2022 GOLF HITTING MAT BUYER’S GUIDE

There are so many different golf hitting mats on the market. Which one is best for you? Ah, that’s where we come in!

Some are easily portable and come with multiple different surface types. Others are semi-permanent and meant for your at home simulator. Not all artificial turf performs the same. You can even tailor some hitting mats to your course conditions and, most importantly, the mat you chooose must prevent you from shattering your wrists when you hit a ball!

We tested the most popular golf hitting mats including Rukket, Rain or Shine, Me and My Golf, Swing Turf, Wittek and Safeplay. They offer an array of price points, different grass types and features. Read on to discover which is right for you.

Breaking Down Hitting Mat Details

Whether you’re looking to buy a new hitting mat today, looking for some buying advice or just want a closer look at what’s on the market, this guide will help you find the right mat to fit your needs.

Me and My Golf Tri Turf Mat

Three different grass types for dialed-in practice. Fairway section has a tight “country-club” lie while the rough section has a little grip to it. The final section is for driver shots. Easily portable with non-slip base and handle. Includes ball-tray collection area.

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Rukket Golf Standing Turf Mat

The Rukket Standing Turf Mat is an add-on for their Twin Turf and Tri Turf mats. The Standing Mat places the golfer on the same level as the hitting mat. This is a better setup as the golfer doesn’t need to change their swing to accommodate for simulated uphill or downhill lies. If the mat isn’t grounded, it can slip during the swing.

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Rukket Golf Twin Turf Mat

The material feels just as tight as those lush fairways. When hitting on the rough side, it doesn’t react the same way into the grain as real grass. Also of note, the mat will move a lot when hitting into the grain. Hitting with the grain can be beneficial but you tend to hit flyers. Its portability is good and it doesn’t take up much space.

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Rukket Tri Turf Mat

The fairway portion of the mat is lush and feels like a fairway. The “second cut” of turf reacts well with different shot types. The rough is like its Twin Turf brother as it sticks when hitting into the grain and the mat moves. You can get the odd flyer when hitting with the grain like you would on the course. Portability is good and it doesn’t take up much space.

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Rukket XL Tri Turf Mat

The mat is the same as the Tri Turf but bigger. Being larger helps keep the mat stable and reduces sliding. Size matters so we’d lean towards the XL over the regular Tri Turf.

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Swing Turf Mat

If you’re looking for a plush hitting mat, the Swing Turf Mat is certainly that. It feels soft under your feet but compact at the same time. During your swing, your feet might slide a bit until the mat is broken in. After a few uses, your feet will be much more stable. The ball interaction feels just like hitting off country club fairways.

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Safeplay Golf Monster Mat

The Safeplay Monster Mat is another mat that offers plush fairway feel. This mat will react to every type of shot you hit. For example, if you catch it heavy, the shot will be considerably shorter than a well-struck shot. The Monster Mat has more grain than other hitting mats which can cause a flyer from time to time. Although the mat feels plush, it is dense enough to allow your feet to remain stable.

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Wittek Mega Mat

If you like a slightly firmer mat with some give, the Mega Mat is the one for you. The fibers are a little smaller but with those smaller fibers comes fantastic stability. You have to make sure the mat is secure. Otherwise, it will move while you’re swinging.

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Wittek Quattro

This mat is durable. Its shorter fibers and overall construction make it firmer than the plusher alternatives. It comes with eight tee holes which is good for tee shots. A downfall to this mat is that, when you catch it heavy, the club bounces through, reducing the penalty for a mis-hit. Yes, you will lose some distance but it’s not as much as you would off real grass.

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FEATURES THAT MATTER

Real-Life Feeling

When it comes to hitting mats, everyone wants to get as close as possible to the feel of real grass. Some mats can allow a chunked shot to look good because the club bounces through, rather than digs. The result is a shot that’s hit much better than it would be off grass. Choose a mat that has a consistent feel and realistic turf interaction.

Those golfers who want the most realistic mat should consider Swing Turf Mat and Safeplay Golf Monster Mat.

Stability

Stability is broken down two different ways: Foot stability and mat stability.

Foot stability occurs when swinging. Our testing showed that, on some mats, your feet can move up to two inches, which is significant. This is due to the thickness and softness of the material.

The second consideration for stability is the mat itself. Does it move when you’re hitting?

If you don’t have a designated spot where the mat is dug into the ground or attached to the floor, the mat can move based on how fast you swing. For example, if you have a two-piece mat where you stand on one piece and hit off the other, you could get double the amount of movement.

A mat that is stable in both aspects will remain stable on the floor and keep your feet stationary.

Those who want the most stable hitting mat should consider Wittek Mega Mat and Swing Turf Mat.

Durability

A hitting mat should last thousands, if not tens of thousands, of shots. Less durable mats will quickly develop a dip in the hitting area that acts like a divot, making it harder to hit off.

Golfers who want the most durable mat tested should look into the Wittek Quattro and Swing Turf Mat.

More Tips

Where your hitting net is located can determine what mat you choose. If you’re hitting inside, you might want to look into a 5′ x 5′ mat. If your net is outside, we suggest looking at a smaller, more portable mat. Look for a hitting mat that keeps your body and the ball on the same level. You probably don’t want the ball above or below your feet for most of your practice time. Depending on what shot you want to play, consider a mat that simulates hitting out of the rough, second cut and fairway. Ensure whatever mat you use is anchored and stable and will not move during your swing. There are mats on the market that can simulate certain types of grass. Ideally, you should buy a mat that best matches the grass on your course. .truegolffit-banner-inner-right { padding-top: calc(574/1020 * (100% - 430px)); } @media screen and (max-width: 991px) { .truegolffit-banner-inner-right { padding-top: calc(574/1020 * 100%); width: 100%; } }

 

The Best Hitting Mat 2022 – FAQ

Q: Do hitting mats cause injuries?

A: Firmer mats can cause wrist and elbow injuries because of the shock factor. However, most modern golf hitting mats have shock absorbers built in to help prevent injuries. Mats with more fibers typically have more give.

Q: What sizes do golf hitting mats come in?

A: The standard one-piece mat ranges between three and five feet long and four to eight feet wide. Portable mats can be as small as a foot wide and a foot long.

Q: What size hitting mat should I buy?

A: Most driving ranges use mats that are 5′ x 5′. Buy golf practice mats based on your height (or the height of the tallest person who will be using it). If you have or are planning to have a golf simulator, we recommend at least 5′ x 5′.

Q: How long do hitting mats last?

A: It depends on the golf mat. Plush turf can last close to 10,000 shots before the indentation from iron hitting becomes too bad. But once it becomes unplayable, you rotate the 5′ x 5′ clockwise by 90 degrees and have a brand-new mat.

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