Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Learn more
Quick Summary
Your hitting mat is the most-used piece of equipment in your simulator. A bad mat hurts your joints, damages your clubs, and gives unrealistic feedback. A good mat feels like fairway turf and lasts for years.
Our Top Pick: SigPro Softy - Best overall balance of feel, durability, and price
Best Budget: Callaway Supersoft Mat - Solid performance for tight budgets
Best Premium: Country Club Elite - Commercial-grade for serious players
Why Your Mat Matters
The mat takes every swing. It affects:
- Your body: Hard mats cause wrist, elbow, and shoulder strain
- Your clubs: Thin mats accelerate club wear
- Your data: Mats that grab the club affect launch conditions
- Your practice: Unrealistic feedback builds bad habits
How We Ranked These
We tested each mat over 3+ months with real golfers, evaluating:
- Feel and realism (does it simulate real turf?)
- Joint friendliness (can you hit 100+ balls without soreness?)
- Durability (how's it holding up after 1,000+ shots?)
- Value (performance relative to price)
Top 5 Mats at a Glance
| Rank | Mat | Best For | Price | |------|-----|----------|-------| | 1 | SigPro Softy | Overall | $300-350 | | 2 | Country Club Elite | Premium | $400-500 | | 3 | Callaway Supersoft | Budget | $100-150 | | 4 | Fiberbuilt Flight Deck | Commercial | $500+ | | 5 | GoSports Golf Mat | Entry | $80-100 |
Detailed Reviews
#1: SigPro Softy - Best Overall
SIG Pro Softy 4x7
Mid-RangeLarge hitting mat with integrated stance area. Commercial-grade turf built for high-volume practice sessions.
Pros
- Extra large hitting area
- Stance mat included
- Commercial-grade turf
- Great value for the size
Cons
- Requires dedicated space
- Heavy to move
- Less forgiving than foam-base mats
We may earn a commission if you purchase through this link
The SigPro Softy hits the sweet spot. It feels realistic, treats your body well, and costs less than premium commercial options.
Why we love it:
- Turf feels like fairway grass
- Excellent forgiveness on fat shots
- Durable - maintains feel after heavy use
- Reasonable price for the quality
Who it's for: Anyone building a serious home simulator who wants quality without the premium price tag.
Considerations: Not as plush as the Country Club Elite, but most golfers won't notice the difference.
#2: Country Club Elite - Best Premium
Country Club Elite Real Feel Golf Mat
Mid-RangeShock-absorbing base, realistic feel. Easy on joints for longer practice sessions.
Pros
- Excellent premium turf quality
- Joint-friendly shock absorption
- Multiple size options available
- Very durable - lasts for years
Cons
- Heavier than budget options
- Takes up more space
- Higher price point
We may earn a commission if you purchase through this link
The Country Club Elite is what indoor golf facilities use. It's the closest you'll get to real turf without maintenance.
Why we love it:
- Incredibly realistic feel
- Exceptional joint protection
- Built to last for years of heavy use
- Multiple size options
Who it's for: Serious players who practice daily and want the best available.
Considerations: The price is premium, but you're paying for commercial-grade durability and feel that budget mats can't match.
#3: Callaway Supersoft Mat - Best Budget
Callaway Supersoft Golf Mat
Budget-FriendlyEntry-level hitting mat with forgiving surface. Good for casual practice sessions without breaking the bank.
The Callaway Supersoft delivers surprising quality for under $150. It's the go-to recommendation for budget builds.
Why we love it:
- Excellent value
- Decent turf feel for the price
- Portable and easy to store
- Good enough to grow with
Who it's for: Budget-conscious builders or those testing if indoor golf is for them.
Considerations: You'll feel the difference versus premium mats, especially on heavy practice days. Plan to upgrade if you get serious.
#4: Fiberbuilt Flight Deck - Best Commercial
The Fiberbuilt Flight Deck is what golf courses and teaching pros use. It's engineered for thousands of hits.
Why we love it:
- Virtually indestructible
- Consistent ball position and lie
- Modular design for customization
- Industry-standard at golf facilities
Who it's for: Teaching pros, heavy users, or those building commercial-grade setups.
Considerations: Overkill for casual home use. The price only makes sense if you're hitting 500+ balls weekly.
#5: GoSports Golf Mat - Best Entry Level
A solid entry point for those just starting or with very limited budgets.
Why we love it:
- Very affordable
- Includes alignment aids
- Compact for small spaces
- Good for chipping practice
Who it's for: Complete beginners testing indoor golf, or supplementary chipping mats.
Considerations: Not recommended for full-swing practice long-term. Upgrade path is essentially mandatory.
Buying Guide
Key Features to Consider
-
Turf thickness: Thicker is generally better for feel and durability. Look for 1.5"+ for full swing mats.
-
Base material: Heavy rubber bases stay put. Lightweight mats slide during swings.
-
Size: Bigger is better. 4x5 feet minimum for comfortable full swings with stance changes.
-
Tee compatibility: Ensure the mat accepts standard rubber tees at various heights.
Price Tiers Explained
-
Budget ($50-150): Adequate for light use. Expect to replace within 1-2 years of regular practice.
-
Mid-Range ($200-350): The sweet spot. SigPro Softy lives here. Quality that lasts with good feel.
-
Premium ($400-600+): Commercial grade. Only necessary for heavy users or those who want the absolute best.
Mat Maintenance Tips
- Brush turf regularly to keep fibers upright
- Rotate your hitting position to distribute wear
- Store flat - don't roll quality mats
- Clean with mild soap and water as needed
FAQ
Q: Do I need a mat if I have carpet? A: Yes, absolutely. Carpet doesn't absorb shock properly, and you'll wear through it quickly. Mats also provide consistent ball position.
Q: Can I use a mat outdoors? A: Most can handle occasional outdoor use, but UV exposure degrades turf over time. Store indoors when not in use.
Q: How long do mats last? A: Budget mats: 1-2 years. Mid-range: 3-5 years. Premium: 5-10+ years. All depends on usage frequency.
Q: Should I add padding underneath? A: On concrete, yes. Foam tiles or rubber matting underneath adds cushion and protects floors.
Final Verdict
For most home simulators: The SigPro Softy at ~$300 is the right choice. It's quality you can feel, durable enough to last, and priced reasonably.
On a tight budget: Start with the Callaway Supersoft. It'll get you practicing, and you can upgrade when ready.
Money no object: The Country Club Elite is as good as it gets for home use. You'll never think about your mat again.
Related Resources
- Complete Build Guide - Full equipment packages at every budget
- Launch Monitor Rankings - Pair your mat with the right tech
- Budget Build Under $1,500 - Complete budget setup guide
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in. Learn more