Okay, so I’ve been wanting to work on my putting, but getting to the course all the time is, well, you know… a hassle. So I finally decided to get one of those indoor putting mats. Figured it’d be a good way to practice my short game at home.
Choosing the Right Mat
First thing I did was jump online and look at, like, a million different mats. There are so many! Some are super basic, just a strip of green carpet, basically. Others have all these fancy features – different textures to simulate different green speeds, alignment lines, even little ramps and breaks.
I ended up going for something in the middle. Didn’t need anything too crazy, but I wanted something with a little more than just a flat piece of turf. I found one that had a slight incline and a couple of holes at the end, plus some markings to help with alignment. Seemed like a good balance of features and price, you know?
Setting It Up
When the mat arrived, I was pretty eager to try it out. I unrolled it in my living room – gotta make sure you have enough space, by the way! It was a little creased from being rolled up in the box, but it flattened out pretty quickly after I walked on it a bit.
The one I got has a little foam wedge that goes underneath to create the slope. Super easy to set up, just slide it under there. And that’s it! Ready to putt.
Putting Practice Time!
I grabbed my putter and a few balls and started practicing. It’s definitely different from putting on a real green, but it’s still good practice. I spent some time just getting a feel for the speed. The mat I got is supposed to simulate a medium-fast green, which is good, because that’s what most of the courses I play on are like.
Here’s what I focused on:
- Alignment: The lines on the mat really helped with this. I could make sure my feet, hips, and shoulders were all square to the target line.
- Distance Control: This is where the slight incline really came in handy. I could practice hitting putts of different lengths, trying to get the ball to stop right at the hole or just past it.
- Consistency: I just kept hitting putt after putt, trying to develop a smooth, repeatable stroke.
My Thoughts So Far
I’ve been using the mat for a few weeks now, and I’m pretty happy with it. It’s definitely convenient being able to practice whenever I have a few spare minutes. I feel like my putting stroke is getting more consistent, and my distance control is improving. I am making more short putts and getting that confidence. Can’t wait to try it out on the actual golf course.
It’s not a replacement for practicing on a real green, of course. But for those times when I can’t get to the course, it’s a great way to keep my putting skills sharp. Def recommend if you’re looking for some easy at-home practice!
