Best Golf Mats in 2023

***If you’re looking for the most recent reviews for 2023 gear, we will be updating this page in the summer after we’ve had a chance to review them!

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find the Best Golf Mats in 2022, then here’s what we recommend:

• Best Overall – DuraPro Commercial Mat
• Best for Indoors – Net Return Pro Turf
• Best for Outdoors – TrueStrike Single Golf Mat
• Most Affordable – Fiber Built Flight Deck Golf Mat

For those of us that are weekend warriors and have neither the time or the money to work on golf as often as we would like, a good golf mat can make a huge difference. Being able to practice your swing with a variety of clubs from the comfort of your own home can help to improve your game quickly.

In this article we’re going to look at how to select the best golf mat for your particular setup, whether indoor or outdoor.

We’re going to be reviewing the following golf mats:

• Fiber Built 4′ x 7′
• The Net Return Pro Turf
• TrueStrike Single Golf Mat
• Fiber Built Flight Deck Golf Mat
• Real Feel Country Club Elite 4′ x 4′
• DuraPro Commercial Golf Mat 4′ x 5′
• DuraPro Premium Residential Golf Mat 4′ x 5′
• SkyLife Dual Turf 16″ x 25″
• Premium Pro Turf 4′ x 5′

I have been out playing a few times with people that I know have families and demanding jobs and I could never figure out how their swings were so well honed. If you have a job, then you know weekdays are almost impossible to play consistent golf. If you have children then your Saturdays are shot, and if you go to church your Sunday is about the same. Squeezing a round in here and there seems to become more and more difficult every year. 

While hitting off of a mat, into a net, with a simulator reading the spin and distance of your shot is not ideal, it is a lot more helpful than you might think. Finding a mat that mimics course hitting surfaces and allows you to tee the ball up as well can really keep you game in top shape even in the busy times of life.

How To Choose the Best Golf Mat

The first thing you have to do when choosing a mat is decide where you will most often use it. Will you set it up predominantly inside or out? How big is the space that where you will practice? Do you have room to take a full swing with a driver or will you mainly be working on shorter clubs? Your space is the main thing limiting your needs.

The next thing you have to do is decide how much you want to spend. In the list of products to be reviewed alone, you will find mats ranging anywhere from $50 to almost $1,000. Deciding the price you want to spend and then finding the best features in that price range is vital.

Finally, deciding on the features that are most important to you and your swing is a huge part of choosing the best mat. There are so many features to choose from that it is up to you to decide which ones are necessary. For instance, if your driver is the worst club in your bag, then choosing a mat that has a section of “rough” to hit from is not very important. But having a place to tee the ball up is vital.

What Are the Benefits of a Golf Mat?

The main benefit of a golf mat is convenience, and in a world where convenience is at a premium, golf mats are as well. Being able to practice an expensive, time consuming, and frustrating game for very little money and in the comfort of your own home is an incredible luxury. You can get as frustrated as you want, hit the same shot as many times as you want, and work on the same club all day when playing at home. 

Another great benefit is stress relief. Teeing up a ball and then swinging your driver as hard as you possibly can is both stress relieving and fun. Practicing your swing over and over is also a good way to clear your head and get some much needed exercise. Golf is fun, but one of the best things about it is that you do not have to think or stress about anything else in the world. Having what is essentially a driving range in your own backyard gives you a great place to relieve the stress of the day.

Another great benefit is that you can work on the aspects of your game that need the most work whether that be chipping or driving or anything in between. When you are playing a round you have to work on whatever your game and the course lends itself to that day. When you are at the range, you feel the pressure to work on every club so it is easy to rush. When you are playing at home, you can patiently work on every club in your bag in its own timing with the knowledge that you can come back and do it again at any moment.

(if you’re looking for a review of the Optishot 2 to pair with a golf mat, check out this article here)

What Features Differentiate Golf Mats?

Size. First of all, you have to make sure it fits in the space that you plan on using it. Second of all, some features are tied to the size of the mat. For instance, if you want to be able to stand even with the ball you need a larger mat. If you want to have different surfaces represented on the same mat it will be a little larger. 

Durability. Usually, the heavier the mat, the more durable. While not always the case, you do want to find a mat with a thick rubber sole and preferably nylon outer material.

Portability. If you are going to be moving the mat from one place to the next often, or if you want to travel with it, then choose a lighter and smaller mat that is more portable.

Material. Material is important in a mat both for feel and for durability. If you can, touch the mat before buying and try to get a sense of its quality and how “real” it feels. As mentioned before, a rubber sole with a nylon surface is ideal.

Driving Range/Rough/Fairway. If you get a driving range mat, it will feel like the surface from which you hit at a driving range. Other options are a “rough” type feel and a fairway grass feel. 

Cost. As mentioned earlier, on this list alone you can find an option for $50 and an option for $950 and there are golf mats at any price point in between.

Do I Really Need a Golf Mat?

A golf mat is a luxury, but it is a luxury that can keep your skills sharp for the game that you love. The less you play golf, the worse you get. The worse you get, the less fun it is. A golf mat is a way to maintain and improve your game even in seasons of your life when you cannot make it to the course as often. There are many benefits to a golf mat, and you can find one at almost any price point. It really can be a great investment.

(if you’re looking for a review of the Skytrak simulator to pair with a golf mat, check out this article here)

Best Golf Mats in 2022 Reviewed

Fiber Built 4′ x 7′

The Fiber Built Studio golf mat is the Cadillac of golf mats. The company initially focused on commercial mats and have recently turned their attention and expertise to the consumer market.

This mat has all of the bells and whistles including a rubber foundation frame, nylon fiber grass, a 300,000 swing guarantee, and surefooting features. It looks and feels like real grass and you can tee it up or hit the ball off of the turf with confidence.

Pros

• The grass looks and feels real. This is the main thing that sets this mat apart from others.
• You stand right next to the ball on the same surface just like you would do on the course.
• Both the rubber foundation and the nylon grass are extremely durable. It is a residential product with commercial quality.
• A modular design with a “stance” mat, a grass panel, and a spacer mat for your launch monitor or ball tray.
• Mimics real course conditions.
• The solid rubber frame gives great stability.

Cons

• By far the most expensive option on this list.

 

The Net Return Pro Turf

The first thing you notice about the Net Return Pro Turf is its size. It is one of the largest nets on this list and is even good for practicing short putts. It also teams up with the Net Return Pro Series Net to make a great practice combination.

It has great feel, it is durable for its thickness, and even being one of the larger mats it only weighs 50 pounds. It rolls up for easy storage and for easy portability. 

Pros

• One of the more portable mats on the list.
• You can work on short putts as well.
• Easy to setup.
• Very durable.
• 6 feet x 10 feet make it one of the larger mats on the list.
• Rolls up for storage.

Cons

• Not as thick or stable as some of the other products.
• On the expensive side.
• Made more for indoor purposes.

 

TrueStrike Single Golf Mat

The TrueStrike Single Golf Mat is designed for either indoor or outdoor use and is a mainstay for many driving range and instructional facilities. The gel-filled hitting surface is unique to TrueStrike and is the reason that this mat is so highly sought after.

This surface allows golfers to strike down and through the surface while the gel filling has a “divot” feel which simulates the softness of a fairway. 

Pros

• Developed for commercial purposes but available to consumers.
• Feels more like a fairway than any other mat.
• Comes with 6 sections including 3 mat sections, 1 ball tray, 1 gel section, and Edge trim.
• Easy to assemble.
• Very sturdy to stand on.
• You do not get the “bounce” that other mats produce which leads to a smoother and more realistic hitting experience.

Cons

• One of the more expensive mats on the market.
• The gel is great for feel, but at 55,000 guaranteed shots it falls far below some of its competition.

 

Fiber Built Flight Deck Golf Mat

The first thing that you notice about the Fiber Built Flight Deck is its small size compared to many other mats. However, when you feel it, put a ball on it, and take your first swing you realize the quality and feel of this product is top notch.

The grass is as realistic and easy to hit from as the higher end models, and it is just as sturdy. You can take this mat anywhere and pair it with a net and a simulator for even better results.

Pros

• A great option for under $100.
• Very thick sole makes for a very sturdy and durable mat.
• Fiber grass design mimics real life and feel.
• While small, it is large enough to practice any swing with any club.
• Allows you to work on alignment and swing path.
• Very portable.

Cons

• Smaller than many of the other mats.
• You have to hit from off of the mat which leaves the ball sitting higher than what you will find on the course.

 

Real Feel Country Club Elite 4′ x 4′

The Real Feel Country Club Elite golf mat focuses on just what the name says, Feel. It is one of the two most realistic feeling mats on this list. You can swing down and through the ball without damaging the mat, and the divot sensation mimics the soft turf of a real golf course.

On top of that, this mat is great on your wrists and elbows and let’s you swing away with confidence. It is also large enough to stand on when taking your shot and the grass below your feet has great fairway feel as well.

Pros

• Good, authentic turf feel.
• Very durable material on both the hitting surface and the sole.
• Wooden tees can be used.
• No shock to the wrists and elbows which is common on other mats.
• You can swing down and through the ball.
• The mat produces a divot feel mimicking a fairway.
• At 3’ x 4’ you can stand on the mat to take your swing.
• Can be used indoors or outdoors.
• An optional ball tray holds a lot of golf balls.

Cons

• On the more expensive side.
• Very heavy which makes it less portable.

 

DuraPro Commercial Golf Mat 4′ x 5′

A commercial mat for a great price, the DuraPro Commercial Golf Mat is extremely durable, soft, and portable. It also mimics the feel of a fairway both under your feet and when striking the ball.

You can swing down and through the ball without damaging the mat and without damaging your joints. It is a simply designed and ruggedly built golf mat that feels great and will last a long time.

Pros

• A great price for the features and durability.
• Commercial golf mat quality for residential use.
• Great thickness for stability and shock absorption.
• Rolls easily for storage and portability.
• Can take thousands of swings without staining or scratching your clubs.
• Can be used indoors or outdoors.
• A fairway divot feel when you hit down and through the ball.
• Good for your wrists and elbows.
• Large enough to stand on the mat when swinging.
• Very real feeling grass that is 100% nylon 3D turf fibers and denser than any other mat on the list.

Cons

• Plain looking without some of the extra features found in other mats.

 

DuraPro Premium Residential Golf Mat 4′ x 5′

A high quality golf mat that is large enough to stand on when taking your shots. While the sole is not quite thick enough and may wear out, the feel and durability of the hitting surface is one of the best on this list.

If this mat were a little thicker it would be one of the better mats out there. It is made for indoor or outdoor climates and even comes with an 8 year UV warranty to protect against sun damage.

Pros

• A great size that allows you to stand on the hitting surface so that you are on the same level as the ball.
• A good price for the features offered and quality of the product.
• The nylon composite material on top is knitted and has good feel and durability.
• A ball tray is included so that the next shot is just a bend away.
• Thermal welded rather than glued for greater quality and durability.
• Can be used indoors and outdoors.

Cons

• One of the thinner options on the list.
• Does not take divots.
• The bottom wears out.

 

SkyLife Dual Turf 16″ x 25″

This is the perfect low-cost high usability option. There is very little setup or assembly, when you purchase this mat you just set it down and start swinging. The dual turf gives you the feel of 2 different and distinct hitting surfaces, one represents the fairway and the other the rough.

While they do not simulate real grass as well as others, it does give you the chance to practice your swing in 2 different grasses. The cost of this mat is very low, but the features match. It is a durable mat with a rubber sole that will stay in place even after thousands of swings.

Pros

• Very affordable.
• A heavy duty rubber base stays in place even after thousands of swings.
• Can be used indoors and outdoors.
• Very durable rubber backing and hitting surface.
• Gives you the feel of two distinct surfaces, one mimics the fairway and the other mimics the rough.
• Easy to carry and store.
• Lightweight but high durability. 

Cons

• You stand off of the hitting surface.
• It is smaller than most of the other mats on the list.
• Not as realistic as some of the higher priced models.

 

Premium Pro Turf 4′ x 5′

The Premium Pro Turf 4’ x 5’ mat is over an inch thick with a urethane backing that will last through repeated abuse and stick to most surfaces. The thickness of the bottom and softness of the top allows the mat to absorb the shock of the impact of the club and makes it easier on your wrists and elbows.

It is also large enough to stand on when hitting any club so that it mimics real life conditions. It is a simply designed and durable mat with all of the features that you need for a very reasonable price.

Pros

• Very durable top and bottom.
• A good price for the features offered.
• Holds a wooden tee at different heights so that you can practice different clubs off of the tee.
• Provides instant feedback on “fat” shots as the dense nylon fabric will slow your clubhead speed and push the ball.
• You can use any club off of the turf or the tee.
• Safe for use on hard or soft surfaces.
• Does not mark, scratch, or stain you clubs.
• Absorbs shock so that it is easy on your wrists and elbows.
• Approved for indoor or outdoor use.
• Made in America.

Cons

• The grass is not as realistic as what is found on some of the other models.
• While the price point is low there are other mats for the same size and prize that have more features and are more realistic.
• Unlike other mats, it is not designed to hit down and through the ball with a “divot-like” feel. 

 

Our Choice For Best Golf Mats in 2022

 

Best Overall Choice

Our choice for the best overall golf mat in 2020 is the DuraPro Commercial Mat. It is extremely durable, very soft, realistic to the touch, mimics fairway conditions well, and is sold at a reasonable price. The truth is that there are not really any huge weaknesses to this mat and the features for the price are really incredible compared to the other offerings.

If you are looking for a simply designed, durable, and realistic hitting surface then the DuraPro Commercial Mat meets these criteria.

Best For Indoors

Our choice for best indoor mat is the Net Return Pro Turf. It is lightweight and durable and perfect for indoor use.

Best For Outdoors

The TrueStrike Single Golf Mat is our choice for best outdoor model. The realistic feel and hitting experience you get with this mat makes it the perfect addition to an outdoor setup.

Most Affordable Option

The Fiber Built Flight Deck Golf Mat is our choice for most affordable option. The price tag is great, but the durability and performance is even greater.