Quick answer: The outdoor golf mats that last are made from Nylon turf, which is UV-resistant and weather resistant. Then match the backing to your ground: a Urethane-coated mat for grass and rough outdoor surfaces, or a closed-cell foam backing for patios and concrete. For most backyards, a 5 x 5 Super Tee with Urethane backing is the easiest starting point.
An outdoor golf mat lives a harder life than one in a garage. It sits in direct sun, takes rain, gets dragged across grass, and still has to give you a clean strike on every swing. Plenty of mats look fine in the box and start fading, matting down, or sliding around after one season outside.
Here is what actually makes a golf mat hold up outdoors, and how to pick the right one for your yard.
1. Start With the Turf: Nylon vs Poly
The turf fiber decides how long a mat survives outside. All Turf Mats golf mats use Nylon, which is UV-resistant, weather resistant, and colorfast, so it holds its color and texture through multiple seasons outdoors. Nylon also has a higher melting point than Poly, which is why it is residue-free and will not leave green streaks on your clubs.
Poly turf can be used outside, but it is more likely to need replacement each season under regular use and sun exposure. If your mat is staying outdoors, Nylon is the better long-term value. Our Nylon vs Poly golf mat guide goes deeper on the difference.
2. Match the Backing to Your Ground
Grass, dirt, and rough outdoor surfaces: Urethane
Urethane is a thin, durable coating, about the thickness of a credit card. It keeps the mat lighter and rollable, so it is easy to move and store. It is built for outdoor use and is not damaged by water. Rainwater eventually seeps through the coating, so the mat should not hold a puddle. Urethane is not waterproof, and it is not a cushioned backing.
On grass, best results come from staking or otherwise securing a Urethane mat when you stand on it to swing. Stakes and other fastening materials are not included. See how to set up a golf mat on grass.
Patios, concrete, and pavers: Foam
On hard outdoor surfaces, a foam backing adds cushioning and grip. Our Shock-Absorbent Foam is a 5/8" closed-cell foam that is slip-resistant, helps cushion impact, and is a waterproof foam backing. It is also heavier, which helps the mat stay flat and reduces bunching underfoot.
Note that our thinner Flexible 5mm Foam is not waterproof, so for a mat that lives outside full time on a hard surface, the 5/8" Shock-Absorbent Foam is the better match.
Rain and cleaning: Any All Turf Mats golf mat can be cleaned with a hose or a pressure washer. For more on water, read can golf mats get wet and are golf mats waterproof.
3. Pick Your Hitting Surface
Super Tee golf mats have a 1" Nylon pile that holds real wooden tees, so you can tee up driver outside the same way you would on the course. Fairway golf mats use a tighter 3/8" pile for irons, wedges, and chipping straight off the surface. Both are approved for backyard and driving range use.
Outdoor Golf Mat Picks
| Your setup | Mat | Backing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard grass, real tees | 5 x 5 Super Tee | Urethane | $229.99 |
| Small yard or tight budget | 3 x 5 Super Tee | Urethane | $129.99 |
| Large stance area on grass | 5 x 10 Super Tee | Urethane | $374.99 |
| Patio or concrete, real tees | 5 x 5 Super Tee | Shock-Absorbent Foam | $399.99 |
| Patio or concrete, irons and chipping | 5 x 5 Fairway | Shock-Absorbent Foam | $249.99 |
Prices as of October 2026. All mats: Nylon turf, made in Dalton, Georgia, FREE Shipping.
Tips for Keeping an Outdoor Golf Mat in Shape
- Lay it on flat ground. Bumps and low spots under the mat show up in your strike.
- Secure Urethane mats on grass. Staking helps keep the mat from shifting during your swing.
- Rinse it now and then. A hose or pressure washer clears dirt and grass clippings out of the fibers.
- Give it time to flatten. Mats ship rolled and usually need 24 to 48 hours to lay fully flat. Warm sun speeds that up.
- Roll it up when you want the yard back. Urethane mats roll easily for storage.
- Add a net. Full swings in a backyard need a net. See our golf net and mat setup guide.
Planning the whole space? Our backyard golf practice setup guide covers space, putting greens, and layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a golf mat stay outside all year?
Nylon golf mats are UV-resistant and weather resistant and are built for multi-season outdoor use. Many golfers still roll up their mat and practice indoors over the winter. See can you leave a golf mat outside.
Are outdoor golf mats waterproof?
It depends on the backing. Our 5/8" Shock-Absorbent Foam is a closed-cell, waterproof foam backing. Urethane is not waterproof, but it is not damaged by water and lets rain seep through. Flexible 5mm Foam is not waterproof.
Will an outdoor golf mat fade in the sun?
Nylon turf is UV-resistant and colorfast, so it is built to hold its color outdoors. Poly turf is more likely to need replacing each season.
How do I keep my golf mat from moving on grass?
Lay it on flat ground and stake or secure it if it shifts during your swing. Foam backings are heavier and stay in place more easily than Urethane.
Can I use real wooden tees outside?
Yes, with a Super Tee mat. It is the only All Turf Mats line that holds real wooden tees.
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