How I Turned My Garden into a Driving Range (Without Annoying the Neighbours)

If you’ve ever tried hitting a few balls in your garden to sharpen your golf swing, chances are you’ve either shattered a fence panel, bounced a ball off the BBQ, or terrified the family dog. I’ve been there.

Golf at home sounds like a dream — until it’s not.

 

But after years of being “that neighbour” (the one who loses balls over the fence on a regular basis), I finally sorted myself out with a proper golf net for backyard use. It’s hands down the best thing I’ve done for my game… and my relationship with next door.

 

The Problem with Practising Golf at Home

 

Practising your golf swing without the right equipment is a nightmare:

 

• Balls fly off in every direction

• You’re constantly holding back for fear of breaking something

• You waste more time collecting balls than actually swinging

• It’s near impossible to focus on technique

I started out using a garden chair as a ball stop. Terrible idea. Then I tried lining up plastic bins to create a target zone — fun for five minutes, until one ball pinged off and cracked a window.

 

The Backyard Solution: A Golf Hitting Net That Actually Works

 

When I started looking for hitting nets for backyard driving practice, I wanted something:

 

• Tough enough to take full-speed swings

• Big enough to catch wayward shots

• Easy to pack away

• And not eye-wateringly expensive

 

The net I’ve been using ticks every box. It’s big, strong, and surprisingly quick to set up — you can go from unpacking it to your first swing in under five minutes. Fold it away just as fast.

Here is the exact golf practice net I am using. 

Why This Golf Net Is a Game-Changer

This net basically turned my garden into a home swing training aid setup. No fancy screens, no high-end launch monitor — just a reliable target that catches the ball and lets me focus on my swing.

 

Benefits I’ve actually noticed:

 

• More confidence on the course – I’m not second-guessing my swing mechanics anymore.

• No more chasing balls – It catches everything, even the ones that slice wildly.

• Better rhythm and flow – I can hit 50+ shots in one session without setting anything back up.

• Peace of mind – My fence (and my neighbour’s greenhouse) are finally safe.

Plus, it works perfectly with chipping mats and golf practice balls if you want to build out a full garden golf aid setup over time.

 

Is It a Home Golf Simulator?

 

Not exactly. This net doesn’t come with sensors, screens, or swing data. But if you’ve ever priced up a proper home golf simulator, you’ll know they’re not cheap.

 

This is the budget-friendly way to practice your swing, refine your contact, and get more reps in — especially when you’re short on time or can’t get to the driving range.

Honestly, if you’ve got even a small patch of lawn, decking, or patio, you can make it work. No fancy gear required.

 

Bonus: Great for Football Too

Here’s a bonus I didn’t expect — this net also doubles as a ball stop for football. If you’ve got kids launching shots into the flowerbeds, this will save your sanity (and your plants). It’s solid enough to take the hit, and wide enough to make a difference.

 

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about improving your swing, or you just want a way to hit balls in the garden without losing them over the fence, this golf net is the easiest win.

 

No subscriptions, no monthly fees, no need to drive anywhere. Just step outside and swing.

👉 Ready to practise properly? Grab this extra large hitting net