2020 Indoor Putting Mat Buyer’s Guide
PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased demand stemming from COVID-19, we were not able to obtain some popular putting mats. We will update this guide as more models become available.
COVID-19 has thrown us all off. At MyGolfSpy, we’ve put coffee mugs on the carpet and putted from across the room. Using what you have around the house provides some relief from the quarantine woes but many of you are looking for something better.
So we put together an emergency review of the best putting mats for 2020 in the hope we can help cure your boredom and improve your game.
The models we tested offer a good mix of features, varying durability and some are easier to use than others. The right combination of these attributes is the difference between a good one and a great one.
We’re not going to try and oversell you. Finding a putting mat should be significantly less daunting than buying a new driver. To help narrow your list, we put the top putting mats on the market to the test.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect Putting Mat to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Putting Mats are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating Putting Mats include Durability, Ease of Use, Features, and Roll.
Features that Matter
Length: How much room do you have? If you have a games room, man cave or she shed with plenty of floor space, a longer mat allows you to vary your practice. If you’re setting up in a smaller room, no worries. There are appropriately sized mats to fit almost any space.
Roll: If your ball typically jumps and bounces on the green, you might be tempted to think it’s your stroke. Maybe it is. Maybe isn’t. Choosing a putting mat that rolls smoothly eliminates that uncertainty.
Material Quality: This guide is published in the COVID-19 era but we want your putting mat to be an investment that lasts beyond stay-at-home orders. Mats made of thinner material tend to wear faster and may develop holes within a few months. Thicker mats hold their form and last longer.
Features: Some putting mats are just “plain Jane” strips of fake turf but they can still give you an edge over your friends. More advanced models offer a comprehensive set of alignment aids, visual aids, and targets. Some have features that offer different speeds, ramps, games, the ability to create breaking putts, and much more. No one mat offers a complete set of features so you’ll need to decide on your priorities.
Portability: At some point, your putting mat will need to be stowed away. Once we’re back on real grass, there’s a good chance yours will end up in a closet. Maybe you need to relocate it to your home office. If storage is a consideration, you’ll want a mat that rolls up tightly and is easy to transport.
Wellputt High Speed Premium - Perfect Your Distance Control
The High Speed Premium is the latest addition to the Wellputt lineup. It offers a massive selection of alignment lines and rolling zones to allow you to practice putter alignment, direction, distance control. The accessory app offers a selection of games and challenges designed to improve your putting. The Premium is available at 13ft length and rolls at 10 on the stimp meter.
The Best Putting Mat 2020 - Features
| Product | Width X Length (FT) | Holes | Ramp | Break | Speed | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BirdieBall Check Price | 4' x 14' | 4 | No | No | Fast | |
 | Big Moss Competitor V2 Check Price | 3' x 9' | 3 | Yes | No | Fast | |
 | Eyeline Roll The Rock Check Price | 2' x 12' | 0 | Yes | No | Fast | |
 | Odyssey 12 x 3 Putting Mat Check Price | 3' x 12' | 5 | Yes | Yes | Medium | |
 | Perfect Practice Check Price | 1' x 9 | 2 | Yes | No | Fast | |
 | Proactive Sports Varispeed Check Price | 1.7' x 10' | 0 | No | Yes | Slow/Medium/Fast | |
 | Puttout Check Price | 1.7' x 6' | 0 | No | No | Medium | |
 | Sklz Accelerator Check Price | 1' x 9' | 1 | Yes | No | Medium/Fast | |
 | Wellputt High Speed Check Price | 3' x 13' | 0 | No | No | Fast | |
 | Wellputt High Speed Premium Check Price | 3' x 13' | 0 | No | No | Fast | |
 | Wellputt Start Check Price | 1' x 10' | 0 | No | No | Fast | |
 | GoSports Curling/Suffleboard Check Price | 2' x 10' | 0 | No | No | Medium | |
 | UKASE Putting Mat Check Price | 1.7' x 10 | 0 | No | No | Fast |
The Best Putting Mats For 2020: Buying Considerations
- Verify how much space you have before you purchase your mat.
- Some of the best putting mats for 2020 have graphics and lines, features designed to improve your putting, but some golfers may find them distracting. Others keep it simple. Decide which you prefer and choose accordingly
- Thin mats can pose an issue with durability. Many also roll pretty much the same as the underlying surface. If you choose a thinner mat, make sure the surface you’re placing it on is smooth.
- Some mats are designed to be putted on from both ends. This can help keep things interesting while allowing you to spend more time putting and less time retrieving balls.
- Ideally, your putting mat would replicate the speed of the greens at your home course. While that can be difficult, some mats offer multiple putting speeds depending on which portion of the mat you’re putting on.
- Some putting mats have multiple holes with different diameters. Smaller holes require even greater precision in your putting game.
- Some mats offer accessories that allow you create breaking putts, along with uphill and downhill putts.
Expert Tip - Practice to Stop Leaving Putts Short
Many golfers struggle with leaving putts short. Purchasing a putting mat with a ramp or other uphill or incline features will train you to hit putts just a little bit harder. When you get to a flat putt, your muscle memory will take over and get it to the hole. If you miss, the ball will only go a foot or so past. That's a gimmie or a tap-in at worst.
Putting Tips
- Short putts. Unless your playing partners are especially generous, the majority of your putts will be inside five feet. Practicing shorter putts can benefit your game tremendously. Start close to the hole and work your way back as your ability to roll consistently straight putts improves.
- Alignment sticks. If you cannot repeat the same putting stroke, try using alignment sticks to create a narrow path from the putter to the hole. Try to putt in between the sticks while keeping your putter within the same boundary.
- Distance control. Those who struggle with distance control should putt to different markings on the mat and try to hit the same marking five times in a row. Once you’re successful, increase the distance and repeat.
- Have a routine. To ensure a consistent, repeatable stroke, you should have a routine. This trains your muscles and brain to replicate the same stroke and take it on the course.
The Executive Putting Mat - Never Leave Another Birdie Putt Short
The Perfect Practice golf putting mat allows you to work on your stroke with two different size holes to challenge your game. It's a smooth and fast surface that offers a ramp designed to condition you to never leave another birdie putt short. It offers a convenient ball return to makes it easy, and let's face it, more fun.
The Best Putting Mat 2020 - Results
| Product | Durability | Ease of use | Features | Roll | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![A Birdieball , one of the best indoor putting mats](https://mygolfspy-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2020/12/A-BB1-one-of-the-best-indoor-putting-mats.jpg") | BirdieBall Check Price | 2nd | 1st | 7th | 1st | 91.5 |
| Big Moss Competitor V2 Check Price | 1st | 1st | 8th | 2nd | 90 |
| Proactive Sports Varispeed Check Price | 2nd | 5th | 3rd | 3rd | 87.5 |
| Perfect Practice Check Price | 3rd | 3rd | 7th | 1st | 86.5 |
| Eyeline Roll The Rock Check Price | 3rd | 3rd | 6th | 4th | 86 |
| Wellputt High Speed Premium Check Price | 6th | 10th | 1st | 3rd | 86 |
| Wellputt High Speed Check Price | 6th | 10th | 2nd | 3rd | 84 |
| UKASE Putting Mat Check Price | 6th | 5th | 3rd | 7th | 83.5 |
| Go Sports Curling/Suffleboard Check Price | 3rd | 5th | 3rd | 11th | 83 |
| WellPutt Start Check Price | 6th | 5th | 6th | 3rd | 81.5 |
| Puttout Check Price | 5th | 3rd | 10th | 8th | 81.5 |
| Sklz accelerator Check Price | 10th | 5th | 9th | 8th | 78 |
| Odyssey 12x3 Putting Mat Check Price | 11th | 1st | 11th | 10th | 73.5 |
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What do I need to know about putting mats?
Q: Does it matter where I use my putting mat?
A: Whether you have an indoor or outdoor putting mat, it should be placed on a hard, smooth surface to avoid wrinkling and promote smooth roll. Indoor mats can be used outside when the weather permits but be sure to store your mat inside when not in use.
Q: How does my putting mat compare to a real green?
A: Most mats won’t match the experience of putting on a real green but some can get you most of the way there. If you have the opportunity to test multiple mats, you might find one that mimics the green speeds at your course.
Q: How do I care for my putting mat?
A: Constant maintenance of your mat is a necessity. Vacuum it before and after use, be sure not to puncture it and keep it rolled up and stowed away in a storage bag to hold its shape.
Imafitter
2 years agoI purchased a 15′ Perfect Putter and practice from 8′ to 15′. Roll is fast and I use the smaller hole exclusively. You don’t need a mat with breaks, as every putt is straight and every inch of every green is different. More important to strike the ball straight on your line.
Henrietta Newton
2 years agoJust reading your article on putting mats as I’m ooking to buy one for my husband. No one mentioned ProInfinity Putting Mat; is it worth consideration?
Donn Rutkoff
3 years agoAny newer comments? I am looking for the truest roll and two-speed, for and against, the grain, no other features. I use cans of tuna as holes. on hallway carpet in apartment. Can use ziploc bags of sand to elevate. a home portable “rug”. Don’t need alignment stuff Birdie Ball, Big Moss, Perfect Practice???.
Jeff
3 years agoI use that Dustin Johnson Perfect Practice Mat with the two different hole sizes. Love it so far. Not sure why it’s not on the list?
pineneedlespro
3 years agoI use a battery operated putting disc (about $15) that can be used at work, at home, or outdoors on the putting green. Practice anywhere, no putting mat needed. Use it at 10′ away, the pressure is on if you miss, you have to walk up the get the ball.
Barry R
3 years agoI really like this review, I just wish I had it 5 months ago. My wife (I bought it for her to give me) Got me a PuttOut mat and cup for Christmas. I’d have a tough time convincing her I need a new mat so soon.
William
3 years agoI’m flat out calling BS on this review!!!! I always look at the MYSPY reviews and usually they are Great in fact always spot on. I actually own this birdie ball putting green. I’m a coach (5years). I have 4 putting greens 3 at home and one at school. The birdie bal is by far the worst in almost every way. It’s not durable at all. If you get nick or any damage it’s awful. It doesn’t lay flat unless it’s unrolled for days. We reverse roll it every time we use it an loose roll it. The speed is twice as fast as any course you would play on. Unless you a are a member of ANGC. My players hate it and refuse to use it bc it messes with their speed control. I’m willing to argue to the end of time about this green bc it’s absolutely garbage and a waste of time and money. That’s just a coach and 25 plus player’s opinions. No one has liked it period. Good day Gentlemen
ChrisK
3 years agoI have the same opinion, William. I’ve got a birdieball mat that i purchased 3-4 years ago, and it’s just very light, and as you say, it has to be left flat to stay flat, and it rolls like the greens on a golf course that i couldn’t afford. I’ve played golf at various places for over 30 years and i’ve never putted on a green that was similar in speed and feel to the birdieball mat. Now last Christmas i got the puttout mat, and it’s awesome. Barry R., i don’t know if you’ve tried other mats or not, but i have and that puttout mat is a keeper. It’s tough, you can roll it up to get it out of the way and unroll it and it’s fine, and the speed is medium to slightly faster than medium. I suppose it would be nice if it was a little longer, but that’s the only issue i have with it. I really like it.
Alberto
3 years agoI have the Wellputt Start and I love it. It has dramatically improved my putts within 10 feet to be almost automatic.
Brian F
3 years agoThis was a great study and really helpful when looking at options for me in Illinois. Having the speeds helps me select one based on the greens I typically play which are more medium speed. I think practicing with the right mat helps set up easier transition to the course so this information was really helpful for selecting the best mat for practice during social distancing and beyond.
Sean!
3 years agoI have and use the Skillz accelerator and love it. My short putting has improved dramatically.
MIKE
3 years agoIn the hotel I always stay at for business near Hartford, CT, the rooms used to have really nice carpets that rolled at a 9. Great to pass the time! But then they recarpeted all the rooms about 3 years ago w/ something that reminded me of old semi-shag carpets. Bummer!
Jerry
3 years agoI have the Wellputt mat and love it. I spent the winter putting 10,000 putts on it and the durability is excellent. My only complaint is that it attracts dog hair like crazy! 🙂
Roger Schmitt
3 years agoNot necessarily a putting mat only, but loving my choice of Exputt. Only 4 feet of space and can practice 2-50 foot putts, change stimp from 6-13, breaking putts and gamification for less than the cost of a new driver.
John Miller
3 years agoCoincidentally I just got my BIG MOSS COMPETITOR V2 delivered over the weekend. I absolutely love it. It does not have alignment indicators but you can use Tee Claws Or whatever else you want to use on the mat as alignment aids. also really like the smaller holes to really refine your accuracy..
Ranny Reynolds
3 years agoI have the Perfect Putt mat and use it on my concrete shop floor.. Works much better than on carpet, if you have the room. Also, make sure to use your level to insure that your floor is both flat and level. This has actually worked pretty good as I did not realize I had a slight curve in my back swing. For now, with raised cups on the greens, I am more worried about direction than overshooting a hole.
Greg
3 years agoI really do like my PERFECT PRACTICE but their quality control needs some work. The return ramp boards were missing some magnets which makes it a little harder to get them in-line. I also had to sand down an area at the top in order for the balls to reach the return ramp. Still, I think it’s a very good practice mat for alignment and speed control.
Tim
3 years agoSurprised no to see the BirdieBall practice putting mat. I’ve had one for 5 years. It puts like a 10 or 11 ft green, is 4 ft by 17 ft so I have some range, and rolls of for storage easily..
Harry Nodwell
3 years agoBecause of the pandemic, many putting mats are sold out. We tried getting BirdieBall but they also were sold out. We plan on getting them included soon and updating you all with the findings.
Cody Reeder
3 years agoI have the well putt mat and really like it. It was a bit pricey but I have found the durability great, and I love the practice I can get.
That and the pressure putt are my quarantine golf.
Gonzalo Macaya Bernad
3 years agoGreat review guys is something that i really wanted to know
kevin
3 years agogreat review and have to agree. i have both big moss v2 and putt out. big moss is by far the better product. rolls great even with carpet beneath.
this is one area i struggled with when trying to make a decision. all the reviews were of users using on hardwood floors. the big moss v2 is thick and sturdy enough to get a true roll even when using on carpeted floors.
Matt
3 years agoHow much would you say the carpet slows your Big Moss down? I just ordered one and I’m worried it may be a little too fast given the typical speed of muni greens
Patrick Butler
3 years agoI had a putting matt similar to all of these (i.e., rectangular rug with straight edges). I used it a lot and what I found was that the straight edge of the matt provided an unconscious alignment aid that allowed me to hit my line very well on the matt. The problem was, when I got out on real greens, there was no straight edge and I could not hit putts on line. For me, matts like this do more harm than good.
Raj lp
3 years agoGreat review of putting mats. I think this is incomplete without including a regular old carpet at home. I’ve been putting on our carpet with alignment sticks and targets and it’s been great. Granted different carpets will roll at different speeds. I’m fortunate that mine rolls at about the speed of a muni green. I wonder if spreading out a bedsheet on hardwood would get a faster speed. Something to think about for those who don’t necessarily want to go out and buy another thing.
Karlton Uhm
3 years agoThanks. I was researching practice greens last weekend and surprised PuttOut did not rank higher.
Brandon
3 years agoThe putt out mats develop grooves or channels fairly quick which limits the feedback on the line of your putts since the ball will stay in the groove provided you don’t hit it way too hard.
Billy Chapel
3 years agoUnderstood that you couldn’t include BirdieBall, but I’ve tried most of these and it”s far and away my favorite. especially when you consider how customized you can make it.
Brian Caulfield
3 years agoi am debating between a BirdieBall and WellPutt. I think I would get better results putting on an actual “green” as opposed to a mat. What are your thoughts on your BB? rolls true? flat? etc. what length and cups do you have? Thank you!
Billy Chapel
3 years agoI ordered the 14×4 with a stance mat for both sides. I use pool noodles with rebar in them as bumpers. I picked 9-10 on the stimp because I was laying it over concrete in my basement. It’s faster than 9-10 and plays to a similar speed as the greens at my club.
I have one cup setup downgrain and one upgrain. I have a PuttOut setup as well. I used baby powder to snap chalk lines on the upgrain putt and have an EyeLine setup on that side as well.
Tim
3 years agoThese range in price from $44 to $179. How is value/cost not a factor in your ranking?
MyGolfSpy
3 years agoGreat question!
Cost is relative to the individual. $100 is expensive to some and not others. We want to tell you which products perform best and leave the pricing up to the individual consumers.
Colleen McGough
3 years agoThank you.
Jim Shaw
3 years agoGreat info, I was looking for a putting matt about a year ago and talked to many club pro’s in my area and even went to Golf Town, I couldn’t get a definitive answer so I am putting on my carpet. Now I know, thank you.
Ed Balkovic
3 years agoThanks for your testing & reviews.. However, I am shocked by prices of golf training aids. Ex. $100-200 for a putting mat and $20-90 for putting mirrors (piece of glass with lines). I practice putt on my TV room carpet with Puttster Sys. ($10 on sale). Also bought chipping net on sale for $10. Have vastly improved my game for $20.
Larry Soderberg
3 years agoHow did you miss the BirdieBall Putting Mats? I was planning to get one, got excited when you published this report, but they are not listed? Aren’t they the largest producer of putting mats?
Chris Nickel
3 years agoTrust me, we tried everything we could to get a sample in to test. I even offered to drive to the warehouse and pick it up to save on shipping/delivery times. However, because BB doesn’t keep stock inventory of products, they were unable to get us a sample in time.
No doubt, we fully intend to include BB moving forward.
Dave C
3 years agoNo Birdie Ball? When I purchased mine five years ago, my selection was down to Birdie Ball and Big Moss. BB has held up really well and at a fraction of the cost of the Big Moss.
Harry Nodwell
3 years agoBecause this was an emergency guide, we tested as many mats that were available at the time. Birdie Ball were sold out and didn’t fit our timeline to help golfers during this pandemic. Having said that we will include Birdie Ball at a later date to ensure golfers are up to date on the best putting mat.
Dave C
3 years agoHi Harry, thanks for your response and understand the sprain. Be well and safe.
Kevin J
3 years agoDon’t waste your time with anything else, I’ve had them both. Go with a big moss, you won’t be disappointed.
Peter Seltenright
3 years agoOne thing in defense of the Puttout mat is that it’s meant to be used with the pressure trainer. The combo of the two items puts the mat towards the top in my opinion and I think it’s why you see some pros using it at home.
Stephen
3 years agoI just bought the 10′ Wellputt and I’m using it with my Puttout. I love the combination. I was using my carpet before, and I definitely find using the mat to be a better experience.
I haven’t used other putting mats so I don’t have an opinion, but I have been very happy with my Wellputt over the last month.
Milo
3 years agoNo BirdieBall, eh?
Matt
3 years agoBig Moss teamed up with Michael Breed to create a putting mat that has various alignment lines and a ramp. Given that the Big Moss’s only shortcoming was its lack of features, that may actually be the best putting mat out there.
Thoughts? Anyone have experience with it?
Michael
3 years agoCorrect. The Michael Breed setup is far superior to their (Big Moss) standard offerings. It is $239 on their site and has 2 backstops along with the string alignment as you mentioned. I will be purchasing soon!
Tony
3 years agoThank You My Golf Spy Staff and Review Board for choosing Big Moss Golf as your #1 Personal Putting Mat.
Your reputation as the most unbiased truthful review program makes this honor even more special. Thank You Again!
The Competitor Model that was reviewed is a popular Model.
Our Michael Breed “Lets do This” Model is very similar with training and alignment elements.
The Competitor was designed to keep you interested ( putting at the same target over and over again can get boring)
You’ll find yourself competing against yourself ( proven to be the most productive practice formula)
3 balls vs 3 different sized holes
Great Focus Drill, not easy to do
We offer many different options,Layouts and customs to fit any space and budget.
We have a small manufacturing facility and take pride in every green that leaves our door.
We are avid players that insist on quality, durability and unprecedented customer service.
See all our Models at bigmoss.com
Thank You to all our Customers and supporters since 1998
Thank You My Golf Spy!
David E.
3 years agoAs someone who tends to struggle to see the line of a putt, I feel that my putting mat experience is less helpful than rolling balls to a cup on my carpet. It may not truly be the case, but I feel like putting on a mat leads me to use the edges and lines to align myself and I forget to go through a setup routine that makes me see the line. My mat is great for working technically on my stroke, but I find that I prefer having to go through the process of choosing a line as I do on my carpet, rather than having the line laid out so clearly for me as a putting mat does. Does anyone else find this same thing happening to them?