Sources for Turf and Other Materials for DIY Solutions?

[Michael303]

I'm a huge cheapskate and like DIY projects. Before I go hunting around the Internet and redo a bunch of work that's already been done I thought I'd ask what and where everyone is getting for their DIY hitting mats.

First and foremost for the hitting surface turf on something like a DIY Divot Action or True Strike, what did you use? Do I need something specialized from a synthetic turf manufacturer? I've looked around and it seems tough to find in small quantities to cover a hitting surface around 12" x 24". I was looking at some cheap outdoor carpet for the stance platform and got to wondering if I couldn't just use that same stuff for the hitting surface.

for a stance platform, is everyone just using plywood? I thought something lightweight would be great but I can't think of any other options.

[wbond]

Plywood is tough to beat if your making a platform. Comes in pretty much whatever thickness you need to achieve your desired overall height. It is tough finding mats that small. Cheap outdoor carpet won't last, tried it before, it's just not meant to hit off of.

[tonybrown32]

I'm a huge cheapskate and like DIY projects. Before I go hunting around the Internet and redo a bunch of work that's already been done I thought I'd ask what and where everyone is getting for their DIY hitting mats.

First and foremost for the hitting surface turf on something like a DIY Divot Action or True Strike, what did you use? Do I need something specialized from a synthetic turf manufacturer? I've looked around and it seems tough to find in small quantities to cover a hitting surface around 12" x 24". I was looking at some cheap outdoor carpet for the stance platform and got to wondering if I couldn't just use that same stuff for the hitting surface.

for a stance platform, is everyone just using plywood? I thought something lightweight would be great but I can't think of any other options.

I'm following along here hoping for more suggestions as well. Many of the DIY posts are a little older, using stance and hitting mat models I can't find anymore, and can't really figure out how well the cheaper mats over gel are holding up over time.

What are the popular current DIY stance/hitting mats people are using? Would be nice to hear of some current available options and experiences.

I am also replacing the matt on my 5 yr old platform. Just a 5x4 platform made of 1.5in thick pink foam board sandwitched between some 5x4 sheets of OSB (cheaper than plywood). I put a couple locking caster wheels on one side so I can flip it up and wheel it out of the way when not in use, and lean it against the wall... works great. I just drew some lines on the garage floor to get it back in the same place every time I use it.

Its covered with some Monster Tee mat now thats too thick and squishy, and although it served me well, is starting to show its age and looking for something new.

Any current reccommendations for DIY truestrike tyle stance/hitting mat materials?

[mikelo33]

^ bump...anyone have turf ideas for DIY hitting mats?

[inorkuo]

I posted this in another thread but I used this from turfavenue.com

http://turfavenue.com/proddetail.asp?prod=52NDN

it does not work at all for putting, but with the gel underneath it workds great for full swings.

if you make a slider that Sascha1818 posted about you don't to putt from the same spot as you hit from.

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/build-your-own/enclosures/130666-sim-room-finished

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/skytrak/132860-diy-slider-for-skytrack-or-gc2

[Michael303]

Looks nice and thick. How does it hold up?

[inorkuo]

It is holding up well. I lose a small tuft of "grass" every now and then when I get it really fat but it is still looks fine.

[clubhops10]

Is there a consensus as to which mat to use right now that goes over the gel? I may just purchase the Emerald Par mat but I did see in a post that it can wear quickly. Looking for a decent sub $100 mat in 4X5.

[gette]

I’ve been reading about a bunch of DIY hitting mats but not many sources, esp current ones like th OP mentioned.

I would like to start building a couple possibly a DA and a TS maybe even try a test and combine them together.

I have a 4x5 Emerald Par off Amazon which I guess I will use for now and then cut that section out for something better.

l am thinking about a SkyTrak in near future so would be nice to find a decent, durable tuff that you can hit driver with a tee, an iron and putt to eliminate the need to move the SkyTrack. But this may be a stretch.

Thx Guys!
Geo

[wbond]

It's easily doable. You can putt and hit from the same spot with ST with DIY setups. I would suggest using tomahawk as well.

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/build-your-own/mats-turf-and-flooring/130683-ultimate-diy-hitting-station

[gette]

wbond Thank you so much for your comment.
I did see your linked post previously and have it bookmarked and will refer to it during my build.

Though it looks like you made your platform to be able to test and switch out different hitting mats, which is awesome. Though it doesn't appear that will be an easy thing to, quickly, back and forth during a round of sim golf with putting, etc.

So from what little I gather it seems I have 2 choices with SkyTrack:
1 - Move ST. I have seen some neat "rail systems" guys made which is simple enough.

2 - Or find a suitable turf for hitting and putting. I read about some, I guess I will just have to experiment, though that can get expensive. lol
I have read that the Fiberbuilt is certainly NOT putting friendly. lol

Thank you for recommending Tomahawk tees. I have read about them before and they are on the build list.

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I do have some questions related to this I will post in your linked thread.

Thank you sir!
Geo

[wbond]

Fiberbuilt is not that bad for putting. If you're using ST with TGC, they have a straight putting mode so the turf you use won't affect the HLA at all, you only focus on speed at that point. I'm pretty much only using FB at this point and it works fine for putting and it's great for hitting from.