It’s common knowledge that the putter is the most used club in every player’s bag, and improving your putting skills will directly result in lower scores.
Having the ability to practice putting away from the course is a huge benefit to any player. Indoor putting greens are a critical training aid for any golfer, as they bring you the option to practice putts indoors or outdoors, rain or shine.
There are many factors to consider: turf quality, size, features, wrinkle resistance, and even the ability to play breaks. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to find the best indoor putting green. Don’t worry – we’ve got your back!
The great thing about indoor putting greens is that they’re affordable for nearly all players regardless of what your budget is – we’ve broken reviewed the best indoor putting greens in multiple price ranges so you can find the best one for your situation.
Our Picks for the Best Indoor Putting Greens of 2020
| Our Top Pick for Best Indoor Putting Green | Putt-A-Bout Grassroots Par 3 Putting Green | 9′ x 3′ |
| Best Indoor Putting Green for Alignment with Slope | SKLZ Accelerator Pro Indoor Putting Green | 9′ x 16.25″ |
| Best Indoor Putting Green for Multiple Players | Putterball Golf Head-to-Head Putting Green | 12′ x 2′ |
| Best Flat Indoor Putting Green for Alignment | PuttOut Pro Golf Indoor Putting Green | 7.87′ x 1.64′ |
| Best Large Size Indoor Putting Green | Putt-A-Bout Oversized Putting Green | 11′ x 3′ |
| Best Value & Features Indoor Putting Green | Champkey PuttTech Pro Indoor Putting Green | 8.9 x 1.28′ |
Our Top Pick: Putt-A-Bout Grassroots Par 3 Putting Green 9’ x 3’
If you’re looking for an affordable mat with multiple shot challenges, the Putt-A-Bout Grassroots Par 3 is your best bet. At under $30, this indoor putting green is an excellent value.
The kidney shape of the green forces you to work with different angles, and the increased slope across three holes helps you practice different putting strengths and affects the roll of your ball.
The mat is foam-bottomed and holds it’s shape even after being stepped on, and can be folded or rolled up for easy storage when not in use.
Pros:
- Easy to use and store
- Multiple holes and kidney-shaped design keeps things interesting
- Extremely affordable
Cons:
- No automatic ball return
Best for Alignment: SKLZ Accelerator Pro Indoor Putting Green 9’ x 16.25”
If you’re looking for an indoor putting green that will also help you with putting alignment issues, the SKLZ Accelerator Pro is where it’s at.
At under $50 it’s also great value with it’s included ball return, squaring alignment guides at 3, 5, and 7 feet, and an excellent true-roll surface that accurately mimics most greens.
The long rectangle-shaped mat also has an upslope at the cup which emulates most greens you’ll find on the course, giving you real-world practice in the comfort of your home or office. When you’re done, you can detach the ball return track and store the unit easily in a corner or closet.
Pros:
- Alignment and distance training options
- True-roll material and upslope accurately mimics the feel of putting on real greens
- Automatic ball return
Cons:
- Slightly larger footprint when stored due to ball return track and sloped unit
Best For Multiple Putters: Putterball Golf Head-to-Head Competition Putting Green
If you like to add a little fun and competition into your practice sessions, we highly recommend the Putterball Golf Putting Green Game.
This unique putting green has six holes on each end in a triangle formation, and allows you to plug the holes as you make putts, competing with a friend on the other side of the green. It also works well if you’re playing alone.
The mat itself is made of high-quality, ultra high-density foam and can be used indoors and outdoors. Putterball is also extremely portable – just fold it up and you’re ready to go.
Since this is a combination putting green and head-to-head game, Putterball also comes with two mini-golf style putters and some golf balls, which is great so you can get the whole family involved.
Pros:
- Combination of different holes and plugs allows for tons of scenarios and replayability
- Doubles as a head-to-head competition game, bringing a unique twist other putting greens don’t offer
- Extremely portable and high quality
- Comes with everything you need to get started (putting green, putters, and golf balls)
Cons:
- Higher-end price point
Best Flat Putting Green: PuttOut Pro Golf Putting Mat 7.87’ x 1.64’
If you’re looking for serious putting drills and alignment practice, the PuttOut Pro Golf Putting Mat is where you’ll want to focus your attention.
This rubber-backed rollable mat has printed alignment guides, target points, and distance markings which will help you to develop your skills and improve your putting confidence.
The mat’s high-quality material has a stimp rating of 10, which accurately represents a medium-to-fast green, giving you realistic conditions to practice in.
This mat is compatible with any flat putting cup, or can also be used with the PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer for the ultimate putting practice setup. When you’re done, just roll it up and put it in the included carrying case for added convenience.
Pros:
- Realistic surface material
- Plenty of markings and alignment guides to help develop skills for players of any skill level
- Rubber-backed mat provides added durability and carrying case is a nice addition
Cons:
- Cup not included
Best Large Putting Green: Putt-A-Bout 11’ x 3’ Oversize Putting Green
If you’re looking for simplicity and affordability in a large surface area then the Putt-A-Bout 11’ x 3’ model is where it’s at.
There are no markings on this putting green, but the quality of the mat and the flexibility sure make it worth it.
This package also comes with two movable cups to allow you to practice putting from different angles while still having 3 feet of room to move about while standing on the mat.
The mat’s rubber backing protects against moisture, wrinkles, and creases, and allows this putting green to be used both indoors and outdoors.
Pros:
- Large surface area to practice different putting angles
- Extremely low price
- Includes two movable cups
Cons:
- No alignment markings
- No “built-in” cup or slopes
Best Overall Value & Features: Champkey PuttTech Pro Indoor Putting Green 8.9’ x 1.28’
Alignment and distance markers? Check. Sloped cup? Check. Hazards? Check. Automatic ball return? Check. Low price point? Check.
The Champkey PuttTech Pro manages to pack all of this value in at under a $50 price tag which is an absolute steal.
The alignment aids help you to train effectively on squaring your putter face, back swing, and follow through, while the true slope at the cup represents real-world putting conditions.
The turf itself feels good and realistic, and the rubber backing works to prevent wrinkles and creases, keeping your investment in good condition for years to come.
Pros:
- Tons of features (alignment markings, automatic ball return, sloped cup)
- Built-in hazards are a nice touch
- High quality material
Cons:
- The base is a light plastic material (we’d prefer heavier, more durable plastic)
Best Indoor Putting Greens Buyer’s Guide – What to Look For
If you’re going to make the leap into getting an indoor putting green, you’ll want to make sure you get the best one possible that will meet your needs and future putting goals.
Read on for what to keep in mind when selecting the best indoor putting green.
Size
The area your indoor putting green takes up (as well as the available area you’ll be using it in) should be one of the top considerations you keep in mind while making your selection.
Generally, the larger the putting green, the more expensive it is. However, the more space you have, the less likely you are to get bored with the options available to you, and the more you’ll actually benefit from the practice.
Make sure to measure your space you’ll be using your indoor putting green in first before purchasing to ensure everything will fit properly.
Features
Each of the best indoor putting greens we’ve reviewed here (as well as others we didn’t) all have unique features available to them. You’ll want to think about the practice and experience you’re looking for when making these choices, as this is ultimately a very personal decision.
Do you want a ball return, or do you not mind going and getting your balls after each practice shot? Do you want to work on alignment? Make sure to get a mat that has markings and measurements on it.
Is a slope important to you? What about the quality and feel of the green? These are all questions you should consider when choosing the best indoor putting green for your situation.
Material Quality & Durability
Any indoor putting green needs to have quality material, as this will directly affect the roll of the ball, which will impact your feedback and practice cycle.
Lower-priced mats are more like carpet rather than turf, but will get the job done, while synthetic greens get as close as possible to the real thing.
Look for rubber-backed mats as this will help prevent creasing and wrinkling on your mat while during use and in storage.
Portability & Storage
Although most of the best indoor putting greens are designed for indoor use and can be easily stored, some may have ball return attachments or clunky bases that may be tough to store in a compact form.
A good rule of thumb is that the larger and more advanced the putting green is, the tougher it is to store. Keep this in mind when making your choice.
Ease of Use
Making sure your indoor putting green isn’t too complicated to understand or set up and use is really important to making sure you get the most use out of your mat and your practice sessions.
Additionally, consider how easy your indoor putting green is to set up. If it’s as simple as unrolling it, that’s great! If there’s multiple pieces to put together and takes ten minutes before you can even get started, you’re less likely to use it consistently.
Budget
Consider your budget closely- the more you spend on an indoor putting green is less money you can spend on lessons, gear, or more rounds of golf.
Lucky for you, most of the best indoor putting greens we’ve reviewed here have a price point of $50 or less which should fit nearly any golfer’s budget.
Best Indoor Putting Greens: Frequently Asked Questions
What Is An Indoor Putting Green?
An indoor putting green is a mat covered with a grasslike surface that is intended to simulate a putting green. They come in a wide variety of styles including sloped mats, flat mats, and shaped mats.
Some of these mats include alignment and distance markings on them, and may include additional convenience features like adjustable holes or automatic ball returns.
How Will An Indoor Putting Green Improve My Game?
Improving your putting skills can have a big impact on your scores and is one of the most important aspects of any golfer’s game.
An indoor putting green will allow you to practice putting away from the course in the comfort of your own home, day or night, rain or shine.
Having more time to practice will help you hone your short game and, in time, lower your scores.
What Features and Characteristics Should I Look For In An Indoor Putting Green?
When searching for the best indoor putting green, you really need to consider your skill level, goals, and surroundings.
If you’re looking to improve your aiming and accuracy, look for a mat that has distance and alignment markings on it. If you’re not a fan of retrieving the ball after putting, be sure to get a mat that features automatic ball return.
If your significant other or spouse doesn’t love golf as much as you do, make sure you get an indoor putting green that rolls up and stores easily!
What’s The Best Size Of Indoor Putting Green?
Which indoor putting mat size is best for you really varies based on your skill level. Generally, the more skilled you are, the small of a mat you will need. That doesn’t mean you should necessarily go for a smaller!
We recommend going for the largest mat your budget and indoor space can accommodate, as this will give you the most enjoyment and skill improvement.
What Is The Bottom Side Of An Indoor Putting Green Made Of?
Usually the underside of indoor putting greens are coated with a rubber-like material called pet resin, helping the mats to be not too stiff, but still lay flat and grip the surface they’re laid on, while resisting wrinkles and folds. This material helps them to retain their shape.
We absolutely recommend getting an indoor putting green with a rubber-like backing as this will make a huge difference in your satisfaction with your putting mat.
Do Indoor Putting Greens Return Golf Balls Automatically?
This really depends on the model and manufacturer of the indoor putting green. Make sure this feature is included with your selection if having an automatic ball return is important to you.
How Do I Clean My Indoor Putting Green?
You can do a light broom sweep to keep your indoor putting green clean. If you’re trying to get dirt or mud off of the putting surface, you can spot clean with warm water and mild soap.
Conclusion
Honing your putting skills with the best indoor putting green for your needs can give your game a huge edge and help you improve your putting confidence and scores.
Keep in mind all the information we’ve reviewed here and you’re sure to make the best choice. Please let us know if you have any questions or remarks in the comments section below.
If you’re looking for other ways to improve your game, be sure to check out our in-depth SkyTrak launch monitor review, our reviews of the best putting aids, best putters for high handicappers, and our guide to golf swing mechanics while you’re here.