Comments on Grouchy Golf Blog: Avoid Golf on a Driving Range Mat!

Here's the grass-range schedule for the San Ga...

2014-07-16T11:50:06.718-07:00

Here's the grass-range schedule for the San Gabriel Valley ares of Southern California:
Mondays: Arcadia Par 3 GC
Tuesdays: Santa Anita GC
Wednesdays: Arcadia Par 3 GC and Rancho Duarte GC
Thursdays: Santa Anita GC and Rancho Duarte GC
Fridays: Azusa Greens CC, Rancho Duarte GC, Santa Anita GC
Saturdays & Sundays: Azusa Greens CC
Also, GlenOaks Golf and Learning Center has a driving range that includes both grass and mats full time. Grass range costs a little more per bucket.

I've found that hitting off mats doesn't t...

2014-07-08T02:55:11.692-07:00

I've found that hitting off mats doesn't translate well to the course. The ball is usually sitting up in grass on the course and the picking style from the mat isn't the same. I'd look great on the range but struggle on the course.

The pros to hitting off of mats are that you alway...

2014-03-17T13:07:49.204-07:00

The pros to hitting off of mats are that you always have a great level area to put your feet and a consistent god lie. The new plush mats don't leave that plastic residue on your clubs. Sure you can get away with fat shot on mats, but if that is what your working on put a penny down behind the ball. Thats how i see if im striking it solid.
I'd rather hit off of grass but most grass ranges in my area are poorly maintained. They don't fill the divots so when I take my stance, one foot is in a 3 inch trench and one ankle is twisting in one direction or another.
Both have its pros and cons but I believe you can have good practice sessions and learn to hit it solid on mats as well as grass.

In reference to the arguments on the subject of ar...

2013-03-17T08:08:43.244-07:00

In reference to the arguments on the subject of artificial golf mats verses real grass on a golf range, has nay one heard of the OASIS GOLF MAT? MAYBE IT'S TIME!

Golf mats are nice for hitting drivers; that's...

2012-06-25T12:47:24.816-07:00

Golf mats are nice for hitting drivers; that's about it.
Take your short game practiced on the mat to the course and you will definitely see a huge difference.
I think most people are hackers because most can't afford to play every day and get a feeling for what it is to play golf; which is a lot different than hitting balls for hours on end.

100% agreed with Grouchy & Aussie Math. Espec...

2012-04-04T09:41:15.794-07:00

100% agreed with Grouchy & Aussie Math. Especially if you are a beginner. Total rookie here, 3 months in. Taking pro lessons at a turf range, if I practise afterwards, I hit very well.

Then over weekends I go practise at my local grass range. Total opposite. Fat shots, topping the ball, its all over. Back at turf range and all is well again.

From now on, I practise on grass only. Till I have my swing consistency up and get relative distance.

For beginners, the mats are killers. And the worst it most beginners will not realise this, till they hit the course.

Thanks for info!

Wow, I found your article cuz i was looking for in...

2012-01-10T10:45:38.497-08:00

Wow, I found your article cuz i was looking for info on how to get that green astroturf crud off my clubs. Now, after reading your article it makes so much sense-- especially being a 'picker'. I became so conscious of trying to not hit the mat-- to avoid said green crud on my clubs-- that I'm sure it is affecting my swing. Never again. Thanks!

Well i read these comments because this a concern ...

2011-11-13T04:39:13.686-08:00

Well i read these comments because this a concern of mine, 40yo very new to golf(7 months)and a sore elbow, i practice at least twice a week and do 18 at least once a week usually twice, loving it, Except,i find myself saying so often durin a game"why on earth cant i hit the balls whilst im playing a game as well as i do on the range mats" (my local course has a grass d/range for the w/end but must use mats durin the week)too many Hackers i guess,ha ha, i can talk,any way, today i was hitting my new ping G20-5 iron off the mats beautifully(oh i forgot to mention i have pro lessons every fortnight)well i deceided to test myself and had 1 shot off the grass in front of me, it was shocking, dug it up like a bulldozer just like durin a game so i had a shot off the mat again, same grip, same everything, 160yards(about my max at the moment) beautiful and straight,so, back to the grass i went and you know what im going to say, i felt like quitting golf,
Im convinced there is absolutely no comparison between astro turf and grass, i will now travel 20kms twice a week to the nearest course with a grass only driving range.

Hi Im Lisa, from Rancho Santa Margarita, near Miss...

2011-08-24T12:58:45.315-07:00

Hi Im Lisa, from Rancho Santa Margarita, near Mission Viejo. I am not against the use of natural grass but I just want to add the benefit of Artificial grass, unlike natural grass that must be watered regularly, requiring costly sprinkler systems, artificial grass maintains itself with its internal drainage systems. Cities and school districts will also save money on water and power expenses, as well as conserving precious environmental resources. Artificial turf/grass has various texture or type to offer. Thanks and blessings!

I understand divots are important part of golf swi...

2011-07-13T14:24:07.170-07:00

I understand divots are important part of golf swing, and I get that there is real thing is always better. But there isnt a grass range within a reasonable distance for me, so I hack on artificial mats.
I try to focus on balance through-out the swing and concentrate on making solid contact with the ball. I dont buy jumbo baskets anymore because after awhile my elbow starts to flare up. Swing just enought to wake my golf muscles. I will move West or South after I retire and practice on grass range. only 30 more years to go.

thats bull. ive practiced on mats my whole golf ca...

2011-07-05T20:55:41.804-07:00

thats bull. ive practiced on mats my whole golf carrer (1 year). and im consistently shooting low fortys. yea grass is better but lets be realistic. if its not available who cares. and even if it is i would say there is no difference. if you hit the ball solid and correct each time the divot will be AFTER the ball. just because you hit the ball CORRECT on a mat dosent mean its horrible. whatever happens after the ball is it has no meaning really. so if i hit a great shot on a mat who cares if i dont have a divot becaause i know i would have one if i hit the shot in the grass.

Well said Pinhi, totally agree. Prefer grass but ...

2011-02-21T07:59:55.440-08:00

Well said Pinhi, totally agree.

Prefer grass but a lot to learn from mats, and I have a steep swing.

I agree that mats can be wearing if the ball isn't hit right, but this becomes less of an issue as improvement is made.

Would be great if they could develop a more realistic grass mat.

Mostly good comments here. I spent my first 2 year...

2010-07-05T06:29:43.083-07:00

Mostly good comments here. I spent my first 2 years hitting the ball extremely fat off of mats. I suffered from pretty bad elbow problems from this, but in fairness, if you can't make ball-first contact, you're risking injury no matter what you're hitting off of.
I think the reasonable consensus here is that of course grass is superior, but a modern (plush) mat is often all that's available.
For all you fellow hackers, be careful if you're hitting it fat a lot and try to take at least one lesson with a pro so you can get on track towards ball first contact, otherwise you may be looking at elbow and/or shoulder problems.

And finally, to everybody (including myself!) - stop swinging out of your shoes. 80% swing speed with stable feet will get you a long way towards a better swing. It isn't easy to do - lord knows - but just try to think "smooth acceleration" not "rip it 700 yards".
Love this game - hit `em straight!

As a New England operator of a driving range and a...

2009-11-06T08:00:58.239-08:00

As a New England operator of a driving range and a low handicap golfer I agree that hitting off of fairway quality grass is great. Unfortunately it is unrealistic given the costs and difficulty in maintaining a grass hitting area. Modern driving range mats have come a long way in their ability to mimic the feel of grass. It's really simple, most players should invest in lessons to fully understand the golf swing and the dynamics of hitting the ball prior to making contact with the turf.

Heh I agree, mats suck but in a pinch have to do o...

2009-10-28T19:15:26.050-07:00

Heh I agree, mats suck but in a pinch have to do once in awhile before a round.

I find it entertaining that Adsense picked an ad for golf astro turf at the top of the blog. :-)

I think you have it backwards. The problem lies wi...

2009-06-12T18:33:33.122-07:00

I think you have it backwards. The problem lies with the course and all their fancy “real grass”. I believe they should pull up all that inconsistent crap and replace the whole thing with Astroturf. Let’s make the game fun for the average Joe.

You cannot compare the two. Any real golfer knows ...

2008-08-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

You cannot compare the two. Any real golfer knows the turf is the worst thing ever. Most Mat range junkies struggle with the real thing. Mats take away extreme distance also. You can get on it with grass. Mats cause injuries and a false since of security. Mats stay away.

i don't think anyone was whining. It's a discussi...

2008-05-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

i don't think anyone was whining. It's a discussion of the pros and cons of hitting off mats. If anyone is whining it's you (greenskeeper above me).

I'm 50 been playing for 38 years.Never even though...

2008-03-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

I'm 50 been playing for 38 years.
Never even thought about the mats being a problem.
A divot is taken after contact with the ball. So it should not have any effect on your ball striking. A mat is more forgiving than hard ground. If the mats are installed properly with padding under the turf it should be a non issue. If you are hurting your elbow you may have too steep of a swing. I've worked in the golf business
as a greens keeper for 20 years. And I'd rather see you weekly hacks hitting off mats than tearing up my range. You sound just like my inconsiderate Members. wawawa. Come on down to Texas and play on some hardpan you bunch of cry babies. When some of you chumps are on the grass you just tear it up so bad practicing your crummy steep swing over and over and over. Learn how to hit the ball not make divots. Why is it you never fix your divots?
Or ball marks on greens. Cause your careless and self centered. I don't like most people that try to play golf for those issues alone. Try growing in some grass then see if you want to tear it up. If mats are a problem for you work on ball striking, it's that simple. Find something else to whine about.

Big Bad Brad Frenkington is pretty much a redneck....

2007-12-20T19:02:00.000-08:00

Big Bad Brad Frenkington is pretty much a redneck. He is pulling everyones chain with his "I know better than everyone else" attitude. kind of humorous really. But just in case he is serious, I just want to say ...You are a donkey Frenkington!!!!!
I wish I could get back the three minutes I lost writing this response. Damn you frenkington,You got me, damn you!!

When I hit off of mats I tee the ball up regardles...

2007-08-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

When I hit off of mats I tee the ball up regardless of what club I'm using, including irons. For the irons, I use a tee that is probably only 1/8th of an inch above the top of the mat surface. This allows me to hit down on the ball without as much resistance in the post-ball divot zone. I swiped a half-a-dozen rubber tees from my local range and then cut them all down to various sizes about 1/8th of an inch apart. This way I have one to suit every club in the bag. Works great for me.

Anonymous,The newer titanium drivers with thin fac...

2007-02-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

Anonymous,

The newer titanium drivers with thin faces may weaken over time, but I don't think that range balls are any worse in this regard than regular balls. The only times that I've heard not to use woods at a driving range are when the range is short and woods would carry balls over the net.

I would recommend using your woods at the range if they allow it. It's important to practice with the woods that you play on the course. If your woods do break, virtually all manufacturers will replace them free of charge.

Can someome please advise me on something I was to...

2007-02-17T02:16:00.000-08:00

Can someome please advise me on something I was told when I was first learning golf, I was told not to use my woods on the driving range as this will damage them from the over use or something along those lines, i should only use irons and substitute my primary woods for a practice set. I;m most likely sounding like a dumbass here but want to know as i am starting to get back into my golf and definetly need the practice without butchering everyone on the golf course. thaks

I'm ok with using a mat to loosen up prior to a ro...

2006-11-27T18:07:00.000-08:00

I'm ok with using a mat to loosen up prior to a round of golf. What I am NOT OK about is getting the green plastic off the bottom of my clubs. Any suggestions on removing the plastic beside playing it off? Thanks....Tony C

For the past two years my only golfing outlet has ...

2006-10-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

For the past two years my only golfing outlet has been a large bucket of balls off the mat, 2 or 3 times per month.

I finally got to play 9 holes on a very nice course several weeks ago. My ball striking was excellent, not one fat or thin shot. I hit 6 of 9 greens in regulation....Robert