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When practicing your game at home, it’s possible to just swing your club without a ball or even use foam or plastic balls.
But this isn’t ideal. If you’re serious about practicing at home with real balls, you need a golf net that can reliably contain your shots.
Of course, not everyone can afford nets that cost more than $1000. Fortunately, many affordable solutions have appeared on the market, so there are options that can accommodate a range of budgets.
In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf nets for home use across a range of different budgets. Whether playing indoors or outdoors, these nets should be used with a good golf mat, but you can also pair them with a simulator system like the SkyTrak or Mevo Plus.
Note: Golfstead has tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of the products featured in this guide. Our editorial process for these rankings takes into account a mix of many factors which may include performance, reliability, usability, value for money, cost, and the general consensus from other users of the product. The list that follows may be reassessed or updated over time.
Our Top Picks For Golf Nets For The Home
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:
- SIGPRO Golf Hitting Net
- GoSports ELITE Golf Practice Net
- The Net Return Home Series V2 Golf Net
- Hit Run Steal Heavy-Duty Golf Net
- Cimarron Masters Golf Net Enclosure
- The Net Return Pro Series XL Golf Net
- The Net Return Mini Pro Series Golf Net
- IZZO Tru Vu Trainer Golf Hitting Net
1. SIGPRO Golf Hitting Net
The SIGPRO Golf Net, offered exclusively by The Indoor Golf Shop, does it all.
This terrific hitting net catches golf balls quietly and softly, is easy to assemble, has a collapsible design, comes with side barriers, and attaches with an impact screen for projector use — all at a very reasonable price.
With the side barriers attached, you get 7 ft high x 8.5 ft wide x 9 ft deep of space to let loose with your wildest swings.
We are very impressed with the quality and versatility of this net and think it deserves a top spot on our list.
Additional Details
The SIGPRO Golf Net is perfect for home use (indoors or outdoors) and can safely handle ball speeds of 225 mph. Its high-quality powder coating promotes long-lasting use.
The snap-button frame system of the net can be easily assembled in minutes. The reinforced net attaches over the frame as a sleeve.
The Indoor Golf Shop specifically designed the SIGPRO to not only function as a multi-purpose hitting net that can be set up anywhere, but also to easily integrate with their SIG Preferred Impact Screen which attaches to a top crossbar (purchased as a separate add-on). This is ideal for golfers who want to use a projector and launch monitor indoors.
The frame of the net can fold into itself, with netting still attached, through a quick push-button release and latching mechanism. Side barriers are connected to the frame using ball bungees and secured with sandbags.
The Indoor Golf Shop offers a generous 1-year warranty on the net, frame and impact screen. Recommended space dimensions are 8 ft high x 10 ft wide x 12 ft deep.
The SIGPRO Golf Net also pairs well with The Indoor Golf Shop’s SIGPRO Turf, offered as part of their Bronze and Training packages.
2. GoSports ELITE Golf Practice Net
What’s really great about the highly rated GoSports ELITE practice net is its affordable price given the superb durability and overall quality.
Suitable for the interior of the home or the backyard, the GoSports ELITE consists of a powder-coated steel frame and 7.5 ft x 7.5 ft of heavy-duty netting designed to handle practically any swing speed.
Additional Details
The GoSports ELITE net has a robust, powder-coated steel frame with a black satin finish. The frame supports very strong high-tension, tear-resistant rectangular netting made of premium polyester.
The net has a ball return feature which is not only convenient, but also gives you feedback for your shot. For example, hooks will tend to roll past you, while slices will tend to roll in front of you.
Setting up and taking down the net takes minutes, and the net can be stored or transported in an included carrying case. Multi-purpose function supports use for soccer, football, baseball, lacrosse, and other sports.
You can optionally attach certain accessories to this net, namely the GoSports ELITE Shank Net or GoSports ELITE Impact Screen which will enable a golf simulator setup with projector.
Check out the GoSports ELITE net in this video:
Customers generally love everything about the GoSports ELITE practice net, and the cherry on top is responsive US-based customer support.
3. The Net Return Home Series V2 Golf Net
The word “home” is in the name of this net, so you might think that it would be perfect for the home. And indeed it is.
Similar in many ways to the GoSports net above, the Home Series V2 by The Net Return offers 7’H ft x 7’W x 3.6’D of sturdy, strong net at a great price point. It’s arguably the best net model that The Net Return offers, and it has nearly perfect customer ratings.
The Home Series is designed to withstand ball speeds of 200 mph. It can be used indoors just as well as it can be used outdoors, although we suggest using stakes or sandbags outdoors to prevent the wind from knocking it over.
As you would expect from a high-quality hitting net, the Home Series also has a very handy ball return feature that brings the ball back to your feet after every shot.
Additional Details
The Net Return Home Series V2 golf net has a 1.5″ tubular steel frame that is strong and lightweight. The black polyester netting is commercial-grade and UV-treated for maximum durability.
The Home Series net comes with a duffle bag for transporting and storage. People really love how easily and quickly it sets up — about five minutes and you’re good to go.
The convenience and reliability mean that you can practice at home whenever you want, without spending an arm and a leg on balls at the driving range.
There are various optional add-ons that you can get with the Home Series V2, including side barriers and a mat. For more information, go here.
4. Hit Run Steal Heavy-Duty Golf Net
Some of the golf nets in this guide are quite expensive. What if you just want something around $100 or so that is still going to get the job done?
If you want a cheap golf net, you should look at this popular model from Hit Run Steal.
At 10′ wide by 7′ high, this golf net is big enough for even terrible golfers. You can place it in the yard, on the patio, indoors, or wherever else you have the space around the house.
Additional Details
To start, the base of the frame is made of steel for stability, while the rest of the frame is made of a flexible fiberglass. Fiberglass is lighter than iron and steel piping and doesn’t rust or deform.
There is also 7 ply knotless netting that is designed to last a long time. Other notes:
- no tools are required for installation
- we suggest standing closer to the net with short irons
- there is enough slack to absorb all kinds of shots
- it’s water-resistant but not waterproof
- a carrying bag is included for easy transport and storage
Note: if you aren’t sitting the net on earth where you can drive stakes into the ground, you can use something heavy like sandbags to further secure the net.
Hit Run Steal is a US company with US customer support. To learn more or to ask them questions, go to this page.
The net doesn’t naturally return your balls nor does it give you much shot feedback, but for the price, it provides an excellent bang for your buck. It’s very affordable and works well.
5. Cimarron Masters Golf Net
Don’t want a Net Return model or a budget net from Amazon? That’s fine; there are other options out there.
The Cimarron Masters Golf Net is meant to be paired with a special frame to create a 10′ x 10′ x 10′ (or 20′ x 10′ x 10′) enclosure. It’s aimed for outdoor use, although you could use it indoors if you have the space.
You can hit balls into it straight away, but if you want more of a simulator experience, all you need is a good hitting mat and a simulator system like SkyTrak or FSX, and you’re good to go. These can be purchased here.
Additional Details
The Cimarron Masters Golf Net & Enclosure consists of 1″ steel frame corners and poles for constructing a stable frame.
The black #252 UV-treated netting is dense, and the baffle is made of heavy-duty archery netting. All balls are easily stopped by the backdrop.
Cimarron has assembly instructions with diagrams. It shouldn’t take you more than an hour to set up, but make sure you read the instructions carefully.
Customers love the spacious hitting area, the impressive durability (withstands freezing rain, high winds, snow, etc.), and the convenience of being able to hit balls in your backyard.
6. The Net Return Pro Series XL Golf Net
Do you like The Net Return Home Series net but want something bigger? The Pro Series XL will do that for you.
The Pro Series XL sits at a very large 9.5 ft high and 10 feet wide. This added height and weight allows you to hit shots from farther back so that you can feel more comfortable going at the ball. It also ensures that you’ll be able to use any radar-based launch monitor such as the Mevo Plus, TrackMan or X3 to its full potential.
If you have the space for it in your home and the budget, the Pro Series XL is certainly the hitting net you want to have.
Additional Info
The Net Return Pro Series XL net provides the same benefits as the regular Series V2 nets including ball return with informative shot feedback, multi-sport functionality, quick assembly and easy transport with an included duffle bag.
However, the Pro Series XL may be more prone to getting blown over by the wind because of the “sail effect” caused by the large size. This makes it preferred for indoor use, and for outdoor use, secure weighting or stakes are even more important.
Beyond that, the Pro Series XL net has excellent stability reinforced by the addition of 11 more tubes to the frame design (25 total) and a rectangular weighted base.
The net weighs 49 lbs and has a 250,000 shot guarantee. Assembly takes 15 minutes or less.
7. The Net Return Mini Pro Series Golf Net
What if you have a preference for The Net Return net products, but you want a hitting net that’s even smaller than the regular Pro Series or Home Series models, saving some extra money in the process?
If that’s the case, there’s a great option available to you: the Mini Pro Series net. This model gives you practically the same quality and performance, but at a smaller 6 ft x 5 ft size that should easily be able to fit in most indoor rooms.
The smaller size makes the Mini Pro Series very portable. It’s cheaper than the Home Series and Pro Series nets, and customers rate it extremely well.
Additional Details
The Mini Pro Series net has just about all of the same benefits as The Net Return’s other models, namely:
- automatic ball return with shot feedback
- duffle bag storage and transport
- UV-treated, commercial-grade, durable netting
- a quick and easy push-button assembly
- multi-sport functionality
The 1.5″ tubular frame is made of aluminum, which makes it more lightweight.
In our experience, this is definitely a more flexible and portable hitting net for golfers to use, but yet it doesn’t sacrifice any of the quality that The Net Return is known for.
Skilled golfers with a tighter shot dispersion may find the size to be more than sufficient for their needs. For more details on assembly and what might be included, visit this page.
8. IZZO Tru Vu Trainer Golf Hitting Net
The IZZO Tru Vu Trainer is a unique hitting net unlike any of the other ones featured on this page.
Rather than a typical net texture, it features a high-quality image that helps you visualize yourself on the golf course. Instead of just mindlessly flailing into a net, this acts as a swing trainer that can help improve your accuracy and alignment.
With the Tru Vu Trainer, you can keep a piece of the golf course at home, whether it’s inside the house or out in the yard.
Features
The IZZO Tru Vu Trainer hitting net is available with two different printed images:
- Classic Design: features a par 3-style view with a green, flagstick and bunkers. This is ideal if you plan to hit a lot of irons and wedges.
- Links Design: features the tee box of a Links-style course with a fairway in the distance. This is ideal if you plan to hit a lot of woods.
The images on the net are formed using dye-sublimation printing, which essentially makes the picture a part of the fabric and produces rich colour and detail.
The net is 7.5′ H x 7.5′ W x 1′ D. Included with the purchase are stakes (if you want to use it outside) and a nylon carry bag for storage and transport.
In our experience, the net is very strong — indeed, it’s rated for ball speeds of 180 mph. Setup is very easy and just involves connecting a few poles.
If you happen to get a tear or hole in the net/screen, just reach out to customer service and they should be happy to replace it no questions asked.
Buying Guide
A golf net can be a big investment. Because of this, it’s important to consider all the factors that will affect your experience and match it with what your goals are.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider when figuring out which net will best meet your needs:
1. Size
Size can be critical in golf nets, particularly if you have limited space in your home. Keeping the make quality constant, larger nets obviously tend to be more expensive.
What size will you need? It comes down to your skill level and what you’re comfortable with.
If you’re a weekend hacker with a huge shot dispersion, you’ll probably want a large net that will be able to catch your hosel-rockets, shanks, duffs, fat and thin shots.
On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned golfer with a tight dispersion, you probably won’t need a large net; in this case, something like the Mini Pro Series or Home Series nets by The Net Return are attractive options.
At the end of the day, we recommend going with a little more net than you need to practice. This gives you a nice cushion to hit a terrible shot now and then. One loose ball is all it takes to break something valuable or do damage to a neighbour’s property.
You need to measure the width and length of your home space and compare it to the dimensions of the net you’re interested in. Make sure that you can make a full swing unimpeded.
There should also be enough room for a mat if you plan to use one, and if you intend to use a launch monitor with the net, there should be enough depth in your space for it to function properly.
2. Features
This might have you scratching your head a bit. A net is a net — what added features could it or would it have?
Even though the function of a net is straightforward, there are a few enhancements you could speak of. One of them is ball return.
The GoSports and Net Return golf nets reviewed above are able to return the ball back to your feet (more or less) so that you don’t have to retrieve them yourself. In addition, these nets give you shot feedback (straight, hook, slice) based on how the ball rolls back to you.
Nets like the SIGPRO offer optional side barriers to keep your worst shots contained. Other nets may have targets you can install that allow you to practice your shot accuracy. Some, like the IZZO Tru Vu Trainer, may even have images baked into the fabric to help you with visualization.
If you don’t plan to use a simulator with your net, it’s worth considering such features because they encourage you to improve your shotmaking rather than just mindlessly pound balls.
3. Material & Durability
First, consider the frame that the net is housed in. What material is it made of and how well can it withstand the elements?
Steel and iron frames are very sturdy and will help ensure that the net stays secure. If it’s not stainless steel and you plan to use the net outside the house, you may have to contend with rust, or in the case of aluminum, corrosion.
Fiberglass frames are also strong (and less expensive), but they tend to move around and can fall over in certain situations. They usually need to be secured with things like stakes or sandbags.
Also look at the netting. Is it UV-resistant? Are there common reports of holes and breaking? More expensive, higher quality nets will withstand wear and tear much better in the long run.
A good way to gauge the quality & durability of a golf net is to look at what customers are saying about it. Keep in mind that while cheap nets may work well initially, they can often start to fall apart after extended use.
4. Budget
Although the price range for golf nets is smaller than simulators or even putting greens, your budget can still be very important.
It’s fortunate that most quality nets on their own don’t cost more than $1000. More expensive nets are more durable and reliable, but you can get great use out of $100 nets like the Hit Run Steal.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include quality golf nets over a range of budgets that golfers might have. But the great thing is that you don’t have to drop the full cost of it at once.
Our recommended golf net source here provides easy financing options that allow you to pay for pricier models over the course of a year or longer. Don’t forget about this option.
Conclusion
If you’re a golfer who wants to be able to practice at home but not necessarily drop the money for a simulator screen, a good golf net is pretty much a must-have.
With a golf net, you can wail away and smash your long clubs over and over without paying for range balls. There are many excellent options available; finding a net that meets your needs is certainly possible with some research.
Each of the nets reviewed above offer extremely good value for the cost. We’ve given you the information you need to make a decision; now it’s up to you to go the rest of the way.
At minimum, you should use a mat with your net. If you want to take it a step further, you can create a golf simulator experience with a launch monitor and simulator system like SkyTrak.
We also highly recommend reading customer reviews of golf nets, or getting the opinion of experts. This can help you a great deal in the decision-making process.
Thanks for reading this guide. What kind of golf net are you interested in? Do you have any questions? Feel free to drop a comment below.
My house backs up to a golf coarse & I have a problem with errant balls breaking the windows. I’m thinking of putting a net along the side of my house between the my house & the neighbors house. on top of the block wall which would mean 5 feet by about 50 feet what kind of a net would be best for this purpose & would it be better to get it 6 feet by 50 feet. I don’t want the balls to bounce back & hit my neighbors windows and was told that if the net is not too tight this would break the viscosity of the balls Can you give me any advice on this problem
Hi Christina. I don’t really have a clear idea of what you’re describing. I don’t have much experience in this area, but you can email support@golfstead.com with clear details and maybe even some pictures and I’ll see what I can do.
Hello Christina – I believe something like this product might be what you are looking for. This may not be big enough for you but it could be a starting point.
https://www.cimarronsports.com/products/21875/cimarron-15×150-golf-barrier-netting/