Should I practice from a golf mat?

[@michaelherring3471]

Thanks, as always, Sue! I always find your hints/tips/suggestions to be very helpful, as were your lessons!!! Keep up the good work!

[@ChangeGolfInstruction]

Thanks, Michael!

[@HalfCab180_]

That mat you are standing on looks like old time Astroturf on concrete. For us inside golf simulator enthusiasts, most will agree a Fiberbuilt grass series mat/strip is the most forgiving, or as an alternative, an EZ Tee Hybrid mat/strip. The debate between the "best" hitting mat will go on into perpetuity. But what I do know is I will NOT go to a public driving range and hit off their crap mats. Hitting into a net with a launch monitor - even a very low cost LM - off of a better (but more expensive) mat/strip is much better for practice and will save your body vs. the beating it takes off of driving range mats. And bonus if you hit into a net at home -- can use premium balls.

[@ChangeGolfInstruction]

Yeah. Crap mats are bad. But this is a new strip -- not like the old astroturf. It is amazingly spongy! I agree about using a launch monitor inside. That's the way to go.

[@fitzygolfpro]

Love it Sue.

[@ChangeGolfInstruction]

Thanks! Do you teach off mats?

[@fitzygolfpro]

@@ChangeGolfInstruction I coach at 4 venues Sue. Two have mats and 2 have grass. There are good and bad for both but if I had a choice it would be grass but it's only just ahead of mats. I hope you are well. Brian

[@stuarthillier2156]

I used to dislike practicing on mats, but living in the UK, they are everywhere and much needed. I just had to adjust my attitude to them, and now use them regularly and it helps me play year round.

[@ChangeGolfInstruction]

I agree. It is not the end of the world so long as the mats have some give. I'd rather a mat than hitting from a mud bath too!

[@dogloverjb6873]

I get golfers' elbow hitting off mats...not enough give to the mats and the impact is hard on the arm/wrist joints. I find the best practice on mats is FW's. Great practice, as you try to hit the ball cleanly off the mats and not down into the mats

[@ChangeGolfInstruction]

Yes, that can be a problem if your swing is slightly on the steeper side. If the mat holds tees (not the rubber ones), it's a good exercise to practice hitting irons off a low tee. It will protect your elbow and help shallow your swing.