DIY Hitting Mat for Insert

[ChefTz]

I could use some feedback on my plan to making a hitting mat to fit the SigPro Softy Hitting Strip.

My plan is to make the hitting surface 4’ x 8’ because I can easily get building materials in this size and I want to have the ability for left and right handed players to play.

The SigPro Softy insert is 2 3/8” high. I need to get my mat up to that high so the standing surface and the insert are on the same level.

My build plan is as follows (bottom layer to the top).

4’ x 8’ x 1/4” - Sanded plywood - $30
(The insert will sit on top of this layer adhered with Velcro)

4’ x 8’ x 2” - Rigid Foam Insulation Board - $42

4’ x 8’ x 1/4” - Sanded plywood - $30

4’ x 8’ x 1/8”? - Artificial Turf - $??
(I haven’t decided what exactly to use here yet)

Questions:
Thoughts on the plan?

Is 4’ x 8’ big enough for both left and right handed players to play on?

Any suggestions for turf to stand on?

If I put the artificial turf over the plywood will it be comfortable or do I need an extra layer like carpet padding?

[Todd.cunninghamosu]

I was planning same. How did it work out? Did you get any other ideas after research?

[ShankYouVeryMuch]

Let me know how this build goes! Also, let me know how heavy this is. I'm trying to design something that's a bit more portable for use in the backyard and occasionally garage.

[PG50]

Sounds like it'd work well enough. My stance mat is just some putting turf, atop a small layer of hardwood floor padding, on top of 3/4" melamine. Have hit thousands of balls off it and have not complaints with comfort. Turf can get expensive. Especially with shipping. Most economical would be ordering some pickup at your local HD/Lowes.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMaster-Putting-Green-6-ft-Wide-x-Cut-to-Length-Artificial-Grass-Turf-TMSPUTT06CTL/313236789

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SYNLawn-Multi-Use-15-Wide/1000931778

I have the above synlawn multi-use from Lowes. It's actually fairly nice stuff. Even used it to make my own hitting strip (similar to the Holy Grail). For which it's held up tremendously well.

I also found some remnants locally of NP50 and NP45 putting turf. Which are considered to be the highest end turf out there. Frankly, the Synlawn linked above is very comparable. Both roll around 10.5 on my stimpmeter. The NP50/45 is nice. But I don't think it's worth the premium if paying full retail for it. I just happened to score a crazy deal on it.

My only question/suggestion would be, did you already SigPro hitting strip? If not, maybe consider making your own hitting strip. It's pretty darn easy and is very cost effective. The turf is by far the largest expense. So if you're already buying that, adding your own DIY hitting strip would cost around $25. Going this route also would mean you can build to whatever height you want. I built my hitting strip and stance mat to 3/4". Which is plenty. Not to mention going this route would also help to save a considerable amount on the build.

Let me know if you have questions. If you're interested in building your own hitting strip, I posted a whole tutorial a while back.