DivotMat

The DivotMat is a nifty training aid. Like most training aids, it won't be for everyone. But for those who become proficient at using it, the DivotMat can provide instant feedback to golfers on the quality of their swings ... or on the problems in their swings.

That's because the DivotMat, as its name implies, simulates the divots a golfer would take on the driving range or golf course. And, to paraphrase Yogi Berra, you can observe a lot about your swing just by watching your divots.

In size and shape, the DivotMat is about as big as dinner-table placemat. It's thicker, because there are two layers topped with a sheet of specially made paper.

The bottom layer of the DivotMat is a rubber base that helps keep the mat from sliding around when it's struck by the golf club. On top of that is a Polycarbonate plate that absorbs much of the shock from the swings, helping the mat stand up to the pounding.

And on top of that goes one of the 56 DivotSheets that are included with purchase. The DivotSheet is a sheet of NCN (no carbon needed) paper on which are printed representations of nine evenly spaced golf balls.

A golfer takes his or her normal stance over one of the golf ball images on the paper, then takes a normal swing. When the golf club strikes the DivotMat, the "no carbon needed" paper records its path. It's essentially an ink blot in the form of a divot.

As the company puts it, "The DivotMat provides immediate visual feedback. When you swing and your golf club strikes the mat, a mark is left. This 'DivotMark' is essentially a fingerprint of your golf swing which quickly shows what you are doing right, and perhaps more importantly, what you are doing wrong."

The DivotMat comes neatly packaged with easy-to-follow instructions. Set-up takes no time. An instructional DVD from Laird Small, director of the Pebble Beach Golf Academy, is included (Fred Couples is also an endorser).

Most importantly, the DivotMat instruction guide runs down the types of divots one is likely to see, provides examples of each, and explains what each means. For example, a right-handed golfer whose divot runs from right-to-left (cutting across the ball from the outside) is slicing or pulling.

Our use of the DivotMat over the course of a couple weeks did raise a couple minor issues.

One, some of those who tried it found attempting to hit the ball images on the DivotSheet a difficult task. That's not too surprising, really - it's tough to make yourself think "divot" when swinging at something you know isn't going to give way.

The best way to get past that issue - perhaps something that is worthwhile regardless - is placing a wiffle ball or other soft practice ball on top of the ball image on the DivotSheet. This helped most of our users. But regardless, over time, with use, it does become much more "natural" feeling to swing at the ball images.

Second, our DivotMat tended to move a little when it was struck. This wasn't a constant problem, so perhaps it's more a sign that the driving mat in our practice area is getting a little worn down.

The DivotMat also seemed a little hard to us. Golfers who have trouble with their hands and wrists might want to try finding a demo unit before making a purchase, just to be safe. (This isn't a criticism - the DivotMat has to have that Polycarbonate plate under the DivotSheet or it wouldn't be able to work correctly.) The company is addressing this point by introducing a DivotPad to soften the blow, and it will also help in anchoring the DivotMat.

At the time of this writing, the DivotMat was priced at $59.95. That price includes the mat itself in addition to the Laird Small instructional video and 56 DivotSheets. Extra or replacement DivotSheets can also be ordered from the DivotMat Web site for $14.95 (500 ball impressions) or $19.95 (1,000 ball impressions).

Overall, we found the DivotMat to be an easy-to-use and helpful training aid that lives up to its claims. As we stated at the beginning of this article, we're sure we'll be taking out the DivotMat from time to time to help tune-up our swing.