well as the first time. You won’t need to use weights or iron or even wait for the mat to flatten out on its own naturally.
8. Customizable to fit your exact needs and space
PrimePutt’s putting mat is customizable to fit your exact needs and space, meaning this product can be placed almost anywhere, whether you want it in an empty corridor or guest room. If you, your roommates, or your significant other do not want the putting green in your apartment, it can easily be transported to your office or workspace. In fact, using your putting green throughout the workday is a great way to take a small mental break, get some exercise, reflect, and relieve stress.
9. Stress Relief
Speaking of relieving stress, did you know that golf can improve your mental health as well as your physical health? Putting gives your brain a mental workout—as you plan your shot and visualize yourself sticking the putt, you are focusing on success, which increases self-esteem and lowers stress levels. While you might not be getting your daily dose of vitamin D the same way on a regular golf course, the mental and emotional benefits remain.
10. Improves hand-eye coordination
Despite its simplicity, hitting a golf ball is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination, which is essential in golf and other physical activities. The best indoor putting mats simulate a true green, allowing you to practice as if you were on an actual course. As you build repetition and become more comfortable with your stroke, your coordination and accuracy will improve, potentially in areas other than putting. An indoor putting green allows you to practice more frequently, making it an invaluable tool for improving your short game and hand-eye coordination.
11. Perfect for beginners
If you’re just starting to play golf, you’ve probably realized it’s not the most accessible sport to practice. Public basketball hoops, tennis courts, and grass fields are relatively easy to come by, but this isn’t always the case for golf courses. By investing in a high-quality putting mat, you bring the putting green closer to home and can practice more frequently. You also don't have to worry about impeding other golfers during play, which gives you the practice time you need to perfect your fundamentals. And whenever you want to change your stroke or try something new, just roll out your mat and get immediate feedback.
12. Enables practice during breaks or free time
For those who can’t get enough golf, an indoor putting green is a dream come true. Because of its convenience, a mat allows you to practice even if you can only spare a few minutes. It’s small enough to keep off to the side, or you can roll it up and bring it to and from the office. Instead of scrolling on your phone or watching SportsCenter highlights during your work breaks, hit some balls and work on your short game. Not only will this help you improve, but it’s a much healthier use of energy during your downtime.
13. Reduces travel time and golf course expenses
When you play golf on a regular basis, course fees, equipment, and travel expenses quickly add up, making it relatively expensive compared to other sports. On the other hand, an indoor putting green is a one-time investment that provides unlimited putting practice, saving you money each time you use it instead of practicing on the course. While no golfer wants to spend less time on the greens, an indoor mat is easily the next best thing. Plus, you will save time traveling to and from the course, reducing the wear and tear on your car.
14. Low-impact activity
Golf is one of the best sports to stay active regardless of physical abilities, but those with joint or muscle issues may not want to play a full round. Golf requires a good amount of walking, bending, and carrying, which makes indoor putting mats an excellent alternative to enjoy the game without the added stress on your body. Likewise, these mats are perfect for recovering from an injury because they allow for low-intensity practice, minimizing the strain on joints and muscles. Instead of giving up or suspending golf practice because of physical limitations, try practicing at home and refining your skills.
15. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Putting is very much a learned skill. The more time you spend putting, the more you will have the “touch” in your muscle memory to confidently hit a putt. The “feel” in your arms to accomplish that stroke can only be accrued through practice and experience. Getting that experience under your belt is one of the biggest benefits of owning an indoor putting mat. You should spend at least one-third of your allocated golf practice time on putting, and purchasing an indoor golf mat can help you achieve that.
What to Look for in Indoor Putting Greens
What’s the best indoor putting mat, and what features, price point, material, and quality should you look for?
Details matter. Finding the right putting green or turf mat is essential. Not all are created equal. Depending on your primary goal, how much space you have to dedicate, desired green speeds, mat length, and cost are all factors to weigh when deciding which mat to purchase.
Key things to look for when shopping for your practice putting green or putting mat:
- Indoor or outdoor use (ideally both)
- Tour-grade turf and high-quality material
- Storage and setup requirements
- Durability
- Hole sizes
- Flooring needs
- Ability for customization
- Cost
There are many different brands of putting mats on the market. If any of what you have read so far resonates with you, PrimePutt indoor putting mats could be exactly what you are looking for.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of using an indoor putting mat and being able to practice your putting indoors make purchasing one a worthwhile investment. If you have the time, dedication, and desire, becoming a better putter is within reach. You don't have to invest thousands for the initiation fee to a private golf course or a host of funky training and alignment aids.
A customized putting green will cost less than standard drivers on the market today, which only get used a maximum of 14 times per round. The putter is the club that makes a much bigger impact on your score and, arguably, your enjoyment of the game. Get the most out of it.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about indoor putting mats and practicing your putting at home or at work.
What are the best indoor putting mats?
It depends on how much room you have and how long you would like your green to be. Find one that fits your budget and available space and suits your needs. PrimePutt's customizable feature makes it the perfect practice putting mat with high-quality turf like on the real course.
Are indoor putting mats worth it?
Yes. For those who don't have access to a country club or practice facility, an indoor golf putting green may be their only option to get better. The same goes for the millions of people living up north that only have access to outdoor golf six months out of the year.
What can I use to practice putting at home?
While many golfers like having an outdoor green, it can be time-consuming and expensive to maintain. An indoor putting mat is a great supplement to practicing your putting at home. It’s a lot more cost-efficient and requires little to no maintenance.
Are indoor putting mats expensive?
The cost of an indoor putting green depends on the size and complexity of the green and the type of materials used. Prices range from approximately $500 for a basic, small indoor putting green to several thousand dollars for a custom-made, professional-grade green.
Is it hard to maintain an indoor putting green?
Depending on the style of indoor putting green you have installed, there may be little maintenance whatsoever. If you buy a high-quality mat, there should be no kinks, dents, or any signs of wear and tear on your green, even after months of use.
How much does it cost to put an indoor putting green in your house?
If you are attempting to build an indoor putting green in your home, it will require a foundation, framing, cups, a ball stop, and glued-down green. The cost of installing a 200-square-foot green is approximately $4,300, while bigger greens can cost upwards of $9,000. Purchasing a putting mat is a more cost-effective alternative.
