Golf Tutorials

How to Make a Golf Practice Net

By Spencer Lanoue
July 24, 2025

Building your own golf practice net is a genuinely game-changing project that gives you the freedom to work on your swing anytime. This guide provides a straightforward plan to build a reliable and safe practice net, walking you through everything from choosing materials to the final assembly so you can start hitting balls in your own backyard or garage.

Why Build Your Own Golf Net?

Sure, you can buy a pre-made net, and many of them are pretty good. But going the DIY route has some big advantages. First, you save money. High-quality commercial nets can be expensive, and you can often build a sturdier, larger version for a fraction of the price. Second, you can customize it completely to your space. Whether you have a small corner in your garage or a wide-open area in your yard, you can design a net that fits perfectly.

Most importantly, having a net at home eliminates excuses. As a golf coach, I know that real improvement comes from consistent, deliberate practice. When your practice station is ten steps away, you’re much more likely to put in those 20-minute sessions that build muscle memory. You can work on a new feeling in your backswing or dial in your posture without having to pack up the car and drive to the range. It’s about making practice an easy, accessible part of your daily routine.

Getting Started: Materials and Tools

Before you start building, you need to gather the right gear. Choosing the right materials is the most important part of this project. A net that can't handle the force of a real golf ball is not just a waste of money - it's a serious safety hazard. Let's break down what you'll need.

Essential Materials

  • The Netting: This is a non-negotiable expense. Don't cheap out here. You need netting specifically designed to absorb high-velocity impacts. Look for #24 knotted nylon or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) netting. Archery backstop netting is also a fantastic, highly durable option. For size, a 10-foot by 10-foot square is a great starting point for a personal stall. Buy it slightly larger than your frame so it can hang with a bit of slack - this helps dissipate the ball's energy.
  • The Frame: You have a couple of solid options here, depending on how permanent you want your setup to be.
    • For a Portable PVC Frame: This is the easiest and most common approach. You’ll need Schedule 40 PVC pipe, which is strong but lightweight. A 1.5-inch diameter is a good balance of rigidity and cost. You'll also need PVC corner fittings. Typically, you'll want four 3-way corner fittings for the top corners and four for the bottom to create a stable cube shape.
    • For a Semi-Permanent Frame: This is for a more dedicated outdoor space. You’ll need two heavy-duty posts - either 4x4 pressure-treated wood posts or galvanized steel poles - at least 12 feet long to allow for burying a portion for stability. You’ll also need steel wire rope (at least 1/8" thick), eye bolts, and a turnbuckle to tension the cable.
  • Impact Baffle / Target Sheet: This is a secondary sheet that hangs in front of your main net. It takes the brunt of the impact, saving your primary net from wear and tear and significantly reducing noise. A heavy canvas tarp, an old durable blanket or duvet, or even a professional archery baffle will work perfectly. This piece is what will make your setup last.

Required Tools

You probably have most of these lying around already. Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Measuring tape
  • Hacksaw or PVC pipe cutter
  • Power drill
  • Heavy-duty zip ties, carabiners, or bungee cords with ball ends
  • Safety glasses and gloves
  • For semi-permanent frame: post-hole digger, level, and a bag or two of quick-set concrete mix.

Option 1: The Simple PVC Frame Golf Net (Step-by-Step)

This portable, garage-friendly design is perfect for most golfers. We’ll build a frame that’s 10 feet high, 10 feet wide, and 5 feet deep. The depth is important as it provides stability and helps contain shots that aren’t perfectly straight.

Step 1: Plan and Cut Your PVC Pipes

Measure twice, cut once! For a 10'H x 10'W x 5'D frame, you'll need the following pieces of 1.5-inch PVC pipe:

  • Uprights: Four pieces at 10 feet long.
  • Width: Three pieces at 10 feet long (one for the top back, one for the bottom front, and one for the bottom back).
  • Depth: Four pieces at 5 feet long (for the sides of the base).

Use your hacksaw or PVC cutter to make clean, straight cuts.

Step 2: Assemble the Base Frame

Start by laying out the base of your frame on a flat surface. You're building a 10-foot by 5-foot rectangle on the ground.

Take two of your 5-foot depth pieces and one 10-foot width piece. Connect them into a "U" shape using two 3-way corner fittings. Then add the second 10-foot width piece to complete the rectangle, using two more 3-way fittings. You should now have a rectangular base with four corner fittings pointing upwards, ready for the uprights.

Step 3: Build the Upright Frame

Now, carefully insert the four 10-foot upright pipes into the upward-facing openings of the corner fittings on the base. It’s helpful to have a friend for this part to keep it steady. Once the four uprights are in place, attach the remaining four 3-way corner fittings to the tops of the poles.

Step 4: Connect the Top

With the top fittings in place, you can now add the top crossbars. Insert your two remaining 5-foot pipes into the side fittings and your final 10-foot pipe across the back. This completes the cube structure. Give every connection a firm push to make sure it's snug. You don't need PVC cement, a friction fit is strong enough and allows you to disassemble it later if needed.

Step 5: Hang the Net and Baffle

Drape your purchased golfing net over the frame. Starting at one top corner, secure the net to the PVC pipe using heavy-duty zip ties or bungee cords. Work your way across the top bar first, then down the sides. It's important to leave some slack in the net! A tight net acts like a trampoline and can ricochet the ball back at you. A loose, draped net will "catch" the ball by absorbing its energy.

Finally, hang your impact baffle so it hangs about 8-12 inches in front of the back net. This double-layer protection is what truly makes your system safe and durable.

Option 2: The Semi-Permanent Cable-Hung Net

If you have a dedicated spot outdoors and want a more robust, weathered system, this is a great choice. It has fewer frame pieces to get in the way and can handle wind better if installed correctly.

Step 1: Set Your Posts

Choose two spots in your yard roughly 12 feet apart. Dig holes that are at least 2 to 3 feet deep. You want about one-quarter of the post’s total length to be underground. Place your 4x4 posts or steel poles in the holes and use a level to ensure they are perfectly vertical. Fill the holes with quick-set concrete, following the instructions on the bag. Let the concrete cure completely, usually for 24-48 hours. This solid foundation is what makes the whole system work.

Step _ 2: Install the Support Cable_

Drill a hole near the top of each post and install a heavy-duty eye bolt. On one bolt, attach your turnbuckle. Then, run your steel wire rope from the other eye bolt to the open end of the turnbuckle. Tighten the turnbuckle until the cable is extremely taut. This top cable will support all the weight of the net, so it needs to be strong and have very little sag.

_Step 3: Hang the Netting

Use carabiners or large S-hooks to clip the top edge of your golf net to the steel cable you just installed. Space them about every 12 inches. To keep the net from blowing around, you can either thread another cable through the bottom loops of the net and anchor it to stakes in the ground, or simply use some landscape staples to pin the bottom edge down.

Just like with the PVC method, hang a separate impact baffle in front of your primary net to absorb the force of your shots.

Safety First: Using Your New Practice Net

You've built it, now it's time to hit some balls. But a few words of caution from a coach: your safety and the safety of those around you is paramount. Treat your practice station with respect.

  • Inspect Regularly: Before every session, give your net a quick visual inspection. Look for any fraying, thinning, or holes. Even the best netting will wear out over time.
  • Position Wisely: a great place to put you in mind what is behind it. Ensure there are no windows, paths, or neighbor's property in the direct line of fire - or well behind it. Remember, nets can fail.
  • Respect the Shank: a mishit shot is bound to happen especially ones that fly off the house, these errant shots are just happen. If your setup is in a tight space, consider adding side nets for full containment.
  • Start Slow: for your very first sessions, start with foam or limited flight practice for this. Get a feel for how the net absorb energy before you unleash the drive at maximum velocity

Final Thoughts

Building your own golf practice net is a completely achievable and rewarding project. It puts you in control of your practice schedule and gives you a dedicated space to fine-tune your technique. More than anything, it removes the barriers between you and getting better at this game.

Of course, having a station to hit balls is one thing, knowing what to practice is another. To get the most out of every session, you need a plan. We designed Caddie AI to act as that personal coach in your pocket, 24/7. When you’re at your new net puzzling over a swing feel or shot shape, you can simply ask it for guidance. We give you clear, straightforward drills and explanations so you can turn aimless hitting into productive, targeted practice.

Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. His mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.

Other posts you might like

How to Throw a Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.

Read more
card link

What Is a Golf Handicap?

A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.

Read more
card link

What Is the Compression of a Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball?

The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.

Read more
card link

What Spikes Fit Puma Golf Shoes?

Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.

Read more
card link

How to Use the Golf Genius App

The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.

Read more
card link

How to Not Embarrass Yourself While Golfing

Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i

Read more
card link
Rating

Instant advice to help you golf like a pro

Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.

Get started for free
Image Descrptions