The fantastic benefit of a divot action mat is that it mimics natural turf, enhances practice, and teaches proper divot-taking techniques. These kinds of mats are also durable and portable. However, there’s limited terrain variety, and it may not replicate all course conditions. You have to consider your training needs and preferences when choosing the mat.

For several months, I was hitting off of the Parto Pro Auto-Tee mat and experiencing decent performance. However, having spent a few moments on various online communities, I observed that many other players struggle with this mat because it reduces ball speed for fat shots. At this point, I decided to try the divot action simulator mat from FairwayPro.

In the last two weeks, I’ve experimented with different hitting configurations. My biggest realization was that my shot accuracy dramatically increased whenever I placed a 1/2-inch-thick carpet pad in the gap below the divot action. I had read about this technique on a forum and decided to try it with my divot mat.

It dawned on me that the performance of your shots also depends on the “give” of the hitting surface. In the rest of this article, I’ll walk you through a review of using a divot action mat and what you should know before using one.

What Is Special About Divot Action?

Many companies that make divot mats do not reveal much about what makes these mats perform the way they do. But with some extra research, I can understand the fundamental idea that makes these mats stand out.

The typical divot mat is made with Lexan material, a solid yet flexible polycarbonate or Perspex sheet (that is used in making riot shields and bullet-proof windows).

But in the case of the mat, they stick a piece of artificial turf on top and suspend it 10mm above ground using foam ‘risers.’ 

That way, you have a hitting surface that allows you to hit down and through with no bounce.

Divot Action Mat

$259.95

• Dimensions: 22.99 x 17.01 x 1.02 inches
• Weight: 11.2 pounds
• Divot Design: Down-and-through simulates fairway hit with a divot
• Installation Method: Stabilization panel folds under the stance mat

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The FairwayPro Divot Mat Review

When a golf club impacts the FairwayPro golf mat system, it responds by sliding forward and giving way, just like natural grass does. The patented design with a sliding turf surface makes it stand out from many other divot mats. It allows you to hit down-and-through and compress the ball.

A lot has been said on various forums about the forgiving surface of this mat, which means it reduces the punishment of fat shots. But what I love most about it after using it for two weeks is the actual feedback, especially when I do my short game practice.

It’s also reversible for left-handed golfers, and the premium turf is replaceable.

Material

The FairwayPro divot mat is made with aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless-steel springs rated to 1 million cycles, and it’s also reversible for left-handed golfers.

The design has a briefcase-style handle that flips out of the way when practicing. The nylon turf accepts a regular tee and has a sliding motion, which is good for longevity and is entirely replaceable.

Performance

The hitting action of the mat is decent, but there is a lot of inertia. If you expect soft turf that whips out on those well-watered courses you see on TV, you may be disappointed with the FairwayPro mat.

However, I’d choose this product over those challenging courses. It would have been better if both ends of this map had a built-in ramp to make scooping balls onto the surface easier. Also, if you’re used to slowing the unbending of grass or something to indicate a ball strike on the surface, this mat might be disappointing.

As with most divot mats, there’s limited terrain with the Fairway Pro. If you’re a tall golfer, the part you stand on isn’t long enough, so expect your feet to be off it, which may not hold down the mat. But thanks to the stabilization panel that folds under the stance mat,

Feedback 

The fairway divot simulator golf mat has impressive feedback. When you use conventional mats, the club head may still bounce off the mat’s hard surface whenever you hit behind the ball. It would then slide into the ball. That way, you don’t get the correct feedback from the ball’s flight.

But while using the FairwayPro, it becomes obvious whenever you hit a fat shot because the impact will cause the turf surface to start sliding forward, and the club head will hit the ball with much less force.

This is a genuine feedback feeling that every golfer will appreciate, especially when you are dealing with fat shots. It also allows you to practice shaping different images.

The feedback mechanism you gain from the divot mat can improve your short and long games.

Pros And Cons of the FairwayPro Divot Mat

Generalizing the pros and cons of the single divot mat brand with other products is a long shot. But since they all share similar characteristics that make them divot mats, it’s not far-fetched to say these benefits and disadvantages apply to many divot mat models like the TrueStrike and Carl’s Place HotShot Golf Hitting Mat.

If you are the DIY type, consider checking out this DIY Divot mat outline.

Pros

• The FairwayPro slides forward when you strike the ball, giving you that genuine divot.
• When I hit it from the mat, even when I hit it slightly fat, it still flies like normal. This offers an accurate ball shot.
• I used the FairwayPro mat indoors to practice my “Brush the Grass” swing drill, which has been the best regarding good ball strikes.
• Since the FairwayPro mat slides forward when you hit it, it is not jarring, unlike what happens with conventional mats.

Cons

• The frame of the FairwayPro Divot mat is made of plastic, which means it can get damaged if you hit it accidentally. While this has not happened to me yet,, I recommend you put your club in the middle to reduce the chances of this happening.

Final Thoughts On Using Divot Action Mats

Overall, hitting off the divot action mat simulator lets you feel the ball hit the club. It also allows you to quickly notice when you hit fat, given that the hitting surface is “floating” above the floor. Unlike regular mats, you can get additional protection and give, especially with steep swings.

I recommend a divot action mat for any beginner trying to sharpen their short and long games indoors, particularly concise shots below 100 yards.

I’m happy that my first experience with a divot action mat using the FairwayPro was good. This particular product can teach you how to hit the ball first with great feedback, dramatically reducing any pain you may have after each practice.

On conventional mats, you feel a bounce when you hit the ball, and if you suffer from elbow issues, you can injure yourself. But with a divot-action mat, the elbow has no jolt.

What do you think about divot-action mats? Would you consider the Fairway Pro? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.