Whether you're new to the game, a weekend warrior, or pursuing your lifelong dream of playing professionally, consistency is something everyone strives for in golf. What promotes consistency in this game we all love? It's simple: practice. Whether you practice putting indoors with a mat, outdoors at a practice facility, or right there on the green at the nearest course, regular practice is your best chance to get better.
What’s So Great About Indoor Putting Mats?
Practice on an indoor putting mat can be just as effective as practice on an outdoor putting green. What makes the perfect practice putting mat, and how does it differ from a real outdoor putting green?
The obvious answer is that organic living matter requires a lot of care and maintenance. The alternative is a synthetic material that mimics all the best qualities of the former with little or no maintenance or care. If it's made with high-quality materials and expert construction, you get the best of both worlds with an indoor putting mat.
Ranging in size and shape, and depending on how much room you have, indoor putting mats can resemble the shape of an actual putting green or be a long, rectangular piece of turf with a hole (or holes) at the end. Some offer features like an automatic ball return system, holes of varying sizes, and alignment aids. Although some indoor putting greens have variable gradients that give you the option to practice breaking putts, most are flat, helping you maintain your putting stroke with a consistently straight putt.
Practice Makes Progress
When it comes to this sometimes vexing game, Dr. Bob Rotella's book, Golf is Not a Game of Perfect, said it best. Technically speaking, practice will not make perfect, but practice will make progress. That's what all golfers are working towards: progress with their game.
Carving out time and having the resources to practice regularly is the difference between getting better or not. For die-hard golf fanatics that follow every PGA or LPGA tour event and get their swing tips and tricks from the Golf Channel, here’s a little secret: Intentional practice will do more for you than watching anything on TV. Real, practical implementation is the only way to get better and start to see consistency in your game.
And what if you don't have access to a country club membership or a public practice facility? An indoor putting could be the perfect solution to rid yourself of weather, daylight, timeframe, and facility access constraints.
Imagine being able to practice in your living room, basement, office, or even on your patio. Having a welcoming and familiar environment at your fingertips is sure to motivate you to practice more.
Can Indoor Practice Help Golfers of All Skill Levels?
In theory, the more you do something, the better you become at it. If you can make a practice plan and stick to it, you'll develop the confidence and consistency in your game that you've been wanting. What's the difference between the tour pros you see on TV and the amateurs who watch them? Most amateur golfers practice until they get it right; pros practice until they can't get it wrong.
Regardless of your skill level, practice is always the best way to see improvement in your game. High handicappers, scratch golfers, and beginners alike will all see progress in their game with a consistent practice regime. So yes, regardless of skill level, an indoor putting green can help you get better. Access to regular practice aids in consistency.
4 Qualities to Look for in the Best Indoor Putting Mats
Indoor putting mats are a dime a dozen when you search for them online. This doesn’t mean they are all made equal. Practicing with sub-par (pun intended) mats probably won’t have you putting like Dustin Johnson, no matter how many hours you put in. There are several key characteristics to look for when shopping for your ideal indoor putting mat. Whether you want to play a putting game with friends, use a putting mirror to work on your stroke, or hone in on distance control, it can all be done with indoor putting mat practice sessions.
1. Real Putting Green Feel with Tour-Grade Turf and True Roll
To see the consistency you've been hoping for from practice sessions, make sure your putting mat offers true roll. True roll happens when you hit putts and the ball rolls in a straight line without any inconsistencies on the putting surface.
There are many putting mats out there with bumpy or cheap-feeling turf. No matter how many hours you spend practicing on this kind of turf, you won't see progress or consistency, as the feedback you receive is extremely unreliable. Being able to practice on turf that resembles the feel of real grass and rolls true at a consistent speed is essential if you want your practice sessions to impact your game positively.
And no, mastering a putt on cheap turf doesn’t mean you’re training for difficult conditions. The pros are particular about the greens they like playing on, as so much is at stake. They look for the perfect roll that rewards their ability to accurately read the terrain. Practicing on cheap turf is often an exercise in frustration and futility.
2. Top-of-the-Line Design and Accessories
Depending on what you want to do with your indoor putting mat, accessories and customization options can make all the difference. Features like multiple cups, different green speeds, alignment lines, backstops, and gradients may determine the product or brand you decide on. It's also important to keep in mind how much space you have.
3. Easy to Store and Lays Flat
Although many people unroll an indoor putting mat in their home or office and leave it permanently set up, it’s useful to have the option to easily move your mat to another room (or even outside) if you want. Look for a mat that rolls up for convenient transportation and, more importantly, lays flat when you unroll it. After all, a mat with wrinkles or creases doesn’t accurately reflect conditions on the green.
4. Great Value for Money
Although there is no shortage of cheap putting mats online, you won’t see an improvement in your game without investing in a well-designed mat made with high-quality materials. However, this doesn’t mean buying the most expensive product on the market. Instead, look for one with great customer reviews, a money-back guarantee, and endorsements from professional golfers.
Why I Recommend the PrimePutt Indoor Putting Mat
A plethora of brands appears when you search for indoor putting mats online. However, having tried many of these mats myself, I can confidently say that the PrimePutt mat is a cut above the rest, thanks to its quality materials, customization options, durability, reliable speed, and true roll technology. But you don't have to take my word for it—see what other customers are saying.
Final Thoughts
For golfers of all levels looking to add consistency to their game, having the dedication and access to practice is a surefire way to get there. Having your own indoor putting mat is a great way to mitigate issues like time constraints or lack of access to a golf course. If you want tour-quality turf with customization options, PrimePutt indoor putting mats are a great option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get better at putting practicing on an indoor putting mat?
Yes. Regular practice with relevant drills and techniques on a premium putting green is a great way to get better, regardless of where you’re practicing.
Are indoor putting mats worth the money?
Yes, especially when there are brands that fit within your budget to provide the features and quality you want. The true test of whether a putting mat is worth the money will come with time, based on factors such as how much wear it takes, how much it helped you improve, and how easy it is to use.
Are indoor putting mats customizable?
Yes! Not all, but many companies offer customization. PrimePutt offers mats in several sizes to fit your available space, with options for one or three cups.
Are there budget-friendly indoor putting mats?
Yes. Numerous indoor putting mats are available for a wide range of budgets. Many factors affect price, including construction, materials, size, and purpose. Bear in mind that some of the cheaper options sacrifice quality for the price and are more geared to leisure than serious development of putting skills.
