How to Choose the Best Golf Hitting Mat

You’ve measured the space. You’ve chosen your launch monitor. You’ve zeroed in on the perfect enclosure, and dialed in your projector. Your dream golf simulator setup is finally coming together.

But let’s pump the brakes real quick. Have you put enough thought into your hitting mat?

Because here’s the truth: Your golf mat might just be the most important part of this whole thing. It’s the one piece of gear you’ll interact with on every single shot. If it’s not right, nothing else in your setup is going to perform the way it should.

We’ve narrowed it down to two excellent—but different—hitting mat options. We’ve got Carl’s Place HotShot Mats and Fiberbuilt Golf Mats. Each is available in multiple sizes and performance tiers to fit whatever your space and goals.

So, which one is right for you?

Let’s break it down.

Why the Hitting Mat Matters (More Than You Might Think)

It’s easy to focus your time and budget on the flashier parts of a golf simulator build, like the launch monitor, software, screens, and projectors. But skimping on the hitting mat is one of the biggest mistakes people make.

A bad mat can:

• Mess with your numbers. If the mat is too firm or soft, you’ll get distorted launch data and spin rate that don’t reflect reality.
• Mask your mishits. You want a mat that punishes fat shots, not one that lets you skate by with poor contact.
• Injure your wrists and elbows. “Turf shock” is real. Hit a few hundred shots off the wrong surface and you’ll feel it.
• Wear out or slide around. Cheap mats often lose shape, crease, or start shifting underfoot.

On the flip side, a good mat gives you a consistent, reliable surface that protects your body, gives you accurate feedback, and makes indoor practice actually realistic. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your game.

Carl’s Place HotShot Golf Mats: Outstanding Value, Great Feel

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of price and performance, the HotShot mats from Carl’s Place hit that sweet spot.

These mats are designed with the home simulator golfer in mind, so they’re comfortable, consistent, and built to last.

Why We Like It:

• Forgiving feel: The HotShot’s surface offers just the right amount of give. It’s easy on the joints while still providing the feedback you need when you miss.
• Replaceable hitting insert: This is huge. When the hitting area wears out (as all mats eventually do), you can simply swap out the strip instead of buying an entirely new mat.
• Non-slip base option: If you want a rock-solid setup that doesn’t move, Carl’s gives you the choice to upgrade your mat with a rubber base that locks it in place.
• Plays well with real tees: You can use Carl’s HotShot Indoor Golf Tees or tee the ball up normally in the hitting area.

Sizes Available:

• 4 x 5 - Great for compact spaces or basic setups
• 5 x 5 - More room for stance and movement
• 4 x 9 - Center hitting strip, ideal for dual-handed users
• 6 x 10 - Full sim mat experience, space to move and groove

Whether you’re building your first simulator or just want a solid, no-fuss mat you can count on, Carl’s HotShot delivers way more than its price tag suggests.

Fiberbuilt Golf Mats: The Ultimate in Turf Technology

Now, if you’re going all-in on your setup and you want the most realistic, joint-friendly, and tour-tested experience available, Fiberbuilt is the answer.

We’ve spent a lot of time with these mats and have visited with their team to understand the engineering behind the product. Just know this: Nobody’s thinking harder about synthetic turf than Fiberbuilt. These guys are very serious about getting this right.

Why We’re All-In on Fiberbuilt:

• Minimal turf shock: Fiberbuilt mats are designed to let you hit down and through, just like on real grass. That means no skipped club, no jarring impact, no aching joints.
• Incredible accuracy: These mats are specifically engineered to produce true-to-life launch monitor numbers. Your distances, spin rates, and ball flights are going to reflect what you’d see outdoors.
• Insane durability: We’re talking up to 300,000 shots from the same hitting area before it wears out. That’s a lifetime of practice for a lot of us.
• Options for every golfer: From ultra-premium combo mats to compact tee boxes, there’s a Fiberbuilt option for every use case and space.

Fiberbuilt Product Lines and Size Options:

• Grass Series: Ultra-durable, ultra-forgiving. Designed for comfort and longevity, with bristle technology that allows you to swing naturally.
• Available in 4 x 9 and 4 x 7 Studio Mats and 4 x 5 Hourglass Pro Golf Mat Kit
• Performance Turf Series: A more traditional turf look and feel with excellent realism and versatility. Great for those who want to tee the ball up naturally.
• Available in 4 x 8 and 6 x 6 Tee Boxes
• Player Preferred Series: The most advanced option. Includes a vibration absorption layer to replicate pure bentgrass fairways. It’s the top choice for teaching pros, clubfitters, and serious players who demand perfection.
• Available in 4 x 8 and 4 x 10 Studio Mats

So… Which Mat Should You Choose?

Go with Carl’s HotShot if:

• You’re building your first simulator and want solid performance at a smart price.
• You want a replaceable hitting strip for long-term value.
• You need a mat that fits a smaller space.
• You’re looking for comfort and stability without the premium price tag.

Go with Fiberbuilt if:

• You want the best possible turf interaction and realism.
• You’re a serious player or coach who needs data you can trust.
• You’re investing in a high-end simulator setup.
• You want a mat that will last for years and protect your joints.

The Mat Matters

Don’t make the mistake of treating your hitting mat as an afterthought.

Whether you go with Carl’s or Fiberbuilt, you’re already ahead of the curve by choosing a mat that’s trusted, tested, and built to perform.

So take a few minutes. Think about your space, your goals, and how often you plan to play. Then choose the mat that makes the most long-term sense for your simulator studio.

And remember, when you get this part right, everything else in your setup starts to shine.

About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen

Marc "Shef" Sheforgen is a golf writer whose passion for the game far exceeds his ability to play it well. Marc covers all things golf, from product reviews and equipment recommendations to event coverage and tournament analysis. When he's not playing, watching, or writing about golf, he enjoys traveling (often golf-related), youth sports coaching, volunteering, and record collecting.