The ability to practice putting as per your convenience, without having to visit the golf course, is a major advantage. Portable (yes, you heard it right!) putting greens offer just that.
Additionally, many golfers prefer the convenience of a ball return feature, which makes retrieving balls from the cup easier and less physically demanding.
The positive news is that putting greens with a ball return are usually affordably priced, making them accessible to nearly everyone who desires to have one.
Our article will assess and contrast our choices of the finest putting greens that come with a ball return. These adaptable greens are appropriate for usage at home, in the workplace, or even outdoors.
Best Choices for Putting Greens With Ball Return
1. Perfect Practice Putting Green
The putting mat used and recommended by Dustin Johnson has proven to be one of the most popular indoor golf products of 2020. A considerable number of professional golfers, 100 PGA/LPGA Tour professionals such as Marc Leishman, Vijay Singh, Lydia Ko, and Jimmy Walker, trust this product for their training and practice.
The Perfect Practice Putting Green is an ideal choice for home and office use, measuring 9.5 feet in length and 15 inches in width. It comes with various features like multiple alignment tracks, natural wood finish trim, two cups, a drop-in backstop, and a surface made of crystal velvet.
Characteristics:
The Perfect Practice Putting Green is an ideal choice for home and office use, measuring 9.5 feet in length and 15 inches in width.
It comes with various features like multiple alignment tracks, natural wood finish trim, two cups, a drop-in backstop, and a surface made of crystal velvet.
It stands out with its distinctive Crystal Velvet surface, featuring TrueRoll technology that guarantees a premium roll. Depending on the underlying surface (with harder surfaces yielding faster rolls than carpets), balls achieve a speed of 10-14 on the Stimpmeter.
Like other putting greens with ball return, the cup area features a slight upslope. This design not only facilitates the ball return function but also encourages players to maintain acceleration through the ball, ensuring it reaches the hole.
Additional Information:
The Perfect Practice Putting Green is available in three sizes: Compact (8 feet long by 9 inches wide), Standard (9.5 feet long by 15 inches wide), and XL (15.5 feet long by 15 inches wide). The one in focus here is the Standard version. The Compact version is shorter and has a single training hole, while the XL version allows for putts of up to 14 feet.
Moreover, the Standard size is available in Acrylic (see-through) and Barstool themes.
With robust endorsements from professional golfers and overwhelmingly positive customer feedback, it rightfully claims the top spot on our list.
The mat is convenient to vacuum and can be easily rolled up for storage.
2. Prowithlin Wood Putting Green
TA great and cost-effective alternative to the more expensive Perfect Practice Putting Green is the Prowithlin model, which has been well-received.
Crystal velvet is used to create the 13-inch wide and 110-inch long turf, which is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The mat has alignment aids that run the entire length and markers at 2, 4, 6, and 8 feet, ensuring true rolls.
More Information:
Equipped with a full-sized and half-sized cup, the Prowithlin Putting Green presents two varying difficulty levels to its users.
The installation process is made easy thanks to the automated ball return system with magnetic absorption. This putting green features a porous design and wrinkle-resistant turf, making it an ideal option for productive and high-quality practice.
Upon arrival, the mat is rolled up and may have creases initially. These creases can be smoothed out either by ironing or by placing heavy objects on them. It’s worth noting that exposure to rain may damage the crystal velvet material, so it’s best suited for indoor use.
The putting mat is constructed with a solid wood base and baffle plate, with a more affordable plastic version also available.
The thickness of the turf, non-slip bottom, and straightforward assembly are all standout features of this putting mat. Based on our experience, shipping wrinkles are typically minimal.
3. Loowoko Wood Putting Green
Loowoko’s ball-return putting green is highly popular among golf enthusiasts due to its exceptional aesthetics. The green features a custom wood shell that is of premium quality and gives it a luxurious feel. It has also received high ratings for its excellent performance.
Measuring approximately 10 feet in length and 14.5 inches in width, the green offers enough space for practicing putts ranging from 1 to 9 feet.
The green is set up similarly to the Perfect Practice model described earlier, with lines that go all the way to the hole and measurements at 2, 4, 6, and 8 feet.
Characteristics:
The Loowoko Wood Putting Green’s ball return mechanism has a baffle plate that catches almost all balls that cross the line without letting them bounce out, making it highly effective.
Installing this mat is quick and easy, taking just about a minute, which is a great feature.
Moreover, the putting green has two cups, a bigger one and a smaller one, and the surface rolls true and fast.
Additional Information:
It is not recommended to practice with just one ball on the Loowoko Wood Putting Green due to the 15 second ball return process. Instead, it is suggested to utilize 2-3 balls to achieve a smoother stroke rhythm.
Another notable aspect of this mat is its magnetic return rails, which ensure that there are no worries about any detachment issues.
To sum up, the Loowoko Wood Putting Green is similar to the Perfect Practice Putting Mat, but without the high-profile endorsements, making it a more affordable option.
4. SKLZ Accelerator Pro Putting Green
A popular putting mat that is known for its ball return feature is the SKLZ Accelerator Pro. You can set up with 4 to 8 balls using the ball return track, which allows you to practice continuously and maintain a consistent posture and tempo.
The Accelerator Pro measures 9 feet in length and 16.25 inches in width, making it suitable for most rooms and covered patios. Its generous width significantly reduces the risk of the ball rolling off the turf.
Characteristics:
The Accelerator Pro is designed to help golfers practice their putting skills at key distances of 3, 5, and 7 feet by providing alignment guides that promote proper squaring of the clubface, backswing, and follow-through.
The alignment guides are clearly marked, allowing golfers to focus on the accuracy of each stroke without having to take their attention off the hitting area.
The putting surface has been designed to simulate real greens, providing readings that replicate the conditions found on the golf course.
Additional Information:
The Accelerator Pro is priced very reasonably, making it an excellent investment for improving your putting abilities. The mat may arrive rolled up and have some initial kinks or lumps, but these should disappear quickly. The mat is designed to be thick and durable.le cost of the Accelerator Pro, we believe it offers exceptional value for enhancing your putting skills.
As the mat is delivered rolled up, there might be initial kinks or lumps, but these are expected to dissipate quickly. The mat itself boasts thickness and sturdiness.
5. JEF World Of Golf Deluxe Putting Green
Encouraging accurate putting shots, this putting green is distinct from JEF World Of Golf due to the presence of unconventional bunker and water hazards positioned behind the hole.
In contrast to other putting greens mentioned on this page, this one does not have any markings on the turf, providing a more realistic imitation of a genuine green.
The JEF Deluxe Green is equipped with a ball return system along the left side of the track. Additionally, it features a return ramp that can hold up to 10 golf balls.
Measuring 8 feet in length and 1 foot in width, this putting green can fit into any available space, making it incredibly convenient.
More Information:
Included in the JEF World Of Golf Deluxe Putting Green is a cup that meets regulation size, a bunker, a water hazard, and a non-directional turf that mimics the roll of bentgrass. An inclined ramp is also present, which is aimed at improving stroke firmness.
Users can attempt to sink the ball into a 1-inch landing area located between the end of the ramp and the cup, as a means of perfecting distance control.
While it may not be the most high-end putting mat you’ll find, its affordability is exceptional, and it ultimately offers great value for its price.
6. Abco Tech 9.9-Foot Putting Green
The Abco Tech putting green is ideal for those looking for additional length, as it measures an impressive 9.9 feet.
This particular model has gained widespread popularity and earned excellent reviews. It bears a striking resemblance to the MESIXI and Asgens models previously showcased, and is likely produced by the same manufacturer. The putting green includes three bonus practice balls and features a dual-color surface with two holes of different sizes.
Its extended length enables players to practice their putting from nearly 10 feet away, adding an extra level of productivity to their training sessions.
Characteristics:
The Abco Tech 9.9-Foot comes with a baffle plate that is highly effective in blocking over 90% of putts that are hit too hard, ensuring a well-functioning ball return system.
There are two holes on this model, one measuring 3.1 inches and the other measuring 2.5 inches. It is suggested that beginners start by putting towards the smaller hole and then move on to the larger one once they feel more comfortable. This approach helps players to appreciate the relative ease of a 4-inch regulation-sized hole.
This model is made from lifelike turf, which provides a realistic playing experience. The putting surface is divided into two strips with distinct characteristics, with the deep green strip rolling faster (with less resistance) and the light green strip rolling slower.
Conveniently, the putting green can be easily rolled up for compact storage.
More Info:
Setting up the Abco Tech 9.9-Foot is a breeze and it can be used within just five minutes. There are various additional features that make the putting sessions more convenient and dynamic.
Two key benefits stand out: the ball return can be adjusted according to the user’s preference, and there is a line marker running along the darker track, which serves as a highly efficient visual alignment aid.
Your Purchase Guide
Investing in a putting green with a ball return is a more economical option than a full-scale putting green. However, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the essential elements that contribute to the effectiveness of these greens and how they align with your objectives.
When deciding which putting green is best suited to your needs, the following factors are crucial to consider:
1. Pricing
The price range for putting greens with ball return that are affordable is typically between $40 and $80. However, it’s important to keep your budget in mind, especially if you have limited financial resources.
The cost is influenced by factors such as the size of the putting green (length and width), the quality of the turf, and any extra features that are included beyond the necessary ones.
If you prefer to keep your spending under $50, there are options available. Models like the JEF Deluxe and SKLZ Accelerator Pro are both priced within this budget. The goal is to find a model that meets your needs and fits within your budget constraints.
2. Characteristics
Putting greens with a ball return usually follow a similar design, featuring a rectangular track with an upslope at the end where the hole is located. Nevertheless, different models may have their own unique features that distinguish them from one another. These features can include two or more turf strips with varying properties, typically in terms of speed, or alignment guides incorporated on the track to help improve your putting stroke.
Additionally, there may be hazards placed near the hole for both aesthetic reasons and to introduce an extra challenge. Some models may even have multiple holes positioned at one end of the mat, with one being smaller to provide different levels of difficulty. While these features may add to the cost of the putting green, it’s important to note that having more features doesn’t necessarily translate to better quality.
To illustrate, although the markings on the turf can assist with putt alignment, it’s important to practice without them to simulate the actual green experience.
It’s essential to evaluate which characteristics are required, preferred, or unimportant to you, and synchronize that with your budget. Moreover, examining customer feedback offers valuable perspectives on the usefulness and efficiency of these characteristics.
3. Reviews
The feedback provided by customers can be extremely valuable in the form of ratings and reviews, particularly when it comes to putting greens that have ball return features, since there may be several low-cost imitations available.
It is generally recommended to avoid considering a putting green with an average rating of less than 4 out of 5 stars in such cases. If the rating falls below this level, it is important to investigate whether there are only a minimal number of reviews, or if the lower ratings are the result of factors unrelated to the quality or performance of the green.
The endorsement of a specific putting green model by professional golfers can significantly contribute to its credibility and reliability, as evidenced by the widespread endorsement of the Perfect Practice Putting Green by several professional golfers.
4. Durability and Material
During the evaluation process, the first aspect to consider is the usability of the product. This includes the speed at which wrinkles or kinks disappear, the strength of the base, and whether or not it has non-slip characteristics.
Next, the quality of the turf should be taken into account. How precise is the roll? Although it’s impossible to expect the same level of accuracy as putting greens that cost thousands of dollars, some models still offer turf that performs well.
Finally, it’s important to consider the actual stimp reading of the green. This information may not always be prominently displayed, but the experience of putting on faster greens is different from that of slower greens, which can impact your putting skills in unique ways.
The putting greens featured on this page have stimp readings similar to those found on a typical public golf course.
5. Length
When practicing putts, the length of the putting green plays a crucial role, as it determines the maximum distance that can be covered.
Most putting greens with a ball return measure at least 8 feet in length, typically close to 9 feet. Some models, such as the Abco Tech featured on this page, can measure almost 10 feet, catering to golfers who want to improve their skills in longer putts.
It’s worth noting that longer putting greens tend to be more expensive due to the additional turf required.
Width is another important factor to consider. Putting greens with a ball return often have a narrow track-like design. The narrower the green, the more challenging it becomes to keep the ball from rolling off the turf.
For those who feel less confident in their putting abilities, a wider mat like the SKLZ Accelerator Pro is a good option. Meanwhile, skilled putters may prefer a narrower track to add an extra level of difficulty.
Final Thoughts
A putting green with ball return can be a great investment that offers good value for money. Although they may be smaller and less expensive than some larger putting mats, they can still improve your control over distance and direction.
To find a putting green with ball return that meets your needs, it is important to conduct thorough research.
All of the putting greens we have reviewed above offer excellent value for money, and we have provided you with all of the information you need to make a decision. The final choice is yours.
Reading customer reviews and taking note of professional endorsements can give you valuable insights into the performance of these putting greens, which can be very helpful in making your decision.
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