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 the game of golf. What promotes consistency in this game we all love? It's simple; practice. Whether you practice putting indoors with a putting mat or indoor putting greens, or outdoors at a practice facility, regular practice is your best chance to get better.
What Is An Indoor Putting Mat?
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 simple yet obvious answer is that organic living matter requires a lot of manual care and maintenance. The other is a synthetic material that mimics all the best qualities of the former with little to no maintenance or care. If it's made with high-quality 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 to dedicate, 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, regulation-size holes, or a smaller hole option for more precise practice. Most are flat, lacking the option to practice breaking putts, but instead giving you the perfect opportunity to easily work on the maintenance of your putting stroke with a consistently straight putt.
Does Practice Make Perfect?
When it comes to this vexing game, Dr. Bob Rotella's book, Golf is Not a Game of Perfection, said it best. Technically speaking, no, practice will not make perfect, but practice will make progress. That's what all golfers are working towards anyway: progress with their game.
Carving out time and having the resources to regularly practice 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 is 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.
What if you don't have access to a country club membership or public practice facility? Indoor putting mats might be just the answer you've been looking for to rid yourself of weather, daylight, timeframe, and facility access constraints. Imagine being able to practice in your living room, bonus room, office, or even on your back patio without having to worry about being interrupted. It is hard to imagine a more welcoming environment to practice in. Having that 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. So, if you can make a practice plan that you stick to, you'll get 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.
There are many benefits to using an indoor putting mat. 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 and indoor putting green can help you get better. It's the ability to have access to regular practice that aids in consistency.
Qualities to Look for in an Indoor Putting Mat
Indoor putting mats are a dime a dozen when you search for them online. That doesn't mean they are all high-quality products that have you putting like Dustin Johnson in no time. There are some very important 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 putting stroke, or hone in on distance control, it can all be done with indoor putting mat practice sessions.
Budget Conscious
Indoor putting mats don't have to break the bank. There are so many brands out there able to fit a myriad of budget needs. The most important thing is to find an indoor putting mat offering high-quality material and tour-grade turf that can fit your individual budget.
Undulation Availability
Most putting mats on the market are flat. However, it's rare to find a completely flat putting green on a golf course. If you can find one, an indoor putting mat or green that offers variability in undulation will introduce breaking putts into your practice.
Tour-Grade Turf and Real Putting Green Feel
To see the consistency from practice you've been hoping for, 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, considering the feedback you're receiving is extremely unreliable. Being able to practice on turf that resembles the feel of real grass is imperative to your practice positively impacting your game.
Design and Accessories
Depending on what you want to be able to do with your indoor putting mat, accessories and customization can make all the difference. Green features like regulation-sized holes, green speeds, alignment lines, compatibility with different training or alignment aids, and the ability to work on either carpet or hardwood floor are going to significantly impact the product or brand you decide on.
Best Indoor Putting Mat Recommendation
A plethora of brands appear when you search indoor putting mats online. We are confident, though, that PrimePutt stands up above the rest with regards to quality materials, customization, and true roll technology. The PrimePutt putting mat is a product that was developed with every little detail in mind. But don't take our word for it, see what customers have to say about it.
Final Thoughts
For those of you looking to add consistency to your game, having the dedication and access to practice is a surefire way to get there. Having your own indoor golf putting mat is a great way to mitigate issues like time constraints or lack of access to a facility or golf course. If you want tour-quality turf with customization options, PrimePutt indoor putting mats are a great option.
FAQ's
Will I get better at golf practicing putting on an indoor putting mat?
Yes. Regular practice is a great way to get better, regardless of the type of facility you are practicing in.
Are indoor putting mats worth the money?
Absolutely! Especially when there are brands that can work within your budget to provide you with the customizations you desire. The true test of whether a putting mat is worth the money will come with time; how much wear it takes, how much it helped you, how easy it is to use it, etc.
Are indoor putting mats customizable?
Yes! Not all companies offer customization, but some do like PrimePutt, for example. We customize sizes to fit the spaces you need them to be in and based on that options for one of three cups.
Are there budget-friendly indoor putting mats?
Yes. There are a lot of different kinds of indoor putting mats for a wide range of budgets. Factors that will affect prices for indoor putting mats are construction, materials, size, and purpose. There are inexpensive options that are more for leisure and not necessarily for growing putting skills.
