Golf Mat Backing Types Explained: Foam, Urethane, and Rubber
The turf gets the attention, but the backing decides how a mat feels, whether it stays put, and how well it travels. Here is what each backing actually does.
The turf on top gets all the attention, but the golf mat backing underneath is what decides how a mat feels underfoot, whether it stays put, how easily it travels, and how it holds up on your floor. All Turf Mats builds golf mats on a few different backings, and each one is suited to a different job. Here is what foam, urethane, and rubber backings actually do, so you can match the backing to your space instead of guessing.
Why the Backing Matters
Two mats with identical nylon turf can feel completely different depending on what is underneath. The backing controls cushioning on hard floors, how much the mat resists sliding, how heavy it is to move, and whether it can live outside. Getting the turf right is only half the decision. Getting the backing right is the other half.
5/8 Closed-Cell Foam
This is the thickest, most cushioned backing. It is shock-absorbent and helps cushion the impact of repeated swings, which makes it the choice for hitting on hard floors like a concrete garage slab. It is slip-resistant, and because it is closed-cell, it is a waterproof foam backing. The tradeoff is weight: 5/8 foam mats are heavier and less portable than urethane versions.
Hitting on hard indoor floors, long sessions where cushioning matters, and anyone who wants the most give underfoot. Found on the foam-backed Super Tee and Fairway mats.
5mm Flexible Foam
5mm flexible foam is a thinner, lighter foam. It is rollable and slip-resistant and offers some anti-fatigue cushioning, but it is not closed-cell, so it should not be considered waterproof or shock-absorbent. It is a good middle ground when you want some give and easy rolling without the weight of 5/8 foam.
Urethane Coating
Urethane is not a foam at all. It is a coating about the thickness of a credit card. It is durable, rollable, lightweight relative to foam, and easy to move and store, which makes it the travel-friendly and budget-friendly option. It is suitable for outdoor use and is not damaged by water: rainwater eventually seeps through rather than pooling on top.
Urethane is not waterproof, and it is not shock-absorbent or non-slip. On a slick indoor floor a urethane mat can slide under active footwork, so it is best secured, or used where you stand beside the mat rather than on it.
Rubber and SureGrip
Rubber-type backings are the grip specialists. White natural rubber is used on the True Roll putting greens, where it keeps the mat planted for a stable, non-slip putting surface. SureGrip is the strongest anti-slip backing in the lineup and is used where footwork and push-off force are involved. If staying put on a smooth floor is your top priority, a rubber-type backing is the one that does not move.
Which Backing for Your Space
Match the Backing to the Job
| Backing | Feel | Best Surface | Portability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 Foam | Cushioned, shock-absorbent | Hard indoor floors | Heavier | Waterproof, slip-resistant |
| 5mm Foam | Some give | Indoor or outdoor | Light, rolls | Not waterproof |
| Urethane | Firm, thin | Rough outdoor, travel | Lightest, rolls easily | Not waterproof, secure on slick floors |
| Natural Rubber | Stable, planted | Putting greens | Rolls | Non-slip |
| SureGrip | Planted | Footwork surfaces | Rolls | Strongest anti-slip |
For the material on top of these backings, see our nylon vs poly golf mats guide, and for how backing ties into overall thickness, our how thick should a golf mat be guide.