Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the tether line needed?
A: If you are not a pro golfer, then yes. The tether line is needed. It keeps PivotMat in place. Without the tether line, a hard errant strike can send PivotMat flying forward. It won't go far, but it is inconvenient if you have to retrieve it.
Q: How do you attach the tether line to your golf bag?
A: See video on main page. The tether line has a large loop. Run the tether line through any handle or structure near the bottom of your golf bag. As low as possible is best. Then open the loop on the tether line and feed the entire PivotMat through the loop and keep pulling it through the loop until the tether line gently tightens. Do the reverse to undo the tether line.
Q: Can you attach the tether line to anything else?
A: Yes. You can attach the tether line to anything with some reasonable weight to it. Loop the tether line around a brick or a rock if you want to.
Q: Does the tether line need to be taut or fully extended?
A: Yes. You don't want slack in the tether line, otherwise it will not keep PivotMat in place as it's designed to do.
Q: Where should I place the ball on PivotMat?
A: Place the ball no more than one ball length from the end of PivotMat. Nearer the end is best. However, go ahead and experiment to find your own sweet spot.
Q: Which end or side of PivotMat should I use?
A: It doesn't matter. Use either side of PivotMat the same. When one side wears out, just spin it to the other side for a fresh striking surface.
Q: Can the turf surface of PivotMat be replaced?
A: It can be replaced, however it is not recommended. PivotMat is balanced for its designed use. Changing the turf surface can change the balance of PivotMat and the way it operates. Also, keep in mind how much repetitive force a club puts on a golf mat. They all show signs of wear and tear. After you have sufficiently beaten up PivotMat with your club, it is recommended to just get a new PivotMat.
Q: Since PivotMat is small and lightweight, will it jump around after hitting it?
A: A golf club can put an incredible amount of force on an object. PivotMat will react to club forces of different magnitudes and vectors which can flip or spin it. Unless you are a pro practicing something like back spin, flipping or spinning is probably not your intention. This can occur if you are hitting the mat before the ball or not hitting straight. You will learn from using PivotMat, but movement like you see in the video on the main page is probably something close to what you might be looking for. Take PivotMat to the range and find out what works for you.
Q: Where can PivotMat be used?
A: Anywhere. Range, patio, garage, parking lot, in your house, etc.
Q: What kind of surfaces will PivotMat work on?
A: Any surface that allows PivotMat to pivot can be used. It will even work on carpet.
Q: Can PivotMat be used with a simulator system?
A: Of course. That is a great idea. If you want to safely swing down and thru a golf ball while using your simulator system, then PivotMat is perfect for that.
Q: Should I take my PivotMat with me to a golf club fitting studio?
A: That is an awesome idea. If you want to safely swing down and thru a golf ball while getting fitted for clubs, then go for it.
Q: Is PivotMat waterproof?
A: Yes. PivotMat materials are nylon, urethane, and PVC. If your PivotMat gets wet, just let it dry off. It should work the same dry or wet.
Q: Since PivotMat raises a ball above my feet, doesn't that make me change my swing?
A: That depends on you. PivotMat elevates a golf ball 2 inches above the surface you stand on. Keep in mind that you will experience all kinds of lies out on the golf course, which can raise the ball above your feet or even put it below your feet. PivotMat is a practice device that is designed for safely swinging down and thru a golf ball and for developing the feel of contacting the ball with your club face. Just like a real round of golf, you have to be prepared to change things up. When using PivotMat, simply move your hands down the club shaft or grip to compensate for the 2 inch elevation that PivotMat presents to you. Remember, PivotMat safely helps you develop the feel of putting your club face on the ball. When you take that skill to a level grass surface, simply move your hands back up the club shaft or grip. Work on that transition when you can in order to get the most out of practicing with PivotMat.
Q: Since PivotMat is designed to elevate a golf ball 2 inches above the surface you stand on, what can I do if I really want to raise my feet the same height as the ball so that I can practice a level lie?
A: PivotMat is designed for use as you stated it. So, we do not offer an accompanying stance platform for use with PivotMat. Any time you raise your feet off the ground, there exists a potential falling hazard. Your desire to raise your feet for practicing a level lie is understandable. Our experience and opinion is that there is no satisfactory affordable commercially available stance platform, that you can easily purchase and be happy with. There are mat options on the market but they are crazily expensive for what you want to achieve, which is depicted in the photo with the blue stance platform. For awareness, that blue stance platform is a 2-inch thick square of gymnastics flooring, which is made from the same materials you would find in traditional golf practice mats. That type of stance platform works for what you want to achieve, but it would cost at least $120 delivered and you would have to trim it down to size as well. Your stance platform options are really only limited by your budget and your imagination. Our opinion is that golf enthusiasts should not overspend on a stance platform and should simply use PivotMat safely as designed and stated above. But for you golf enthusiasts that really want a stance platform for practicing a level lie with PivotMat, then we will share our simple $25 do-it-yourself solution, which is depicted in the photo with the green stance platform. We simply got a doormat that is about half-an-inch thick and screwed it onto 2x4's we cut to the same length. The key was creating a stance platform that is about 2 inches thick or the same height as your PivotMat. Recall that 2x4's are actually 1.5 inches thick. It only took minutes to make and it is rock solid. You won't find a more stable stance platform. We already owned a saw and a screwdriver, but see the pre-assembly photo for the few items that we needed.
Q: Isn't striking a ball on PivotMat like hitting a ball on a tee?
A: No. While PivotMat elevates a ball, you strike down and thru a ball on PivotMat; which is typically not the intent when teeing off with an iron. PivotMat is designed for practicing down-and-thru club swings.
Q: What kind of clubs can be used with PivotMat?
A: Any club you would use to strike a ball on the ground can be used with PivotMat.
Q: How hard can you hit PivotMat?
A: Hard. PivotMat will accommodate a hard down-and-thru swing. The harder PivotMat is hit, the more it will react. In fact, PivotMat provides feedback by its reactive behavior. It will twist to reveal a slice or a hook. The amount of pivot movement indicates how hard or soft your club hits PivotMat, which can tell you if you're making pork chop divots or bacon strip divots. After spending some time using PivotMat, you will learn from your interactions with it.
Q: Is PivotMat for both Lefties and Righties?
A: Yes. It doesn't matter if you're left handed or right handed. Just stand on the side of the ball that you normally do.
Q: Where are you using PivotMat in that video on the main page?
A: At home on our patio ... hitting into a net that we purchased online.
Q: How should you store PivotMat?
A: When it's not in your golf bag, store PivotMat turned upside down on a flat surface. If you force or shove PivotMat in something all bent or squeezed, then PivotMat could become deformed. If you see a minor bend in PivotMat, then let it rest turned upside down on a flat surface in a warm location.
