Bryson DeChambeau, the physicist of the fairways, uses a personal practice setup built to withstand incredible force, and for a long time, his net of choice has been The Net Return Pro Series V2. This isn’t just a simple backyard net, it’s a high-performance piece of equipment designed for serious golfers who generate serious speed. This article will not only confirm what net he uses but, more importantly, break down why a player like him chooses this type of setup, explaining what features really matter and how you can apply these principles to build a home practice station that truly improves your game.
Understanding Bryson's Choice: The Net Return Pro Series V2
When you generate the clubhead and ball speeds that Bryson DeChambeau does, your equipment can't be flimsy. An ordinary, big-box store net would likely be shredded in a single session with him. His choice, The Net Return Pro Series V2, is renowned in the golf community for a few specific reasons that directly align with his demanding practice routine.
Key Feature 1: Automatic Ball Return
The single most defining feature of a Net Return product is its name: the net literally returns the ball back to your feet. The netting and frame are designed so that the surface flexes upon impact, absorbing the ball's energy and gently rolling it back to the hitting area. For a player who practices with high volume like Bryson, this is not a small convenience - it’s a massive efficiency gain. Imagine hitting 100 drivers. With a standard "capture" net, you'd have a pile of 100 balls to pick up. With a ball return system, you can hit consecutive shots with the same few balls, allowing you to stay in your posture and maintain a focused rhythm without constant interruption. It turns a static hitting session into a true practice flow.
Key Feature 2: Unmatched Durability
The core selling point for any elite player is reliability. The Pro Series V2 is rated to handle ball speeds up to 225 MPH without damage. It's constructed with a robust 1.5-inch tubular aluminum frame that is lightweight but incredibly strong, and the heavyweight polyester netting is designed to absorb and dissipate extreme impact forces. When your entire brand is built on speed, you need the confidence to unleash your driver without ever thinking, “What if this one goes through the net?” A professional-grade net provides that peace of mind, making it a safe and dependable backdrop for pushing your physical limits during speed training sessions.
Key Feature 3: Generous Size and Stability
The Pro Series V2 offers a large hitting area (7'6" high x 8' wide), which provides a huge mental benefit. Even the best players in the world miss the center of the face. Knowing you have a big target allows you to swing freely without "steering" the ball. A smaller net can cause a subconscious fear of the miss - a shanked wedge or a heeled driver - leading you to make tentative, unnatural swings. A large, stable frame allows you to practice every club in your bag, from your most delicate wedges to your most powerful driver, with total freedom and confidence.
What Every Golfer Should Look for in a Practice Net
You don't need a four-figure budget to get a fantastic practice net, but understanding the principles behind Bryson's choice will help you make a smarter investment. Whether you're spending $200 or $2,000, these are the features that separate a good net from a garage-cluttering gadget.
Material and Netting Quality
The heart of any net is the netting itself. Look for multi-layered netting or designs made from high-strength polyester or nylon. Cheaper nets often use thin, single-layer mesh that degrades quickly, especially if left outdoors. A quality net often features an additional, separate impact screen or baffle that hangs in front of the main net to absorb the brunt of the force, significantly extending the life of the entire system. This is what stops the ball, so don't overlook it.
Frame Construction and Ease of Use
How easy is the net to set up and take down? For many golfers, this is the most practical consideration. Look for frames with shock-corded poles (like a camping tent) or tool-free assembly systems. Lighter T-6 aluminum or flexible fiberglass frames are great for portability, while heavier steel frames offer more stability for a permanent or semi-permanent setup. Make sure the footprint of the frame matches the space you have available in your garage, basement, or backyard.
Essential Accessories: Hitting Mat and Launch Monitor
The net is only one part of the equation. To truly improve, you need a good hitting mat and, if possible, a launch monitor.
- Hitting Mat: Do not just hit off of thin, cheap turf mats. They offer no real-world feedback and can be harsh on your wrists and elbows. A quality mat made of dense foam and high-grade turf will simulate taking a divot and provide better feedback on your strike quality. It's an investment in your game and your health.
- Launch Monitor: This is what transforms simple hitting into intelligent practice. Bryson DeChambeau is data-obsessed and likely uses a professional-grade unit like a GCQuad or TrackMan. However, consumer-grade monitors like the Garmin Approach R10 or Foresight Sports Mevo have made getting essential data - ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and carry distance - more accessible than ever. Hitting into a net without one is like practicing with a blindfold on. You might feel a good swing, but you have no idea what the ball actually did.
Building Your Own High-Performance Practice Station
Ready to set up your own bay? Here’s a simple process to follow.
1. Assess Your Space and Goals.
Measure your height, width, and depth. Remember to allow enough room to swing your driver comfortably without hitting a wall or ceiling. Are you a speed chaser who needs maximum durability? Or are you a finesse player working on your wedges from 50 yards and in? Your primary goal will guide your purchase. A net perfect for wedge work might not be suitable for full-speed driver swings.
2. Choose a Net That Fits.
- The Serious Practioner (Higher Budget): If you want the best, something like The Net Return Pro or a Spornia SPG-7 offers the combination of ball return, durability, and ease of use that will make you want to practice more often.
- The All-Around Golfer (Mid-Range Budget): Brands like Rukket Sports (specifically the Haack Net or variants) offer a fantastic balance of size, durability, and price. They might not have the automatic ball return of the premium nets, but they are sturdy, reliable, and big enough for all clubs.
- The Casual or Space-Limited Golfer (Lower Budget): There are still great, safe options. Look for pop-up nets with a solid frame design and good user reviews regarding durability. The most important thing here is safety - make sure it's deep enough to catch the ball reliably.
3. Add Your Mat and Tech.
Once your net is picked out, match it with the best hitting mat you can afford. Complete your setup with a personal launch monitor when you're ready to get serious feedback on every shot you hit.
Practice Drills for Your New Net
Once your home station is ready, disciplined practice is what turns potential into performance. Here are a couple of powerful drills you can do.
Drill 1: The Gate Drill for a Perfect Start Line
Place two headcovers, water bottles, or other objects on your hitting mat just in front of the ball, creating a "gate" that is slightly wider than the ball itself. Your goal is to swing and start the ball through the gate without touching either side. Hitting into a net can sometimes make you lazy with your alignment and club path. This drill forces you to concentrate on delivering the club squarely and starting the ball on your intended line - the foundation of every good shot.
Drill 2: The Bryson-Inspired "Variable Speed" Session
You don't need a special weighted club system to do this, though they help. Pick one club, like a 7-iron.
- Hit 5 shots at a smooth, 70% effort. Focus purely on a center-face strike. Check your launch monitor for consistency in ball speed.
- Next, hit 5 shots at your normal, 85-90% on-course speed.
- Finally, hit 5 shots at 105% effort. Swing hard. Try to push your speed limits in a controlled way. The goal isn't perfect strikes, but to train your body to move faster.
This cycle trains both control and power - teaching your body it can move faster while also reinforcing what a smooth, controlled swing feels like.
Final Thoughts
While Bryson DeChambeau and his Net Return Pro Series V2 represent the gold standard, the real lesson is in the why. A great practice setup gives you the confidence, safety, and efficiency to work on your game without limits. By focusing on durability, size, and pairing your net with essential tools like a good mat and a launch monitor, you can build a home station that delivers genuine improvement.
Having the right equipment is a huge step, but making practice purposeful is what creates lasting results. Often, the biggest challenge isn't hitting balls, but knowing precisely what you should be working on. That’s where we designed our Caddie AI to bridge the gap. When you're standing in front of your net, stumped on how to fix a recurring slice or unsure how to gain an extra 10 yards, you can ask for a specific drill tailored to your problem. Our goal is to give you instant, expert-level coaching so that every single ball you hit has a purpose behind it.