It's no secret that putting is the area where you can save the most shots in the quickest timespan. If you can hole more putts, you're going to take less strokes - it's that simple.
One way to do that is by investing in one of the best putting mats but, even here, you can be looking at hundreds of dollars for the pleasure. That's where the PGA Tour Indoor & Outdoor Golf Putting Mat comes in, as it provides golfers with the option of a home set up for a fraction of the cost of other mats on the market.
Firstly, you don't just get a putting mat that measures 200cm (6.5ft) x 30cm (1ft), but you also get a regulation sized cup (which is on a raised section), PGA Tour target flag, two slats that act as a ball returner, a golf ball alignment tool and marker, as well as a PGA Tour Training Academy DVD that showcases various aspects of the game.
All-in-all, there's plenty there for your money and, the next big plus is how easy it is to set-up. Simply roll it out, smooth the mat over so there are no creases, put the two slats down on the turf via the Velcro and voila, you are ready to go.
So, it's easy to set up and, positively, I found the ball rolled superbly on a range of different flat surfaces. Unfortunately, the weather in England is dreadful at the moment, so I wasn't able to test it outside, but on carpet, wooden flooring and smooth tiling, it rolled exceptionally well. As long as there's no debris on the mat itself, it produced consistent roll after consistent roll.
Now, though, we come to the first negative, which is that the putting mat didn't have any alignment lines or aids. If you look at the Pure 2 Improve Putting Mat or the more expensive Perfect Practice Putting Mat, you will see an array of lines to help the putting stroke and start line. You could argue that, because the PGA Tour Mat doesn't have these, it provides a more authentic feel of what it's like on the course but, to that, I say the whole point of a putting mat is to hone and practice your stroke in a relaxed environment.
One positive I did find from the lack of alignment aids on the mat, though, is that it draws your focus on the hole a lot more. Surrounding the raised hole is a bunker and water hazard which, although it doesn't sound much, did narrow my focus onto a smaller target, something which is a great putting tip for those who struggle. What's more, I did find it useful in the sense of working out whether an alignment line on the golf ball was effective, something that I can take out on the golf course.
Admittedly, you could also purchase one of the best putting aids to help with your stroke. However, overall, I think this particular type of putting mat is designed for the new golfer, or even the younger golfer. Personally, I think it's a great way of introducing kids to putting as you can make fun games out of it by trying to avoid the bunker and water around the hole.
The PGA Tour Indoor & Outdoor Golf Putting Mat is a very good performer and, if you store it correctly, you should get a long-life out of it. One thing to mention, if you roll it up or fold it poorly, it will be difficult to un-crease, but if you keep it in good condition, it does provide a useful aid that will help your game.
As mentioned, it will likely be more suited towards the younger demographic but, if you want an item that can increase the enjoyment of your practice, then this is a viable option that won't break the bank.
