large golf nets ·Sep 17, 2025

How to Build a Large Golf Net: Complete DIY Guide

Building your own golf practice net saves hundreds of pounds while creating a custom solution that fits your exact space and needs. Professional golf nets cost £200-800+, but you can build an effective large golf net for £80-350 depending on your materials and design choices.

Planning Your Large Golf Net Build

Indoor vs Outdoor Practice

Indoor nets need compact designs that fit garages or basements with at least a 9ft ceiling height for full swings. Focus on space-saving features like wall mounts or ceiling brackets. Golf net for garden setups can be larger but need weather-resistant materials and secure anchoring systems to handle UK weather conditions.

Full Swing, Irons Only, or Short Game Practice

Driver swings require large golf nets at least 10ft wide and 9ft high minimum. Iron practice works with 8x8ft nets. Short game practice needs smaller nets but better ball collection systems. Consider whether you want a simple golf driving net or a full golf cage with side protection.

Measure Your Space

Minimum Width and Height Requirements

- Driver swings: 10ft wide, 9ft high minimum

- Iron practice: 8ft wide, 8ft high

- Chipping: 6ft wide, 6ft high

Clearance Needed Around the Net

Stand 8-10ft from the net for proper swing follow-through. Allow 3ft clearance on each side. Ensure 15ft+ clearance behind the net for safety, especially important for residential areas.

Budget and Materials Overview

Cost Ranges by Frame Type

- PVC frame: £80-120

- Metal frame: £200-350

- Wood frame: £150-250

Types of Netting Material

Professional golf ball netting handles impacts well and includes UV resistance for outdoor use. Nylon netting degrades in sunlight but works indoors. Polyester golf netting offers better weather resistance. Avoid household alternatives like painter's sheets for safety reasons.

Frame Design Options

DIY Simple PVC Frame

Pipe Size, Joints, and Connectors

Use 20mm PVC pipe for lightweight frames suitable for indoor golf net setups. You'll need 10 x 1m PVC pipes, 2 x 90-degree elbows, and 2 x T-joints for a basic frame. PVC cement ensures permanent connections, though removable designs work for pop up golf net styles.

Anchoring and Stability

Ground anchors driven 12+ inches deep prevent frame movement in windy conditions. Connect the base with rope or chains. For exposed locations, add diagonal braces for extra stability.

Metal or Timber Cage Build

Pros and Cons vs PVC

Metal frames last 5-10 years compared to 2-3 years for PVC. They handle wind better and support larger professional golf practice nets but cost more and need basic welding skills. Timber frames offer good durability at moderate cost.

Reinforcement and Padding

Add horizontal supports every 4ft for structural integrity. Pad frame edges with foam pipe insulation to prevent injury from wild swings. Use galvanized bolts to prevent rust on outdoor installations.

Using Existing Structures

Garages, Rafters, and Beams

Mount nets to ceiling joists or wall studs rated for dynamic loads. Include fold-away mechanisms for space saving. Ensure adequate ceiling height for your tallest club.

Trees or Posts

Strong trees can support one side of the net system. Ensure branches won't interfere with ball flight paths. Existing fence posts work as anchor points with proper reinforcement.

Netting and Safety Features

Choosing the Right Netting Material

Strength and Impact Resistance

Golf balls travel 100+ mph at impact, so standard household netting tears quickly. Choose sports-grade netting with minimum 1.5-inch mesh size. Best golf practice net UK options include UV-resistant materials rated for outdoor use.

UV Resistance and Outdoor Durability

UV rays destroy cheap netting within months of outdoor exposure. Weather-resistant golf netting costs more upfront but lasts years outdoors without replacement, making it more economical long-term.

Attaching the Net Securely

Methods and Hardware

Cable ties provide permanent attachment every 6-8 inches along the frame. Bungee cords allow adjustment but may snap under repeated stress. Carabiners and hooks offer easy removal for seasonal storage.

Handling Sag, Bounce Back, and Stretch

Proper tension prevents sagging without over-stretching the net material. Allow enough give in the netting to cushion ball impact rather than bouncing balls back aggressively. Position the net at a slight backward angle to reduce ball return velocity.

Safety Add-ons

Side and Top Protection

Side nets catch shanked shots that miss the main net. Top nets prevent balls from flying over in windy conditions. Essential features for residential areas with neighbors nearby.

Padding for Frame Edges

Foam pipe insulation prevents cuts and bruises during practice sessions. Particularly important for garage installations where space constraints increase collision risks.

Step-by-Step Build Instructions

Building the Frame

Cutting Pipes or Timbers

Measure twice, cut once. A standard 10x8ft frame needs:

- 2x 10ft horizontal pieces

- 2x 8ft vertical pieces

- 4x 4ft depth supports

Assembly Process

Start with the base rectangle and add vertical posts at corners. Install the top frame structure, then add depth supports for 3D stability. Test fit all connections before making them permanent with cement or bolts.

Installing the Net

Aligning and Securing Edges

Start at one corner and work systematically around the frame. Keep the net square to prevent gaps. Attach the netting every 6-8 inches for security, ensuring no large openings remain.

Making Tension Adjustments

The net should be taut but not stretched tight. Allow slight give for ball impact absorption while maintaining proper shape. Adjust corner tensions evenly to prevent uneven wear patterns.

Final Checks and Testing

Stability and Anchoring

Test frame stability by pushing gently from different angles. All connections should remain solid under pressure. Ground anchors should hold firm under sideways stress from wind or ball impacts.

First Shots and Behavior

Start with easy wedge shots to test the system. Watch how balls behave on impact and adjust net angle if balls bounce back too aggressively. Gradually work up to full swings once satisfied with safety.

Comparison: DIY vs Pre-built Options

Cost Factors

Materials, Labor, and Maintenance

DIY builds cost £80-350 plus 3-8 hours labor depending on complexity. Golf net for sale options cost £200-800+ but set up in 15-60 minutes. Factor in replacement costs when comparing long-term value.

Performance and Durability

Professional Alternatives

Quality golf net kits offer proven performance and warranties. Consider these options:

- Net Return Pro 8: Premium with ball return system

- SimSpace Deluxe 10ft: Professional quality and durability

- Pure2Improve Pop-Up: Instant setup convenience

When to Buy Instead of DIY

Choose professional golf practice net and mat combinations if you lack time, tools, or building skills. Warranty coverage provides peace of mind, and quick setup means immediate practice without project delays.

Conclusion

Building your own large golf net and mat setup provides satisfaction and significant savings, but requires time and effort. Size matters most - build larger than you think you need for safety and effectiveness. Whether you build or buy, consistent home practice transforms your golf game faster than occasional driving range visits.

For golfers seeking convenience, professional golf net kits offer immediate setup and proven durability. For those who enjoy DIY projects and want custom sizing, building your own net creates a personalized practice solution at fraction of commercial costs.