Most golfers will be fine with a 4’ x 5’ mat. This decision should be based on the tallest person using the mat. If the mat is being used in a golf simulator setup a 4’ x 9’ would be optimum if there are right handed and left handed golfers using the space.
(See chart below for more specifics!)
More and more golfers are utilizing the off season to keep their games sharp.
Golf simulators have become more common as the cost of the golf simulators has become much more affordable.
Others simply set up a golf mat and a net and work on center face contact or wherever their game might be lacking.
Buying a quality mat is important and ensuring that the size of the golf mat is right for your needs is important. Many people debate the right size back and forth.
There are different reasons to buy different size mats depending on the quality of the mat, the space you have and your overall needs, which I will get into below.
But first, here is a specific answer to the main question.
What Size Golf Mat Do I Need?
| Height | Size Mat |
| 5′ to 5′ 3″ | 3×5 |
| 5′ 4″ and above | 4×5 |
| Golf Simulator | 4×9 |
I have a golf simulator setup in my garage and have been thrilled with a 4’ x 9’ mat. I have friends and family that use the space with me and are left handed golfers. Being able to keep everything centered was important to me. It helps stabilize the space and provide a great look to the space.
How To Test What Size Mat You Need
Go ahead and mark a 4×5 rectangle using something like masking tape to mark the edges. Put a ball in a reasonable area where you would be hitting. Grab your longest driver and setup within the space.
Do you feel comfortable in that space? Do you have enough room?
Test out the extremes in the distance you would stand from the ball.
Why Buy The Bigger Mat Size?
Overall if you have a big enough space, a 4’ x 9’ might be a better option for these reasons below:
- Longevity of the mat
- Overall stability of the mat
- Left and Right handed play
Longevity of the Mat
The bigger the mat the more space you have to move around and use more of the surface. No matter the quality of the mat, after thousands of hits on the mat, it could begin to wear down. The 4’ x 9’ mat that I have has provided me with the opportunity to use all different portions of the mat and get the most amount of longevity out of the mat
Overall Stability of the Mat
Mats, depending on the surface they are set on, could slide around especially if you are someone that uses plenty of ground forces in your swing. The larger the mat, the heavier it will weigh and will provide the best stability in your space
Left and Right Handed Play
As I touched on before, within a golf simulator setup, the larger mat allows the golfer to keep everything centered. It will also add to the longevity of the mat, especially if you are using both sides of the mat frequently.
Overall, the golf mat is an important part of the equation and is worth spending money on. The overall longevity and the pressure on the body from hitting many golf shots over a short period of time makes the mat that much more important, especially when it comes to quality.
Having played close to 400 rounds of golf on my simulator and thousands of shots later, I am thrilled with my mat. All three mats below have come with high praise from my circle of friends who own golf simulators.
Best Golf Mats- Top 3 Recommendations
#1 – Real Country Club Elite Golf Mat
The Real Country Club Elite Golf Mat is known as one of the best on the golf market. It provides great feel, durability, the ability to use a real tee, and multiple sizes are available. The mat can be used both indoor and outdoors. Some of the features include the
- True Divot Action
- No Bounce
- Swing Down and Through
- Takes a Real Tee
Rain or Shine Golf did a comparison and review of this mat, which can be viewed below.
Check Current Pricing on Golf mat at Rain or Shine Golf
#2 – Fiberbuilt Launch Monitor Studio Golf Mat
Another great option on the high end. It provides what it claims to be the highest and best feeling mat on the market. There is a single strip that golfers hit from and provides four different tee holes. It is set up to allow you to set your launch monitor next to the hitting area.
Check Current Pricing on Golf Mat Rain or Shine Golf
Check out the quick review by Rain or Shine Golf:
#3 – TrueStrike Double Golf Hitting Mat
Great if you have a righty and a lefty this mat is designed with the golf pro in mind, but also great for amateurs to utilize. Some of the key features include:
- Most realistic synthetic golf hitting experience you will find off the course.
- Revolutionary thin layer of incredible durable, yet soft, artificial strike surface with a silicone gel insert engineered.
- Not too firm, not too soft.
- Perfect for serious golf training.
Check Current Pricing on Golf Mat at Rain or Shine Golf
Check out the quick review by Rain or Shine Golf:
Recommendations
If you are looking to stay within a realistic budget, I would recommend the Real Country Club Elite Golf Mat, which meets all of our criteria. I think you will be satisfied with the strike of the ball and I love the feel on my mat. It has lasted a long time and I am never sore from hitting plenty of golf balls.
I would recommend looking at the complete packages by Rain or Shine Golf as they provide some awesome pricing and even better customer service. The monthly payment options are great and allows you to put everything together into one purchase.
Check Pricing on Rain or Shine Simulator Packages
Why Buy A Golf Mat
At the end of the day, it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. Golf is no different. Being able to hit shots over the winter or in the comfort of your home, garage or backyard is an essential part to getting closer to 10,000 hours in building the skill.
The golf mat with a net setup is a great start. I would also recommend adding an affordable launch monitor that can be yours within the 500 to 2000 price range.
I own the Skytrak, but the Mevo series is pretty solid and provides great feedback. Most of these launch monitors in this price range will provide the following data:
- Ball speed
- Carry distance
- Total distance
- Spin rate
- Spin axis
- Club path
- Shot Tracer Feature
Here are my top 3 recommend affordable golf launch monitors:
They are game changers and worth checking out! Get started today and work towards building skill!