sunshine
Well-known member
If it wasn't for this forum I would have never heard of fairway mats. Never played a course with mats, none of my friends have either. I've always assumed it was a "northern" thing.
Fairway mats
- Thread starter spongebob59
- Start date
If it wasn't for this forum I would have never heard of fairway mats. Never played a course with mats, none of my friends have either. I've always assumed it was a "northern" thing.
Bunkermagnet
Journeyman Pro
So did I, until 2 years ago.
The first winter with them, I was very anti. The second winter I was happy to use them and this winter I expect to see them.
clubchamp98
Journeyman Pro
JonnyGutteridge
Newbie
I understand that we are also introducing mats on 5 holes this winter, for the first time ever. They will be 5 holes in the valleys where both water, and balls tend to collect. And I believe it will be only for “regulation” spots, not the entire fairway. Ie. Where most drives will go.
I’m not delighted about the prospect but I do understand it.
I’m not delighted about the prospect but I do understand it.
chellie
Tour Winner
Same as me.I just use the multimat. I got mine in Purple as, well, it appears nobody else has. I have no trouble hitting off it, and use both sides depending on the shot I want to play.
spongebob59
Journeyman Pro
Do you need to anchor down the multi mats ?
CliveW
Tour Winner
Just wait 'till we start discussing Hedgehog Wheels!
Mandofred
Well-known member
I don't. Can't see a good reason for it. I have a large carabiner with a cord tied onto both. I just clip it to the handle on the bag when I've finished. I just plop it down with the carabiner in back of the mat..flat side up for me....and step in the mat before hitting so it is at grass level. Simple. Evidently we are starting with mats next week, which I don't agree with....the fairways aren't in that bad of shape yet.
rulefan
Tour Winner
But they may well be if mats are not used pre-emptively.
Mandofred
Well-known member
In that case....start using them year-round. Stops all damage before it starts.
spongebob59
Journeyman Pro
Question re Spurk.
Do you need to press the prong bits into the fairway or do you just rest it on the surface and hit of a slightly raised platform ?
Commitee still hasnt made a ruling on competion use of fairway mats
Do you need to press the prong bits into the fairway or do you just rest it on the surface and hit of a slightly raised platform ?
Commitee still hasnt made a ruling on competion use of fairway mats
Slime
Tour Winner
Question re Spurk.
Do you need to press the prong bits into the fairway or do you just rest it on the surface and hit of a slightly raised platform ?
Commitee still hasnt made a ruling on competion use of fairway mats
You press the prongs into the fairway and that stops it moving during the strike.
mister v
Newbie
We are using mats for the 1st starting November, we had a practice with them this weekend and they were really good. the spurk mat is what everyone has bought , you do get lots of spin on chip shots !!
hopefully we'll benefit from using them next year when the course hasn't had as much damage..
hopefully we'll benefit from using them next year when the course hasn't had as much damage..
IanM
Journeyman Pro
- Joined
- May 18, 2009
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- 14,584
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- Monmouthshire, UK via Guildford!
Question re Spurk.
Do you need to press the prong bits into the fairway or do you just rest it on the surface and hit of a slightly raised platform ?
Commitee still hasnt made a ruling on competion use of fairway mats
We were sent a set of local rules including very clear reference prohibiting messing with the set up
spongebob59
Journeyman Pro
As in whether the comps will be qualifying or not.
clubchamp98
Journeyman Pro
How can you mess with the set up?
I assume you would have to line it up with your shot direction?
It would put you off if it was aimed anywhere!
Slime
Tour Winner
Some people turn the mat to 90° and put their ball right on the front edge so it equates to a ball on a tee peg.
They then can go with driver or an easier 3 wood.
4LEX
Well-known member
Personally wouldn't play anywhere that uses them in the winter. A load of hassle and takes away the whole point of golf. It's about interaction with the ball and turf. Take away either of those and you might as well go down the range or to Top Golf.
IanM
Journeyman Pro
- Joined
- May 18, 2009
- Messages
- 14,584
- Location
- Monmouthshire, UK via Guildford!
Not putting it in the ground properly to prop up one end to give it a launch, or correct a side hill lie
IanM
Journeyman Pro
- Joined
- May 18, 2009
- Messages
- 14,584
- Location
- Monmouthshire, UK via Guildford!
Local Rule for the Use of Fairway Mats – 3rd November 2025
1. A ball that comes to rest on a closely mown area “In the general area”, must be lifted, placed on and played
from an Astroturf, or similar type of fairway mat. (Exception is 4 below)
2. The mat must be placed as near as possible to where the ball originally lay.
3. The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Local Rule.
4. A player who chooses to putt the ball from any area that is not “The Green” & is ‘in the general area’ may
mark, lift and clean the ball before playing a stroke as it lies on the surface.
5. If the ball when placed rolls from the mat, it may be replaced without penalty. If it still fails to remain on the mat, the mat must be moved to the nearest spot not nearer the hole where the ball, when placed on it, will remain at rest.
6. There is no penalty should the ball move or be moved after being placed on the mat and before making a stroke, including when addressing the ball or taking a practice swing.
7. Should a peg tee be used to secure the mat the ball must not be placed on the tee.
8. The mat should essentially be flat with no modifications to provide a “Teed up” position.
GENERAL PENALTY (Loss of hole in Match play or TWO penalty strokes in Stroke play)
I think they could run qualifiers on this as the winter tees are measured. Seems silly to me, but that's the fashion
