The good news is that you've found the best Putting Mats on the market. We added a couple of helping Tips that will come in handy when shopping for a Putting Mat.

Here are some simple tips to be aware of when buying a Putting Mat.

Tip 1: A good quality Putting Mat is a Putting Mat that lies flat when you remove it from the packaging. If buying from a Retail Store or Pro Shop always ask if you can remove the Putting Mat from the packaging. If the matting has horizontal rises along the surface, it will most likely stay like that. Most manufacturers tend to fold the matting during the packaging process and place it in an inexpensive colourful cardboard box to save money. If buying online make sure that there is a reference to the Putting Mat laying flat and check their online return policy, or just email the question. Do your Putting Mats lay flat? The surface should be flat otherwise it is faulty and should be returned FREE OF CHARGE.

Tip 2: Most Putting Mats do not have a rubber like backing to keep the matting flat. If the matting does not have a rubber backing the underside of the matting is unprotected from the ground surface. Over time the backing will wear and if the surface is uneven it may affect the upper putting surface. Heavy Duty nylon turf is long lasting but doesn't have realistic roll.

Tip 3: Ask what the speed (stimp metre reading) of the Putting Mat is. It should be as realistic to a Putting Green as possible. After all, one of the most important training techniques that a Putting Mat offers is developing a sense of speed. Somewhere around 10 or 11 is a realistic speed.

Tip 4: Putting Mats haven't changed a hell of lot over the years. Most do not have inclusions to help you become a better putter. Try to buy a Putting Mat that has a smaller hole to sharpen your skills and build confidence.

Tip 5: Look for putting tips or drills that you can include with the Putting Mat. The putting Mat will give you the tool to practice but it doesn't give you the knowledge required to improve and build consistency.

Tip 6: A good quality Putting Mat if stored correctly should last a long time. Always roll the putting mat the same way that it was rolled when you bought it. You should always try not to squash the matting when storing the Putting Mat for long periods. Most matting surfaces have a memory. Preserving and protecting the life span of your Putting Mat ensures years of putting practice.

Tip 7: Putting Mats haven't changed a lot over the years. Find ways to make the Putting Mat interactive. This helps to keep you interested and makes practising a challenge especially as you hopefully improve your putting skills.

Final Note: Ball Returns

If you have a physical disability or struggle to walk 6 to 9ft and retrieve you golf balls then using a ball return is ok. Otherwise, use your legs and experience the sensation and reward of holing and retrieving your golf ball. This is all part of the confidence building process and it's exercise. It's also what you do when you actually play golf.

If you must use a Ball Return make should you have a Putting Mat surface that lies flat and runs at a realistic speed to an actual putting green?