"Which size PrimePutt mat should I buy?" It's a smart question, and the answer isn't as simple as "bigger is always better." The right size depends on your space, your goals, and how you actually practice.
I've tested all three PrimePutt sizes extensively, both in my own home and with students of all ability levels. Each size serves a distinct purpose, and choosing the wrong one could actually hamper your practice progression. Let me walk you through what I've learned from real-world experience with each option.
The 9-Foot Standard Mat: Perfect for Fundamentals, Beginners, and Small Space Dwellers
The 9-foot PrimePutt mat is where most golfers should start, and frankly, where many should stay. This isn't about settling for less; it's about understanding what actually improves your putting. In my experience, the vast majority of putting improvement happens within nine feet of the hole. Miss a three-footer in a tournament, and nobody cares how well you lag putts from thirty feet.
The PrimePutt Standard size excels at building the fundamentals that matter most for new golfers and seasoned players alike. You can really hone several of the most critical putting elements including:
- Your setup
- Stroke mechanics
- Short-putt confidence
The best part? You can do all of this without needing a massive space. I've seen dramatic improvements from students practicing exclusively on the 9-footer, particularly those struggling with the yips or inconsistent short putting. The distance forces you to focus on precision rather than just rolling balls toward a general target.
Space-wise, the 9-footer fits comfortably in most bedrooms, offices, or living areas. You need roughly ten feet of length when you account for your stance, but the width requirement is minimal. I've had students set this up in hallways, spare bedrooms, and even large walk-in closets. The key is having consistent access to your practice space, and the 9-footer makes that realistic for most homes.
The PrimePutt 9-foot mat fits nicely in any room without taking over the space.
Another big win for the 9-foot mat is that you can easily roll it up and tuck it away in a corner, under a bed, or in a small closet when need to. It always unrolls flat and ready for practice, so you can always sneak in a quick session at any time.
For golfers just starting their home practice journey or those primarily focused on short-putt confidence, this size delivers everything you need. The tournament-authentic roll quality and precision cups provide the same honest feedback as the larger sizes, just in a more compact package.
If you're looking for something even more simple, PrimePutt also offers a 9-foot compact option with a single cup for a no frills practice.
The 12-Foot XL Mat: The Sweet Spot for Most Golfers
The 12-foot mat represents the perfect balance for serious golfers who have adequate space. This is my personal recommendation for most students. The additional three feet might not sound significant, but it opens up entirely new possibilities to your putting practice routine.
At twelve feet, you can work on both short putts and meaningful lag putting. This distance allows you to practice the crucial six-to-twelve-foot range where most golfers lose strokes. These are the putts that separate good players from great ones, the distances where you need to be aggressive enough to make them but controlled enough to avoid three-putts when you miss.
The 12-footer also accommodates more varied practice drills. You can set up multiple targets using books or alignment aids, work on breaking putts by practicing from different angles, and develop better distance control through longer stroke variations. I've found that students with 12-foot mats tend to practice more consistently because the variety keeps sessions interesting.
The 12-foot mat takes up more room, but unfolds flat and ready for practice instantly if you need to roll it up and store between sessions.
Space requirements step up accordingly. You'll need roughly thirteen feet of length and ideally a room where the mat can stay set up most of the time. Remember: putting consistency is what drives improvement.
The 15-Foot XXL Mat: For the Truly Committed
The 15-foot mat is for golfers who are serious about their craft and have the space to accommodate it adequately. This is the size I use in my own home practice setup. This isn't just about having a bigger mat; it's about accessing practice opportunities that simply aren't possible with shorter distances.
At 15 feet, you can work on genuine lag putting, the kind that teaches you to consistently get long putts close enough for easy second putts. You can practice reading breaks over longer distances, develop better pace control for varying green speeds, and build the kind of distance awareness that prevents three-putts from occurring in the first place.
I recommend the 15-footer primarily for single-digit handicap players, teaching professionals like myself, or golfers who have dedicated practice spaces. The space requirement is substantial, roughly sixteen feet of length, and you really need a room where this can remain set up permanently.
Create a dedicated space for the 15-foot mat, whether it's your office, basement, a quiet hallway, or garage. This one is meant to be left out for dedicated golfers.
The 15-footer also works beautifully for group practice or family use. Multiple golfers can practice simultaneously, and the length accommodates putting games that keep practice sessions engaging for longer periods.
Making Your Decision
Choose the 9-footer if you're new to home putting practice, have limited space, or primarily struggle with short putts. It's also the smart choice for apartments, small homes, or shared spaces where setup and storage matter.
Go with the 12-footer if you're a committed golfer with adequate space who wants to work on all aspects of putting. This size offers the best combination of practice variety and space efficiency for most serious players.
Select the 15-footer only if you have dedicated space, are truly committed to extensive home practice, and want to work on every aspect of putting, including long-distance lag work.
Remember, the best putting mat is the one you'll actually use consistently. A 9-footer that gets daily use will improve your putting far more than a 15-footer that stays rolled up in the closet. Choose a PrimePutt mat based on your reality, not your aspirations, and you'll see the improvement that makes the investment worthwhile.
