The Best Indoor Putting Greens
Improving your swing can be difficult during the off-season or when you're on the clock. If you really want to impress your golf buddies and take your putting to the next level, an indoor putting green will give your game the edge it needs when the actual course is beyond reach. Aside from serving as an archetypal office accessory of malevolent bosses in Hollywood blockbusters, putting greens are genuinely helpful for practice and blowing off some steam. Here, we've rounded up the top indoor putting greens, so you can find the perfect pick.
Putt-A-Bout PUTTPAR3A Grassroots Putting Green
Grass is Always Greener on the Putting Side
As any elite golfer will tell you, practice makes perfect. And repetitions are so important, we love the Putt-A-Bout’s Grassroots Putting Green. It makes sure that any spare time in your day is used wisely since it delivers a reliable and accurate surface for shooting your shot. The biggest draw of the Putt-A-Bout Green is the crease-free construction of the PET resin. The backing of the thin polyester grass feels almost sponge-like and stays in place on practically any surface.
Pros:
- Sandtraps prevent missed shots from rolling away
- One inch overall inclined slope is the perfect green imitation
- Made in the USA
- Nine feet in total length
Cons:
- It does have an incline, but the ball won’t always return
SKLZ 2687 Accelerator Pro Indoor Putting Green
Peak Putting Performance
While some indoor putting greens seek to mimic the pitfalls and perils of a real green, others serve more specific purposes. SKLZ’s Accelerator Pro is a blessing for those who need a system for properly measuring the power of their putt. The regularly spaced intervals on SKILZ’s Indoor Putting Green give you a true feel for the power level required on those short and steep final shots. Whatsmore, the ball return and follow-though markings will ensure that your putts are consistent and evenly balanced.
Pros:
- At 1/4-inch thick, the carpeting lays flat
- Ball return can be configured for 3-, 5-, and 7-foot putts
- Takes up very little storage space
Cons:
- Packaging may leave creases in the green
Club Champ 9512 Automatic Golf Putting System
Sink Shots Superbly
If you’re dipping your toes into the sport of golf for the first time, Club Champ’s Automatic Golf Putting System is the perfect introductory mat. At seven feet, the 9512 is both accessible for most spaces and designed for fine-tuning your technique. While the markings may leave something to be desired, the synthetic grass resembles a well-manicured course and provides you with a respectable challenge that will strengthen your instincts and build invaluable muscle memory.
Pros:
- Ball return works for overshot puts as well
- The hole is standard USGA size
- Incredible value for the price
Cons:
- The plastic surrounding the hole is very lightweight
VariSpeed SPS004 Putting System
Accuracy at Any Angle
If the indoor putting green market seems limited to generic rectangular carpeting, we understand your grievances. Imitating the nuances of every hole’s green has always been a tall order, until now. The VariSpeed SPS004 Putting System is an incredible innovation that allows you to change your putting environment on the fly to mimic just about any real-life course. The secret to VariSpeed’s versatility is the adjustable wedge. By sliding this component underneath the mat, you can create hills at custom heights to keep yourself challenged.
Pros:
- Four speeds for the synthetic grass using the included roller
- Includes two ball catchers, one wedge, one hole, and one flagpole
- Your shot leaves a temporary track in the fabric
- Manual includes training exercises
- You can change the green speed by brushing the mat fibers in different directions
Cons:
- The included hole’s raised lip is unrealistic and can be frustrating
SharperGolf Premium Indoor Putting Mat
Bring in the Birdies
If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can always take your putt to the next level with SharperGolf’s Premium Indoor Putting Mat. SharperGolf’s Mat can be easily transported because of its durable polymer layout and convenient drawstring travel bag. Most importantly, however, is the shot-correcting putting mirror. Every golfer knows that having your club square to the center of the golf ball is incredibly important when plotting pinpoint putts. The included training literature and precisely marked targets make this mat a favorite among newbies and regulars alike.
Pros:
- Ball markers included for increased shot alignment training
- Packs up compactly for travel
- The manual includes competitive games for more than one user
Cons:
- Instead of a cup, this one uses a putting mirror
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fundamentals of putting?
Putting is a delicate skill that requires hours of repetition across a variety of courses to master completely. While an indoor mat alone won’t get you on the PGA circuit, practicing the fundamentals on them will definitely make a difference in your game.
Before even approaching the ball, the first step to a successful putt is reading the green and aiming your ball. Once you’ve aligned the ball’s center with the hole and factored in the ground’s slope accordingly, only then should you approach for the hit. After taking a practice shot or two to approximate the power necessary (plan to hit the ball one foot beyond the hole) and using only your arms and shoulders, aim, and fire away.
What else can I do to improve my putting on off-days/in the off-season?
As you embark on your lifelong golfing journey, you will inevitably come across countless tips and tricks from fellow fanatics to incorporate into your game. The best thing a golfer can be is cognizant of their shooting mechanics and tendencies. For example, if you’re missing putts by ten feet and think you’re inherently inaccurate, dig a bit deeper into your form. Did you keep your head down and shoulders straight? How long was your backswing? While driving great distances absolutely requires a certain level of physical prowess, putting can be boiled down to unrelenting drilling of golf fundamentals, awareness of one’s environment, and a little bit of luck.
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