The Evolution of SIGPRO Golf Mats
Introduction: The Quest for the Perfect Golf Mat
At The Indoor Golf Shop, we understand that a golf mat is more than just turf to swing from—it's a critical component of golf simulators. Over the years, we’ve witnessed firsthand how important the right golf hitting mats can be for both performance and enjoyment. However, the golf market was filled with options that required tradeoffs. Some golf hitting mats were forgiving on the joints but lacked realistic turf feel, while others offered the perfect lie, but were poor on durability or performance.
That’s why we decided to build our own golf hitting mat—the SIGPRO series. By combining years of customer feedback with our own insights selling golf simulators, we embarked on a journey to create a hitting mat that balances all the qualities golfers look for: realism, durability, injury prevention, and convenience. In this article, we’ll explore how our SIGPRO mats evolved to become the ideal choice for golfers of all levels.
Why Did We Build a Golf Mat Ourselves?
Manufacturers must make many tradeoffs when building the perfect golf mat. This is one of the most crucial aspects of your home setup.
The Indoor Golf Shop was a reseller of premium hitting mats like the Fiberbuilt Grass Series and Truestrike for years. We took customer feedback very seriously and wanted to ensure we delivered on value. If you buy a premium mat, you should have high expectations. We listened to our customers’ experiences with these mats and their likes and dislikes, and we used this feedback to guide our product development.
While we liked the elements of both products, there were several shortcomings that customers continually noted post-purchase.
What Do Customers Want in a Golf Hitting Mat?
Fiberbuilt did an excellent job designing a golf mat that was very forgiving on the joints, helping golfers avoid elbow issues. However, the hitting experience just wasn’t realistic. The fibers made the ball sit in an unnatural position you wouldn’t see on a golf course. It was easy to “sweep” through the bristles and create impact conditions that weren’t indicative if you were hitting off a natural fairway. Additionally, you couldn’t use real tees.
Truestrike was another popular hitting mat product. It allowed players to use a more traditional hitting surface and combine it with a gel insert to mitigate impact stress on the joints. But customers complained that it was too heavy and lacked the ability to use a real tee.
One of the advantages of having a close connection with our customers is that we could gather a true wish list of features they wanted to see in a premium hitting mat . It was clear they wanted:
• A hitting surface with the real feel of a fairway
• Forgiveness to prevent joint issues
• Portability - it couldn’t be too heavy
• The ability to use a real tee
Creating the Best Golf Mat: The SIGPRO Softy
Our founder, Rene Delgado, was determined to create a hitting mat that met all these requirements. He understood the importance of delivering a product that genuinely addressed the needs of our customers. But it wasn’t an easy task.
The Indoor Golf Shop worked with five different vendors to create golf mat prototypes. After six months of trying, we finally arrived at a solution that became our line of SIGPRO Softy golf mats.
The realistic turf feel of the SIGPRO Softy creates a natural feeling surface for the golf ball, ultimately leading to more accurate shots both indoors and on the course.
Customers loved the material, and it has become our bread-and-butter solution. We consider them the best golf mats in the market. They are light, forgiving, mimic real turf, and you can use real tees.
Here’s what some of our customers have to say about the SIGPRO Softy:
"Great communication with Indoor Golf Shop. The SIGPRO Softy 4’x7’ feels great. It’s easy to put away since it breaks down into 2 pieces. It feels great even if you hit it fat. Definitely would recommend!"
"I received this mat quickly and put it right to work. Found it was superior to my previous mats. It is large enough in each direction to allow for me to stand comfortably on the surface, even with a driver. Previous mat was too short when hitting a driver. The soft hitting area is very comfortable to hit off of, even a 100 balls a day, leaving my hands without the harsh feedback I was getting previously. I recommend you strongly consider adding this mat to your simulator."
"The floor and hitting surface is better than any I have ever hit and I have tested out many. I have also played at lots of simulators and the SIGPRO Softy plays more true to real golf than any of the other hitting mats."
Key Features of SIGPRO Golf Mats
SIGPRO golf mats are designed to elevate your practice sessions by offering a blend of realism, durability, and convenience. One of the standout features is their thick and dense design, which provides ultimate protection and longevity, ensuring that your investment lasts for years. The realistic turf feel is another highlight, mimicking the performance of a natural fairway to give you an authentic golfing experience.
These mats are versatile, allowing you to use both real tees and rubber tees, making them suitable for various training needs. Whether you’re practicing indoors or outdoors, SIGPRO golf mats are built to withstand different environments. They are also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that your practice area remains in top condition with minimal effort.
Available in various sizes, SIGPRO golf mats cater to different space requirements and training setups, making them a perfect fit for any golfer looking to improve their game.
Essential SIGPRO Golf Mat Technology
At the heart of SIGPRO golf mats lies advanced technology designed to replicate the feel of a natural fairway. The mats are constructed using high-quality materials that ensure durability and long-lasting performance, even with frequent use. The advanced turf design not only provides a realistic feel but also enhances your overall hitting experience.
One of the key technological features is the shock-absorbing technology integrated into the mats. This innovation helps reduce the impact on your joints, making your practice sessions more comfortable and reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, the incorporation of interchangeable hitting strips is a game-changer, allowing for easy maintenance and replacement over time, so you can always practice on a fresh surface.
These technological advancements make SIGPRO golf mats a top choice for golfers seeking a realistic and durable practice solution.
Expanding Hitting Mat Offerings for the Residential Market
But we didn’t stop there. Our team was committed to listening to customer feedback and continuously improving our mats to meet different preferences and golf simulator setup requirements.
While golfers loved the feel of the SIGPRO Softy, they did want a solution with a thinner base—the original Softy golf mats are 2 3/”8 thick. When building a golf simulator, you need to consider the thickness of the subflooring. Also, some golfers want a mat that can be easily rolled up and stored when not in use due to space constraints in a house or garage.
So, we returned to the drawing board and created our SIGPRO Softy Lite golf mats. We aimed to build a mat with half the thickness but with the same forgiveness and realistic quality as the original. The only tradeoff is that you can’t use a real tee because it is only 1-¼” in thickness.
As the newest offering in the SIG lineup golf hitting mats, we can now provide a more traditional hitting mat that can be rolled up and stored. The SIGPRO Softy Lite golf mats come in a 4’ x 5’ size , as well as 4’ x 10’ and 4’ x 7’ models to accommodate various other options when building out a more traditional simulator experience.
Commercial Golf Hitting Mats
The Indoor Golf Shop also wants to serve the commercial market with different requirements. Typically, these facilities want more permanent setups and more golf hitting surface options and don’t need portability. And that’s how our SIGPRO Super Softy Series golf mats were born.
The SIGPRO Super Softy features a much heavier rubber base. It embodies the best of our original Softy golf mat but with a longer hitting strip and multiple configurations for right-handed and left-handed golfers. It comes in 4' x 6', 4 x 8'4", and 4' x 9' sizes.
Also, we recently launched our SIGPRO 3D mat . This resembles a common golf mat you'd see at most driving ranges, but with serious upgrades. It’s constructed for repeated use in a high-volume environment, and built with knitted turf for extreme durability. It can withstand rain, sun exposure, and heat - making it an excellent option for outdoor use. Some customers also prefer these golf mats for residential applications, especially when the mat is kept outside.
Most traditional driving range mats are stiff and unforgiving. So we created a spacer mesh in the middle of the golf mat to offer superior forgiveness and the ability to hit down and through the upper layer. It also features four tee insert locations.
Conclusion: Innovation and Customer-Centric Design
The evolution of the SIGPRO golf hitting mat series is a testament to The Indoor Golf Shop's dedication to meeting the needs of golfers' space , from hobbyists to commercial facilities. By listening closely to customer feedback and addressing the shortcomings of existing mats, we’ve developed a line of golf hitting mats that deliver a real feel, injury prevention, versatility, and durability.
From the SIGPRO Softy, designed to mimic a true fairway feel while being joint-friendly, to the more portable Softy Lite and the commercial-grade Super Softy and 3D mats, we’ve crafted golf mat solutions that cater to various preferences and space requirements. Each product reflects our commitment to continuously improve, ensuring that every golfer can have the best possible experience in their home or commercial golf simulator setup.
At The Indoor Golf Shop, we will continue to innovate, delivering exceptional golf products that enhance your practice and overall enjoyment of the game.
Compare Our Golf Mats
Frequently Asked Questions
Are golf mats worth it?
Yes, golf mats are generally worth it, especially for those looking to improve their game at home or indoors. They provide a consistent and durable surface, allowing you to practice your swing mechanics year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Golf mats also save you time and money by reducing trips to the driving range. Additionally, high-quality mats are designed to last longer and require less maintenance compared to natural grass.
How long to golf mats last?
The lifespan of a golf mat depends on its quality, frequency of use, and care. High-quality mats used for personal practice typically last between 3 to 5 years with moderate use. For heavy-duty mats designed for commercial use or frequent practice, they can last longer, up to 7 years or more.
Several SIGPRO Mats come with replaceable hitting strips that allow you to replace just the hitting portion of the mat to save significant cost if replacements are ever needed.
Factors that influence durability include:
Material quality : Premium turf materials and durable bases extend the life of the mat.
Frequency of use : More frequent use will naturally wear out the mat faster.
Type of use : Repeated use with drivers and irons tends to wear out mats faster than wedge or putter practice.
Maintenance : Regular cleaning and proper storage can help prolong a mat's lifespan.
With good care, most mats can offer years of effective use before needing replacement.
How do I choose a golf mat?
When choosing a golf mat, consider the following:
Practice Type : Full swings need durable mats with shock absorption; short game practice requires softer turf for realistic lies.
Size and Space : Pick a mat that fits your area and is easy to store if necessary.
Realism : Look for high-quality turf that mimics fairways for better on-course performance.
Durability : Choose materials like nylon or polyethylene for long-lasting use.
Shock Absorption : Protect your joints by selecting mats with built-in shock-absorbing features.
Tee Compatibility : Ensure the mat works with real or rubber tees if needed.
Budget : Invest in a mat that meets your frequency of practice.
For the best balance of realism, durability, and joint protection, we recommend SIGPRO Golf Mats from The Indoor Golf Shop.
What injuries can you get from hitting off golf mats?
People often complain about injuries from hitting off golf mats due to the harder surface. Common issues include wrist strain , elbow pain (golfer's elbow), and back pain from the repetitive impact. These surfaces can also aggravate joint stress in the knees or hips, especially during fat shots or mishits. Proper shock absorption, like that offered by SIGPRO Golf Mats , can help minimize these problems.
How do I clean a golf mat?
To clean a golf mat:
Brush off debris : Use a stiff brush or broom to remove loose dirt, grass, or leaves from the surface.
Vacuum : For indoor mats, vacuuming helps remove small debris and keeps the surface clean.
Spot clean : For stains, use mild soap with water and gently scrub the area with a soft brush.
Rinse : If your mat is used outdoors, you can hose it down with water and let it air dry completely before using it again.
Regular cleaning helps maintain the mat's condition and extends its lifespan. Always check manufacturer guidelines for specific care instructions.
How do I keep a golf mat from sliding?
To prevent a golf mat from sliding:
Use a non-slip rug pad : Place a non-slip rubber pad or grip mat underneath your golf mat to increase traction on hard floors.
Add weight : Position weights or sandbags on the corners or edges of the mat to hold it in place.
Double-sided tape : For a more permanent solution, apply double-sided tape or velcro strips to the bottom of the mat to secure it to the floor. (We find this method provides the best results when you need extra grip.)
Rubber backing : Choose a mat with a rubber backing designed to reduce movement.
Several SIGPRO Golf Mats are designed with materials in the base to minimize movement during practice, ensuring a stable and consistent hitting experience.
Can I leave my golf mat outside?
Whether you can leave your golf mat outside depends on whether it is rated for outdoor use. Some mats are made from weather-resistant materials, while others can deteriorate quickly from exposure to sun, rain, or extreme temperatures. Always check the manufacturer's specifications to confirm if the mat is suitable for outdoor environments.
For example, the 3D 5x5 Golf Mat by The Indoor Golf Shop is specifically designed for both indoor and outdoor use, built with durable materials that can handle rain, sun, and heat without wearing out. If your mat isn't rated for outdoor use, it’s best to store it inside or cover it when not in use to extend its life.
How do I know what size golf mat to get?
To choose the right size golf mat, consider the following factors:
Space Available : Measure the area where you plan to practice, ensuring there's enough room to swing comfortably. You’ll need extra space around the mat for a full range of motion.
Practice Needs : If you’re practicing full swings, opt for a larger mat (e.g., 4’x10’ or 5’x5’) for a more realistic experience. Smaller mats (e.g., 3’x5’) are suitable for tight spaces or if you're mainly practicing short game shots.
Simulator Compatibility : If you're using a golf simulator, make sure the mat size fits your setup and aligns with the hitting area of the simulator.
Indoor Golf Shop offers a variety of sizes for their SIGPRO mats, including options like 4'x5', 4'x10', and 5'x5', catering to different space requirements and practice preferences. Use our Golf Simulator Room Builder to visualize golf mats in your space!
The Indoor Golf Shop Staff
The Indoor Golf Shop is a leading retailer specializing in golf simulators, hitting mats, and accessories for both home and commercial setups. Offering high-quality products such as SIGPRO mats and launch monitors, it caters to golf enthusiasts looking to enhance their practice experience indoors. The company is known for its expert customer service and wide range of solutions to fit various spaces and budgets, making it a trusted source for building custom golf simulator setups.
