Sam Tremlett
The golf swing is all about repetition and the best way to hone your own swing is to practice it as much as you can. That makes a golf net one of the best golf accessories that you can buy, especially if you don't have access to a nearby practice facility, or if it's a trek to the local driving range.
WATCH: We tested a cheap, mid-price and expensive golf net to see how they performed
Being able to practice at home can do wonders for your golf game. Rather than having to drive to your golf club or visit a local driving range, you can instead work on your swing from the comfort of your garden, garage or even a room inside your house. If this sounds appealing, then the first thing you’ll need to decide on is a net.
The best golf nets need to tick several boxes. Firstly they should be both strong and durable as they’ll need to stand up to the impact of receiving ball after ball. They should also be straightforward to assemble - and if you’re planning on packing them away after a session, easy to store as well.
Choosing the right size depends on what you want to use it for. If you’re looking to hit full shots with all the clubs in your bag then you’ll need a larger net, both in terms of height and width. If you only want to work exclusively on your chipping and pitching then you’ll be able to opt for a smaller net - these tend to be simple to put up and pack away as well being compact enough so as to not take up too much room. Often nets come without an accompanying mat, but we have a guide on the best golf mat to help you here, too.
Best Golf Net - Get The Perfect Set-Up At Home
Dimensions (m): 2.45 x 2.45 x 2.45
Material: Fiberglass
+ Exceptional ease of set-up
+ High quality, robust materials
- Requires two people to disassemble
While the SPG-8 is a little pricey, especially if you choose the bundle that includes a hitting mat and extended side panels, you’ll likely deem it good value for money. That’s because the net excels across the board.
Its design makes it easy to construct (though it does require two people to take down) and once up its impressively sturdy. The hitting area features a thick panel, which acts as your target and absorbs the ball nicely. The side panels are recommended as they offer protection against mis-hits - especially important if you’re working in an area where rogue shots can cause damage. During testing I really appreciated the sloped bottom section of the net that helps return the balls to you. It all adds up to a five-star review.
Read our full Spornia SPG-8 Practice Net Review
Dimensions (m): 3 x 2.4 x 2
Material: Fiberglass
+ Addition of the mat is very handy
+ Large target will help shots start on-line
- Not the cheapest
The PGM net is well-designed, featuring a large target area alongside protective side panels. Despite it being 3 meters wide it packs away to a relatively small size and even comes with its own carry case.
However, perhaps the biggest difference between the PGM net and many of its rivals is that it comes with an impressive mat. Made from heavy-duty Astro Turf it also benefits from a driving range style tee, so you can hit drivers without having to buy your own tees.
It does mean that it’s one of the more expensive nets on the market, but if you’re looking for a complete practice package then it goes a long way to providing just that.
Dimensions (m): 3 x 2.1
Material: Polyester
+ Easy to set up
+ Neat, compact carry case
- Has a larger footprint than some
Setting up the FORB ProFlex Driving Cage couldn’t be much simpler and in testing it took all of 4 minutes to complete. The main chassis of the cage easily unfolds to form the sturdy base with the netting already attached. Then I slotted the sturdy fiberglass poles together, attached the net to the poles and I was done. The brand then adds some additional ropes and pegs to secure the net to the ground.
Hitting into the net was a stress free experience, as the deep side and roof panels make it near impossible for a stray shot to cause any issues. Additionally it was strong and sturdy too which is imperative for any good golf net. All in all, this is an exceptionally impressive home practice net and ticks all the boxes that I look for. Easy to set up, safe and inoffensive to look at, it is a really good product.
Read our full FORB ProFlex Pop-Up Golf Driving Cage Review
Dimensions (m): 2.44 x 2.44, 2.13 x 2.13, 3.05 x 2.13
Material: Metal
+ Large hitting area
+ Durable
- No hitting mat
Available in three sizes, this Basics model proved to deliver many of the features we look for in the best golf nets. Construction is fairly straightforward, with the metal and fiberglass poles and the net itself proving to be nice and durable. It also has the added bonus of coming with a handy carry bag, so it can be easily stored when not in use.
It’s large and robust enough for you to hit every club in the bag. During our testing period we hit a range of shots, including high-flighted wedge and full-bore driver and fairway woods and handled them all with aplomb.
Dimensions (m): 2.4 x 2.1
Material: Steel, fiberglass
+ Packs down very small
+ Good side and roof protection
- Fiddly set-up
If you’re used to assembling a traditional camping tent, then the golf net from Gagalileo will seem surprisingly familiar. In much the same way it uses two fiberglass poles to create its shape. Depending on your experience with such equipment it may or may not prove tricky to construct. However, once up it does make for a solid structure that only needs to be pegged into the ground.
We liked its 3-D shape, providing extra protection compared to a flat net without sides. It does lack a hitting mat so you’ll need to figure this into your budget should you need one.
Read our full Gagalileo Golf Net Review
Dimensions (m): 3 x 2.1
Material: Fiberglass, nylon
+ A large net that is great for driving
+ Very durable
- Does require a reasonable amount of space
If you have plenty of room in the garden, then the Hit Run Steal model could be for you. In fact it’s both large and sturdy enough to work for other ball sports too, making it great for all the family. For golfers this translates to a net that receives a full quota of shots with all the clubs in the bag.
Despite its size and solid construction, it’s lightweight and easy to both put up and down. Like other nets in the guide it has the advantage of coming with a carry bag, making it compact enough to store in the garage or garden shed.
How we test golf nets
Our approach to testing the best golf nets is the same one we take with all reviews. We make sure we’re as comprehensive as possible, trying the product for an extended period of time so we can best assess its performance.
With regards to nets, we consider a number of factors when testing. This includes just how easy they are to construct as well as their durability when in use. We test the nets that are designed to be used outdoors across a range of conditions to see how they hold up. As you can see above, this usually involves me putting up the net and hitting into it in my back garden, whilst I also look to use the net in conjunction with launch monitors as that can aid practice. Equally, those aimed at indoors use are put through their paces in the suggested setting, be it a garage or spare room.
Again as with all the products we test, the reviews are an unbiased assessment of time spent using them - a good review can never be bought at Golf Monthly.
How to choose a golf net
There are a lot of golf nets on the market but choosing the right one for you will require a little thought, especially as it's likely to be a piece of equipment that will get plenty of use, especially during the winter months. While the guide above will hopefully have helped you to narrow your down your choices, it’s worth considering the following factors before you part with your money.
What do you want to practice?
If you’re looking to work on all aspects of your game, from driving through to pitching and chipping, then you’ll need a large, durable net that can handle the full range of clubs. However, if you’re strapped for space or just want to focus on your short game then a far smaller chipping net will give you what you need and possibly save you money in the process.
Size
This is a continuation of the point above. The best golf nets come in a range of sizes and you should match the net not just to the space you have available but for its intended use. We’d always advise measuring the area, or room, that you plan on putting the net in and then look at the options available to you.
Strength
Again this relates to the kind of practice you intend to do with the net. If you’re looking to hit plenty of drivers several times a week, then the net will need to be strong enough to stand up to this continued use. Likewise, if you want to hit a full range of clubs, it’s worth thinking about buying a net that has sides and a roof. Consider all the parts of the net, including the poles, when you’re looking at its potential durability.
Convenience
If you have a dedicated practice area where the net can remain once it’s up, then issues concerning storage aren’t likely to be at the top of your list. However, if you need to take the net down regularly you’ll want to choose a design that’s both easy to construct and disassemble, as well being compact enough to store away without issue. Several of the nets above come with handy carry cases to help with this.
Budget
You’ll find a net no matter your budget, but it’s worth remembering that if you’re after a large, durable net with sides and roof then this will be far more expensive than something a little more basic in its construction.
While a golf net can seriously improve your game, why not also take a look at our guides on the best putting mats, best golf training aids and best golf putting aids to help you improve all parts of your game.
FAQs
Are golf hitting nets worth it?
Golf nets are worth it for any golfer looking for a relatively inexpensive and convenient way to practise. Many people bought golf nets during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way of getting a golfing fix at home and we have found some models can actually be used for other sports too so in that regard they are definitely worth it and they can be great fun with the kids.
What is the best practice net for golf?
From our experience there are a umber of models that can lay claim to this title. Models such as the Spornia SPG-8 Practice Net, FORB ProFlex Pop-Up Golf Driving Cage, or Amazon Basics Portable Practice Net for example. A common theme among the best models is they are strong, easy to assemble and disassemble, are the perfect size for the space you want to fill, and don't break the bank.
How much room do you need for a golf net?
Measure out how much room you have in your garden or at home. Be sure to take into account the space needed for height, width, and depth as well because the net will extend outwards when a golf ball is hit into it. Obviously be as specific as you can because some brands give their measurements in feet, whilst others do so in meters so be aware of this.
Are backyard golf nets safe?
The internet is full of practice shots gone wrong so shop wisely. We are confident the models above are safe as we have made note of the materials used and how they are made - both factors you should research as well. Also, in terms of setting up your net, read the instructions properly, make sure everything is fastened correctly, and also set it up in a way that will help avoid accidents. For example have the net set up away from the house or anything valuable, and make sure you have enough room to properly swing the club.
What is the best size for a golf net?
The best size for a golf net depends on a few things. To start how much room do you have? We recommend measuring the area you have in mind thoroughly in terms of depth, height and width so you can then find the best net for that space. Additionally the best size for you will depend on what you want to work on. If you want to work on full swings with the driver, we recommend the strongest, widest models, whereas if you just want to work on chipping, then a smaller model will be the best model for you.
For more buying advice, check out our guides on the best golf simulator or best golf launch monitors.
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