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There is no getting around it if you want to get better at golf, you will have to spend more time at the course, which is why getting a putting mat for your home or office is a great investment to make while you are in the process of getting better. What you may not have considered is how to best replicate the feel of a real putting green. What thickness of golf putting mat is going to be the most realistic to practice on? The answer isn't finding the mat that is the thickest. The best putting green golf mat is the one that best balances the thickness, surface material, turf density, and backing.
It is 2008 and Dotcom is starting to become a veteran in the custom putting mats industry. They have partnered with loads of clients and become familiar with the ins and outs of designing a putting mat. When it comes to thickness and materials of the putting mat besides it being a true practice tool to help you improve your game, there is some confusion.
Thicknesses and Putting Mats
Typically, the thicker mats give the ball a truer roll and provide a better feel underfoot. The thickness of a mat is used to try to replicate the give, as well as the uniformity, of a real putting green.
Thinner mats are typically cheaper and are usually placed in crowded areas, as they are easy to store, roll, and move. They are also very portable and you can transport them to a different room in the house or even to the office. But because they are thin, they are firmer and can cause the mat to not sit flush to the ground. This means if there are any uneven surfaces on the floor, they can transfer the friction to the mat and cause the ball to bounce or even wobble too much, which can directly affect your putting stroke practice.
Thicker mats can offer a better smoother surface and help reduce the flaws in the floor underneath. For the avid golfer looking to practice on a mat, you are best off looking in the mid range for thickness. These types of mats offer the best of both worlds and provide the ideal surface for a realistic roll on the ball.
Thickness of a Mat isnt Everything
Identifying a mats thickness is only the beginning of the discussion. Many surface materials are not mat specific, causing an unexpected feel. Quality characteristics of a mat can be seen in the details.
Top quality putting mats are constructed using professional grade materials. One hundred percent nylon or polyester fiber is common use. The roll of a golf ball is smooth and true due to the construction of the putting mat. For example, a putting mat with 3mm cut pile and 350 grams per square meter seeks to imitate a real golf course turf. Mats with the goal of providing the best putting experience build confidence in the stroke. The goal is for the putting surface to not grab or slow the ball. Loose or long pile in the mat results in the ball grabbing. Firm short pile leads to a surface that will feel like you are putting on a concrete floor. When you are examining thickness, ask the seller about pile height and density.
Backing: The Silent Supporter of Stability
Many overlook the backing of a putting mat. You can have the finest turf surface, but if the mat slides around every time you step or hit a putt, it is worthless. The backing is what holds everything in place.
Quality putting mats use non slip backing which grips the floor. Materials like black TPR are heavy and have a natural grip. A good backing can weigh two to three times more than the turf. Because of its weight, it helps the mat lay flat and if it does get moved, the backing will hold it in place. This is also a factor in how the turf is attached to the backing. Good quality backings have what is called high quality lock stitching and similar technologies. This increases the durability of the backing and prevents fibers from pulling out. This will allow you to practice putting as much as you would like to. So, while checking putter mat specs, do not focus too much on the turf alone. The backing is just as important.
Portability and Everyday Use
Putting mats have the advantage of letting you practice whenever and wherever you feel like it. Be it at the home office, the living room, or the break room at your workplace, the putting mat adapts to your lifestyle.
You will have to consider design and size options. The best putting mats will be easy to roll up and store. After a practice session, you will probably want to put the mat away. While a lot of putting mats are fixed size, like ten feet by one point three three feet or around eight feet by one point six feet, these are very hallway and spare room friendly. However, if you have a specific dimension in mind, being able to customize size options for your putting mat is a massive advantage. It allows your putting mat to be a permanent feature in your home. Moreover, it being lightweight means you can easily relocate it whenever it is required.
Personalization: Getting Just What You Want
Everyone is different. Your skills, practice space, and style preferences are all different. That is what makes the option to customize your golf putting mat so great. It transforms a good training aide into the best one that fits you perfectly.
Customization is more than just size. Perhaps you want to go with your decor or your favorite sports team. You might have a logo or a design in mind, and many manufacturers offer this as well. Even the order size is flexible. You do not have to order thousands of units to get something made just for you. Most of the time you can order just one item. You can be as involved as you want in the design, provide your own art, or even design it with their artists. They will send you a proof before anything goes into production to ensure you are happy with it. As for the mat colors, you can use your own Pantone references to get it right.
Manufacturer Quality and Certifications
When shopping for a putting mat online, quality and safety should be a priority. A putting mat that undergoes a lot of quality supervision is one that has a lot of craftsmanship and care put into production.
When quality supervision is done, putting mats undergo procedures such as tufting, gluing, printing, and backing. They also undergo procedures like cutting and edging as well as needle inspections. All these steps help guarantee that only the best and highest quality mats are produced. Independent testing without manufacturing bias is also a way of gauging mat quality. Most of the best mats have what is known as the Oeko Tex Standard 100 certification. This means that all the materials used in the making of the putting mats have no hazardous substances for indoor use. ISO 9001 is another common certification. This shows that a company adheres to strict quality management standards. Quality supervision is very beneficial for both the consumer and the manufacturer.