Fairway mats

[clubchamp98]

Using your logic - and playing to your 'rules', do you always make sure your lie is no better than the original lie when playing winter rules?

I don’t prefer my lie unless the balls got mud on then it’s anywhere within 6”.

 

[clubchamp98]

OK. Well, if I ever play with you and I'm on a slope, I'll place my mat along the line of the slope,

That is the correct thing to do.IMO.

Mats are to protect the course

The spikes on a spurk are to hold the mat in place not to negate the gradient of a slope.
Just my opinion

Our comps have started while mats are in use so I have already witnessed arguments over this will be interesting to hear the clubs view.

 

[Swango1980]

That is the correct thing to do.IMO.

Mats are to protect the course

The spikes on a spurk are to hold the mat in place not to negate the gradient of a slope.
Just my opinion

Our comps have started while mats are in use so I have already witnessed arguments over this will be interesting to hear the clubs view.

You are still failing to grasp the point I was making here. I flatten the mat NOT to give me a chance to make a better shot. I flatten the mat because even if there is a slight tilt in it, the ball rolls off the mat.

The cheap mats are much better at keeping the ball on when at an angle. And as some have said, they turn it upside down and put the ball in the hole to help keep it in place.

Yes, mats are to protect the course. But they are also used during the "preferred lie" period. During this period, golfers are able to improve their original lie 100% of the time. So, I still don't understand your logic on this one sadly.

 

[clubchamp98]

You are still failing to grasp the point I was making here. I flatten the mat NOT to give me a chance to make a better shot. I flatten the mat because even if there is a slight tilt in it, the ball rolls off the mat.

The cheap mats are much better at keeping the ball on when at an angle. And as some have said, they turn it upside down and put the ball in the hole to help keep it in place.

Yes, mats are to protect the course. But they are also used during the "preferred lie" period. During this period, golfers are able to improve their original lie 100% of the time. So, I still don't understand your logic on this one sadly.

You’re not supposed to use the mat to alter the angle of the slope. Post #335 .
Can’t be any clearer.

If you have compulsory mats find somewhere flatter.
Tbh if it’s mats it’s Mickey Mouse golf but we’re playing comps on them atm.

 

[Swango1980]

You’re not supposed to use the mat to alter the angle of the slope. Post #335 .
Can’t be any clearer.

If you have compulsory mats find somewhere flatter.
Tbh if it’s mats it’s Mickey Mouse golf but we’re playing comps on them atm.

So, you think that potentially moving your ball 20-30 yards away from where it ended up makes less difference than slightly changing the angle of the mat to stop the ball from rolling off!? Not to mention the time taken to mess around and look for a flat lie, especially on a hilly course.

I think you are being OTT with your interpretation of using fairway mats. But if you can find an officla golfing rule to say that the mat MUST be at the same angle as the ground beneath it, please let me know. Hopefully only a few weeks to go using them, but it could still be useful to know.

 

[Mandofred]

You’re not supposed to use the mat to alter the angle of the slope. Post #335 .
Can’t be any clearer.

If you have compulsory mats find somewhere flatter.
Tbh if it’s mats it’s Mickey Mouse golf but we’re playing comps on them atm.

Obviously you don't like mats, hence the Mickey Mouse comment. So.....if the ground is muddy as hell and grass is scarce "real golfers" should just plow ditches and rip the course to pieces?

 

[clubchamp98]

So, you think that potentially moving your ball 20-30 yards away from where it ended up makes less difference than slightly changing the angle of the mat to stop the ball from rolling off!? Not to mention the time taken to mess around and look for a flat lie, especially on a hilly course.

I think you are being OTT with your interpretation of using fairway mats. But if you can find an officla golfing rule to say that the mat MUST be at the same angle as the ground beneath it, please let me know. Hopefully only a few weeks to go using them, but it could still be useful to know.

I don’t think mats are in the ROG as far as I know.

 

[clubchamp98]

Obviously you don't like mats, hence the Mickey Mouse comment. So.....if the ground is muddy as hell and grass is scarce "real golfers" should just plow ditches and rip the course to pieces?

Who said I don’t like mats.?

If used properly there fine.
Just don’t use them to alter the gradient of a slope.!

 

[IanM]

Stopping the ball rolling off the mat isn't cheating, it's a requirement!

 

[Neilds]

I don’t think mats are in the ROG as far as I know.

Local rule E-12

 

[clubchamp98]

Stopping the ball rolling off the mat isn't cheating, it's a requirement!

Are you saying “ you can use a spurk to take some of the slope off.” ? As has been suggested.

So if it’s a requirement you need to find a flat spot where it won’t roll off the mat

 

[clubchamp98]

Local rule E-12

Yes thank you .
It also states that if the ball won’t stay on the mat when placed ,try again if not then move to nearest point where it will stay on the mat!

It dosnt say you can place your mat to negate any slope.

 

[IanM]

Are you saying “ you can use a spurk to take some of the slope off.” ? As has been suggested.

So if it’s a requirement you need to find a flat spot where it won’t roll off the mat

I was saying, you can’t hit the shot if the ball has rolled off the mat!

In my bit of Wales, that nearest flat ground might be Bristol!

 

[clubchamp98]

I was saying, you can’t hit the shot if the ball has rolled off the mat!

In my bit of Wales, that nearest flat ground might be Bristol!

The local rule E-12 is quite specific about that !

How fars Bristol.

 

[Tashyboy]

My view will come along in a minute re mats. But firstly. I Believe that the powers that be who set out the rules in golf should at the very very least be giving strong guidelines on what is and is not allowed when using said mats. And it should be standardised across every course. At the moment it is far to open re what is and is not acceptable. Played with a guy last week who plays at Worksop. Every member has been given a mat to use to protect the course. Not the fairways but the course. It can be used anywhere. But at our place it is fairways and closely mown areas. So why the difference. Why do I think it needs some governance. One of our fuddle uses the mat like a launch pad. He tilts the mat and uses his driver and leathers it 200 plus yards. How is that allowed. I use a Spurk mat and for me is a game changer in the winter. But it is a golf aid and is open to abuse.

 

[PaulMdj]

My view will come along in a minute re mats. But firstly. I Believe that the powers that be who set out the rules in golf should at the very very least be giving strong guidelines on what is and is not allowed when using said mats. And it should be standardised across every course. At the moment it is far to open re what is and is not acceptable. Played with a guy last week who plays at Worksop. Every member has been given a mat to use to protect the course. Not the fairways but the course. It can be used anywhere. But at our place it is fairways and closely mown areas. So why the difference. Why do I think it needs some governance. One of our fuddle uses the mat like a launch pad. He tilts the mat and uses his driver and leathers it 200 plus yards. How is that allowed. I use a Spurk mat and for me is a game changer in the winter. But it is a golf aid and is open to abuse.

If they use them anywhere on the course then it is non-qualifying, if used as per your place then you can play qualifiers (obviously only if course meets other criterias).

It is up to your course how they allow members to use them.

As for him tilting the mat, there is a local rule that can be put in place for the mats only to be used as intended.

The powers that be have given guidance and it’s up to Clubs and us golfers to ensure they are used as per Club rules.

No local rules implemented or guidance given by the Club, then it’s open use as to how people use them.

 

[Swango1980]

My view will come along in a minute re mats. But firstly. I Believe that the powers that be who set out the rules in golf should at the very very least be giving strong guidelines on what is and is not allowed when using said mats. And it should be standardised across every course. At the moment it is far to open re what is and is not acceptable. Played with a guy last week who plays at Worksop. Every member has been given a mat to use to protect the course. Not the fairways but the course. It can be used anywhere. But at our place it is fairways and closely mown areas. So why the difference. Why do I think it needs some governance. One of our fuddle uses the mat like a launch pad. He tilts the mat and uses his driver and leathers it 200 plus yards. How is that allowed. I use a Spurk mat and for me is a game changer in the winter. But it is a golf aid and is open to abuse.

I assume your mate doesn't use a Spurk mat? Nothing will keep the ball on it if it is tilted even slightly.