Size of insert mat

[bbasse]

I have a huge sheet of TFD turf for my flooring and quickly realized I really need to cut an insert in. I have a large mat I want to cut down for insert, but my question is how large should I make the insert?

I am thinking either 12x24” or 12x30”. Any reason to go larger or smaller?

second Q - how do you affix to the floor so it doesn’t move? I have Eva tiles under...just carpet tape I was thinking? Other better ideas?

[frodaddy00]

I would start with 12x24.. increments of 12 inches are much more common. I think CCE is the only think that is weird like 10x30 inches.

Personally I think the sweet spot is 12x35 if you go with Fiberbuilt inserts. You can interchange the 3 sections and they will last forever (assuming you hit from the center section).

[bbasse]

ugh...I have inserts cut out and ready but can't bear to cut a hole in this beautiful big sheet of turf. anyone ever have same problem/anxiety? anyone regret cutting turf apart for inserts? wondering if maybe I just throw a mat on top...

[Beldar77]

I have net at one end of my outdoor putting green and couldn't bear the thought of cutting an insert either. Southwest Greens (the builder) advised against it, so I threw a Fiberbuilt Practice Station on it and have no regrets

[bbasse]

Quick question....how does one best anchor the insert so it doesn’t slide? Glue? Carpet tape?

[pwade3]

I have a 12’ x 12’ synlawn turf that I cut out a section. I did have a bit of anxiety at first but very glad I did cut a section out. The synlawn is great to putt on and walk on but it was hard on the elbow for hitting on. It also holds a tee. My inserts just fit right in to the opening. The turf is just over an inch thick and holds the inserts in place. Switch them out when wanting to hit from different grasses.

[bbasse]

Good to know. When you dropped your inserts in - what did you use by the way? - did you need to glue or tape them down? I’m worried every time I hit its goi g to pop forward...

[pwade3]

My turf is very dense and will hold the inserts in place by itself because of that dense nit and the thickness of the turf. My inserts also have a rubber backing that help hold them in place. I find they don’t move at all.

[abirdie4me]

Cool, do you switch them out while playing the sim to recreate different lies?

[pwade3]

No, I have not done that, I use them for practice mostly. Trying shots from the rough as the ball sits down a fair bit. I plan on making one mat that has both the rough and fairway grass on it so that I can play it from the rough if that is what the shot shows in the round. I just get the turf I want then go to the foam shop and get the backing I need then glue it to the turf. I also put really soft foam in the hitting section, so that when you hit down the turf compresses like your taking a divot. Really easy on the wrists and elbows.

[abirdie4me]

That's next level! I'll have to look into different types of foam once I get the rest of the room dialed in. Thanks for the info!

[bbasse]

For anyone else's future reference, I went ahead and cut out 12x24 section and dropped an insert in. Took my time cutting everything and the fit was perfect. I use an All Turf Mat insert and while it sits a tiny bit higher than my surface I don't mind it at all. I used heavy carpet tape underneath to hold everything in place, though it did not seem to really need it...just went ahead as extra lockdown.

Definitely better hitting off of proper surface...