You will hit thousands of shots off your mat, so it matters more than most golfers expect. A quality hitting mat protects your wrists, elbows, and shoulders, lets the club interact with the surface more like real turf, and holds up to daily use.

What to consider

• Joint comfort: Thicker, shock-absorbing mats reduce the jolt on fat shots.
• Realistic feedback: Better turf lets the club glide through impact the way it would on a fairway.
• Durability: Look for replaceable hitting strips if you practice often.
• Size: Combine a hitting mat with a stance mat or turf to finish the space and serve both right- and left-handed players.

Not sure which mat suits your setup? Ask a simulator specialist.