Golf mats are extremely useful if you want to practice your swing without ruining your lawn. High-quality golf mats are easy to deploy and they protect the grass and turf of your lawn from getting chipped by your golf club.
However, choosing the right golf mat is not that straightforward as you need to consider some vital factors like the material, durability, ease of use, and non-slip backing.
There are loads of options for you to choose from, and that adds to the problem.
Fortunately, our expert team has reviewed over 40 golf mats that claim to be the best before finally shortlisting the actual best ones.
So, read on and check our in-depth analysis and elaborate buying guide. You can also quickly browse through our top five list if you’re in a hurry.
Let’s dive right in!
Best Golf Mat Summary
Golfible Picks:
Editor’s Choice: Rukket Tri Turf Golf Hitting Mat (click to see)
Budget Choice: SkyLife Golf Mat (click to see on eBay)
Best Golf Mat For Beginners: Dura-Pro Residential (click to see)
Best Golf Mat For Driving: Emerald Par (click to see on eBay)
Best High-End Golf Mat: Dura-Pro Commercial Golf Mat (click to see)
Golt Mat Product Specification Comparison
| Golf Mats | Rukket Tri Turf Golf Hitting Mat | SkyLife Golf Mat | Dura-Pro Residential | Emerald Par | Dura-Pro Commercial Golf Mat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.5/10 Editor’s Choice | 9.1/10 Budget Choice | 9.1/10 Best Golf Mat For Beginners | 8.8/10 Best Golf Mat For Driving | 9.2/10 Best High-End Golf Mat |
| Pricing | Jump To Pricing Section | Jump To Pricing Section | Jump To Pricing Section | Jump To Pricing Section | Jump To Pricing Section |
| Turf Material | High Quality “Real Feel” Artificial Grass | N/A | UV Treated, High-Grade 3D Nylon Turf | UV Protected, 100% Woven Nylon Turn | UV Treated, 100% Nylon Turf |
| Size | 25 x 16 Inches (Standard), 36 x 23.5 Inches (Extra Large) | 12 x 24 Inches | 4 x 5 Feet | 3 x 4 Feet | 4 x 5 Feet |
| Practice Surface Type | Fairway, Rough, Tie-Lie | Tie-Lie | Fairway | Driving | Driving, Fairway |
| Base Material | Extra-Thick (2mm) Rubber Base | Non-Slip Durable Rubber Base | Shock-Resistant Urethane Base Pad | Black Urethaner Base | Non-Slip Commercial Urethane Base Pad |
| Included Accessories | Rukket Practice Balls, Plastic Tees | Removable Rubber Tee | Rubber Tees, Ball Tray | Rubber Tee | Rubber Tees, Fairway Tee, Driver Tee, Adjustable Wood Tee Holder |
| Foldable / Packable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 Pounds | 0.99 Pounds | N/A | N/A | 18 Pounds |
| Read Review | Jump To Rukket Tri Turf Golf Hitting Mat Review | Jump To SkyLife Golf Mat Review | Jump To Dura-Pro Residential Review | Jump To Emerald Par Review | Jump To Dura-Pro Commercial Golf Mat Review |
Rukket Tri Turf Golf Hitting Mat
Editor’s Choice
Rating: 9.5 /10
uSA Suppliers (Also deliver to Canada)
uK Suppliers
Pros
- Durable
- Three different hitting surfaces
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Includes tees and balls
Cons
- A little more expensive
- Tight-lie mat is less realistic
The Rukket golf mat is really useful for golfers who want to practice various lies. Some mats only give you a single surface, which doesn’t help if you want to practice fairway, rough, and tight-lies.
The tri-turf design gives you all three so you can practice and be prepared for anything when you actually hit the course. It is built durably with an extra thick rubber base two keep the mat in place and hold everything together firmly.
The standard size mat is 25×16″ and comes with practice balls and tees of various heights for practicing drives. It may be perfect for the golfer who wants to have an indoor practice area during the winter, or for letting you try out different lies without digging into your lawn.
SkyLife Golf Mat
Budget Choice
Rating: 9.1 /10
uSA Suppliers (Also deliver to Canada)
 Amazon.com
|
$18.79 | View Deal |
uK Suppliers
Pros
- Durable material
- Non-slip rubber underside
- Removable tee
- Easy to roll up
Cons
- Only a tight lie surface
- Moves a little bit when practicing on concrete
If you’re just looking for an affordable practice mat for the home, the SkyLife Golf Mat may be the right way to go for you. It will give you a reliable surface that you can hit off of to help save your yard.
It is pretty lightweight and can be taken almost anywhere so you can practice wherever you like. The simulation turf is 0.4inch and it has a non-slip rubber base on the bottom side. It has a removable rubber tee included which can be used by both right and left-handed golfers.
It measures 12×24″ and can be rolled up into a compact and storable tube in just a couple of seconds.
Dura-Pro Residential
Best Golf Mat For Beginners
Rating: 9.1 /10
uSA Suppliers (Also deliver to Canada)
|
Amazon.com
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$274.00 | View Deal |
uK Suppliers
Pros
- Fibers welded to rubber underside
- 30% denser than many golf mats
- Tees and tray included
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable
Cons
- Single practice surface
- May not last a long time
If you’re a beginner and you’re looking for a reliable practice mat for the home, then the Dura-Pro golf mat could be the best option for you. It has three rubber tees and a ball-tray included to assist your practice.
They are made in the U.S.A and are built with an 8-year UV sun protective coating. The Nylon turf fibers help to absorb club head shock, and it is welded to the rubber backing to help avoid delamination.
It is 30% denser than many of the competing golf mats which can help to reduce shock on your wrists and arms. It is also fairly affordable so if you’re just looking to get a few practice strokes in, the Dura-Pro Residential golf mat is well within.
Emerald Par
Best Golf Mat For Driving
Rating: 8.8 /10
Pros
- Good size for driving practice
- Includes rubber tee
- Non-slip foam backing
- Lightweight material
Cons
- Not best for iron practice
- Thin turf fibers
If you need a mat solely for practicing your drives, the Emerald Par Golf Mat is designed to give you a comfortable surface to practice on.
It has a rubber tee included and is large enough to stand on with enough room to extend to the tee with your driver. It has a 5mm foam backing on the underside to help it stay in place when you’re on hard surfaces.
It has 1/2″ woven nylon turf which is comfortable to stand on and cuts down on vibration from clubs. It may wear a little bit if you’re hitting a lot of irons on it and is best suited for driving practice.
Dura-Pro Commercial Golf Mat
Best High-End Golf Mat
Rating: 9.2 /10
uSA Suppliers (Also deliver to Canada)
|
Amazon.com
|
$89.00 | View Deal |
uK Suppliers
Pros
- Long-lasting durability
- Welded fibers
- 30% denser than traditional mats
- Includes tees and ball tray
- Good for drivers and irons
Cons
- Less affordable
- Single lie type
If you want to have the type of golf mat that some of the best ranges and country clubs use around the world, then the Dura-Pro Commercial mat may be the best one for you.
Not to be confused with the Dura-Pro residential mat, the commercial model is built with additional strength and durability to last longer and give golfers a really true feel. It has nylon fibers welded into the non-slip back which help the mat to last a long time and doesn’t stain your clubs.
It has holes in the mat where you can place your tees and practice your drives. The fibers are 30% denser than many of the competing golf mats which help to reduce shock on wrists and elbows. Included are three rubber tees, a 1/4 tee for fairway woods, and a golf ball tray to hold the balls while you practice.
Things to look for in your golf mat
Golf Practice Mat vs Grass
So what is the difference between hitting off a golf mat vs the grass? Is hitting off golf mats bad for your game? Well, golf mats are much easier to maintain. Since you’re not hitting off the grass, you won’t be tearing up your lawn. It may not give you the authentic feedback that comes from hitting off of a grass surface, but it comes pretty close.
Also, you can hit off of mats indoors in the off months if you have a net at home. Mats are designed to give you a practice surface no matter the time or place.
If you have no concerns about maintaining the grass where you practice, then hitting balls off the ground will provide the most accurate feedback for your shots. But if you want to keep your lawn in order, a mat is a respectable option.
Features to look for in a Golf Mat
Durability
You want your golf mat to last for years. It is an investment and you want to be able to ensure it is going to last. Golf mats that are made with nylon fibers are quite durable and long-lasting since nylon is a tough material that is weatherproof and doesn’t rip or tear easily.
If you have a mat that has welded fibers into the backing, then they will have more strength over time and will be less likely to come apart.
Portability
One of the biggest benefits of using a golf mat is that the best ones are quite portable. Your golf mat can be tough, durable, and have a true feel while also being light and compact enough to move around.
The best golf mat will be able to be taken to the park, the garage, the basement, or the beach. Wherever you want to practice your swing. If it can roll up easily, then it will be easier to store and move around. Also, ensure that it is light enough to be easily picked up and transported.
Length
The size and length of your mat will have an effect on how and where you use it. Some golf mats are quite small and are not designed to be stood on while you’re swinging. Others are large enough to stand on while you practice.
If you can stand on your mat while you hit your balls, the mat will stay in place a little bit better. If it is smaller and your body weight is not holding it in place, then it may have a tendency to shift around.
Our favorite mats are designed for drivers and irons and not necessarily for putting. If you want to find a mat that you can put off of, then you will need a mat that is much longer in order to get true putting practice in.
Surface
What type of surface do you want to practice on with your mat? Many mats you will find at ranges are a single tight-lie surface. This is okay for practicing basic form but doesn’t give you a true level of feedback on your practice.
Mats with various surfaces such as the fairway, rough, and tight-lie allow you to practice different lies so you can be better prepared when your ball goes in the thick stuff on the course.
The best golf mats will have various surfaces for you to hit from to give you the most versatile practice options.
Tee Included?
Practicing your drives as well as your irons is a large benefit of having a tee included with your mat. Driving is one of the most difficult parts of the game, so when you’re picking out your golf mat, ensure that there is a tee included and a pre-drilled hole for you to plug the tee through.
How to Train Using a Golf Mat
Since using a golf mat sometimes doesn’t give you a perfectly authentic practice surface, it is important to know how to train using a golf mat. To give you an idea of how to properly practice using a mat, you can check out this video here.
How to make a Golf Mat
Some of us like to build our own practice surface with things we have around the house. The good news is, this is perfectly possible.
You just need to put in a little bit of work and time in order to make it happen. To see a tutorial of how to make your own golf mat at home, check out this video.
Conclusion
With the best golf mat, you will be able to practice anywhere and everywhere you want to. Whether it is summer or winter, indoors or outdoors, you will be able to practice perfect form all the time. We love the Rukket Golf Mat most for the best overall pick. However, any of our picks should work well to help you with your practice.
FAQ
What golf mat does GolfTec use?
GolfTec uses Fiberbuilt golf mats to provide their clients with a consistent and reliable hitting surface. These mats are made from high-quality materials that can withstand heavy use, making them ideal for GolfTec’s purposes. Fiberbuilt mats are also designed to simulate real turf, giving golfers a more realistic practice experience.
Is it better to practice golf on mats or grass?
It is better to practice on grass. There are pros and cons to both practicing on mats and grass. Mats tend to be more forgiving, so they can be a good option if you’re just starting. However, the grass represents the game, so you may want to practice it as much as possible. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what works best for you.
Do golf balls go further off a mat?
Yes, it is generally accepted that a golf ball will travel further off a mat than it would off a grassy surface. This is because the mat provides a more consistent and stable surface for the ball to strike, resulting in less spin and more distance.
Do mats ruin golf clubs?
Yes, mats can ruin golf clubs. Often, mats have concrete underneath; if your club comes in contact with that, it will cause damage to the club. Mats have a firm surface that can scratch your golf clubs, ruining their shiny appearance. The belief is that the mats compress the grass, making it more difficult for the club to make clean contact with the ball. It can lead to mis-hits and decreased distance.
