more spin playing of mats...

[slugger]

A pretty strong part of my game at the moment is my wedge play. Anything from about 60yds in and i'm pretty confident of getting close to the target.

I've played a few times over the last month or so and have had to play a few shots from the mat from this distance. From the mat, i'm able to get a lot of spin on the ball (like 10ft back up a sloped green!). I've been unable to generate as much spin playing from grass.

Why is this, and is there anything i can do to generate as much spin from the grass?

I realise this won't be possible when it's soft and squelchy under foot.

 

[boggybop]

I'm by no means an expert, but I think the mat reduces the friction allowing a more effective strike. Also no grass gets caught between the grooves and ball, so a the strike is more pure. When playing in winter chances are it will be damp underfoot, and when the clubhead becomes damp it will relieve some of the mud in the grooves. In summer make sure to maintain all of your gear, and practice striking down onto the ball. When practicing it might help to put a tee peg in front of the ball (0.5cm - 1cm in front) and try to feel as though you are making contact with the tee peg.

Hope this helps!

 

[Herbie]

I wouldnt know as I avoid mats like the plague, the only clubs I have hit from mats are driver and 3w from a tee.

 

[boggybop]

At my club mats are in use from the middle of October until the start of April, this includes winter tees, and most of the time temporary greens! I can't wait to get back on the fairways.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think you are basically correct in that a mat produces a uniformed surface and that the grooves on the club can work at maximum effect whereas on the course a finite amount of water and mud will reduce the spin rate. That said a decent downward strike on grass will generate more than enough spin for us mortals. Remember spin is not always your friend and needs to be controlled.

 

[USER1999]

The mat is a solid base to compress the ball against, hence massive spin. No turf is going to be as solid a base to work off. Sorry, mats are as good as it gets.

 

[birdieman]

As boggybop says I reckon it;s the really clean contact between ball and grooves that does it. Off grass you've got dirt and water and grass (of course) getting in the way.

I have a wee piece of astroturf for chipping in the garden and the spin you get from playing off it, even with top flites is very fizzy!

 

[RGDave]

I'm confused.....mats from 60 yards?.....portable ones?.....

Depends on the mat I guess....but I don't follow....?? sorry..

 

[slugger]

I'm confused.....mats from 60 yards?.....portable ones?.....

Depends on the mat I guess....but I don't follow....?? sorry..

lol...

yep. mine is similar to this one.

I just put it in my bag and get it out when needed