What are tee mats?
Tee mats are special mats that can be used either at home in the garden or on a driving range. Golf mats are also used indoors for winter practice. In these cases, the tee mat is usually combined with a golf net and, optionally, a launch monitor for evaluating shots.
Tee mats are usually made of synthetic materials such as rubber, plastic, or synthetic fibers that mimic natural grass. Most tee mats are rectangular and have the standard dimensions of 1.5 m x 1.5 m. However, there are also smaller tee mats measuring less than 1.0 m, as well as XXL tee mats measuring up to 5.0 m x 2.0 m. These tee mats are ideal for golf nets.
Tee mats have a surface that allows you to hit the golf ball in a similar way to how you would hit it on a green or fairway. There are various types of tee mats, from simple and inexpensive mats to high-quality mats that have a service life of over seven years. These meet the diverse needs and requirements of both amateur and professional golfers.
Home teeing mats are especially useful for golfers who live in regions where the climate doesn't allow for year-round golf. A teeing mat allows them to practice and improve their skills at home.
Tee mats are also useful on golf courses because they protect the natural surface from excessive wear. If golfers repeatedly hit from the same spot, they can damage the surface and make the course unplayable for other golfers. Tee mats provide a consistent surface on which golfers can practice and train without damaging the natural surface.
What types of tee mats are there?
There are different types of tee mats designed to meet different needs and requirements of golfers.
Standard tee mats are the simplest and most affordable types of tee mats. They are made of synthetic materials such as rubber, plastic, or synthetic fibers and are designed to resemble natural grass. They are typically 1.5 to 2.5 cm thick and are available in a variety of sizes.
Portable teeing mats are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for golfers who travel frequently and want to improve their skills on the go.
Grass-like tee mats are designed to closely resemble and feel natural grass. They have a more natural look and provide a softer surface for impact on the golf club and ball.
Tee-line mats are designed to replicate the tee box on a golf course. They feature a raised platform that positions the golfer higher for hitting the ball from the tee. This type of mat is often preferred by advanced golfers, as it helps them improve their technique when hitting the ball from the tee.
How to find the right tee mat
Finding the right mat is an important step for golfers to improve their skills and optimize their practice. Several factors should be considered to find the right mat for your needs:
There are several different types of teeing mats , including standard mats, portable mats, grass-like mats, and tee-line mats. Golfers should educate themselves on the advantages and disadvantages of each type and choose the one that best suits their needs and goals.
The size of the mat is another important factor in the selection. Golfers should choose the size of the mat based on the available space in their home or practice facility, as well as their training needs. Larger mats provide more room for practice and swinging, but can also be more expensive.
The thickness of the mat also plays an important role. A thicker mat offers more protection and comfort for the joints and body, but can be more expensive. A thinner mat may offer less protection but is more affordable.
Price is an important factor golfers should consider when choosing a mat. Prices can vary greatly depending on the type, size, and quality of the mat. Golfers should set a budget at the beginning and choose the mat that best suits their needs and budget.
Overall, golfers should consider the type, size, thickness, price, and additional features at the outset to find the right mat for their needs. It's also recommended to read customer reviews and seek expert opinions to make an informed decision. A well-chosen mat can help improve golf technique and game play.
Buying advice:
Find the right tee mat in 6 steps
We have compiled the six most important criteria for purchasing a golf tee mat.
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Intensity of use
Whether you just want to hit a few balls once a week for fun or aspire to a professional level is crucial. The amount of money you're willing to spend is crucial. Cheaper mats are generally less resistant to wear and tear. Passionate golfers practice several times a week and take their mat everywhere with them. That's precisely why it needs to be able to withstand a lot.
In the trade, a distinction is also made between golf mats for home use and those for the driving range. The latter must be designed to withstand daily use by many people.
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Materials
In most cases, artificial turf is used, which imitates the real thing as closely as possible. Artificial fibers prove to be very robust and durable. They are also easy to clean. There isn't really an alternative to artificial turf when it comes to golf mats, except for extremely short fibers. However, they don't create a realistic feel when hitting the ball.
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Features & Equipment
The features of golf mats vary greatly, which explains the different prices. Decide for yourself what's important to you and what you can do without.
Outdoor/Indoor Use : Not every golf mat is suitable for outdoor use. Some materials are only suitable for indoor practice areas.
Tee : Almost all teeing mats come with one or more tees. The tees can be made of rubber, wood, or plastic. They aren't included with every mat, and if they are, they're often permanently installed. However, replacement should be possible due to wear and tear.
Fairway/Rough : Most models offer only one fairway for teeing off, because that's what you'll be hitting most of the time. But what if the ball strays from the ideal course? Some tee mats are split in two, simulating the rough on one half.
Rubber mat : The mobile teeing area is equipped with a rubber mat as a base. This prevents the mat from slipping.
Mounting : Some golf mats come with pegs for mounting. Small holes may be visible at the corners of the mat. This provides better grip on the ground and grass. If the mat has enough weight or a rubberized underside, this extra feature is usually unnecessary.
Golf ball tray : To comfortably practice one shot after another, keep your balls within easy reach. A teeing mat with an attached golf ball tray is recommended.
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Size / Height
Commercially available teeing mats come in a variety of sizes. Small models start at 60x30cm. This is a space-saving solution, but the golfer often has to stand next to the mat. For a more realistic feel, the mat should be slightly larger, for example, something around 150x150cm.
Added to this is the height of the grass blades. The cut height of the fairway in golf is between 10 and 15 millimeters. The artificial turf should be installed somewhere within this range. The teeing area in golf is usually even shorter. This is the only way to ensure realistic training, just like on a golf course.
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Weight
High forces are generated during the teeing action, which, depending on the tee, are transferred to the mat to a certain extent. The mat should be heavy enough to prevent slippage. For safety reasons, we also recommend against choosing a lightweight mat. This would definitely be a false economy.
Heavy-duty models weigh between 15 and 20 kilograms. They're designed for a permanent location in the garden. For those on the go, you'll probably want a slightly lighter golf mat for hitting the ball.
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Accesories
If you have limited space in your garden, it might be a good idea to purchase a golf mat with a net. This design resembles an open camping tent. A target is often depicted in the center. This allows you to practice not only your swing but also your accuracy.
The more you use the golf mat, the faster the balls get dirty. To avoid having to clean them by hand, there are so-called ball washers. These don't necessarily have to be the large, stationary machines you find on golf courses. Ball washers are also available in a handy format. A single ball is placed on the mat and shaken vigorously. Integrated brushes, water, and, if necessary, a cleaning solution do the rest.
Finally, we recommend a ball picker. This tool allows you to pick up golf balls from the ground without having to bend down.
How do you properly care for tee mats?
Usually, brushing and vacuuming is sufficient, as long as it's just dirt, dust, and grass. From time to time, lift the mat and tap it from the back. This will remove even deeply embedded dirt. Rinsing is only necessary for other types of dirt. Outdoor golf mats clean themselves with a heavy rain.
Is there a best-seller among golf tee mats?
Yes, there is! Our best-selling teeing mat is the ARCADIA Easy-Tee golf teeing mat. This teeing mat is available in sizes from 1.50 m x 0.50 m to 4.00 m x 2.00 m.
The Easy-Tee tee mat impresses with its unique feel and extremely long service life of over seven years. Another special feature is that the tee can be inserted anywhere. No annoying rubber tees are required. This is made possible by the 2.5 cm high artificial grass.