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The Complete Guide to Home Golf Nets
Golf nets are a way to practice effectively at home without taking a trip to the driving range. I wrote this guide so that you can easily find what practice nets are worth your money. Additionally, you will find several ways to practice more effectively using a driving net at home.
The 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 out several models out there and they range in quality and usability.
One thing to consider is 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 Pop-Up Net
When you factor in the cost, functionality, and durability, the pop-net from Rukket Sports is a great option for most golfers. I reviewed it several years ago, and it is still the driving net that I use to practice at home.
It comes pre-assembled and is relatively easy to fold up and put back together if you are moving it to multiple locations. Additionally, it performs well during practice. Your golf ball is easily absorbed by the net and gently returned to your hitting zone. For golfers who are looking for a reliable indoor golf net (or outdoors) that won’t break the bank, this is one of your best options.
Other Options
When you go below this price level you really start to get what you pay for. Most of the “extreme budget” golf nets are not going to be worth your money. They will be very difficult to set up and take apart. Additionally, they don’t perform very well and the netting will not last long.
This net from IZZO Golf is the only other one I would tell you to consider for less than $100. You can snag the 8 x 10′ model for just over $90 right now. It won’t function as well as the Rukket pop-up, but it will get the job done.
Premium Golf Practice Nets
If you have more money to invest, then you can get yourself golf nets that will last much longer and perform more effectively during practice. If you are going to be hitting more balls on a constant basis, I believe it makes sense to get something better up front. The materials will be much stronger, which means you won’t have replacement costs.
Our Pick: The Net Return
The number one option out there comes from a company called The Net Return. It is widely considered the best golf practice net out there for recreational golfers for good reason.
They are using superior materials and their patented design actually returns the ball perfectly to you after each shot. You can see how it works in this video:
They have a number of golf nets available based on your needs and the size of your hitting area.
Personally, I would recommend going with their Home Series, which retails for just under $400. This gives you a generous hitting area that can be used outside or inside. The net is relatively easy to take apart and reassemble.
If you want to step it up a notch, you can get their Pro Series for $565. This model is a bit stronger and larger. It also carries a 250,000 shot guarantee.
Other Options
If you want a more permanent structure for outdoor use then I would recommend checking out a company called Dura-Pro Golf Cages.
This is a commercial-grade structure that will offer you a much larger hitting zone and can handle the elements outside.
You can purchase this unit for just under $300, which makes it a little less expensive than The Net Return.
How to Practice Effectively With a Golf Driving 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-eraser 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.
- Use a Swing Analyzer – You can get a little help from technology to find out if there are any glaring issues in your golf swing. Swing analyzers can give you some direction on what changes to make, and how to measure your progress. You can check out our complete guide to the best analyzers here.
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!
Hello,
Why do you recommend a net vs. a viewing screen?
I’m installing a golf simulator and am wondering if I should just hit into a net and get a high quality iPad to view my shots.
I appreciate your advice.
John – I think it’s easier (and less expensive) to go with a net. However, if you are interested in using a projector and impact screen I think that is a better overall experience. I use a net and iPad for my SkyTrak setup and am very happy with how it works. It allows me to set up and take down my system quickly since the room is a shared space.