You’ve decided to play golf at home, but you’re still unsure about what type of golf net is best for you? Well, after reading this blog, the choice will be a lot easier! We’ll talk about shape and size, functionality, side net options, durability, expansion options, and finally, price!
Shape and size
Let's start with the shape and size. You won't find a single golf net at Golf Backyard that is "too small". However, the size does determine how far away you can stand from the golf net. Which is relevant if you want to add a golf simulator in the future. In that case, it is recommended to stand as far away from the golf net as possible. In addition, the further away you stand from the golf net, the better you are able to estimate where your ball would have ended up. Nevertheless, your space may be limited, and you are looking for a golf net that fits. Below are the dimensions of each golf net:
Pop-up variants:
- Rukknet : 3.1m wide at the bottom, 1m wide at the top, 2.1m high, 1.5m deep
- Spornia SPG-7 : 2.0m wide, 2.0m high, 2.0m deep
Standard variants:
- Rukket Haack : 2.8m wide at the bottom, 2.5m wide at the top, 2.1m high, 0.8m deep
- Rukket Haack Pro : 2.8m wide at the bottom, 2.7m wide at the top, 2.1m high, 0.8m deep
- Rukket SPDR : 3.0m wide, 2.1m high, 0.8m deep
- NetReturn Home : 2.10m wide, 2.1m high, 1.1m deep
- NetReturn Pro : 40m wide, 2.3m high, 1.1m deep
Functionality
Not every golf net is suitable to be left outside all the time. This is important to know before you buy a golf net. If you do not like setting up or taking down the golf net, you want one that can be set up as quickly as possible. The fastest options are the pop-up versions: Rukknet or Spornia . However, they take up more space.
If you choose the standard variants, you must take the following set-up times into account:
- Rukket Haack : 3-minutes (4 tubes)
- Rukket Haack Pro : 5-minute (5 tubes; just takes a bit longer)
- Rukket SPDR : 3 minutes (1 folding construction)
- NetReturn Home / Pro : 5-minute (11 tubes)
You can also choose to slide the net back to the middle tube with NetReturn and then disconnect it. Then you put the frame outside on its belly and the net dry inside.
Side nets
This topic is one that is often discussed. Are side nets really necessary? Unfortunately, Golf Backyard does not have the answer. First of all, you will see that not every golf net has side nets as standard; that says something as far as we are concerned. Very rarely, perhaps never, is a shank hit. A draw or fade is perfectly absorbed by every golf net. One chooses to take absolutely no risks, the other finds a creative solution to absorb a possible shank, and then you have the risk takers (or better golfers) who consciously choose not to.
However, when you play golf at home, you will try new things with your swing more often. You are not just hitting golf balls at random, no; you are consciously working on every golf swing. As a result, there may be a stray more often. Keep that in mind!
The golf nets that have possible side nets are the following:
- Rukket SPDR (standard)
- Spornia SPG-7 (available)
- NetReturn variants (available)
- Rukket Haack & Haack Pro only via the American Amazon version.
Durability
Golf Backyard was created after a golf net was purchased that broke after a few weeks. That absolutely had to and could be improved. With that in mind, the current brands were eventually added to the range; they are all strong enough to hit many golf balls! But of course there are differences between each golf net; hence this blog. One golf net can withstand wind and weather better than the other. In addition, some golf nets have so-called impact cloths; which absorb most of the impact of the ball.
If you are going to have the golf net inside, I would not read this section, simply because any golf net will do. If you are going to put the golf net outside, NetReturn is the absolute winner in terms of durability. The NetReturn Pro even has stainless steel tubes and the golf net itself is extremely sturdy. NetReturn could stay outside for a few days in the summer, provided it is not too windy, because golf nets do catch some wind.
The quality of the Spornia golf net is the lowest of all three brands. However, it does have an impact cloth, which benefits the golf net in terms of lifespan. Rukket works with 4-layer (Haack) and 5-layer (Haack Pro & SPDR) untangled nets. The differences are barely noticeable, but Rukket advises not to leave the golf nets outside. Treat them like garden furniture; store them away in the winter.
Expansion options
This is a topic that you will not immediately think about, but which is ultimately important when purchasing a golf net. Suppose you like playing golf at home; the golf net works great, you have a nice teeing mat, and your setup is ready. Then you may want more information about the hit ball after a while. Then the next step is a golf simulator . Maybe you even want to work with a projector and project the ball flight.
In that case, not every golf net will do. With the pop-up variants, you cannot hang a projector cloth on them because of their shape. Furthermore, the golf nets from Rukket are not suitable for this; Rukket focuses on the somewhat more affordable home golf setups. At Spornia this is possible but it is not very common. Only NetReturn focuses on simulator setups; for example, real constructions can be ordered and the rectangular shape of NetReturn is also more suitable.
Price
Finally, the price is not entirely unimportant. Rukket's golf nets are the most affordable and you definitely get a lot for your money. Only you will have to be a bit more economical with it. The Spornia golf net is the best of all pop-up variants, which makes it expensive. There are several pop-up variants on the market, but none are as good as Spornia. For example, the roll-back formula, the impact cloth, the size and possible expansion options are unique. Do you ultimately want to leave the golf net outside for a night, expand it with a projector in the long run, or do you find the net quality the most important; then choose NetReturn. Not cheap, but what do you expect with Bryson Dechambeau as a brand ambassador, that is quite expensive. Although at least you know for 100% sure that if he does not succeed in hitting through, who will ;')
Conclusion
A whole lot of information about golf nets, hopefully the choice has become a bit easier! Ultimately, the shape, durability and price are the most important for us. If you are still in doubt, Golf Backyard offers free returns. Try out a golf net! Make sure you keep all plastic bags and packaging well.
If you found this blog useful, check it out with the discount code “ golfnet-code ”. Then we will make you happy with a top golf net! Balls!
