Golf Practice Nets
A quality golf net or enclosure provides the safety and confidence you need to swing freely, knowing that every shot—even the occasional shank!—is securely contained. From simple, portable golf nets for the backyard to hitting nets that create a golf simulator room, find the perfect solution for your space. If you need help perfecting your measurements, book a simulator consultation today or contact us.
Hitting nets & enclosures
What a golf net does and why it matters
On the surface, a golf net's job is simple: stop a golf ball travelling at over 100 mph. But its role is much bigger than that. It's a crucial piece of safety equipment that protects your property and anyone nearby. For a home simulator, a full enclosure does even more. It creates the "room within a room", housing the impact screen that brings virtual courses to life and provides an immersive environment that makes you feel like you're really on the first tee.
Without a reliable net, practice is impossible. With a quality enclosure, a simulator is transformed from a collection of parts into a cohesive, professional-grade experience.
Austad's pro tip: "The golden rule of simulator building is measure, measure, measure. Before you buy anything, take a full driver swing in your intended space to check your ceiling height. Remember to leave at least a foot of buffer space behind and to the sides of your golf netting for safety. One accurate measurement saves a thousand headaches later on."
- Carson Buell, Head Simulator Consultant
Finding the right golf net for your space
Whether you have a dedicated room or a multi-purpose garage, there's a solution designed to fit your needs
For portable practice
Perfect for the backyard, the park, or taking on the go. Portable hitting nets are designed for quick setup and takedown, offering a simple and effective way to get your reps in. They are the ideal choice for golfers who want a flexible practice station without the commitment of a permanent installation.
For dedicated hitting bays
A step up in durability and size, these standalone hitting bays are perfect for a garage or basement. Featuring robust frames and high-quality netting, they provide a larger hitting area and greater peace of mind. They are the workhorse solution for the golfer who practices frequently and needs a reliable, semi-permanent setup.
For the full simulator enclosure
This is the ultimate solution for an immersive home golf experience. Our golf simulator packages include various options for your golf net, as well as a premium impact screen, side walls, and a ceiling to create a complete environment. They provide maximum safety, block out ambient light for stunning 4K UHD resolutionprojector images, and give your space the clean, professional look it deserves. Book a simulator consultation to work out the best golf net for your area
Golf net buying guide: 3 things to consider
Choosing the right net or enclosure is all about matching the product to your space and goals.
1. Measuring your space correctly
Your room dimensions are the most important factor. Before you choose a product, confirm three measurements:
- Height: Can you comfortably swing your driver? We recommend a minimum ceiling height of 8.5 feet, but 10 feet is ideal.
- Width: Is there enough room side-to-side to contain an off-center shot? A width of 12-15 feet provides a safe margin.
- Depth: Do you have enough room for the enclosure, your launch monitor, and a safe hitting area? Remember to account for at least one foot of buffer space behind the screen. You'll need at least 16 feet in total.
2. Net vs full enclosure
It's important to know the difference. A golf net is primarily a practice tool designed simply to stop the ball. A full enclosure is a simulator component. It's a complete, five-sided structure (four sides plus a roof) that holds an impact screen, contains shots, and blocks out ambient light, which is crucial for a bright, clear projected image. If you are building an immersive simulator, you need an enclosure.
3. Impact screen quality
The impact screen is another key feature for home simulators. A premium screen offers three main benefits over a standard one: a clearer and brighter HD image, a quieter sound at impact (important for home use), and greater durability with less bounce-back for a safer experience. Investing in a quality screen elevates the entire simulation.
Need help planning your space? Our experts can look at your room dimensions and help you design the perfect, safest setup.
Why buy golf nets from Austad's?
We're a third-generation family business with over 60 years of experience helping golfers improve their game.
- The right products for you: We select every golf net and enclosure for its durability, safety, and performance. If we wouldn't use it in our own home, we don't make it part of our simulator packages.
- From our family to yours: At the end of the day, we're just a golf-crazy family that is passionate about helping other golfers get the most from their game.
- We're here for you: Have a question about assembly or need advice after purchasing? Reach out to us with any questions, or swing by one of our 10 stores to speak to us in person.
- A trusted name: Check out what golfers just like you have said about working on their game with Austad's. We'd love to see how we can help you too.
Golf Net FAQs
Can you use real golf balls with practice nets?
Yes, absolutely. All the nets and enclosures we sell at Austad's are specifically designed and tested to withstand the impact of real golf balls hit at full speed. This is crucial for getting accurate feedback from a launch monitor and for an authentic practice experience.
Are golf nets good for practice?
A golf net is one of the most effective practice tools a golfer can own. It allows you to focus purely on your technique, swing feel, and solid contact without the distraction of watching the ball flight. When
paired with a launch monitor, it becomes an incredibly powerful feedback system.
Are golf hitting nets worth it?
Without a doubt. A practice net is the one piece of equipment that enables year-round training from the comfort of your own home. It saves you time and money on trips to the driving range and provides the freedom to work on your swing whenever you have a spare 20 minutes. It's an investment in convenience and consistency.
How much room do you need behind a golf net?
For safety, we recommend leaving at least 12-18 inches (1 to 1.5 feet) of open space between your net or impact screen and any wall or hard object behind it. This buffer zone allows the net to safely flex and absorb the ball's energy, preventing dangerous bounce-back and protecting your walls from damage.
