Golf Mat at driving range vs real grass
- Thread starter jenhaoyen
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willgolfer
New
Some of us just can't avoid them.
I have to drive 30 minutes (no traffic) to get to a range that offers grass hitting everyday.
Closest range to me only offers grass on the weekend. And the grass isn't anything close to real course conditions.
softconsult
New
There are some benefits to small town living, around 50,000 people. 8 minutes from my house to a city owned course. What's great about this course, not typical of course, is that it has a practice area which is sort of sandwiched in between two holes with trees defining the range. You can hit up to about 230 yds safely.
There is a very large teeing area on two levels. Two sand traps and a chipping green. They have range balls for sale, but most of us bring our own shag bags for a total practice cost of zero.
The amazing thing is just how little it is used. There are fewer than a dozen regular users and most days that I practice, I am alone.
There is a very large teeing area on two levels. Two sand traps and a chipping green. They have range balls for sale, but most of us bring our own shag bags for a total practice cost of zero.
The amazing thing is just how little it is used. There are fewer than a dozen regular users and most days that I practice, I am alone.
Z
Zztop
Guest
Range balls or the ball you play on the course?
Less spin = lower (irons) ball flight?
I've also heard that compression can effect launch angle.
I tend to swing also differently off very firm mats. But the biggest issue for me is that I have difficulty to judge the quality of contact off the mats. Fortunately I've got good access to grass tees right now.
....
jake, if you ever want to find out how you are hitting off mats, find a mat with the rubber driver peg missing, and tee your ball in the small hole....
You will have to hit down corectly to make good contact...this is a great (and surprising) exercise...
jake, if you ever want to find out how you are hitting off mats, find a mat with the rubber driver peg missing, and tee your ball in the small hole....
You will have to hit down corectly to make good contact...this is a great (and surprising) exercise...
Franciscowhite
New
In my opinion artificial grass is a better option as compare to real grass because i have personal experience in this field like very less maintenance ahead like watering cutting or fertilizing etc one time payment and ur grass will remain green 12 months and it always looks fresh unless u touch it...............
jenhaoyen
New
it's weird, when I hit on the mat, it's a little bit lower. Maybe because i don't really want to hit the mat, and i just kind of thin it a little?
on the grass I hit it higher for sure.
Also, I hit my driver higher off the wooden tee (skinny tee) than the driving range rubber tee.
dunno?
Sounds right to me
hp12c
New
For some reason I hit ther ball better and farther of mats, when Im having issues with my swing on the grass I just go over to the mat area and problem fixed. Strange but glad my practice areas has both available.
Kevin Shields
Super Moderator
Sounds like you cant scoop it off the mats. If its a normal range ball rock, people always hit it higher off mats, especially wedges
birly-shirly
New
Kevin - by "higher", are you talking about launch angle, or overall trajectory, or both?
Is it possible that, especially with longer irons and non-elite clubhead speeds, you might never realise that you're actually launching the ball a little higher because the ball doesn't take enough spin to keep it in the air for a reasonable flight.
Is it possible that, especially with longer irons and non-elite clubhead speeds, you might never realise that you're actually launching the ball a little higher because the ball doesn't take enough spin to keep it in the air for a reasonable flight.
Kevin Shields
Super Moderator
I guess so, especially if you dont have enough ball speed
Good players generally don't have problems hitting off mats.It is similar to very tight lies which pros love and high handicappers hate.High handicappers may hit it ok off mats because the club hits fat but slides into the ball.Off a tight lie in the fairway it would be a duff.
The key to hitting off mats is don't be shy about giving the mat a good thump.This would be the same as taking a good size divot off a fairway.The last thing you want to do is subconciously start "picking" the ball clean to avoid the "thump" and you will be hitting a lot of slightly thin shots.The downside is you might alter the lie angle of your irons over time and of course risk injury to your wrists,so pick a mat that's fairly new and still has plenty of give.
The key to hitting off mats is don't be shy about giving the mat a good thump.This would be the same as taking a good size divot off a fairway.The last thing you want to do is subconciously start "picking" the ball clean to avoid the "thump" and you will be hitting a lot of slightly thin shots.The downside is you might alter the lie angle of your irons over time and of course risk injury to your wrists,so pick a mat that's fairly new and still has plenty of give.
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