How to Set Up a DIY Golf Net in Your Garden in 4 Steps According to Our Pros
Setting up a DIY golf net in your garden is a fantastic way to improve your golf game without having to make a trip to the driving range or course.
Not only can it save you time and money, but it also allows you to practise whenever you want without worrying about weather conditions or closing times.
Using our pro netting knowledge and experience, we've put together a step-by-step guide to help you set up your own DIY golf net at home. We’ve listed out exactly what you need, the steps to take, and our best netting recommendations for optimal practice sessions.
How to Set Up a Garden Golf Practice Net
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In this guide, we'll cover:
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Tools & Supplies You'll Need
As with any DIY project, there are some tools and supplies you're going to need to be able to build your own golf net at home.
Depending on the specific set-up you're going to create, some of the tools and supplies we list may be optional. These include:
- Spirit level
- PVC conduit pipe
- Conduit heater (optional)
- Cable ties
- Golf mat
The Best Garden Golf Nets
Of course, the most important part of your home golf set-up is going to be the net itself. There are a variety of different garden golf nets on the market, ranging in size, durability, and price.
We’ve recommended some of our best golf nets for your garden setup below. All of these are available to order directly online with home delivery.
Here’s a table comparing the uses and durability of garden golf net options to help you make the best decision.
| Netting Type | Use | Durability | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Ball Stop Netting | Primary netting for golf cages | High | Medium |
| Heavy-Duty Golf Baffle Netting | Secondary netting behind stop netting | Very High | High |
| Lightweight Golf Baffle Netting | Secondary netting behind stop netting (less powerful swings) | Moderate | Low |
20mm Golf Ball Stop Netting
Our 20mm Golf Impact Ball Stop Netting is made from high-tenacity knotless netting, which, thanks to its energy-absorbent structure, can handle high-impact hits.
The UV-stabilised, weather-proof, and rot-proof polypropylene makes this netting suitable for leaving outside all year round without becoming brittle or discoloured for a low-maintenance golf cage.
This netting is available in custom sizes to suit your frame's specific measurements or in 3m x 3m sections for more uniform structures.
Heavy-Duty Golf Baffle Net
For a high-quality, reliable ball stop, our Heavy-Duty Golf Battle Net is a great option. This archery-grade baffle netting is made in the UK and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, making it ideal for your garden golf cage.
This made-to-order product is available in bespoke sizes to suit your DIY golf cage perfectly. Featuring rot-proofing, weather-proofing, and UV protection, this material can be left out year-round.
Brass eyelets are installed along the top of this netting and in the corners to facilitate easy and simple installation.
Shop Heavy Duty Golf Battle Net
Lightweight Golf Baffle Netting
Our Lightweight Golf Baffle Netting is an ideal secondary ball stop option for golfers with less powerful swings or looking to practise precision over power.
Made to order in bespoke sizes to suit your golf cage, this golf baffle netting features PVC banded edges for additional durability. Eyelets are installed along the top edge at 300mm intervals for easy installation.
Golf Cages
With our range of freestanding golf practice nets, you can always take the hassle out of making a golf cage from scratch. These prefabricated golf cages are easy to assemble and provide a more professional solution for your home golf set-up.
Our Freestanding Golf Practice Net measures 3m x 3m x 3m, making it just the right size for a garden golf cage. The galvanised steel frame is powder-coated to ensure longevity, even when consistently exposed to the elements.
This cage comes with side, back, and roof netting made from archery-grade high-tenacity polypropylene knotless baffle material.
For a more permanent structure, our 1 Bay Socketed Golf Cage is a convenient solution. Made from the same OD galvanised steel frame and UV-treated netting as the freestanding version, this golf cage comes with sockets for a permanent installation in your garden.
Step 1: Choose the Area to Set Up Your Golf Net
The first thing you need to do is prep your area, which will depend on where and how you're planning on setting up your net.
Some people choose their garage, but we recommend setting up your net outside in the garden.
It gives you more space for a full swing and minimises the risk of damage from any errant shots. Plus, the environment adds a sense of authenticity to your practice sessions, like dealing with wind directions and uneven ground.
If your garden is particularly uneven, you might want to level the ground a bit before setting up your net.
Clear any debris, sticks or stones that may get in the way.
Step 2: Build Your Golf Net Frame
To build a frame for your home golf driving range, PVC conduit is our top recommendation. PVC is lightweight, affordable, and easy to work with.
You can purchase PVC pipes from any hardware store and have them cut to your desired lengths.
You'll need
- 10 x 1m PVC pipes
- 2 x 90-degree elbows
- 2 x T-joints for the frame
You can use glue to secure the joints together for extra stability. Although, you need to make sure the frame is straight before glueing the pipes. Use a spirit level while the frame is on a hard, level surface.
Step 3: Attach Golf Impact Netting
Now, it's time to install your chosen netting. This is relatively easy for the PVC frame. Simply attach the netting to the frame using cable ties.
Add our 200mm x 4.8mm cable ties to your basket when purchasing netting for quick and easy installation!
We recommend making sure there's plenty of netting sag at the bottom to attach to the base of the frame. This will create a much more secure net for catching the golf ball. Also, try to avoid gaping spaces between the frame and the net!
Attaching your netting to hooks in your pre-existing frame is just as easy as attaching it to the frame.
All you need to do is hang the netting off the hooks, using the eyelets or the netting mesh itself, depending on the type of netting you've chosen.
Again, make sure there's enough netting sag at the bottom of the space to absorb the impact of the ball.
If you're using basic golf netting for either set-up, we recommend oversizing your netting and folding it over a few times at the top where you're hanging it from the frame or hooks. This prevents all the tension from being placed on a single mesh hole, making it stronger and lasting longer.
Step 4: Position Your Golf Mat
Once your frame is up, you can position your golf mat on the ground.
Bear in mind that the mat might kill the grass underneath, so you might want to take it up when you're not practising. Depending on the layout of your garden, you may be able to position the mat on an area of concrete or decking instead.
The Tiger-T Golf Practice Mat creates a great teeing-off area withreinforced tee holes, tough nylon grass construction, and a shock-absorbing cushion pad system. This is definitely our top choice.
Get Your DIY Back Garden Golf Netting at Huck Nets
Having a professional-looking DIY practice range in your back garden is the perfect way to stay on top of your game even when you can't make it to your club. With our guide to building your own practice range, you'll be able to practise any time for a fraction of the price of a driving range.
Check out our full range of golf netting, mats, and cages online at Huck Nets to create a durable home golf practice range.
FAQs
Can I Use a Bed Sheet as a Golf Net?
Yes, you can technically use a bed sheet as a makeshift golf net for very light practice, but it is not recommended for serious golfers. Bed sheets are not designed to withstand the impact of golf balls and may rip or tear easily. For durability and safety, it's best to invest in a purpose-built golf net. Check out our range at Huck Nets.
Can You Use Real Golf Balls With Practice Nets?
Practice nets are designed to safely catch golf balls, allowing you to use real golf balls during practice sessions without causing damage. When using practice nets with real golf balls, ensure they are securely set up and follow safety guidelines to prevent any accidents.
Can You Use a Carpet as a Golf Mat?
Yes, you can use carpet as a makeshift golf mat for indoor practice, but it's not ideal for outdoor use. While it can help with swing mechanics, it lacks the cushioning and durability of purpose-built golf mats. For a more authentic experience, consider investing in a proper golf mat.
What is a Golf Fairway Mat?
A golf fairway mat is a synthetic turf surface that simulates the feel of hitting from a real fairway on a golf course. These mats provide a more realistic playing experience compared to traditional mats, helping golfers work on their ball striking and swing consistency with greater accuracy and precision.