Ryan Johnson & Greg Mathewson
INTRODUCTION
More and more customers today are being custom fit for golf clubs. With the use of TrackMan and custom fitting tools we have the ability to get customers playing better golf with properly fit equipment. Almost all fitting facilities use a hitting mat of some sort for their fittings.
Without the ability to grow and maintain a grass hitting surface in our fitting center the next best alternative is a high quality hitting mat such as the Country Club Elite.
Our goal in every fitting is to put properly fit clubs in the hands of each and every customer. A properly fit club should perform on the golf course just as well as it does while in our fitting center, The Launch Pad. Therefore we examined the effect that different hitting surfaces could have on ball flight characteristics and as a result performance.
PROCESS
By using TrackMan III we have the ability to capture the data necessary to examine the differences between hitting golf balls off mats vs. grass.
In order to control as many variables as possible we utilized TrackMan III’s normalize function. Normalization allows us to adjust weather conditions to eliminate the effects weather may have on our test. For example, the ability to set temperature, elevation for our location, and take wind out of the equation.
The club used for the testing was a Titleist 712 AP2 7 iron with a Dynamic Gold S300 shaft. Length, loft and lie were standard on the 7 iron.
The golf ball used for the testing was the 2013 Taylormade Lethal. The mat hitting surface used is the Real Feel Country Club Elite.
The grass we hit from is a combination of Bent grass and Rye. All shots were hit off of a dry surface and after each shot, the club head was wiped clean of any debris to ensure the most consistency possible in the data collection.
Our largest variable would be our human element. Because of this we selected a low handicap (+2). He competes in many amateur events in the state. We chose this player because his club data would have a high consistency.
It is still going to be player dependent and come down to individual swing characteristics as to how much influence the different surfaces will have.
As a note this test was done using one player in a single scenario. Different results could come from different surfaces and swing type.
RESULTS
Below is the data that we have collected from our test. There are a total of 10 shots from each surface.
In Figure 1 we have 4 data points we have collected, two of which was our focus Launch Angle and Spin Rate. Our goal was to find out any parameters that showed significant change which these two did.
| NORMALIZED | Ball Speed (mph) | Launch Ang. (deg) | Spin Rate (rpm) | Carry (yds) | Height (ft) |
| 7 Iron Grass | 129.3 | 14.5 | 7613 | 179.7 | 95.8 |
| 7 Iron Mat | 128.5 | 17.2 | 5685 | 186.9 | 107.1 |
| Variability | 0.8 | -2.7 | 1928 | -7.2 | -11.3 |
Figure 1
| NORMALIZED | Club Speed (mph) | Smash Factor | Land Ang. (deg) | Spin Axis (deg) | Side (ft) | Attack Ang. (deg) | Club Path (deg) | Face Ang. (deg) | Face To Path (deg) | Dyn. Loft (deg) | Launch Dir. (deg) | Spin Loft (deg) |
| 7 Iron Grass | 93.7 | 1.38 | 47.1 | -0.9 | 13.5R | -4.2 | 1.7 | 2 | 0.4 | 20.4 | 1.9 | 24.7 |
| 7 Iron Mat | 91.7 | 1.4 | 48.3 | 0.1 | 26.6R | -4 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 0.1 | 21.7 | 2.7 | 25.7 |
| Variability | 2 | -0.02 | -1.2 | -1 | -13.1R | -0.2 | -0.9 | -0.7 | 0.3 | -1.3 | -0.8 | -1 |
Figure 2
Figure 2 is showing club data between the two surfaces. As you can see from the chart there is minimal change in Club Data, we are safe to assume that the major variances in Launch Angle and Spin Rate were affected solely by the surface.
Launch Angle is a measured parameter just after impact in relation to the horizon. Launch Angle is affected by 3 major contributors, Dynamic Loft, Attack Angle and Ball Type.
Ball Type was kept consistent using Taylormade Lethal golf balls on each surface. Dynamic Loft and Attack Angle which comprises Spin Loft (Dynamic Loft minus Attack Angle) showed a 1* lower Spin Loft from mat to grass, concluding that these two parameters are within an acceptable variance.
Seeing a 2.7* lower launch off of grass did grab our attention. For instance during an iron fitting we would like to see 2* Launch Angle change between irons, i.e. from 6 to 7 iron. So if we do not know this information as to how grass will affect the golf ball, a perfectly fit 6 iron off of the mat will launch like a 5 iron on grass. This type of change can result in properly fit golf equipment off a mat, but will not achieve the desired Launch Angle when hit off grass.
Spin Rate is the total amount of spin RPM’s (Revolutions per Minute) measured just after impact. Spin Rate has 4 contributors, Spin Loft, Club Speed, Impact Location and Friction. With Spin Loft, Club Speed and Impact Location showing little variance we are left with few explanations. Our Spin Rate showed a significant increase once hit off of grass compared to the mat of 1928 RPM’s. As a general rule the change per iron is about a 1000 RPM’s. So the 6 iron that you got fit for off of grass is now spinning like an 8 iron.
CONCLUSION
To be an effective club fitter, one needs to recognize the relationship between hitting surfaces and realize that there could be a difference in TrackMan data when hitting off of mats vs. grass.
We have been excited that we did this testing early on in our fitting program, so we can better understand what types of launch conditions our players will see on a golf course where it actually matters.
Our test that we performed is not a tell all template. There are various swing types that could influence numbers differently. But with the understanding that the hitting surface is to be considered a factor when fitting this will allow for a better fit. With almost all fitting centers using some sort of mat for fittings we recommend that TrackMan fitting facilities do similar testing for their consumers benefit.
Table 1. Test Results
Image 1. TrackMan Performance Studio Screenshot
Image 2. Top/Side View – TrackMan Performance Studio
How does the player swinging 2 mph slower off the mat affect the data you gathered? It seems you overlooked that data.
Thank you for taking the time to do this. Very enlightening. Would like to see similar test with an 18 hdcp. Would be interesting to see If spin rate and launch angle variance is in the same ball park with less than high quality strikes.
i definitely expected a higher spin rate from the mat.
That surprised me.
Hitting off matts is almost like hitting a flyer every time you hit… This will help me to become a better fitter knowing that information.
Your study would require much stronger statistical analysis, simply looking at averages is not a accurate depiction of the data.
Also, there is far to much error in the repeatability of a human hitting a golf ball.
Did you account for any potential measurement error?
This study has too much missing and requires a leap of faith.
What results do you get if you use several kinds of 7-irons. Is the outcome the same?
do you sell grass mat
Sorry, we do not sell grass mat, see http://www.trackmangolf.com for more product information.
CORRECTION OF THE PREVIOUS POST … Are you aware the CCE mat requires a player to learn to “pick” the ball due to the natural deceleration of the club head through the dense turf surface, had they taken the exact attach angle as on grass? This clearly is seen in your data findings, but your +2 hcp player is obviously making attach angle adjustments when hitting from the CCE mat. The problem with any “heavy turf” golf mat is the deceleration issue. Your study can only have a truer comparison if using a mechanical swing device and not a human who is forced to make swing adjustments that clearly are evident in your data reading results. An “IRON BYRON” or similar mechanical device would be set to exact attach angles and swing speeds that when hit from real grass and ANY SYNTHETIC MAT SURFACE would then give 100% reliable data your study fails to consider. Then the results not only will deliver reliable data on any surface, grass or golf mat, but it will also reveal what GOLF MAT really performs the closest to real grass which we already tested and know the CCE mat failed in comparison. By the way, the mat you tested, the country club elite mat has proven two troubling characteristics, those being, club head deceleration (unless picking of the ball is utilized) and even more troubling, physical injury players experience due to the impact force the club experiences (which travels up the players arms) through the heavy turf surface.
Hey there, very enlightening comment. I have a CCE mat and I also feel some elbow/wrist pain. Interestingly though I also feel some soreness after hitting off a grass range too. Perhaps it has to do with my very upright lie angle swing.
Anyways, do you recommend a different mat? I know the contenders should be either Fiberbuilt or True Strike. I heard Fiberbuilt is a little too forgiving but no pain issue, and True Strike is good on both pain and accuracy but it wears out really quickly. Your comment would be greatly appreciated.
Leo, your question requires a bit of background facts to answer…bare with me as I explain… so here goes…
I would suggest you search on any of the golf forums, “CCE injury or CCE elbow injury”. Frankly the name CCE (country club elite) is any thick turf mat that YOU CAN STICK A TEE INTO THE TURF SURFACE. They are also sold by other names but the issue remains with all of them and has been proven to reduce data readings anywhere from 8% to as high as 12% (this is what we have been told by dozens if not hundreds of owners measuring their swings with a quality launch monitor). This means ball speed, club head speed, ball spin rates, carry distance, all data readings of the club head and ball.
Those popular heavy turf mats were a terrible invention by those genius’ in north Georgia (who make carpet and are not golf pros) where most of all the golf turf is manufactured and they thought they could create “the perfect golf mat because … you can stick a tee anywhere!” Well we consider those mats to be “waterbed stance mats” because of the heavy turf, your feet swim during your swing and of course also impart club delivery changes. What they did not test or realize is what the attack angle and club through the heavy turf creates…Read On.
Searching as I suggested, you will find many others having the same issues. If you have developed tendonitis or some other injury it will take time and possibly anti-inflammatory meds to relieve, even heal the injury caused by the shock you are experiencing, frankly hitting from those surfaces are the source of your injury that is still present when hitting from natural grass which is not the original cause. Those who like those mats simply risk the same type of injuries or have fooled themselves and subconsciencly learned to PICK THE BALL and they now find practice on those surfaces and real play, simply feels different and they have no idea why!
As for golf mats, you mention two manufacturers as solutions but even those fail to replicate NATURAL GRASS and DATA ACCURACY when measured with any quality launch monitor.
In your searching users of all golf surfaces and mats there is a surface that does most closely simulate you will hear talk about DivotAction™ … Which is advertised on the web site as …
Our Trademark Surface Delivers … The Closest Thing To God’s Green Grass™
+ Natural Grass Feel
+ Guaranteed 100% – Club Head, Ball Spin & Launch Data Accuracy
The problem with ALL synthetic mats, even the TrueStrike or Fiberbuilt or CCE (and frankly all others) is they all falsely have the golf club travel through the ball and turf in an unnatural way. A golf club travels into and through the golf ball on an intended ATTACK ANGLE. As the club head travels through the ball and natural grass (and the dirt below) displaces a “divot” and therefore in the process in the release of that divot, the angle of attack does not change. This is proven by any quality launch monitor.
Golfers do not take the time to confirm this because of the cost of such devices but those who have measured hitting balls from all three … natural grass… their golf mat … and DivotAction™ … then compare that data from all three surfaces (btw, using the same iron for accurate comparison), it is proven by golf professionals, university golf coaches and players, DivotAction™ most closely matches … natural grass and not the mat they have trusted, even TrueStrike, Fiberbuilt, and the popular CCE all fail to compare to natural grass when measuring all data readings!
It’s all about the interference of the turf surface that can do basically any of these…
1 DECELERATION of the club head (slowing of the club head due to the heavy turf)
2 BOUNCING of the club head into the ball (any hard mat surface like range mats)
3 TWISTING of the club head due to club head toe or heel being interfered by the turf surface
So check out the forums and take the words of other users and not mine and you will see what I have detailed is fact based and injury from extended practice or poor swing mechanics will be reduced or completely eliminated as users already confirm.