Practicing is a big part of becoming better at golf. Although some people do have natural skill, the nature of the game always leaves room for improvement. When you are going to practice golf at home, you need to make sure that you have the right size mat to help you get the realistic feel out of your shots that will translate back onto the course. Mats come in a variety of sizes and you’ll need to make sure that you have adequate space for the mat that you choose.
There are a lot of variables in making this purchase decision. Fortunately, we have gathered information about the available mat sizes and how to choose the right ones, as well as how to “test” the mats at your home to ensure that you buy the right size. Keep reading to learn more about how to make sure that you get the perfect golf mats for your home practice, no matter what you have in mind.
What Sizes are Available?
There are a number of sizes to choose from when you are buying practice golf mats. Starting around one foot by two feet and going all the way up to five feet by six feet or larger, there are mats that will fit your practice needs regardless of where you are practicing or how much space you need. Common golf mat sizes, listed in feet, include:
- 1×2
- 3×4
- 3×5
- 4×5
- 5×5
- 5×6
- 5×10
You will have to decide which mat suits your needs based on the size of your space and a few other factors, including your height. Keep reading to learn more about choosing the right size and how height will play a role in your decision.
How Height Factors In
There are a lot of considerations in buying a golf mat, but some people don’t realize that height is one of them. Your height affects your swing radius, which impacts the overall size of the mat that you will need to simulate actual play. If you have a wider swing, you will need a bigger mat. Typically, recommendations include:
- 5’0” to 5’3” – 3×5 feet
- 5’4” or taller – 4×5 feet or larger
Of course, this is just a ballpark idea and a starting point for you to start researching and testing your options. If you have the chance, create a space to test out the golf mat that you are going to buy, or head to the store to sample them before you make your purchase online. Generally speaking, the taller you are, the larger a mat you will need. Consider this when you are shopping for your new golf mat so that you ensure that your skills translate onto the course with ease.
What Size Golf Mat Should I Get?
In choosing the right size golf mat, you have to think about the various sizes, including their benefits and features. Here are some things to keep in mind. If the mat you choose is too small, it may not feel realistic when you practice. It could also affect your shots and the progress will not translate effectively. Of course, if you choose a mat that is too large, you might be wasting valuable space or again offsetting how your practice will translate in real-time conditions. In order to choose the perfect size, here are some things to keep in mind:
- The best way is to test first. Using tape or spray paint, you can map out a bunch of boxes in the same sizes as standard golf mats, allowing you to stand in the area and find what feels right. The sizes that you need will include, in feet:
- 1×2
- 3×4
- 3×5
- 4×5
- 5×5
- 5×6
- 5×10
- Mats come in different materials and finishes. Depending on the type of game that you are trying to hone, you may want a different practice mat. There are durable, affordable options along with high-end high-tech mats that give you all the best advantages. Make sure that you compare the options to find the one that suits your budget and your practice needs.
- Do you need a mat that is portable? If you aren’t building a dedicated space that can be left undisturbed, you may want to choose a golf mat that is easy to store when it is not in use. Some mats will have to be stored flat while others can be rolled, but you will always want to make sure that you don’t damage anything along the way.
- If you’re investing in a simulator screen, you need a bigger mat so that you can fit into the space that is being created virtually. Five by six feet is a minimum recommendation, and some players even choose to upgrade to an octagon for more angle options than a square mat offers.
Practice at Home Today
Buying the right golf mat is all about figuring out what works for you. There are a variety of sizes for all practice needs and player height needs, along with a lot of other variables. Everyone that knows the golf game will tell you that practice makes perfect, so it will really be worth your time to invest in a practice area that you can use at home. Remember to consider whether you have a permanent or temporary space because some mats are more difficult to remove than others.
Make sure that you are also looking at the quality of the materials available and the types of mats that you can purchase. This will ensure that you get the best practice mat for your golf enjoyment, whether you are enjoying a few rounds on the weekends or starting a new hobby and intend to become a golf enthusiast. At Rawhide Golf Ball Company, we have a huge selection of comfortable golf mats in a range of sizes and styles, giving you a chance to get everything that you need for your new hobby. The right set up may take a minute, but it will definitely be worth the investment when you see how much your game improves.
