Hitting Off of Mats vs. Turf

Hello Everyone,

I know this thread is several years old, but it still seems to be the first google result when you do a search on this.

There is quite a bit of good info here, but I wanted to chime in with a post from trackman’s website about a test they did on the differences of hitting off of a mat vs hitting off of grass.

blog.trackmangolf.com/.../

Including their summary for anyone that just wants to get to the results (checkout the above link for details on how they performed the test):
As you can see from the chart there is minimal change in Club Data, we are safe to assume that the major variances in Launch Angle and Spin Rate were affected solely by the surface.

Launch Angle is a measured parameter just after impact in relation to the horizon. Launch Angle is affected by 3 major contributors, Dynamic Loft, Attack Angle and Ball Type.

Ball Type was kept consistent using TM Lethal golf balls on each surface. Dynamic Loft and Attack Angle which comprises Spin Loft (Dynamic Loft minus Attack Angle) showed a 1* lower Spin Loft from mat to grass, concluding that these two parameters are within an acceptable variance.

Seeing a 2.7* lower launch off of grass did grab our attention. For instance during an iron fitting we would like to see 2* Launch Angle change between irons, i.e. from 6 to 7 iron. So if we do not know this information as to how grass will affect the golf ball, a perfectly fit 6 iron off of the mat will launch like a 5 iron on grass. This type of change can result in properly fit golf equipment off a mat, but will not achieve the desired Launch Angle when hit off grass.

Spin Rate is the total amount of spin RPM’s (Revolutions per Minute) measured just after impact. Spin Rate has 4 contributors, Spin Loft, Club Speed, Impact Location and Friction. With Spin Loft, Club Speed and Impact Location showing little variance we are left with few explanations. Our Spin Rate showed a significant increase once hit off of grass compared to the mat of 1928 RPM’s. As a general rule the change per iron is about a 1000 RPM’s. So the 6 iron that you got fit for off of grass is now spinning like an 8 iron.

I think hitting off the turf is better for me because it is closer to playing.

DUDE! I signed up for an account JUST to reply to your question

1. No one cares that your rich enough to join an executive course
2. No one cares (ON THIS FORUM) about what a bad ass father you are that you spend time with your daughter before being selfish
3. No one cares (ON THIS FORUM) that you're such a bad ass husband that you ask your wife if you can go play golf after you spend quality time with your daughter.
3. Yes, WE REMEBER THIS IS AN EXECUTIVE COURSE BECAUSE YOU SAID IT IN THE VERY FIRST SENTENCE. no need to remind us in the 5th sentence
4. Who the hell even knows what Toro Reelmasters are that are reading this forum, unless THEY HAVE A $20,000,000 mansion like EXECUTIVES like you with the perfect wife who is the perfect father do.
5. why do you give a damn if you're hurting your game. When you're a 24 handicap, IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER!!!

Come on Man!!!!