How to choose a golf practice net

A practice net turns a patch of lawn into a place to work on your swing whenever you have a spare half hour. We'll help you choose the right net, set it up safely and get more from every session.

Which net suits your practice?

Our two practice nets, plus the gear that makes a home session work.

Large black and fluoro green golf practice net staked on grass
FULL SWING NET

A staked net that takes full swings with real balls.

What to prioritise
Woods and irons

Golf Training Aids

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Small golf chipping net with target rings
CHIPPING NET

A target net for sharpening approach shots at home.

What to prioritise
Short game

Golf Training Aids

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Folding golf hitting mat with three turf sections
HITTING MATS

Hitting and putting mats sit alongside our putters.

What to prioritise
Practise off turf

Golf Putters

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Six soft foam practice golf balls
PRACTICE BALLS

Foam and plastic practice balls sit beside real balls.

What to prioritise
Shorter flight

Golf Balls

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White breathable left hand golf glove
STEADY GRIP

Gloves for men, women and kids, including rain pairs.

What to prioritise
Long sessions

Golf Gloves

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Pack of white plastic golf tees of medium length
TEE UP ON GRASS

Bamboo, plastic and step tees in several lengths.

What to prioritise
Backyard drives

Golf Tees

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What to look for in a practice net

A net that fits your space

Measure the spot before you buy, including the room behind the net, as netting gives a little when a ball hits it. A full swing net needs space for a driver or wood, while a chipping net fits a smaller patch of lawn.

Clearance above and around you

Make a slow practice swing with your longest club where you plan to hit, checking the ceiling, walls, fences and branches. If anything is close, choose shorter clubs or foam balls for that spot.

A target that gives feedback

A plain net catches the ball, while target rings tell you where it went. Our chipping net has different targets so you can work on precision with your short game.

A set-up you can trust

Staked or well anchored nets stay put when a ball hits them. Check the netting and poles before each session, and only use real balls in a net made for them.

Who it's for

Busy golfers

A net in the backyard lets you keep your swing ticking over between rounds, even with only twenty minutes to spare.

New golfers

Hitting into a net takes the pressure off while you build a repeatable swing away from the crowds at the range.

Short game fans

A chipping net with targets turns approach practice into a game you can play on your own lawn.

Your practice set-up at a glance

OptionBest forGood to know
Full swing netWoods and irons at homeOur 2.5 m staked net is made for full swings with real balls on grass.
Chipping netApproach shots and the short gameTarget rings help you aim at something specific.
Hitting matsHard surfaces where you can't take a divotYou'll find them alongside putting mats in our putters range.
Foam practice ballsTight spaces and gentle swingsThey fly shorter distances than standard golf balls.
Golf glovesLong practice sessionsA snug glove helps keep your grip consistent swing after swing.

Keep your net in good shape

  • Take the net down or fold it away when strong wind is forecast.
  • Check the netting for holes or worn patches before you start hitting.
  • Let the net dry fully before you pack it away after rain or dew.
  • Push the stakes back in firmly if the ground is soft or the net has shifted.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use real golf balls in a backyard practice net?

Yes, as long as the net is made for them. Our full swing practice net is designed for full swings with woods and real golf balls. Aim at the centre of the net, check it for wear before each session and make sure nobody is standing nearby or behind it. If you're close to windows, cars or a neighbour's fence, foam practice balls are the calmer choice.

How much space do I need for golf net practice?

It depends on the size of the net and the length of your swing, so start by measuring the area and checking the product details. Make a slow swing with your longest club to confirm you clear the ground behind you, anything overhead and anything to the side. Leave a little room behind the net too, because the netting moves back when the ball hits it.

Should I choose a pop-up net or a fixed frame net?

Pop-up and portable nets are quick to set up and pack away, which suits a shared backyard or a garage you also park in. Framed or staked nets take a little longer to put up but tend to hold steadier when a ball hits them. Our full swing net uses fibreglass poles with stakes for grass, so it's worth checking how any net anchors before you choose.

Do I need a hitting mat with a practice net?

If you're hitting off a lawn, you can play straight off the grass, and our nets are designed for use on grass. On concrete, pavers or a garage floor, a hitting mat protects your clubs, the floor and your wrists, and gives the ball a more realistic lie. You'll find hitting mats alongside the putting mats in our putters range.

Is it safe to practise golf in a garage?

It can be, but ceiling height is usually the deciding factor, so test a slow full swing first and switch to shorter clubs if you're close. Clear the area of anything breakable, keep a good distance from cars and windows, and never hit while someone else is in the space. Foam balls are a sensible starting point indoors, as they travel shorter distances than standard golf balls.

Bring the range home

A good net makes it easy to squeeze in practice on a weeknight. Find everything else for your game in our golf range.

Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.

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Golfer holding her club and watching the shot after her swing