3/4" EVA Foam tiles under SynLawn Precision Putt for new studio - too squishy?

[GungHoGolf]

I'm building a new studio in my garage, and debating floor treatment. Surface is concrete. I'm pretty much settled on SynLawn Precision Putt for the entire surface, and will be inserting a gel pad under the hitting area for a DIY TrueStrike, but having a tough time deciding what to put under turf. Torn between:

1. 3/4" EVA foam interlocking tiles (like https://www.amazon.com/BalanceFrom-P.../dp/B074DSQF13) - cost $0.94/ft

or

2. 1" Owens-Corning Foamular insulation boards (like https://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Co...20WE/207179253) - cost $0.62/ft

or

3. Heavy rubber horse stall mats from Tractor Supply (like https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...1&cm_vc=-10005) - cost $1.88/ft

Of course I'd like to save some money here with option 1 or 2, but my big concerns are that the EVA foam tiles would be too squishy for a good stance, and that the Foamular insulation boards might dent and flatten out over time (ruining their use for practicing straight putts on the surface).

Would appreciate any opinions on these choices, and any other alternatives I should consider.

-Ron

[Wizard of Coz]

#1 for the reason you stated on #2

[GungHoGolf]

So you don't think they'll be too squishy? Are you using them? The interlocking nature of them should help keep the putting surface flatter - worried about the straight seams with the insulation board and stall mats getting uneven.

[Fhacker]

I used a simalar exercise tile from lowes I think it was. Mine were only 1/2 inch. Unless u need 3/4, just go with 1/2 inch. Cheaper too. 3/4 may be very squishy I think

[GungHoGolf]

I am planning to use 3/4 so my 5/8” gel pad under the hitting area will fit flush with a little shimming under it.

[abenjami]

I am using 1 inch foam tiles under a mat I bought from dwquail. It's not too squishy IMO.

[Indodom]

Hi GungHo

Sorry to hijack your thread but I have similar questions.

I currently have a build going on, but still at least 4 months before complete.
I have however received my TrueStrike Mat and from the bottom to the top of this mat is around 50mm (when the TS Mats are in the TS plastic jigsaw housing).

For the surround of the Truestrike Mat (general flooring) I was thinking of a 40mm Martial Arts EVA jigsaw base and then covered with an artificial grass of about 10mm to bring it to the top of the TS mat turf.

This flooring/grass will go the outside walls of the room, or maybe with some rough around the fringes?

I know the EVAs have different density's. But it is very comfortable to walk on. This grass will only be for leveling, visual, putting and walking on so, will not have the extremes with irons.

But wondering if anyone out their has used a similar method, and also, if the seams of the jigsaw eva jigsaw cause an issue with the grass putting surface on top, lastly recommendations on how to secure the grass to the eva.

Regards Indo

[DannyMRICS]

I was thinking the same - foam / rubber sub-floor, putting green, with a hitting strip insert; using the putting green as the stance mat.

I was struggling to find the correct depth foam (~35mm with 15mm putting green), but found these guys who cut to size:

https://www.efoam.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-pan6Y-O4gIVMCjTCh1KGQljEAAYASAAEgIc-vD_BwE

I really like my TS mat, but not sure if it will fit nice and snug into the putting green, so I’m erring toward Hybridme’s hitting strip (TM35 I think) ...

I’m also not sure if it will be too squishy, so I think I’ll buy a small (ish) sample first to test. I don’t really want to ply / OSB the floor if I can help it.

[bongta029]

I'm in the process of installing putting green with FB 3x1 panels. I saw someone posted dricore from homedepot and that was a good way to put it under the green. 1 inch high, and the green is about 1/2 inch tall, so it will almost make the fb panels flush to the putting surface/stance mat.

[Indodom]

FYI

An artificial grass installer/supplier/factory in New Zealand has informed me that even for an inside application, (putting green) their is no need for glue, or nails.to hold down the turf. This is done with the infill sand 8kgs worth for the putting green per meter squared and 10kgs for the rough.
She showed me examples in the showroom. So unless you are taking full blown shots the sand is all you need to hold down the turf. Just seems wrong for inside but that is what they do.

She also gave me a sample of the foam underlay they use, it is made of recycled foams. They use it in kids playgrounds, it is approx 2m x 1m by 35mm thick. Its seems more spongier that my boys TKD mat but she informs me it will not leave indents like some of the inferior golf stance mats. It comes in a jigsaw and she says with the putting turf on top it gives clean roll, even over the joints. (note - joints rougher than the TKD mat)

I have the spec sheet as kid playgrounds etc have to meet head impact specs

They also had an example of the foam on the wall with rough on top which looked good, this would be perfect to hide my intended slotted angle for screen support. (Side walls and slanted roof)
A gap between the protected side walls and ceiling and the screen for a curtain track for side walls and top valance.

(see attached photo of putting turf, rough and foam)

Indo

[DannyMRICS]

Thanks Indo,

Looks like a 35mm foam subfloor will be ok then. 👍 Can you post the spec sheet please?

Thanks,

Danny

[DannyMRICS]

On a related note, I have been thinking that I might introduce a 2% gradient from the screen back to the hitting strip: it might gently feed balls back, but most importantly will give me a chance to practice breaking putts.

The link I posted above can cut wedge shaped foam, so should be easy to do.

[Indodom]

Foam underlay spec sheet, photo attached

[GungHoGolf]

Know the price of that stuff?

[Indodom]

She didn't give me a price, but I am in New Zealand so for me it will be expensive, but for you guys elsewhere, I am sure you can find an alternative or similar at a better price than I can.

Regards indo

[DannyMRICS]

Indo,

You might find this interesting:

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/build-your-own/mats-turf-and-flooring/90887-truestrike-mat-and-transitioning-off-the-mat

[Indodom]

Thanks Danny, I'll have a look.

[kgil3]

What did you go with?

I just picked up the heavy matts at the tractor supply store for my 15x13 install. It was expensive but the surface is perfect and it also has elevated the green to 1.25" with my .5" putting green. This allow the ball to fall into the hole. It doe not disappear like the pro put system, but it is much better IMO.

I also purchased cups from Birdieball as well. They have a .5" cup but when I called they mentioned that they have a 1" cup as well. Oddly enough I was unable to find any cup larger than 1" but smaller than 2".... Did you have any luck?

3. Heavy rubber horse stall mats from Tractor Supply (like https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...1&cm_vc=-10005) is on sale now down to 1.75$ a sq foot.

I