In a Hurry? If you don’t have time to read the full breakdown, grab the Perfect Practice Putting Mat. It’s the one I keep in my home office, and it’s helped me drop more putts inside 10 feet than any training aid I’ve ever used. Great ball return, true roll, and built to last.

Look, I get it. You’re tired of three-putting from 6 feet and watching your buddies drain theirs while you’re picking the ball out of the cup after your third attempt. The good news? You don’t need an expensive putting lesson or a country club membership to become a better putter. What you need is 15-20 minutes a day and a quality putting mat in your living room, garage, or office.

I’ve spent the last several years testing putting mats—from budget options that cost less than a sleeve of Pro V1s to premium setups that could finance a new driver. This guide breaks down the best putting mats for home practice in 2026, so you can find one that fits your space, budget, and practice goals.

Quick Comparison: Best Putting Mats 2026

Mat	Price	Size	Ball Return	Best For
Perfect Practice	$$$	9.5′ x 1.5′	Yes	Overall Best
PrimePutt	$$$$	10′ x 1.5′	Yes	Premium Quality
Big Moss Original	$$$$	3′ x 9′	Optional	Serious Practice
Putt-A-Bout Grassroots Par Three Putting Green (9-feet x 3-feet)	$	3′ x 9′	Yes	Best Budget
SKLZ Accelerator Pro	$$	9′ x 16″	Yes	Beginners
Wellputt Start 2.0	$$$	10′ x 1.3′	No	Training Drills
Wellputt Classic 10ft	$$$$	10′ x 1.3′	No	Tour-Level Training
GoSports Pure Putt	$	10′ x 1.7′	Yes	Best Value

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With over 24,000 reviews and an Amazon #1 Best Seller badge, the Putt-A-Bout has become the default choice for golfers who want decent quality without breaking the bank. It’s been around since 2005 for a reason.

What I Like:

• Incredible value—usually under $40
• Three cups give you multiple targets
• Decent roll quality for the price
• Built-in ball return works well
• 9-foot length is perfect for most spaces

What Could Be Better:

• Surface quality doesn’t match premium mats
• May develop creases if stored improperly
• Speed is faster than most real greens

Verdict: If you’re just getting into putting practice or want something affordable to leave at the office, the Putt-A-Bout is a solid choice. Don’t expect country club quality, but for the price, it gets the job done.

5. SKLZ Accelerator Pro — Best for Beginners

SKLZ makes training aids that work, and the Accelerator Pro is their flagship putting mat. The alignment guides and speed marks make it particularly good for golfers who are working on the fundamentals.

What I Like:

• Excellent alignment guides for setup practice
• Ball return works smoothly
• Distance markings help with speed control
• Good quality for the mid-range price
• SKLZ brand reliability

What Could Be Better:

• Narrower than some competitors
• Surface can wear over time with heavy use
• Not as premium-feeling as higher-end options

Verdict: A solid mid-range choice that’s perfect for beginners or golfers who want more than a budget mat but aren’t ready for premium pricing. The training features make it particularly valuable for those working on fundamentals.

6. Wellputt Start 2.0 — Best for Training Drills

Wellputt approaches putting practice differently. Rather than focusing on holing putts, their mats are designed around structured drills that help you develop consistent stroke mechanics and speed control.

What I Like:

• Printed training graphics guide your practice
• Multiple distance markers for speed control drills
• Alignment aids built into the design
• True roll surface quality
• Companion app with structured practice routines

What Could Be Better:

• No ball return system
• App could be more robust
• Different approach may not suit everyone

Verdict: If you’re the type who likes structured practice with specific drills, Wellputt is worth serious consideration. The lack of ball return is intentional—it keeps you focused on stroke quality rather than just making putts.

7. Wellputt Classic 10ft — Tour-Level Training

The upgraded version of the Wellputt line, the Classic offers a more traditional green appearance while maintaining all the training features. It’s what several tour players use when they’re on the road.

What I Like:

• Traditional green color looks more natural
• All the training features of the Start 2.0
• Premium surface quality
• Used by touring professionals
• Excellent durability

What Could Be Better:

• Higher price than the Start version
• Still no ball return

Verdict: If you love the Wellputt concept but want something that looks more like a putting green, the Classic is the way to go. The surface quality is outstanding.

8. GoSports Pure Putt — Best Value

GoSports has built a reputation for delivering solid quality at reasonable prices across their sporting goods line. The Pure Putt continues that tradition with a feature-rich mat at a budget-friendly price.

What I Like:

• Excellent price-to-quality ratio
• 10-foot length offers good distance practice
• Ball return works consistently
• Wider surface than many budget options
• Includes alignment markings

What Could Be Better:

• Surface not as premium as higher-end options
• May need to flatten after shipping

Verdict: If you want more than a cheap mat but aren’t ready to invest in a premium option, GoSports hits that sweet spot. Great for casual practice or as a gift for the golfer in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do putting mats actually help improve your game?

Absolutely. The biggest factor in putting is repetition and building a consistent stroke. A putting mat lets you get in hundreds of reps per week without leaving your house. Most golfers see noticeable improvement in their putting within 2-4 weeks of regular practice.

How long should I practice on a putting mat each day?

Quality over quantity. 15-20 minutes of focused practice is more valuable than an hour of mindless putting. I recommend working on specific drills rather than just hitting putts at a hole.

Will putting on a mat transfer to real greens?

Yes, with some caveats. The mechanics of your stroke absolutely transfer. Speed control will be slightly different because mat speeds vary from course greens, but you’ll adjust quickly. The muscle memory and consistency you build on a mat will serve you well on the course.

Should I get a mat with or without a ball return?

For most golfers, I recommend a ball return. It keeps your practice flowing without constant interruption. However, if you’re doing specific drills where you want to see exactly where the ball ends up (like speed control work), a mat without a return can be valuable.

How do I maintain my putting mat?

Keep it clean and dry. Vacuum occasionally to remove dust and debris. Store rolled (not folded) when not in use. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods. With basic care, a quality mat should last 5+ years.

What’s the ideal speed for a putting mat?

Most mats roll between 10-12 on the stimpmeter, which is close to a typical public course green. Some golfers prefer faster mats (like tournament conditions) for practice, as it forces precision. Place your mat on different surfaces to adjust speed—hardwood = faster, carpet = slower.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a putting mat is one of the best decisions I’ve made for my game. The ability to practice anytime—before work, during lunch, after the kids go to bed—removes all the excuses that keep us from improving.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to actually use it. Put your mat somewhere you’ll see it every day—that’s the secret to consistent practice and lower scores.

Now go make some putts. 🏌️