Many practice facilities use mats vice grass for their hitting area. This is not uncommon where I live because the mats are much easier to maintain. There are some courses that have both mats and grass where the usage will depend on weather and ground conditions. Regardless, I personally do not like hitting off mats at the range because I find that I do not glean the same feedback from the ball flight. This might seem strange, but I have used enough mats to understand that there is a major difference in my practice sessions when I do not hit on grass.

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Early in the golf season, mats are use exclusively in norther climes. Using the grass at the range causes unrepairable damage early in the season. Hence, mats are used to protect the practice area. Unfortunately, this slows my process of knowing off the winter’s rust. Below is a good example:

I was hitting behind the ball and yet still produced a decent ball flight. I realize my set up position is wrong and I corrected that challenge immediately. However, if I was not paying attention to where my ball was first making contact with the mat I would have thought all was right with my golf swing.

I do believe that golf mats have a place at the practice range. Given where I live, they provide a valuable service to avid golfers like myself. It is a matter of understanding how to garner the most benefit from using a range mat. Because I have a DIY indoor driving range for the winter months, I am learning to lightly tough my driving mat with all my clubs. It actually helps come spring, but I will save that conversation for later.

Ultimately, this is the question:

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!