Range mats.

[kid2]

Just back from hitting 200 balls.....Might as well make hay now while im still off work.....Originally i went just to get my wedge distances sorted but i ended up bringing the 4,7,PW Driver, 3 wood and hybrid for a wallop as well......

Mainly just to get the cobwebs out...So im wondering what effect a range mat has on shot shape......I seem to hit a good share perfect but then at time i feel that maybe the heel or toe of the club get caught on the mats and end up closing down the face or opening it up.....Im not overly worried as i know that if it was grass the club would cut through it......

Is it really worth hitting balls off range mats or is it just a wasted effort......

 

[Aztecs27]

It certainly helped me over the winter. I developed a lovely controllable draw which worked out on the course. Then I didn't play for 3 or 4 weeks and now my swing is suffering because of it.

Only thing I find is that fat shots go further at the range as there's no turf to chunk before the ball.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

The range certainly has its place although the mats can flatter to deceive. Nice level stance, and the club will skid and still make decent contact even if you hit it a little heavy. On the plus side if you are working on a specific drill, tinkering or just keeping the swing ticking over although 200 balls would be way too many for me as I'd get too tired and start making bad swings

 

[RGDave]

Is it really worth hitting balls off range mats or is it just a wasted effort......

Hmm.

The only bad thing(s) about mats is the square grass (makes alignment too easy) the bad habit of catching the ball with a sweep/cleanly (i.e. not divot-y enough) and the totally flat lies.

However, as long as you don't resort to tees and remind yourself to think divot with the short clubs, you'll be OK. I met a pro who got to scratch only ever practising his long game at ranges. I got to 8 never having practised on real grass, other than chipping and putting. Can't be that bad....