Decide whether the surface is for standalone putting practice or part of a simulator floor. Size, roll and how it fits around your hitting mat matter more than the appearance alone.
This guide covers what actually matters in a putting surface, and where a putting green differs from the bay flooring you may really be after.
What Makes a Good Putting Surface
Roll Quality
True roll without bobble or skid on contact. Grain direction and pile height both affect how the ball tracks.
Pace Consistency
The surface should roll the same speed across the entire green. Uneven weave or seams create dead spots.
Break Response
Quality putting greens slope and tilt respond realistically. Rigid flat mats teach false technique.
Durability
Daily use adds up fast. Look for polypropylene or nylon surfaces, they hold up to repeated rolling without compressing.
Size
For proper stroke development, 9-12ft minimum length. Shorter mats only train short putts.
Indoor vs Outdoor
Indoor surfaces use shorter pile. Outdoor grades need UV resistance. Don't use indoor turf outside, it degrades quickly.
Putting Surfaces In A Simulator Bay
A simulator bay and a putting green are two different surfaces doing two different jobs, and it is worth being clear about which one you are buying. The floor of a bay is a landing pad: it takes ball strikes, protects the floor underneath and gives you somewhere consistent to stand. A putting green is built for roll, not impact.
SimGolfer does not currently stock a dedicated putting green. What we do stock is the bay flooring that sits under and around the hitting area, which is the surface most people are actually asking about when they plan a simulator room.
Bay Flooring · Landing Pad
SigPro SIG10 Landing Pad
$1,198.99
Best for: Full floor coverage in a 10ft bay, sitting around the hitting mat rather than replacing it.
- 10ft 7in × 8ft, sized for a SIG10 enclosure
- Built for ball strikes and foot traffic, not putting roll
- Pairs with a separate hitting mat for the swing position
- A 12ft × 9ft SIG12 version covers larger bays at $1,398.99
Standalone Putting Greens: What to Look For
If you want a putting green separate from a simulator, in a lounge, office, or outdoors, the same principles apply: True Roll-quality surface, minimum 9ft length, and durable construction. Look for adjustable break options if you want to practice different putt angles. Avoid thin foam mats marketed as putting greens, they teach unrealistic pace and roll.
Material
Polypropylene or nylon fibre. Not foam. Foam mats compress under the ball and produce inconsistent roll.
Length
9ft minimum for lag putt practice. 12-15ft for full distance development. Anything shorter only trains short putting.
Break
Adjustable-break systems let you practice directional reads. Fixed flat mats only train straight puts.
Border
A defined border or fringe section helps with visual aim alignment and makes the green feel purposeful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a home putting green?
A polypropylene or nylon surface rather than foam, a minimum of 9ft of length so you can practise lag putts, and consistent pace across the whole surface. Adjustable break is worth having if you want to practise directional reads rather than only straight putts.
Can I use a simulator hitting mat as a putting surface?
No. Hitting mats such as the SigPro Softy or Carl's HotShot are built for full-swing impact and sit on thick foam bases that produce inconsistent roll. Putting needs a dedicated surface.
Is a landing pad the same as a putting green?
No, and it is the most common mix-up in planning a bay. A landing pad is floor protection around the hitting area, built to take ball strikes. A putting green is built for roll quality. They are not interchangeable.
How much space do I need for a putting green?
Around 9ft × 4ft is the practical minimum for meaningful practice. Below 9ft of length you are only training short putts, because there is no room to develop pace control.
Can indoor putting turf be used outdoors?
Generally not. Indoor surfaces use a shorter pile and are not UV-stabilised, so they degrade in sunlight. Outdoor use needs turf specifically rated for exterior exposure.
Does putting practice at home actually improve your game?
Yes, meaningfully. Putting is a repetitive skill that responds well to volume. Ten minutes a day on a consistent surface produces noticeable gains in pace control within weeks.
Need help applying this to your space? Ask SimGolfer about your setup.