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.
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 - How to get the perfect setup 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
The SPG-8 is on the higher end of the price scale, but you very much get what you pay for here, especially if you choose to go for the bundle that includes a hitting mat and extended side panels for shots that protect you and your surroundings from a dreaded certain shot that begins with an 's' and ends in 'k'.
This net is a seriously good product. Despite the complex looks at first glance, this is a very easy contraption to set up (although it takes two people to take it down). Once set up it's a lot sturdier than it looks, with the hitting area including a thick panel that absorbs shots nicely. As mentioned, the side panels are recommended to protect from mishits can prove a wise move if you're working with limited space. 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 2.1
Material: Polyester
+ Easy to set up
+ Neat, compact carry case
- Has a larger footprint than some
Setting up the FORB is a breeze and took me all of a few minutes to do. The main chassis of the hitting cage unfolds easily to form the base with the net already attached. After that, all I had to do was slot the fiberglass poles together and attached the net to the poles and she was all set up. It was a very professional sequence with deserves praise.
Hitting into the net was a stress free experience, as the deep side and roof panels collect stray shots. Additionally it was strong and sturdy too which is imperative for any good golf net. All in all, this is an 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): 3 x 2.5 x 2.5
Material: Steel
+ The optional impact screen is excellent
+ Very sturdy and safe feeling
- A two-person job to assemble
This is a very premium net, hinted at in the name with the use of 'Deluxe'. I therefore had high expectations before testing it, but am happy to report that it very much delivered. First impressions out of the box were that this net felt rather heavy but despite this, the setup process was very straightforward. It does take up quite a lot of room compared to other options on this list and the weight can make handling a little tricky, but the weight also adds strength and durability to the net once set up, complimented by the steel frame.
The frame is constructed from robust materials, and the netting feels exceptionally high quality, designed to withstand repeated high-speed impacts. Another highlight of this system is that it is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Finally it is worth saying the instructions are clear, and it's not overly complex to put up.
Read our full SimSpace Deluxe Practice Net 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
Amazon do the basics very well, meaning their 'Basics' portable net delivers a lot of the features of a good golf net without the high price tag. It's big and robust enough for you to hit every club in your bag - during my testing I hit a wide range of shots from high-flighted wedges to driver shots at full pelt and it handled them with ease.
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.
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 setting up nets (or tents), assembly shouldn't be an issue, but those with less experience with these types of contraptions might find the construction process a little tricky. Once you get past this and have the net erected, it makes up for a fiddly set up process with a strong, durable structure that only requires a few pegs into the ground to keep it secure.
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
This is another net that requires quite a lot of space, but if you have this at your disposal then this net should be near the top of your list. It's that big and sturdy that you could use it for other sports like baseball (for you, our Amercian readers) or Cricket (for you, our British readership). You could also practice your first or second serves if you're a tennis guy or gal. In golf terms, this means there isn't a shot in the golf bag that this net can't handle.
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.
Summary table
Name | Size dimensions (meters) | Material | Easy to setup? |
Spornia SPG-8 Practice Net | 2.45 x 2.45 x 2.45 | Fiberglass | Yes |
FORB ProFlex Pop-Up Golf Driving Cage | 3 x 2.1 | Polyester | Yes |
SimSpace Deluxe Practice Net | 3 x 2.5 x 2.5 | Steel | No |
Amazon Basics Portable Practice Net | 2.44 x 2.44, 2.13 x 2.13, 3.05 x 2.13 | Metal | Yes |
Gagalileo Golf Net | 2.4 x 2.1 | Steel, fiberglass | No |
Hit Run Steal Heavy Duty Golf Hitting Net | 3 x 2.1 | Fiberglass, nylon | Yes |
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.
Golf net testing is overseen by Staff Writer, PGA Professional and KickPoint podcast co-host Joe Ferguson, a man with decades of experience working in the golf industry. Joe takes care of club testing, specifically drivers, which means these nets get plenty of use throughout the year as he puts each new model driver through their paces.
Joe testing a golf net in his garden
There are a number of factors we take into account when testing golf nets, most notably how easy they are to set up, how durable they are and whether they can be used indoor and outdoors - this is mainly dependent on their size. Our testing typically involves setting each net in a back garden before hitting shots into them, typically accompanied with one of the best golf launch monitors for practice.
Out Golf Monthly, we pride ourselves with our review methodology - it is one that we have fine tuned over the years and one that has helped us build a strong sense of trust between our readership and testing team. Our commitment is that every review we conduct, from golf net to the best golf drivers, is 100% impartial. No brand gets preferential treatment over another, nor can a manufacturer 'buy' a good review. Our final verdict is only influenced by our knowledge of the game of golf and the equipment that accompanies in it. Our main overarching goal is to deliver informed buying advice to our readership - that has been the case for well over a decade and will continue to be our north star.
How to choose a golf net
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
What is the best practice net for golf?
From our experience there are a number of models that can lay claim to this title. Models such as the SimSpace Deluxer, 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.
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.
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.
