What Makes GoSports Golf Hitting Mat So Popular

GoSports Golf Hitting Mat is for golfers who want a simple, solid way to practice at home. No gimmicks. Just a mat that feels good under your feet, gives real feedback on your shots, and won’t tear up your wrists after 50 swings.

It’s made from thick turf that mimics fairway grass and has a padded base to soften the impact. 

You can lay it down in your garage, backyard, or basement and start hitting. It comes with three rubber tees, so you’re set for every club in your bag.

Why I Needed a Golf Mat That Feels Like Real Grass and Doesn’t Hurt My Wrists

As someone who hits balls almost every day, I’ve used all kinds of mats. Most of them are either too hard, too bouncy, or just don’t feel right. And after a long session, my wrists would feel it. 

That’s why I went looking for a golf mat I could use at home, one that felt like real turf and wouldn’t mess up my swing or my joints.

In this review, I’ll break down what this mat actually feels like to hit on, how it’s held up after months of use, and how it compares to more expensive options like Fiberbuilt or Country Club Elite. 

I’ll also share where it fits best, in a backyard net, garage simulator, or even an outdoor turf replacement.

Gosports Golf Hitting Mat Turf Thickness and Dimensions

Note: This table presents the actual specs and performance features users care about before buying.

What To Look For In A Golf Hitting Mat As A Beginner

Finding a hitting mat that feels close to real grass, doesn’t hurt your joints, and stays in place during full swings is harder than it sounds.

 Here’s what stood out to me the first time I rolled out the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat and started using it.

Who Makes the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat – Brand Overview and Quality Reputation

GoSports is known for making golf training equipment that’s affordable but reliable. I’ve used their chipping nets and hitting nets before, so I already had a good idea they knew what they were doing. 

Their goal is simple: help golfers set up solid practice areas at home without spending a fortune. This mat fits that idea perfectly, well-built, no frills, just performance.

Choosing the Right GoSports Golf Mat – Which Model Fits Your Swing Setup

GoSports 5×4 Standard Hitting Mat – Best Budget Golf Mat for Everyday Practice

This is the mat I’ve used most. It’s big enough to take full swings with all clubs, from driver to wedge, and works well indoors or outdoors. 

It’s a good fit for casual players and anyone building a basic home golf setup. Lightweight but stable, and the turf holds up better than I expected.

GoSports ELITE 15mm Mat – Premium Golf Mat with Extra Shock Absorption

This version is thicker, 15mm, and it makes a big difference. If you hit a lot of balls in one session or have any wrist or elbow pain, go for this one. 

The extra padding helps with joint protection and gives a bit more of that soft turf feel you’d find on a simulator platform.

GoSports Tri-Turf Golf Mat – Multi-Surface Golf Mat for Practicing Different Lies

This one’s all about variety. You get three different turf zones: fairway, rough, and tee box. It’s a smart choice if you want to practice all kinds of shots. 

I don’t use this one every day, but it’s a nice option when I want to mix things up and work on uneven lies or rough conditions.

Unboxing the GoSports Golf Mat – What’s Included and How It Feels to Use

When you open the box, the mat is rolled tightly but flattens quickly. No weird creases, no rubber smell, no corners curling up. 

The turf feels soft but dense, not flimsy, and gives a nice ‘thump’ at impact, close to real grass. The rubber base is thick enough to stay in place, even when swinging the river at full speed.

The package also includes three rubber tees at different heights: short, medium, and tall. That’s a huge plus because it saves you from messing around with wooden tees or tee holders. 

I swap tees quickly depending on the club, and the fit is tight enough that they stay in place during the swing.

A Mat That Feels Right From the Start

From setup to first swing, the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat made a strong first impression. It’s easy to use, gives clean ball feedback, and feels stable underfoot. 

If you’re setting it up in your garage, backyard, or a simulator bay, it gives you everything you need to start practicing right, no guesswork.

How the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat Feels After Real Use

After spending weeks hitting off the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat, I’ve had the chance to test it in real conditions: full swings, fat shots, long sessions, and dry/wet weather setups. Here’s what stood out.

How Realistic Is the GoSports Golf Mat Turf Compared to a Real Fairway

One of the biggest things golfers ask is, “Does it feel like hitting off real grass?” Honestly, a lot of mats fail here; they’re either too hard or too soft. But GoSports gets it pretty close, especially for the price.

The turf has just enough resistance to feel like a fairway when you strike it clean. And when you hit it fat? You feel it, but it doesn’t punish your wrists like a concrete mat would. 

That’s because the base gives a little, letting the club move through instead of bouncing back.

If you’re working on ball-first contact, this mat gives solid feedback. It won’t fool you. Clean strikes sound and feel sharp. Fat shots feel dull and heavy, the way they should. That makes it easier to adjust and improve.

Is the GoSports Mat Safe for Wrists and Elbows During Long Practice Sessions

This is something I care about a lot. I’ve had wrist pain from hitting off mats that were just too stiff. I can swing 100+ times in a practice session, so shock absorption matters.

The Standard GoSports mat is decent for shorter sessions. But if you’re hitting daily, the ELITE 15mm version is the one I recommend. That extra padding under the turf really helps. 

It soaks up impact and keeps the shock from traveling up your arms. After a full hour of swings, I didn’t feel the usual tightness in my wrists or elbows.

If you’ve ever asked, “Why do my joints hurt after hitting off a mat?”, it’s likely from hitting on cheap surfaces. This one solves that problem with its shock-absorbing base.

Can You Leave the GoSports Golf Mat Outside Without Damage

A lot of people ask, “Can I leave my golf mat outside all the time?” I tested this by leaving mine on a backyard patio for a few days through sun, dew, and light rain. Here’s what I found:

• Turf held up fine, no fraying or fading
• The base didn’t soak up water, and dried fast after rain
• No peeling or curling at the edges

That said, I wouldn’t leave it out all year without cover. It’s built for outdoor use, but like any turf product, long-term exposure to UV and moisture will wear it down faster. 

A simple cover or rolling it back indoors will keep it lasting much longer.

For a portable golf mat with solid durability, this one holds up better than expected, especially at this price.

The GoSports Golf Hitting Mat is more than just budget-friendly; it actually performs well where it counts. 

You get real feedback, joint safety, and solid durability without the high cost of commercial-grade mats.

If you’re serious about improving your swing at home, this mat gives you the support and feel to train smarter, without hurting your body or your wallet.

How to Use the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat in Your Practice Area

Getting a good mat is one thing, making it work in your space is another. After testing the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat in my garage, backyard, and home simulator, I found a few key tricks that made the setup better, safer, and more realistic.

How to Keep the GoSports Golf Mat from Sliding on Grass or Indoors

One of the biggest problems with lightweight mats is sliding. When I first set it down on concrete, it moved a little after a few swings. 

That’s a common issue, especially if you’re hitting with speed.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Concrete floor: Place two 10-lb. weight plates on the back corners. You can also use double-sided tape or velcro strips if it’s in a permanent spot.
• On grass: The mat grips better outdoors. I used landscape stakes on the corners or tucked it under a small platform.
• Indoor carpet: Put a rubber anti-slip rug pad underneath; it works great.

After that, the mat stayed in place even during full driver swings. No more adjusting after every shot.

What to Put Under the GoSports Mat for Extra Stability and Floor Protection

If you’re using the mat indoors, especially in a garage or on hardwood, you’ll want something underneath to keep it stable and protect your floor.

These are the best options I’ve tried:

• Interlocking foam gym tiles – soft, grippy, and easy to move
• Heavy-duty rubber stall mats – best for stability and sound dampening
• Yoga mats or old carpet padding – quick and cheap for small setups

Using a layer under the mat not only helps it stay put, but it also softens the impact a bit more, which helps your joints too.

Setting Up Your Golf Simulator with the GoSports Hitting Mat for Accurate Readings

If you’re running a home golf simulator with a launch monitor (like SkyTrak or Garmin R10), the placement of your mat matters. I’ve gone through this myself.

Here’s what I recommend:

• The mat and ball position should match the launch monitor’s “sweet spot,” usually 12–14 inches in front of the unit.
• Make sure the mat is level with the rest of your flooring, or the readings can get thrown off.
• If the mat is too tall compared to your hitting area, consider raising the monitor base slightly to match.

Also, leave enough space behind and beside the mat to move freely with your swing, especially if you’re using longer clubs like a driver.

The GoSports Golf Hitting Mat is easy to move and quick to set up, but a few smart tweaks, like proper underlayment and anti-slip support, will make your training feel more real and less frustrating. 

If you’re on a tight patio or building a full sim bay, it’s flexible enough to fit into almost any space.

GoSports vs. The Competition – How It Stacks Up Against Other Golf Hitting Mats

I’ve tested a lot of mats, some budget-friendly, some high-end. Here’s how the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat compares to other popular options based on feel, joint safety, and value for money.

GoSports Golf Mat vs. Fiberbuilt – Best Turf Feel vs. Premium Strip Design

Fiberbuilt Golf Mats are known for their center hitting strip, which is designed to be easy on your joints. It lets the club glide through, even on fat shots, which really helps if you have elbow or wrist pain. But that design comes at a cost, over $400 in most cases.

Now, the GoSports ELITE 15mm mat doesn’t have the replaceable hitting strip, but it does have a shock-absorbing base that’s surprisingly good. 

I’ve hit off both, and while Fiberbuilt is better for injury prevention during long sessions, GoSports holds up well for the price, especially if you’re not hitting hundreds of balls a day.

If you’re building a high-end simulator setup, go Fiberbuilt. But if you’re working on your swing in the garage or backyard, GoSports gives you 70% of the performance at a fraction of the cost.

GoSports vs. Country Club Elite – Budget Golf Mat vs. Premium Pro Model

The Country Club Elite (CCE) is heavy, thick, and built like a tank. It’s great for realistic feedback and can take a beating over time, especially for teaching pros or players hitting 1,000 balls a week.

But here’s the thing: it’s also more than double the price of the GoSports mat. And unless you’re running a teaching bay or commercial sim, you probably don’t need that much bulk.

I’ve found the GoSports ELITE version gives a very similar turf feel for most home golfers. It’s also easier to move around and store when you’re done.

So if you’re on a budget, but still want good turf feedback and joint safety, GoSports wins on value.

GoSports Mat vs. Rukket Tri-Turf – Which Golf Mat Is Better for Practicing Different Lies

The Rukket Tri-Turf is a fun concept. It has three types of turf in one mat, fairway, rough, and tee box. If you’re working on different shot types or want a compact mat for short game drills, it’s a great tool.

But the downside? It’s smaller and lighter, so it tends to slide around more unless it’s fully anchored. Also, the hitting area is limited compared to the 5×4 GoSports mat.

I’ve used both, and here’s the bottom line:

• Rukket is better for variety and short game practice.
• GoSports is better for full-swing practice, especially indoors or in your backyard net.

GoSports Golf Hitting Mat vs. Top Competitors – Feature Comparison Table

Note: This table is designed to give both readers and search engines a clear, side-by-side breakdown of how the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat compares to its top competitors, Fiberbuilt, Country Club Elite, and Rukket Tri-Turf, across the most relevant features for home practice.

FAQs

How do you clean the GoSports artificial turf?

Use a stiff brush to remove dirt and debris. For deeper cleaning, spray it with water and let it air-dry. Avoid soap or chemicals to protect the turf fibers.

Are the rubber tees a standard size?

Yes. The included rubber tees fit standard hitting mat tee holes and work with drivers, woods, and irons. Tee heights are 1.5″, 2.25″, and 3.25″.

What is the GoSports warranty policy?

GoSports offers a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Normal wear from practice is not covered.

Is it better to hit golf balls off mats or real grass?

Real grass offers natural feedback and turf interaction. But high-quality mats like GoSports provide a consistent surface, protect your joints, and are ideal for home practice.

Why do I keep hitting the ground before the ball (fat shots)?

Fat shots happen when your weight stays back or your swing path is too steep. A mat like GoSports helps you feel this mistake instantly and improve ball-first contact.

Should you hit golf balls every day to improve?

Yes, but with control. Daily practice builds consistency, but use a shock-absorbing mat like GoSports Elite to avoid wrist or elbow strain.

How can I improve my swing without hitting balls?

Work on mirror drills, slow-motion swings, and body alignment. Use swing trainers or weighted clubs to improve muscle memory and tempo off the mat.

Conclusion – Is the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat Worth It

The GoSports Golf Hitting Mat is a smart choice if you want to practice golf at home without spending too much. 

The turf feels close to real grass, the rubber base keeps it steady, and it comes with rubber tees for all club types.

It’s strong, safe on your joints, and works well in the backyard, garage, or indoor simulator. If you’re looking for a mat that gives good feedback and lasts, the GoSports Golf Hitting Mat is a great option.

Post Reference:

Golf mats and injuries

GoSports Pro vs Country Club Elite Mat