When you’re putting together a golf simulator, each piece of the puzzle matters, and the golf mat is a star player. Don’t brush it off as just a mat; it’s way more than that. The size, type of fibers, weight, and how it fits with your setup can really shape how good your practice sessions are.
In the past, golf mats had a bad rap. Many golfers remember the old mats that felt nothing like real grass and even caused joint pain.
Thankfully, that’s history. Today’s golf mats are the unsung heroes, expertly crafted to feel like you’re on an actual course. They’re easy on the joints and perfect for nailing that swing.
This guide is here to help! We’re going to reveal the 10 best golf mats, break down the top brands, and weigh the pros and cons.
Let’s get started!
No time to read the whole article? No worries. We’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of the top performers.
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How Our Team Chooses the Best Golf Mats
We at Complete Golf Store have a set of criteria that we use to rate and choose the mats that will provide the best golfing experience for you. Realism, practicality, and comfort are some of the most important factors that we consider when selecting the right golf mat.
Realism is key because it allows you to simulate real-life golf conditions and get accurate feedback on your shots. A good golf mat should offer realistic turf interaction that mimics the feel of hitting off real grass.
Practicality also comes into play, as the mat should be durable and offer accurate feedback without causing injury or pain.
Additionally, comfort plays a major role in ensuring that you can spend as much time as you would like practicing without experiencing discomfort.
Our team considers all these factors when rating and selecting the best golf mats for indoor and outdoor use.
Our Top Picks For Golf Mats For Golf Simulators
Let’s take a closer look at each of our chosen golf mats and highlight their standout features.
The following are our top selections based on our own testing, research, and experience:
SIGPRO Softy 4’x7′ Golf Mat
The SIGPRO Softy 4’x7′ Golf hitting mat has an exclusive design that addresses the common criticisms of other mats, as it gives you a realistic fairway-like feel with its premium, durable turf material. The unique fiber construction ensures unparalleled feedback on every shot, making it ideal for perfecting your golf swing indoors or outdoors.
One of the best things about the SIGPRO Softy golf mat is that it allows you to use rubber tees and offers multiple holes for ball positions. It is also made in America, which guarantees its top quality. The Indoor Golf Shop, a leading retailer of indoor golf equipment, recommends SIGPRO Softy Golf Mat to its customers.
The mat includes a removable hitting strip, which means that you won’t have to replace the entire mat when the hitting strip is worn and torn.
Pros
- Exclusive design that provides a realistic feel
- Allows for rubber tees and multiple ball positions
- Durable and made in America
- Recommended by The Indoor Golf Shop
- Removable and replaceable hitting strip
Cons
- Only available in one size (4’x7′)
Overall, the SIGPRO Softy 4’x7′ Golf Mat is a great choice for those looking to simulate the feel of a real golf course. Its premium construction ensures an authentic experience and makes it ideal for perfecting your golf swing.
SIG Fairway Series Golf Mat
The SIG Fairway Series Golf Mat is an affordable budget hitting mat that offers a realistic golf experience. This tee-line turf has been designed with your needs in mind, providing a forgiving, firm, and grabby surface that will give you accurate feedback on every shot.
The forgiving surface is perfect for those times when you hit a fat shot, while the firmness of the mat allows you to take a solid shot without worrying about the mat moving around. Additionally, the mat’s grip ensures that your feet stay in place throughout your swing, giving you the stability you need to hit accurate shots.
Another benefit of the SIG Fairway Series is its durability. Unlike other mats that wear out after a few uses, this mat is designed to last for years of use, making it an excellent long-term investment. It’s also easy on the joints, providing a cushioned surface that reduces the impact of each shot, and it’s compatible with real tees, so you can practice your tee shots and get a more realistic experience.
Pros
- Realistic golf experience
- Forgiving, firm, and grabby surface
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy on the joints
- Compatible with real tees
Cons
- Not as large as some golf mats on the market (5′ x 5′)
All in all, the SIG Fairway Series Golf Mat is a great choice for those looking to improve their golf game without breaking the bank.
It offers an excellent balance of forgiveness, firmness, and grip, and it’s durable enough to last for years of use.
The Net Return Pro Turf Mat
The Net Return Pro Turf Mat is a top-quality golf simulator mat that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. With its impressive versatility as a hitting mat and putting green, this mat provides a realistic feel and allows for accurate feedback.
This mat is 6 feet wide, 10 feet long, and 3/4″ thick, making it an ideal size for any golfer. It weighs 50 pounds, and it is very easy to move around since it can be easily rolled; and with its durable construction, it should last you for many years.
This mat isn’t just great for improving your hitting game; it’s also an excellent tool to improve your short game. The putting surface is designed to mimic real grass, so you get a real feel for every putt you take.
Pros
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Versatile as a hitting mat and putting green
- Provides realistic feedback
- Easy to move around and store
Cons
- Only one size available
The Net Return Pro Turf Mat is a great investment for any golfer looking to improve their game. It’s versatile, durable, and easy to use, making it an excellent addition to any home or golf range.
This mat will allow you to practice all swing and shot types, not only full swing thanks to its 10′ length covering the area between your screen/net and hitting point.
Fiberbuilt Flight Deck Mat Practice Station
Looking for a small and portable golf mat that can be used indoors or outdoors with any club? Look no further than the Fiberbuilt Flight Deck Mat. This mat features a stabilizer hole that allows for the use of conventional tees, making it a great option for golfers who prefer a more traditional setup.
The Fiberbuilt Flight Deck Mat is easy to transport thanks to its compact size. Measuring just a few feet wide, this mat fits easily in the trunk of your car or in a storage closet when not in use. Despite its small size, this mat offers a realistic fairway-like feel that allows you to practice your swing with confidence.
Alongside the turf mat, you get a comfortable rubber stance mat and two alignment sticks to help improve all aspects of your swing.
Pros
- Small and portable, making it easy to transport
- Can be used indoors or outdoors with any club
- Rubber stance mat is comfortable and easy to roll and store
- Stabilizer hole for conventional tees with adjustable height
- Realistic feel and feedback
Cons
- Having turf in the stance mat would have been better than Rubber
With its durable construction, this mat is a popular choice among golfers who want quality turf and realistic feedback without breaking the bank. With customer reviews raving about its performance, it’s easy to see why the Fiberbuilt Flight Deck Mat is a top choice for anyone looking to up their game.
The smaller hitting strip (without the stance mat) can be easily taken with you to the driving range for practice.
Fiberbuilt 7’x4′ Studio Golf Mat
If you want a high-quality golf mat that’s perfect for your home simulator setup, you may consider the Fiberbuilt 7’x4′ Studio Golf Mat, which offers durable, high-quality turf that provides a realistic feel for your golf shots. What’s more, this mat comes with a 2-foot spacer panel that you can use for your ball tray or launch monitor placement. The hitting strip includes four tee holes for use with your driver shots.
The Fiberbuilt 7’x4′ Studio Mat provides realistic turf interaction, which gives you great feedback on your golf shots and helps you improve your game. Whether you’re working on your tee shot, improving your stance, or practicing your short game, this mat is designed to provide everything you need to improve as a golfer.
With a price point of around $1,150, this is not the cheapest mat available, but it’s certainly one of the best.
Designed for home simulators, the Fiberbuilt mat is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to practice their golf game with an excellent turf mat with plenty of features to simplify your practice sessions.
Pros
- High-quality turf with realistic feel
- 2-foot spacer panel for your monitor or ball tray
- Excellent quality
- Many features to help optimize your practice sessions (the four tee holes for instance)
Cons
- A bit expensive
Fiberbuilt’s 7’x4′ Studio Golf Mat is a great choice to use with your home simulator setup. With its realistic turf and 2-foot spacer panel, it provides all the features you need to get the most out of your practice sessions.
This is a high-quality golf mat with useful features that totally justify its price point. We highly recommend it.
SwingTurf Golf Mat
The SwingTurf Golf Mat, from Rain or Shine Golf, is a top-rated mat with a realistic fairway-like feel. This exclusive hitting mat is designed to provide you with the most accurate feedback possible while reducing wear and tear on your arms and wrists.
The SwingTurf Golf Mat is available in two convenient sizes – 5’×5′ and 4’×9′. It is highly stable, ensuring that you won’t have to worry about it shifting or slipping during use. Users have praised the mat’s durability, highlighting its ability to hold up well even after frequent use.
Mat provides a realistic fairway-like feel and feedback with each shot. This is due to the mat’s unique nylon fiber construction and realistic turf interaction technology. Additionally, it comes with holes for rubber tees and is perfect for use with launch monitors and golf simulators.
Pros
- very high-quality mat
- Stable and durable
- Realistic feel
- Available in two sizes
- Provides accurate feedback on the quality of your shots and swings
Cons
- Might be too dense for some
Rain Or Shine Golf is a major golf equipment retailer, and their products are always top-notch, and this golf mat is no exception. It is comfortable and doesn’t hurt the joints, and you can get the size that fits your available space.
The SwingTurf Golf Mat is an excellent choice. Its softness and realistic feedback make it a favorite among golfers of all skill levels.
Country Club Elite Real Feel Golf Mat
This mat is known for its realistic turf interaction, making it feel like you are playing on a real course. It is also vailable in a variety of sizes, and it is suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
The four available sizes are 4’x5′, 5’x5′, 5’x8′, and 5’x10′. You can choose the perfect size for your needs and preferences.
The Country Club Elite Golf Mat also incorporates “True Divot Action Design,” which simulates taking divots on strikes and absorbing the shock that results instead of transferring it to the body. Using the mat, you can improve your game and reduce the occurrence of fat shots. The mat even allows you to use a real wooden tee for tee shots, adding to the realistic feel.
Additionally, the Real Feel Golf Mat comes with an impressive 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, ensuring its durability and longevity. With its versatility in sizing and realistic shot feedback, this mat is ideal for indoor or outdoor golf simulators, range mat sections, and driving ranges.
Pros
- Realistic turf interaction
- True Divot Action for more realism
- Wooden tees supported
- 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Available in a variety of sizes
Cons
- Can be more expensive compared to other golf mats, especially the larger options
The Country Club Elite Real Feel Golf Mat is an excellent option for both novice and experienced golfers. With its realistic feel and feedback, it’s perfect for indoor or outdoor simulators, range mat sections, and driving ranges.
Fiberbuilt Double-Hit Combo Mat
If you’re looking for a huge golf mat to practice all aspects of your game, from full swings and tee shots to putting, the Fiberbuilt Double-Hit is your best bet. The mat has two built-in hitting strips to accommodate left and right-handed play, especially with a golf sim, and on the other side, two putting cups are included for you to practice your short game.
This mat is designed to accommodate all types of clubs including drivers, woods, irons, wedges, and putters, making it a practical and flexible addition to your golf simulator build. With the Double-Hit Combo Mat, you can practice your short game and long shots without having to compromise either.
The Fiberbuilt Combo Mat’s realistic feel provides feedback on fat shots and is durable enough to withstand your high-impact hits, providing a realistic turf interaction.
Pros
- All-in-one practice system
- Accommodates all types of clubs
- Realistic feel and accurate feedback
- Durable with high-quality materials
- Huge practice area, perfect for a high-end virtual golf system
Cons
- As expected, quality comes at a price
The Fiberbuilt Double-Hit Combo Mat is a great investment for any golfer looking to take their skills to the next level while practicing indoors. Its features make it a great choice for golfers of all skill levels.
I believe this very large and expensive golf mat is best suited for Commercial Golf Simulators for Business Use, as it provides the size, quality and durability needed for such systems.
Carl’s Place HotShot Golf Hitting Mat
I have always liked the amount of quality and attention to detail our friends at Carl’s Place include in the design and creation of their products. They are usually of excellent quality and provide numerous personalization options, and the HotShot is one of their latest additions.
The HotShot Golf Hitting Mat is Available in several size options: 4’x5′, 5’x7′ and 4’x9′. This mat is very comfy, easy on your joints, and offers a range of features that make it an ideal choice for golfers.
One of the best features of the HotShot is its replaceable hitting strip, which saves you from having to replace the entire mat when the strip wears out. This level of quality makes it more affordable than other golf mats, making it an exceptional value.
The HotShot offers realistic turf interaction, helping you perfect your golf swing and hit your shots more accurately. The mat is constructed using three main pieces of criteria: the shock absorption properties, the durability, and the realistic feel of the turf. Carl’s Place HotShot Golf Hitting Mat rates each mat on these criteria, so you can rest assured you’re getting a high-quality product.
Additionally, you can include optional accessories with your purchase, including tees for your driver and iron shots, different softness levels of the hitting strip, the Big Moss Return Ramp, and an extra golf mat insert. These additions are reasonably priced, and they can save you the hassle of getting items from different places since everything can be included in a single order.
Pros
- Relatively affordable and cost-effective
- Realistic turf interaction
- Replaceable hitting strip
- Multiple sizes available
- Customization options and fairly priced accessories
Cons
- Nothing we could think of
The Carl’s Place HotShot Golf Hitting Mat is an excellent option for any golfer who wants a fairly priced quality mat. With replaceable hitting strips, a variety of size options, and a focus on quality, this mat is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve their game.
TrueStrike Academy Golf Mat
If you’re looking for a premium training mat for your indoor simulator or as a golf coach or club fitter, the TrueStrike Academy Golf Mat is an excellent choice. This mat is designed to accurately simulate real grass and clubhead interactions to provide a “fairway-like” feel.
With its center-hitting position and quality materials, the Mat delivers accurate feedback that will help you improve your game. The mat is made of high-quality material that is durable and long-lasting, allowing you to use it for many years.
One advantage of the TrueStrike Academy Golf Mat is its relative affordability compared to other premium golf mats available in the market. Despite its affordability, the mat provides excellent performance that can compete with more expensive golf mats.
The TrueStrike Academy Golf Mat is an advanced product that uses technology to provide the best performance possible. It has a silicone gel layer on top of the lower molded foam to simulate the interaction of the club with real turf (like when hitting a fat shot and causing a divot). It’s an excellent investment for anyone who wants to improve their golf game and take advantage of indoor simulators, club fitting, or golf coaching.
Pros
- Technologically advanced hitting mat with multiple layers
- Center hitting position.
- Simulates real grass and clubhead interactions
- Realistic “fairway-like” feel
- Affordable price tag, compared to other premium products
- Durable and long-lasting
- Excellent performance.
Cons
- Limited to only one size
TrueStrike’s Academy Golf Mat is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a good-quality golf mat. With its center-hitting position and high-quality materials, this mat provides accurate feedback that will help you improve your golf game.
The mat offers excellent performance thanks to the technology incorporated in its design.
Buyer Guide: Things To Look For In The Best Golf Mat For Your Home Simulator
When it comes to finding the best golf mat for your simulator, there are several things to consider. Here is a buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a hitting mat.
Weight/Stability
When it comes to choosing the best golf mat for your simulator, stability is a crucial factor. Even the slightest movement can throw off the launch monitor readings, making it difficult to get accurate feedback on your shots.
For this reason, a heavier and larger mat tends to be more stable and is often preferred by experienced golfers.
However, if a heavier mat is not an option, there are ways to still achieve stability. One option is to use an anti-slip mat or pad to hold a lighter mat in place. This can help prevent any movement or sliding during your swing, ensuring that your launch monitor picks up accurate data.
Sizing
When it comes to creating your home golf simulator, choosing the right size of the golf mat is of utmost importance. It is crucial that you select a golf mat that meets your size requirements and simulates the same surface and conditions that you would encounter on a real golf course.
To ensure that you select the correct size, begin by measuring the available space in your home. This will allow you to determine the maximum size of the mat that can fit in the area. Once you have determined the available space, compare it to the dimensions of the mat you are interested in.
A full-size mat is recommended for a more authentic experience. However, if you have limited space or a tight budget, consider a smaller mat with hitting strips that can be replaced when worn. A 5’x5′ mat is perfectly adequate for this purpose and can save you money while offering a stable hitting surface.
Durability
When choosing a golf mat, durability should be a top priority. You want a mat that can withstand the thousands of shots you’ll take during practice sessions without breaking down or losing its realistic feel. Pay attention to the quality of construction and materials used in the mat’s manufacture. Look for mats that use premium materials and have reinforced edges to prevent fraying and tearing.
One way to gauge the durability of a golf mat is by reading customer reviews. Real-world feedback from other golfers can give you a good sense of how well a mat holds up over time. Look for reviews that mention the mat’s durability, or that note how many shots they’ve taken without any noticeable wear and tear.
Remember that a durable golf mat can save you money in the long run. A high-quality mat may cost more upfront, but if it lasts for years without needing to be replaced, it’s a better investment than a cheaper mat that wears out quickly.
Tees
When practicing golf on a simulator, the type of tee that you use is crucial for both your swing and the accuracy of your shot. There are several types of tees that you can use when practicing on a golf simulator, including rubber, wooden, and even plastic.
Some of the best golf simulator mats come with designated tee holes, allowing you to use rubber tees for a more realistic feel. The Fiberbuilt Tee Box Mat and the Real Feel Country Club Elite Mat are two popular options that provide a true-to-life experience.
Other mats require wooden or plastic tees to be placed directly into the turf. When choosing a mat without designated tee holes, make sure to select tees that are the appropriate height for your intended shot.
Finally, funky plastic tees like these ones can be used on any mat to add a unique twist to your practice routine. These tees come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can even incorporate extra features like ball markers or divot tools.
No matter which type of tee you choose, selecting the right mat for your golf simulator can enhance your practice experience by providing a more realistic and accurate representation of your shots.
Ball Tray
A ball tray is a useful feature to consider when purchasing a golf mat for practice. It adds extra convenience during practice by providing a designated space to store and organize your golf balls. A ball tray can save you time and effort by keeping your balls within easy reach, making it easy to practice your shots without having to stop and pick up balls after each shot.
Not all golf mats come with a ball tray, but it can be added later if desired. Fiberbuilt, a leading manufacturer of high-quality golf mats, offers ball trays and other accessories that can be added to their mats.
Frequently Asked Questions about Golf Simulators Mats
Let’s now answer some of the commonly asked questions about golf simulator mats.
Is It Better to Practice Golf on A Mat or Grass?
Hitting off a mat is more convenient, as you can do it indoors or outdoors and in any weather. Also, golf simulators allow for a more realistic experience. On the other hand, hitting off real grass provides a more authentic playing experience.
Practice mats offer consistent feedback, making it easier to diagnose weaknesses and produce better shots. They also tend to be more forgiving, allowing you to hit fat shots without damaging your clubs. However, they lack the realism of golfing on a real course.
Hitting off real grass allows players to better visualize their shots, which can translate to improving their game on the course. However, the feedback from real grass can be inconsistent, making it difficult to identify problem areas. Natural grass is also more demanding on your clubs and requires more maintenance.
Can Golf Mats Cause Injury to A Player?
Yes, improper use can lead to potential injury risks. Continuously hitting off a mat with little or no give may potentially cause jarring impact injuries that may affect your joints, back, and wrists. One way to prevent this is by alternating between hitting off artificial turf and real turf. This mix ensures that your joints and muscles adapt to the different feel of both surfaces, thus reducing the risk of injury.
To ensure the safety of players, it’s essential to carefully consider the type and quality of your golf mats. Investing in premium mats can help prevent potential injury risks.
How Thick Should a Golf Mat Be?
Industry standards suggest that the ideal thickness should be at least 0.75 inches. The reason for this is that thicker mats offer greater durability and wear and tear resistance. By opting for a thicker golf mat, you’re also investing in a product that’ll last longer, saving you both time and money in the long run.
Are Golf Training Mats Worth It?
Investing in golf training mats is definitely worth it for any golf enthusiast looking to improve their skills. These mats provide a realistic feel that allows you to practice and perfect your stance and swing without having to visit a driving range or golf course.
One of the biggest advantages of using a golf training mat is the consistency it offers. You get to hit from the same position every time, which means you can evaluate and improve your golf shot more accurately. The mats also provide feedback, letting you know whether your shot was good or if adjustments are needed.
What Golf Mat Do Pros Use?
Professional golfers use specialized golf mats. The industrial-grade hitting mats are made from high-quality materials like durable nylon fiber and turf shock foam base for reliable performance. Examples of pro player preferences include Fiberbuilt golf mats, which offer a variety of sizes and holes for rubber tees placement.
Usually, professional golfers use premium-quality mats that come as part of premium-grade golf simulator packages such as HD Golf, Full Swing Pro Series, Trackman, Golfzon, etc.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, selecting the right golf simulator mat is crucial for your practice sessions at home. Our top picks include a range of mats with various features and benefits to suit different needs. The list includes mats from different price points to fit different budgets.
Overall, it’s essential to take into account the mat’s features and benefits as well as any potential considerations or drawbacks before making your choice. By doing so, you’ll be able to find a quality golf mat that allows you to perfect your swing and improve your game at home.
We hope this guide has helped you to find the best sim mats for your practice sessions. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Happy swinging!
