Grass v Mats

[bazlambo]

After some opinion.

Having returned to golf in the last 12 months after an almost 11 year break, I have managed to get back down to my old handicap of 12.

After never having had a lesson, I feel that the time is nigh to finally take the plunge and have some so I can become more consistent.

From those that have had lessons are these better on our natural grass surface, or on the mats at a range.

 

[SammmeBee]

Grass but try finding someone who wants to give you lessons out on the grass in this weather....just find a range with Power Tees it's just like hitting off grass anyway...

 

[TonyN]

Baz I beleive port sunlight has grass at the end of there bays. Not a large section but am sur they could conduct a lesson there.

If you speak to the pro and explain your needs he might be able to accomodate you.

Failing that, the range i use in Chester 'Sandfields' have a grass section that you can have lessons from. The pro is really good and only charges about 15 quid for 45 mins.

If you want anymore info, then just PM me.

To be fair, I always have my lessons off mats as the swing changes dont normally relate to ball striking, more about posistioning etc. I only take small divots anyway and know if I have hit a fat shot on a mat. If possible (weatherwise, availability etc) I will use the grass when I just pop over for a quick basket etc or If I want to practice my driving off proper tee's (i hate rubber ones)

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm in agreement in that mats are fine for initially having a lesson in that changes tend to be in fundamentals as opposed to ball striking. That said I prefer to then go the practice ground at my club (weather permitting) and work on the lesson hitting proper balls and from a grassy lie. I feel it works best for me to take what I've been taught and put it into real golfing situations (different lies, targets etc)

 

[RGuk]

Despite being a keen practiser on mats, I wouldn't want a lesson on one! No way.....Jose.....
Then again, I'm considering a course (6) of lessons with a local range pro and there's no grass there. He's worked wonders with a few guys from my club that find it easier to go "out of hours" to the range.

 

[theeaglehunter]

I've used mats for lessons, now I am using grass for lessons and I will never switch back.

 

[medwayjon]

Mats cause/aggravate too many injuries in my oppinion.

I now only use the range for driver and target practise with wedges.

Its amazing since I cured my range addiction, just how quickly the little wrist & elbow niggles subsided and disappeared. I spoke to my GP who is a golfer and he is of the oppinion that most driving range mats are of detriment to the body.

 

[Parmo]

I generally practice on grass, but since the range isn't massive I have to get there early to avoid it being busy. I do prefer grass as no matter how hard I try I end up blasting most of a bucket at the range whereas if I am on grass at my home course I know I am the one looking for any wayward balls!!

 

[OldWindy]

Get on the grass wherever you can (and I don't mean doobies). It will enhance the feel and quality of ball striking.

[Caveat] That said, there's no harm in practising with anything from 3i to Driver as you should expect to be sweeping the ball away. Can echo MWJ's comment on injury; you wont do yourself any favours if you spend an hour knocking a 7i into the mat to compress the ball. Almost worse still, you will compensate and end up with the wrong swing pattern. IMHO.