Driving range mat

Abstract

A golf driving range mat with a realistic reaction to swings and less shock. The mat promotes a good golf swing may reduce joint injuries as it is much more like hitting off real grass. A top surface of the mat is formed of field turf and the mat is configured with one or more bands having various lengths of field turf strands to replicate differing grooming areas of a golf course. The bands may be arranged in parallel stripes, rings, or irregular border areas between the bands.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A golf swing training mat, comprising:
 a top layer defined by a plurality of bands of a field turf formed of a soft stranded material dimensioned to replicate a grass playing surface;   a second layer subjacent the top layer, the second layer formed of an elastomeric gel material; and   a substrate layer subjacent to the second layer, the substrate layer formed of one of a solid foam or a rubberized underlayment.   
     
     
         2 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an anchor composition formed of a granular material disposed about the top layer and carried between the soft stranded materials.   
     
     
         3 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 2 , wherein the anchor composition is a mixture of sand and a granular rubber material. 
     
     
         4 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of bands is defined by a discrete length of the field turf. 
     
     
         5 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 4 , wherein the discrete length of the field turf in a first band is in the range of about ½ of an inch. 
     
     
         6 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 4 , wherein the discrete length of the field turf in a second band is in the range of about 1½ inches. 
     
     
         7 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 4 , wherein the discrete length of the field turf in a third band is in the range of about 2 inches. 
     
     
         8 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of bands are disposed in parallel lengths across a lateral aspect of the mat. 
     
     
         9 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of bands are disposed in a concentric ring pattern. 
     
     
         10 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of bands are disposed with an irregular boundary line between the plurality of bands. 
     
     
         11 . A golf swing training mat, comprising:
 a top layer defined by a plurality of bands of a field turf formed of a soft stranded material dimensioned to replicate a grass playing surface;   a second layer subjacent the top layer, the second layer formed of an impact absorbing material; and   a substrate layer subjacent to the second layer, the substrate layer formed of one of a solid foam or a rubberized underlayment.   
     
     
         12 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 an anchor composition formed of a granular material disposed about the top layer and carried between the soft stranded materials.   
     
     
         13 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 12 , wherein the anchor composition is a mixture of sand and a granular rubber material. 
     
     
         14 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 10 , wherein each of the plurality of bands is defined by a discrete length of the field turf corresponding to a defined play surface of a golf course. 
     
     
         15 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of bands includes a fairway band, a light rough band, and a rough band. 
     
     
         16 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of bands are disposed in parallel lengths across a lateral aspect of the mat. 
     
     
         17 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of bands are disposed in a concentric ring pattern. 
     
     
         18 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of bands are disposed with an irregular boundary line between the plurality of bands. 
     
     
         19 . A golf swing training mat, comprising:
 a top layer defined by a field turf formed of a soft stranded material having a length dimensioned to replicate a grass length of a golf playing surface;   a second layer bonded to a lower surface of the top layer, the second layer formed of an impact absorbing material;   a substrate layer subjacent to and bonded to a bottom surface of the second layer, the substrate layer formed of one of a solid foam or a rubberized underlayment; and   an anchor material disposed about the top layer and carried between the soft stranded materials.   
     
     
         20 . The golf swing training mat of  claim 19 , wherein the grass length of the golf playing surface comprises one or more of a fairway length, a light rough length, and a rough length.