Putting practice...mat v carpet & glass

[Tiger]

Just starting my golfing odyssey and have yet to even buy my putter. I've got wooden floors and tiles in most of the house but there is a suitable strip of carpet on the landing.

Thing is how much like grass is carpet and am I better off getting a mat. But then again most of the mats I've seen are only 6ft long with a slight uphill slope at the end how much of a long term challenge is that.

Third option is to make sure I visit the putting green whenever I visit the range (twice a week) but will I be missing out on good practice time when I kicking my heels most evenings?

Thoughts and experiences welcomed.

 

[drawboy]

If you have a municipal course nearby, get along to it and practice on the putting green. nothing can take the place of a green for practicing your putting on. Carpet however is the next best thing if nothing else is available.welcome to the frustrating, wonderful world of golf.

 

[USER1999]

I have a putting mat. No, it doesn't resemble grass in any way. However, when I spend 10 minutes banging in 4 footers, I putt way better on the course, because anything around 4 ft is straight if you hit it hard enough. It does help. Got no carpet either, and floor boards are useless to putt on. Or chip off.

 

[SammmeBee]

It's all about the stroke really....get urself a putting arc and while the winter away on the carpet.....

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I agree with Sammmeebee and its the stroke thats the key. If you can get that right then it'll make everything else simpler. I think if you can get in the habit of making a good stroke on 3 footers at home then at least on the course the confidence of a solid stroke and hours of practice should see you confident over the ball.

For what its worth, I'm not sure if this is the time to be worrying. With winter coming many courses will be (if they haven't already) hollow tining, and greens will be left longer for the winter meaning putts will be slower. If you end up on temporary greens then in my experience it becomes a lottery. I'd stick to the carpet and maybe an arc or putting device (try Hapless and his new site!) and maybe a putting lesson at the start of next year.

 

[SammmeBee]

Load the left side...straight back, straight through....left wrist strong.....

The only putt that needs to be holed is the one you're putting on the course....a good stroke means more putts holed.......

 

[Tiger]

Thanks for the advice looks like carpet it is...finally something golf related that doesn't cost money, well except for the putter, the lessons, the balls, the use of the arc etc...

 

[bobmac]

If you're looking for something cheaper, why not try carpet tiles. you can get some that have a bit of fluff on them which is similar to some greens.
Cut them in half and stick them end to end onto your lounge floor.
Im sure she wont mind

 

[Tiger]

You guys trying to get me divorced! Stick carpet tiles to the floor...if i did that I guarantee it won't be golf balls I'll be putting!!!

 

[bobmac]

Ok compromise with her..........BLU-TAK

 

[Herbie]

Be a man, use the living room carpet if you wish, its not gonna do any harm unless you use a wedge and take a divot

 

[Tiger]

Got wooden floors in the living room so would need something to put intherr. Think I'll use the carpet on the landing or in the littl'uns bedroom as he has a huge expanse of carpet for playtime.

 

[viscount17]

I used to do the indoor putting a lot but got lazy, must start again - you never know it could go a long way to maintaining sanity over the winter.

I was using a cd as a target (try stopping the ball on the centre!), other times I'd put a strip of masking tape down and try to putt along the line. (I'm sure I'll soon be told if these are bad ideas)

I confess, I've got one of those ball return things, but it's a bit like putting into a bucket.