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Why Putting Practice Matters Most
You can gain strokes faster through putting than any other part of your game. Tour pros make 50% of putts from 8 feet. Amateurs make about 25%. That gap represents massive scoring potential.
A quality putting mat lets you practice daily regardless of weather, schedule, or proximity to courses. Here are the best options.
Quick Comparison
| Putting Mat | Length | Price | Best For | Rating | |-------------|--------|-------|----------|--------| | Wellputt Mat | 10-23 ft | $150-350 | Serious practice | 4.8/5 | | PuttOUT Mat | 7.8 ft | $70-90 | Best value | 4.6/5 | | Birdie Ball Square | 4x4 ft | $200-250 | Realistic roll | 4.5/5 | | Perfect Practice | 9 ft | $150-180 | Visual aids | 4.4/5 | | SKLZ Accelerator | 9 ft | $50-70 | Budget option | 4.0/5 | | Putt-A-Bout | 3x9 ft | $40-60 | Entry level | 3.8/5 | | GoSports Pure Putt | 9 ft | $30-50 | Tight budget | 3.5/5 |
Detailed Reviews
#1 Best Overall: Wellputt Mat
Wellputt dominates the premium putting mat market with good reason. The printed training lines and consistent roll make it the choice for serious practice.
Available sizes: 10 ft, 13 ft, 16.4 ft, 23 ft Price range: $150-350
Why it's our top pick:
- Training lines for alignment, aim, and distance control
- Consistent roll simulating green speeds
- Lies flat without curling at edges
- Durable construction handles heavy use
- Tour-endorsed - used by many professionals
The training system:
Wellputt's printed lines aren't just decoration:
- Center line for putter path
- Distance markers for lag putting
- Gate alignments for start line practice
- Tempo markers for rhythm training
Considerations:
- Premium pricing
- Large footprint for longer models
- Overkill for casual putting
Best for: Golfers serious about putting improvement willing to invest in quality.
Our recommendation: The 13-foot version ($200) balances length and practicality for most homes.
#2 Best Value: PuttOUT Mat
PuttOUT delivers remarkable quality at a mid-range price. Combined with their pressure putt trainer (sold separately), it's a complete practice system.
Size: 7.8 ft x 1.6 ft Price: $70-90
Why we love it:
- Excellent value for the quality
- Medium-speed roll suits most golfers
- Alignment guides built in
- Rolls up easily for storage
- Pairs with PuttOUT trainer for hole simulation
The PuttOUT pressure putt trainer ($30-40) adds a target that returns makes and rejects misses - perfect companion to the mat.
Considerations:
- Shorter than premium options
- Less comprehensive training system than Wellputt
Best for: Golfers wanting quality without premium pricing.
#3 Most Realistic: Birdie Ball Square
If green-like roll is your priority, Birdie Ball delivers the most realistic putting surface available for home use.
Size: 4 ft x 4 ft (expandable with panels) Price: $200-250
Why it's different:
- Patented surface simulates bent grass
- Adjustable speed with included brush
- Works with break pads for slope practice
- Used by pros and teachers
- Expandable with additional squares
Considerations:
- Square format limits straight-line distance
- Higher price for the size
- Requires break pads for slope ($50+ extra)
Best for: Players focused on realistic roll and break simulation.
#4 Best Training Aids: Perfect Practice Putting Mat
Perfect Practice mats include built-in visual aids and often bundle with additional training tools.
Size: 9 ft Price: $150-180
Why consider it:
- Included alignment mirror for stroke check
- Distance markings printed on mat
- Good roll quality
- Crystal ball return (some versions)
- Phil Mickelson endorsement (for what it's worth)
Considerations:
- Mixed reviews on durability
- Included accessories vary by version
Best for: Golfers wanting a complete bundled system.
#5 Best Budget: SKLZ Accelerator Pro
For solid practice under $70, the SKLZ Accelerator delivers adequate performance.
Size: 9 ft Price: $50-70
Why it works:
- Affordable entry point
- Ball return included
- Alignment guide on mat
- Adequate roll quality
- Folds for storage
Considerations:
- Roll not as consistent as premium options
- May curl at edges over time
- Less durable than higher-priced mats
Best for: Budget-conscious golfers or those testing if home putting practice works for them.
#6 Entry Level: Putt-A-Bout
Size: 3 ft x 9 ft Price: $40-60
A basic mat that gets the job done without extras.
Why consider it:
- Very affordable
- Wider putting surface
- Simple but functional
Considerations:
- Basic quality
- No training features
- Roll quality varies
Best for: Casual practice or uncertain commitment to home putting.
#7 Tight Budget: GoSports Pure Putt
Size: 9 ft Price: $30-50
The minimum viable putting mat.
Why consider it:
- Lowest price point
- Includes simple ball return
- Works for basic practice
Considerations:
- Lowest quality in category
- Will need replacement sooner
- Limited training value
Best for: Absolute budget minimum or kids learning the game.
Putting Mat Buying Guide
What Makes a Good Putting Mat?
Roll consistency: The ball should roll predictably across the entire surface without jumping or wobbling.
Lies flat: Edges that curl up or ripple in the middle ruin practice.
Durability: Quality mats last years. Budget mats wear in months.
Speed: Most mats roll 8-11 on the stimp scale. Faster mats (10+) are harder to putt on but build better touch.
Size Considerations
| Length | Best For | Space Needed | |--------|----------|--------------| | 6-8 ft | Basic practice, apartments | Small room corner | | 9-12 ft | Standard practice | Spare room, hallway | | 13-16 ft | Serious practice | Dedicated space | | 20+ ft | Lag putting focus | Large room, garage |
Our advice: Get longer than you think you need. Lag putting from 15-20 feet is where most strokes are lost.
Storage and Portability
Most mats roll up for storage. Consider:
- Where will you store it when not in use?
- Will you set up and take down daily?
- Does it need to travel to other locations?
Complementary Training Aids
A mat alone provides basic practice. These accessories enhance training:
Putting Mirrors
Check your eye position, shoulder alignment, and putter path. Essential for stroke fundamentals.
Putting Trainers
The PuttOUT trainer returns makes and rejects misses - instant feedback without needing a cup.
Putting Gates
Training gates force accurate start lines. Place 6 inches in front of ball and stroke through cleanly.
Metronome App
Free tempo training. Set to your preferred putting rhythm and match your stroke to the beat.
Putting Practice Routines
Daily 10-Minute Routine
- 2 minutes: Alignment check with mirror
- 3 minutes: 3-foot putts (make 10 in a row)
- 3 minutes: 6-foot putts (track make percentage)
- 2 minutes: Lag putting to specific distances
Weekly Focused Session (30 minutes)
- 10 minutes: Gate drills for path
- 10 minutes: Distance ladder (3, 6, 9, 12 feet)
- 10 minutes: Pressure putting (make 5 in a row from 4 feet)
Monthly Test
Track your progress:
- 3-foot makes out of 20
- 6-foot makes out of 20
- 10-foot makes out of 10
- 20-foot lag putt proximity (average)
Common Questions
Q: Do putting mats actually help?
Yes. Consistent practice on a quality mat improves stroke mechanics and distance control. The key is regularity - 10 minutes daily beats one hour weekly.
Q: What stimp speed should I choose?
Most home mats are 8-11. If your home course runs 10-11 stimp, match that. Otherwise, a 10-stimp mat builds good touch that transfers to any speed.
Q: How long do mats last?
Quality mats (Wellputt, PuttOUT): 5+ years Mid-range mats: 2-3 years Budget mats: 6-12 months
Q: Can I use them on carpet?
Yes, but place them on hard surface for truest roll. Carpet underneath can affect ball behavior.
Q: Do I need a ball return?
Nice to have, not essential. Without one, you simply walk to retrieve balls - not a big deal for putting practice.
Our Recommendations
If Budget Allows: Wellputt 13ft
The training system, quality construction, and consistent roll make it the best putting practice tool available. Worth the investment for serious golfers.
Best Value: PuttOUT Mat + Pressure Trainer
At $100-120 combined, this setup provides excellent practice quality and feedback. Outstanding value.
Budget Pick: SKLZ Accelerator Pro
For under $70, it's functional practice equipment that works. Won't last forever, but gets you started.
Apartment Specific: PuttOUT Mat
The compact size and roll-up storage work perfectly for apartment dwellers. Pair with the pressure trainer for complete practice.
Final Thoughts
Putting is where scores are made. A $150-200 putting mat provides thousands of practice strokes and translates directly to saved strokes on the course.
Start with the PuttOUT Mat + Trainer combo if budget is a concern. Upgrade to Wellputt when you're ready for the best.
The most important factor? Using it. The best mat is the one you practice on consistently.
Related Resources
- Apartment Simulator Setup - Complete small space guide
- 5 Tips for Better Indoor Practice - Maximize your sessions
- Budget Build Under $1,500 - Full affordable setup
- Build Your Own Simulator - All equipment options
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