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The Complete Guide to Home Golf Nets: Options for Every Budget
Golf nets are a way to practice effectively at home without taking a trip to the driving range. Now more than ever, nets have become an integral part of practicing your golf game at home. At this point, there is an overwhelming selection of products out there, so we created this guide to give you recommendations based on your budget.
One thing I will note in this category is that you truly get what you pay for. There’s nothing wrong with the budget options, but be aware that their longevity and usability will be inferior to the premium options.
After testing, our number one overall pick is the Spornia SPG-7. We believe the mixture of features and price are hard to beat, which you can read about in our review here.
Additionally, you will find several ways to practice more effectively using a driving net at home. Let’s dig in!
(1/19/21: we have updated this article with our latest recommended golf nets)
Budget Golf Nets
If you don’t have a ton of money to invest, you can get some deals on relatively inexpensive golf nets. I have tried many models, and it’s best to go in with lower expectations. Budget nets are a great entry-level proposition if you’re not completely sure you will practice that much at home. But be aware, the materials used will be less durable (prone to ripping over time). Setup can be a little more burdensome. Additionally, they don’t have as many features as capturing the ball for you or even allowing it to return to your hitting position.
Consider whether or not your practice net will be in a fixed position or if you will have to move it around. Many of the lower-cost options are a hassle to take apart and put back together.
Our Pick: Rukket Sports
When you factor in the cost, functionality, and durability, Rukket Sports’ nets are great options. The two options I recommend are the Pop Up Net
Rukket’s golf nets are a step up above the extreme budget options and generally cost between $130 – $175.
Extreme Budget (Below $100) Pick: GoSports 10′ x 7′ Net
This hitting net from GoSports
However, with such a lightweight design, this type of net really is not designed to be put up permanently as the wind and other elements could easily break it. At ten feet wide by seven feet high, the net should be large enough to catch most all shots besides high-lofted wedges, but you will have to be standing fairly close to the net. Last, while it can be used indoors, at this price level, you only get a single layer of netting and no side netting to catch errant balls or ricochets, so there will still be some risk of damage.
Pros:
- Cost-effective option with high ratings and “Amazon Choice” designation
- Lightweight and easily transportable
- One person can set it up
Cons:
- Not suitable to be permanently left up outdoors
- High ball speed or high backspin golfers may have issues with net durability.
Best Value Golf Net: Spornia SPG-7
The Spornia SPG-7
What makes the Spornia so unique is that it can easily be set up and taken down without hassle. Many other products make this claim, but I can tell you from personal experience that they are not as easy as it looks. Take a look at this video from Spornia to see it in action:
The SPG-7 has an automatic ball retrieval system, which returns your shot to your feet without hitting the floor. Additionally, they’ve used quality materials on the net, so you can expect it to last much longer than the budget options mentioned earlier. Besides the ease of use, the Spg-7 net also features side netting to catch errant golf balls and a top net that overhangs to capture even high wedge shots.
Some golfers think the noise from impact on the target shield can be a little loud, but in our testing, it didn’t bother me all that much. Also, a strong gust of wind could send the net flying, which doesn’t make it a permanent outdoor use option. Other than that, it’s hard to find many faults with the SPG-7.
Overall, the Spornia SPG-7
Pros:
- Unique design for ultimate ease of setup and portability
- Side netting and roof net to catch all types of shots
- Net and target sheet layer should provide durability
Cons:
- Not suitable to be permanently left up outdoors
Premium Pick: The Net Return
Since I started Practical Golf, I’ve tested hundreds of golf products in almost every category. The Net Return is one of my favorites. For the past four years, I’ve had the Mini Pro Series in my house, and there are no visible signs of wear after hitting tens of thousands of shots. Simply put, this is the best golf net. If you know you’re going to have a more permanent setup, especially for a home golf simulator, it’s worth the extra investment, in my opinion.
This video shows some of the basic functionality of the net and what makes it different:
One of my favorite features is that the design limits the amount of space necessary indoors. I have my net set up within inches of a wall, and there’s never been any damage. Additionally, the mesh they use is considerably stronger than any of their competitors. It can withstand pretty much any ball speed, and it’s why you’ll see golfers like Bryson DeChambeau and long drive champion Kyle Berkshire using it in Chris Como’s “living room lab.”
Last but certainly not least, no matter how hard you hit the ball, it is gently returned to you if you have a level surface. So you’re not constantly walking back and forth to pick up balls.
At under 30 pounds, The Net Return can be transported, but I wouldn’t call it “portable.” The setup process can take anywhere between 5-10 minutes, so it’s best if you keep it in place wherever you plan on using it.
Based on your budget and size requirements, there are four options available:
Mini Pro Series (smaller dimensions for higher spaces, 250k shot guarantee – $649)
Pro Series V2 (larger frame, rustproof aluminum, 250k shot guarantee – $795)
Pro Series XL (largest size available, rustproof aluminum, 250k shot guarantee – $1995)
Home Series (can be used for multiple sports, 1-year warranty – $695)
If you are using it indoors, I recommend getting the side barriers to protect against the occasional sh*nk. Also, their roll-up turf is a great value. I’ve used it for several years, and I like the quality and ability for it to be rolled up quickly when the net is not in use. Also, it allows the ball to return to your original hitting position more easily.
Pros:
- Design requires less clearance behind the net for indoor use
- Sturdy enough for all ball speeds
- Usable for other sports (NFL football teams on the sidelines use net Return)
Cons:
- High cost
- Not the easiest to set up and take down
Hitting Cages: More Permanent Options
A hitting cage is likely the best option for golfers with the outdoor space and desire to have something semi-permanently set up and ready to hit into. While hitting nets are generally one main net and possibly small side nets, a hitting cage has a rigid cube with netting on four or five sides. Since it provides an enclosed space, these cages will catch even the most offline shots.
The Cimarron Masters Golf Net Enclosure is one of the best options in this category if you want a premium hitting cage.
They offer two sizes 10′ x 10′ x 10′ and 20′ x 10′ x 10′. The setup will be more involved, but this is a great pick if you’re looking to create a mostly-permanent outdoor hitting cage.
If you’re on a lower budget, the Gagalileo hitting cage
How to Practice Effectively With a Golf Net
Once you pick the appropriate golf hitting net, the next step is to use it properly. Practicing your ball striking at home can certainly help improve your game, but there are a few ways to make sure your time is well spent. I’ll include a few ideas with links to further articles on our site.
- Build a Simulator – the hardest thing about hitting into a net is not getting actual feedback on where the ball went. The price of home golf simulators has come down dramatically. I wrote this guide to give you a rundown of options available at multiple price points.
- Hone Your Tempo – The rhythm of your golf swing is extremely important. To find out why tempo is so important, you can check out this post. Additionally, I made a guide on how to practice your swing tempo.
- Work on Impact Location – All great ball strikers know how to find the center of the clubface. This is a crucial skill that needs to be developed. Get yourself dry-erase pens and make a small marking on the back of your golf ball. Or you can get yourself a can of Dr. Scholls Odor X, and spray the face of your irons or driver. Find your impact tendencies and start experimenting with your swing.
You can check out my guide to practicing golf at home here as well.
Wrapping It Up
There are a few golf nets on the market that make sense to use at home. This is a category where you truly get what you pay for. The options listed in the article will help get you started.
Additionally, if you are serious about improving your game, I would try out some of the practice methods listed. Simply hitting balls into your net without having a purpose or routine is likely not going to make you a better golfer. If you can dedicate a small portion of your day to a few of these methods, I can assure you that you will see results on the course!
