[cemDrymnVem]

I think one of the main reasons why the ranges near us have mats is because there are so many people that go to the range and the grass just gets beat up and ends up in very poor condition, this way, switching it out every once in a while also helps the grass

[Jesslovers]

Grass all the way. If I could find one that has it.

[Vkowefek]

Since I have hit off of both, I prefer the grass. But I guess in northern states sometimes you just don't have a choice.

[elektikakass]

Since I have hit off of both, I prefer the grass. But I guess in northern states sometimes you just don't have a choice.

Exactly.

In the southern states where the temps are moderate all year, it's a lot easier to keep a grass range than it is dealing with the severe seasonal changes up north; that's one reason why grass ranges are so few and far between up here.

The grass ranges I have used here on Long Island are hit or miss propositions depending on weather and usage. For example, I've been to grass ranges here that are little more than mud with some grass blades sticking out here and there because the usage is so great that the teeing areas are so chewed up that it takes longer to find a decent stance and lie than it takes to hit a bucket of balls.

Down in Florida and in Texas, I've been to ranges on heavily trafficked courses that seem like pool tables by comparison. That's thanks to the year-round nature of their use (and thus maintenance) and the Bermuda grass doesn't hurt either because it repairs itself very quickly and generally can take quite a beating overall. Up here with the cool-season grasses, the short growing season (relatively speaking) combined with usage can really chew things up.

That's why I say that sometimes mats offer an advantage in that I can always count on a good footing and that my stance and ball placement are always consistent, which allows me to work more on my swing rather than finding a place to stand.


-JP

[arcaniagainee]

Grass all the way. If I could find one that has it.

I'm with you there. I prefer grass, but finding it around my place is impossible. Mats, mats, everywhere but I want grass!

[rxnixoncom]

I'm a digger, and have what's probably the start of arthritis at the base of my thumbs. Mats make my hands hurt after not too many shots. The club we belonged to last year had a beautiful grass practice facility with three tiers. They rotated where the practice tees were and that was great. This year at our new to us club they have mats, but you can hit from the grass in front. That's what we generally do, but it gets beat up pretty fast. They do have a side area by a chipping/practice green, so that's available which helps a bit. Practicing all kinds of wedge shots off mats blows.

I miss those tiered tees. So does J.L., but there are other benefits to this club, so it's not too bad.

Kevin

[shieclulaweew]

For me personally, it really depends on the grass. I sometimes have options of grass or mat, and will sometimes choose the mat to hit off of. Why? Simple, because of the amount of sand in the grass. It wears on the club so badly for me, especially when its damp, and if it gets on the ball as well, it just wears down the face of the club, especially my wedges.

So if its a choice between good turf or mat, its turf all the way. But if it is the very sandy turf I have experienced on many many ranges, Ill head for the mats personally.

[kjanyeaz1]

For me personally, it really depends on the grass. I sometimes have options of grass or mat, and will sometimes choose the mat to hit off of. Why? Simple, because of the amount of sand in the grass. It wears on the club so badly for me, especially when its damp, and if it gets on the ball as well, it just wears down the face of the club, especially my wedges.

So if its a choice between good turf or mat, its turf all the way. But if it is the very sandy turf I have experienced on many many ranges, Ill head for the mats personally.

Good point about the wear! It happens on dirty mats also. I sometimes clean the mat before I start! And scraping off the mat-melt from my iron soles is no picnic either!

[Inconykic]

I've seen and heard of way too many wrist and elbow injuries from using mats. In addition, the slickness of the plastic grass will very often let a fat shot slide into the back of the ball, and make it appear ti the player as good contact.

[polleroy]

I do most of my practice on a very nice grass range, but occasionally hit balls late in the evening on a range that uses mats.

It wouldn't be too bad, but they haven't put out a new mat or new balls in at least 3 years; many of the balls are 90% bald. Sometimes I wonder, why bother?