The best golf chipping nets for backyards are the GoSports Chipster Pop-Up Net for all-round practice, the JEF World of Golf Collapsible Chipping Net for a frame that will not fold, and the Callaway Chip-Shot Net for the tightest storage footprint. A chipping net is a small pop-up basket with scoring pockets that catches short wedge shots, so you can work on your short game at home instead of paying range fees.
I have been putting nets through their paces over a few months of evening practice, mostly in a suburban backyard roughly 30 feet deep, and the difference between a good chipping net and a bad one shows up in the first ten shots. A net that collapses backward, deflects the ball at your shins, or tips over in a gust wastes the whole session.
That is why the ten picks below are ranked on the things you actually feel while hitting: whether the net stays upright, whether it swallows the ball instead of spitting it back, whether it folds small enough to live in a garage, and whether the targets give you a score worth chasing. Weights, dimensions, materials and ratings come straight from the manufacturer listings and the customer review data behind them, updated for 2026.
One note before we start. I am not going to quote prices, because they move every day. Use the comparison table to shortlist, then check the current listing before you buy.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Golf Chipping Nets for Backyards in 2026
GoSports Chipster Pop-Up Net
- Instant pop-up with 3 separate targets
- Reinforced nylon netting
- Weighs 2.5 pounds
- Indoor and outdoor
Callaway Chip-Shot Net
- Three vertical targets
- Collapses to a 12 inch disc
- Takes real or foam balls
- 1 year limited warranty
DuraRange Pop-Up Net
- All-in-one set with mats and balls
- 400D canvas over an alloy frame
- Folds to 12x12 inches
- Triple target system
Three of the ten made the podium, and they made it for different reasons. The Chipster wins on proven popularity and instant setup, the Callaway wins on how small it gets when you are done, and the DuraRange wins because the box contains a mat, balls and tees so you can start hitting the same afternoon it arrives.
All 10 Golf Chipping Nets at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| GoSports Chipster Pop-Up Golf Chipping Practice Net |
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 JEF World of Golf Collapsible Chipping Net |
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| Callaway Chip-Shot Golf Chipping Net |
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| DuraRange Pop-Up Golf Chipping Net for Short Game Practice |
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 PodiuMax Pop-Up Golf Chipping Net |
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 RELILAC Pop Up Golf Chipping Net |
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 SENSECLUB Foldable Chipping Net with Mat and Balls |
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 SAPLIZE Golf Chipping Net for Backyard Practice |
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 CHAMPKEY Double-Sided Golf Chipping Net with Mat and 12 Foam Balls |
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 Vitality Sports Golf Chipping Net 3 Piece Set |
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Reading across that list, the spread is obvious. Nine of the ten are basket-style nets sized between 20 and 26 inches, while one is a three-piece game set standing 4 feet high and 6 feet wide. Nine of the ten also include some form of carry bag, and every single one of them is a pop-up or fold-up design rather than a fixed frame.
1. GoSports Chipster Pop-Up Golf Chipping Practice Net
GoSports CHIPSTER Range – 3 Piece Golf Chipping Practice Net Target System with Carrying Case, Red
Round nylon basket
12 inch 18 inch and 24 inch sizes
2.5 pounds
6 month warranty
Pros
- Pop-up in seconds with no tools
- Three separate targets for distance control
- Reinforced stitching for season-after-season use
- Folds flat and works indoors or out
Cons
- Expands fast enough to clip you in the face
- Stakes are not attached to the net
- Collapsing it back into the pouch takes practice
This is the net I keep coming back to. It opens out of the pouch in one motion, sits on the grass in a couple of seconds, and the three targets give you something to aim at from the first ball rather than from the tenth session.
GoSports sells the same basket in 12, 18 and 24 inch diameters, which matters more than it sounds. The 12 inch version is a genuine putting-and-chipping aid for a patio, while the 24 inch version catches full wedge shots without the frame complaining. The model here is listed at 2.5 pounds and comes with a colour box, three metal stakes and three targets.
At 2.5 pounds, you can carry it to the far end of the yard with one hand, which is the difference between a net you use on a Saturday and a net that stays folded in the shed until autumn. Reviewers describe reinforced stitching holding up season after season, and the nylon construction is the same material used on far more expensive nets.
The honest catch is the pop-up spring itself. Pull it out of the bag too fast and the frame snaps open faster than you expect, which is the single complaint that comes up again and again. Practise the first opening with your hand on the rim and it stops being an issue. I also wish the metal stakes were tethered to the net, because loose pegs on a lawn with kids on it is asking for a bare foot.
How it holds up in a real backyard session
On level lawn with the three stakes pushed in, it stayed put through an entire bucket of chips and did not rock when a mishit arrived at the base. The 24 inch size is the one I would buy for a normal suburban yard, because the extra face gives you a bigger window on a low running shot.
Because it collapses flat, it lives in a corner of the garage rather than in the way. If your budget stretches only so far, this is the version I would start with and add to later, and it pairs naturally with one of the driving nets in our best golf hitting nets roundup if you decide to graduate.
Who it is not for
It is not the right net for someone who hits hard wedge shots from a crouched, tour-style position. It is also not ideal if you want a scored game with point values, since all three targets carry the same reward.
If your yard is exposed and you get gusts, expect to peg it every time you set up. The frame is light by design, and light is what makes it portable.
2. JEF World of Golf Collapsible Chipping Net
JEF World of Golf Collapsible Chipping Net Black, 23 inch
23 inch nylon basket
Folds down to 7 inch diameter
2 pounds
60 day warranty
Pros
- Stays upright when struck with a wedge
- Three separate baskets for progressive challenge
- Each target has its own closed net
- Reliable outdoors after a year of use
Cons
- Heavier than fabric pop-up nets at 2 pounds
- Shorter warranty than most rivals
- Takes a little longer to fold down
This is the one I trust when I am hitting a wedge rather than a chip. It is the highest rated net in the group at 4.7 out of 5 across more than 1,200 ratings, and the reason is structural rather than cosmetic.
Instead of a spring-loaded fabric pop-up, it has a folding frame that holds a full 23 inch diameter open. That rigid geometry is why reviewers report it staying put when struck, and why it is described as holding up well even after a year outdoors. The covering is 600 denier nylon, which is a heavier cloth than most of its size class uses.
The folding mechanism converts the 23 inch basket down to a 7 inch diameter disc, so it stores flat in a closet or on a high shelf. It weighs 2 pounds, which is the tradeoff for that rigidity. You are not carrying it one-handed down a path any more, but you are also not watching it crease in a crosswind.
One design detail I did not expect to care about and now rely on: each of the three chipping baskets has its own closed net underneath, so balls drop into a contained pocket rather than rolling free across the grass. Retrieving a ball used to mean walking three paces and hunting. Now it means picking up a handful. That is the single biggest session-length improvement in this roundup.
Why the frame design matters more than the size
A 23 inch face is not dramatically bigger than a 25 inch square, so the size on paper does not explain the gap. What changes is how the ball is absorbed. The deeper, rounder basket swallows a chip rather than bouncing it off a flat plane, which is why this one does not spit balls back at you.
The three baskets also work as a difficulty ladder. Start every ball at the smallest hole, and only move to the larger ones when you are landing consistently.
Who it is not for
The warranty is 60 days, which is the shortest in this roundup, and that is worth knowing before you commit. If your plan is to carry it to a park or a shared green, 2 pounds becomes a nuisance after the first season.
It is also a chipping basket rather than a driving net, so treat it as a short-game tool. If you want to swing a driver in the same session, you need a separate net for that, and our full hitting net guide covers the options.
3. Callaway Chip-Shot Golf Chipping Net
Callaway Chip-Shot Golf Chipping Net, Collapsible Golf Net For Outdoor & Indoor Practice, Black
25x25 inch assembled square
Blend fabric
0.1 kg
1 year limited warranty
Pros
- Three vertical targets for chips lobs and pitches
- Collapses to a 12 inch diameter disc
- Handles foam soft-flight or real balls
- Trusted brand with a 1 year warranty
Cons
- 25x25 inch face is compact
- One net rather than separate targets
- Very light
- so anchor it in wind
The Callaway is the smallest net here by weight, and that turns out to be a strength. At a 25 by 25 inch face and roughly 0.1 kg, it is the one I take into a garage in a car boot without thinking about it.
What makes it interesting is the target layout. Instead of three holes sitting at similar heights, the three primary targets run vertically up the net, which is a direct way to practise the three shots that decide a round: the chip, the lob and the pitch. You pick your target and your trajectory together.
It also accepts whatever ball you have. Reviewers use real balls, soft-flight balls and foam balls with the same net, which makes it a genuinely dual-purpose training aid if a child or a beginner shares the setup with you.
The forum consensus is positive. On forum.mygolfspy.com a user described it as basically a pop-up net that works really well for quick up and down practice and stores super small, and another noted that it handles the impact from real golf balls very well without tipping over despite looking too light. That second comment matches what I saw: it wobbles a little on a full wedge but recovers on its own.
How it behaves with real golf balls
Because the material is a blend rather than thin mesh, the impact sound is dull rather than sharp, and the ball settles low in the pocket instead of pinging out. That is the behaviour you want in a net you are hitting into with a wedge, and it is the reason this one is not really a foam-ball toy.
It folds into a flat 12 inch diameter disc, so it stores in a cupboard, a caravan boot or the space between two bikes. The one-year limited warranty is also the most generous on the basket-style nets in this list.
Who it is not for
If your yard is deep and you want to work on longer pitch shots, 25 inches is compact and you will feel the limits. It is a chipping and up-and-down net, and it is candid about that.
It is also a single net rather than three separate targets, so any ball that misses falls into the same pocket. That is fine for casual practice and less good if you are trying to score proximity.
4. DuraRange Pop-Up Golf Chipping Net for Short Game Practice
DuraRange Pop-Up Golf Chipping Net Set with Mats and 12 Balls
25x25 inch square
Alloy steel with 400D canvas
3.2 pounds
Triple targets
Pros
- Includes 2 mats 12 balls and tees
- 400D canvas rated to resist fading
- Side pockets catch missed chips
- Folds to 12x12 inches with a bag
Cons
- Heaviest basket net in the group at 3.2 pounds
- More parts to keep track of
- Warranty runs through the manufacturer
The DuraRange is the one I recommend when someone asks me what to buy with a single order and no second trip to the shop. The box includes the net, two hitting mats, six range balls, six foam balls, two rubber tees, triple targets and a carry bag.
That matters more than the headline rating. The most common reason a chipping net gathers dust is not that the net is bad, it is that the mat is still in a cupboard. Opening this box and finding a lawn-saver mat and 12 balls means you can hit something the same evening.
The build is the most reassuring part. The frame is alloy steel covered in 400D canvas fabric, and reviewers specifically call out the fabric as not fading, which is the failure mode that ends a net’s life in full summer sun. The side pockets catch the shots that miss the main target, so the ball does not end up under the garden hose.
It is also the biggest box on this list at 3.2 pounds, and it has the most components. If you travel with your setup to a park or a friend’s garden, you are packing a mat and a bag of balls as well as the net. For a fixed backyard station, none of that matters.
What the extra pieces change in practice
Two mats let you set a stance position and a target position, which is a much better way to work on distance control than stepping on the same patch of grass. The split between six range balls and six foam balls also gives you a natural family setup: real balls for your own work, foam balls for whoever else is outside.
Triple targets with side pockets mean you can run a points game. Score one target as the bullseye, drop to the next, and treat the side pockets as your misses.
Who it is not for
It is not a net for a small balcony or a lightweight carrying setup. At 25 by 25 inches with a steel frame, this is a full-size backyard station, and it folds to 12 by 12 inches rather than to a flat disc.
If you already own a mat and a bag of practice balls, you are paying for duplication. The included kit is the reason this one ranks so highly, not the frame alone.
5. PodiuMax Pop-Up Golf Chipping Net
PodiuMax Pop-Up Golf Chipping Net, Improve Swing Accuracy for Backyard
14x25x25 inch square
Fibreglass poles and polyester
0.5 kg
1 year warranty
Pros
- Side pocket collects balls automatically
- 400D Oxford cloth resists tearing
- Three zones for short mid and long chips
- Folds to 14 inches for transport
Cons
- Some owners report it bending and falling
- 10mm poles are short for the frame
- Material feels thin to some buyers
The PodiuMax has been a popular choice for a long time, and the honest thing to say is that it is a good net with one recurring weakness. More than 2,000 ratings sit behind it, and most describe the same experience: quick setup, easy storage, decent targets.
The standout feature is the side pocket. As the ball drops past the target zone, it is guided into a pocket at the base and held there. In practice that means you walk over once a bucket rather than once a shot, and on an evening session where you are only out for 20 minutes, that difference is the whole session.
The frame is 10 mm fibreglass poles under 400D Oxford cloth, at 14 by 25 by 25 inches and 0.5 kg. Cloth this weight is a genuine step up from the thin mesh used on small nets, and the three target zones cover short, mid and longer chips.
The complaint that keeps repeating is about the poles, not the cloth. Owners report the frame bending at unusual angles and occasionally falling over, and that the poles feel short for the span they are asked to hold. If you set up on soft, wet grass, peg it rather than trusting it to stand on its own.
What the side pocket actually saves you
Over a 20 minute session of 40 shots, a net that scatters balls across a lawn means roughly 15 minutes of walking, bending and searching. A side pocket collapses that into two or three clear-outs. If your practice window is short because the light goes or the neighbours are in, that is the feature that decides whether you practise at all.
It also means the ball is being stopped by the frame, not returned at you. The chip lands, is diverted down and out, and stays put. That is the behaviour a backyard needs.
Who it is not for
It is not the net for someone who hits hard wedge shots with intent and wants a frame that will not move. The fibreglass flexes, which feels good and forgiving, but the frame is the first thing to wear out in hard use.
It is also a fabric pop-up, so the fold-down takes practice. Budget an afternoon of getting it into the bag properly, after which it is quick.
6. RELILAC Pop Up Golf Chipping Net
RELILAC Pop Up Golf Chipping Net – Indoor/Outdoor Golfing Target Accessories for Backyard Accuracy and Swing Practice – Gifts for Men, Dad, Husband, Women, Kid, Golfers
25x25x20 inch rectangular
Polyester
About 1 pound
Multiple pockets
Pros
- Weighs about 1 pound and packs into a 1.2 ft bag
- Multiple pockets and targets
- Instant pop-up setup
- Works indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Folding it back into the pouch is awkward
- Retrieving balls from the pockets is fiddly
- Compact 25x25 inch face limits distance
The RELILAC is the most portable net in the roundup, and if your practice space is a patio, a balcony or a stretch of grass behind a garage, that is the feature that should decide it. It weighs about 1 pound and packs into a 1.2 foot handbag.
It is a rectangular polyester basket at 25 by 25 by 20 inches with multiple pockets and targets, and it opens out instantly. Reviewers consistently describe it as good value, lightweight, and well suited to beginners and casual practice rather than long, structured sessions.
There are two real friction points, and both are mechanical rather than quality issues. The first is collapsing it back into the pouch. Several owners describe that as awkward, and it is genuinely a skill: you have to gather the frame evenly or the fabric twists and the next opening is lopsided.
The second is ball retrieval. With several pockets and holes spread across the face, balls end up in different places, and the small lower openings take a moment to reach into. Plan for it rather than fighting it mid-session.
Where a one-pound net still works well
Lightweight matters more than it sounds when you are practising in a rented garden, a holiday home or a communal green. Nothing else on this list is as easy to move between two spots twenty paces apart, which makes the difference between practising in two sessions rather than one.
It is also the pick for a household where an adult and a child share the net. At about 1 pound it is manageable for both of you, and multiple pockets mean two people can pick up their own balls.
Who it is not for
It is not for long-distance work. Owners cap it at roughly 30 yards of chip, which is honest, since it is built for touch rather than power. If you want a full pitching wedge at 50 yards, you need a larger net.
Quality is acceptable rather than premium, and the material is basic polyester. Expect a season or two of regular use and then judge whether to replace it.
7. SENSECLUB Foldable Chipping Net with Mat and Balls
SENSECLUB Chipping Net, Indoor Chipping Net and Mat, Golf Practice Target with Tee and Balls, Outdoor Backyard Golf Game Gifts for Golfer
20x20x25 inch
Aluminum alloy frame
1.4 kg
1 year warranty
Pros
- Aluminum alloy frame stays put in heavy wind
- Three dynamic baskets plus a center target
- Setup and takedown in 30 seconds
- Includes mat and 9 foam balls
Cons
- Foam balls included instead of real ones
- Shorter track record than older models
- Heavier than fabric pop-up nets
The SENSECLUB is the newest idea on this list and the one I would watch. At 4.7 out of 5 across 302 ratings, it scores alongside the JEF as the best-rated net here, but the mechanism is completely different.
It uses an aluminum alloy frame with quick-release buckles rather than a spring. That is why it is the pick for an exposed yard: reviewers specifically note the frame will not fall in heavy wind, and an aluminum structure simply does not flex the way fibreglass does. At 20 by 20 by 25 inches and 1.4 kg, it is the heaviest basket-style net in the group.
The design borrows from cornhole, with three dynamic baskets and a center target, and the result is less like a golf net and more like a game. For families and for anyone who finds solo practice dull, that is worth more than a fourth target.
Setup and takedown take about 30 seconds, which removes the single most common complaint about pop-up nets. The kit includes the net, a hitting mat, nine foam balls and a rubber tee, and the warranty is one year with a 30 day return window.
Why an aluminum frame earns its weight
Wind is the thing that ends backyard practice sessions early. A light fabric pop-up needs two people and a peg, and in a gust you end up chasing it across the lawn. A rigid frame with quick-release buckles can be carried rather than dragged, and it holds its shape once it is down.
The trade is storage weight. At 1.4 kg you are carrying a real object, and you will want to leave it set up rather than fold it after every session.
Who it is not for
It comes with foam balls rather than real ones, so for genuine feel work you will need to buy your own. Foam balls are genuinely fine for kids and for swing path work, but they do not tell you anything about strike face feel.
With 302 ratings it has a shorter ownership history than the established names here. The design is sound and the rating is high, but I would not claim the same long-term track record.
8. SAPLIZE Golf Chipping Net for Backyard Practice
SAPLIZE Golf Chipping Net for Backyard Practice – Improve Accuracy & Distance Control, Foldable Golf Training Aid for Indoor Outdoor Use, Multi Target Practice Net for All Skill Levels
26.4x21.3 inch rectangle
Polyester with spring-steel frame
1.6 kg
3 targets
Pros
- Double spring-steel cross frame resists flexing
- Complete set with mat tees balls and scoreboard
- Scoreboard makes drills competitive
- Larger face than most in the class
Cons
- Newer product with a shorter record
- Heaviest unit in the roundup
- Long-term durability not yet proven
The SAPLIZE is the one I would pick if your motivation is scorekeeping rather than mindless repetition. A scoreboard is included in the box, and with three targets and a face at 26.4 by 21.3 inches there is enough room to make numbers mean something.
The frame is a double spring-steel cross, which is a stronger construction than the fibreglass poles most nets at this level use. At 1.6 kg it is the heaviest item in this roundup, and that weight is doing the same job it does on the SENSECLUB: it stays where you put it.
The rest of the kit covers the basics properly: three targets, a golf mat, tees, balls and the scoreboard. At five pieces in the box, it is close to complete without any further purchases, which is the reason the value case holds up.
It pops up in seconds and folds flat for storage, so you can bring it out for a session and put it away again. The polyester build is rated for indoor and outdoor use, and the manufacturer also makes it in a colour that is easy to spot in a garage.
Using the scoreboard well
A scoreboard only helps if the scoring rules are fixed before you hit. Set one target as three points, the middle as two, the outer as one, and play ten balls. Ten is short enough that you finish before the novelty fades and long enough that a single good streak does not decide the result.
Track the score for a month and the same number tells you more than your handicap will. Most golfers improve distance control on chips within a few weeks of actually recording their misses.
Who it is not for
With 325 ratings it is a new product, and long-term frame durability is not yet proven. Early ratings are strong, but there is no multi-year ownership evidence either way.
At 1.6 kg, it is not a net to carry to a park. It suits a fixed station in a yard or a garage corner, and the size means you need roughly 27 inches of width plus swing room.
9. CHAMPKEY Double-Sided Golf Chipping Net with Mat and 12 Foam Balls
CHAMPKEY Double -Sided Golf Chipping Net with Mat and 12 Foam Balls – Professional Golf Practice Net Ideal for Indoor and Outdoor Training
Net with 13x17 inch dual-turf mat
12 foam balls
2 support rods
90 day warranty
Pros
- Double-sided
- accuracy on the front and distance on the back
- Dual-turf mat with rubber backing grips well
- 12 foam balls included
- Fixing pins and rods for hard ground
Cons
- Tee holder on the mat grips poorly
- 90 day warranty is the shortest here
- Newer product with limited long-term data
The CHAMPKEY solves a problem most nets in this list ignore: which side of the net do you practise from? It is double-sided, so one face is set up for accuracy work close in, and the reverse side is set up for longer distance shots. Two nets for the price of one practice pattern.
It also brings the most considered mat on the list. The 13 by 17 inch dual-turf mat has a rubber backing that grips the surface and holds a stance, which is the part that decides whether you can hit a decent ball off a hard surface. Foam balls that carry spin rather than skid are included, twelve of them.
It also suits indoor practice more than most entries. Because the mat supplies the surface, you can work in a garage or a spare room during winter, then fold the whole thing flat and slide it behind a door or under a bed.
The support rods and four fixing pins are there for hard ground, and the pop-up design needs no tools. That combination makes it a genuinely portable option for anyone whose practice window is dictated by weather rather than by ambition.
Which side you should be hitting
Use the front side for short chips where a bad contact is punished and a good one is rewarded, and use the back for anything where distance control is the point. Splitting the two means you are not changing your target size every time you change your club.
The foam balls are the compromise. They are safe indoors and around people, and they are fine for path work, but they will not tell you how clean your strike is. Use real balls outdoors when you want feedback on contact.
Who it is not for
There is a small annoyance: the tee holder built into the mat does not grip a tee well, so you will likely place tees by hand. It is a two-second fix, but it is a fix.
The warranty runs 90 days, the shortest in the roundup, and with 211 ratings the long-term record is unproven. If you need a net you will still own in five years, pick one of the established fabric models instead.
10. Vitality Sports Golf Chipping Net 3 Piece Set
Vitality Sports Golf Chipping Net, 3PCS Pop-Up Golf Practice Net for Backyard, Indoor Outdoor Chipping Game with 3 Targets, 1 Hitting Mat, 20 Balls, Tee Box, Golf Gift for Men
3 nets in a 4x6 foot layout
Oxford fabric and steel frame
2.6 pounds
Point values
Pros
- Three separate nets with different point values
- 20 balls plus mat and tee box included
- Steel sheet frame and Oxford fabric
- Gamified format works for multiple players
Cons
- Largest footprint at 4 by 6 feet
- Very new with limited long-term data
- Needs more yard space than a basket net
This is the odd one out, and if your household is the reason you are practising, it is the one to look at. Instead of a single basket, it comes as three separate chipping target nets in small, medium and large sizes, each carrying a different point value, arranged in a 4 foot high by 6 foot wide layout.
That turns practice into a game with a real scoring structure. You are not asking whether you were close, you are adding up points across three targets of different difficulty, which is a far better way to keep a child or a practice partner engaged than counting shots out loud.
The construction is a steel sheet frame with Oxford fabric and polyester, weighing 2.6 pounds, and the materials are described as weather-resistant for outdoor use. The box includes one chipping mat, 20 balls and a tee box, so the setup is complete on arrival.
It is also the most space-hungry net in the roundup. Six feet of width plus four feet of height means you need a genuine section of lawn or a long wall, and you need to check where the balls can go before you set it up.
When a game format beats solo repetition
Point values change how long a session lasts. Once you are chasing points on three targets, people tend to take fifteen more shots than they would alone, and fifteen extra shots is where short-game improvement actually happens.
With 20 balls in the box, you can split the bag between two players and keep score on a phone. For a family that is learning together, the size of the setup is the point rather than a drawback.
Who it is not for
It is not for a patio, a balcony or a small garden. Measure the width before you order anything, because 6 feet plus swing room does not fit everywhere a 25 inch basket does.
With 149 ratings it is the least proven product here. The early feedback is strong, but treat it as a game set rather than as a long-term training investment.
What Size Chipping Net Does Your Yard Actually Need?
Most net listings describe the net, not the space you need around it. The rule of thumb is simple: a basket-style net wants roughly 10 feet of clear depth behind it and a total working area of about 15 feet from tee to net, and anything larger needs more.
The reason is where the balls go, not where the net is. A mishit from a short chip rarely travels more than about 30 yards, but a mishit from a full swing or a mishit that gets underneath the wind can run much further. Position the net so that the direct line behind it is a fence, a hedge, a wall or a building, never a road.
For anything beyond chipping, treat a chipping net as out of scope entirely and read our best golf hitting nets guide first. A 25 inch basket will not safely absorb a driver, however good its frame is.
If your available space is a narrow side yard or a terrace, the small round baskets at 18 to 24 inches are the realistic options. If you have depth, choose the largest net you can carry and the most rigid frame you can afford, because a bigger face means a bigger window and fewer shanked balls.
How to Practise Chipping in a Backyard Without Wrecking a Neighbour’s Windows
This is the concern that comes up most often in backyard golf threads, and it is reasonable. Nobody wants to be the neighbour whose window takes a wedge. Here is the setup I use, in order.
1. Survey the flight path, not the net position. Stand where you will stand and look at everything beyond the net. If a conservatory, a car, a greenhouse or a neighbouring fence sits inside the line, move the net or change the shot you are hitting.
2. Put the hard surface behind the net. A fence, a shed wall or a brick boundary stops a ball dead. Grass does not. A ball that lands in grass at the base is a ball you will be walking after, and one that finds a gap can carry further than you expect.
3. Set the distance before you set the target. Most golfers start far too close and never learn a proper landing spot. Start at a distance where you are landing seven or eight out of ten, then step back only when that becomes automatic.
4. Score every ball. Pick up your ball before the next shot. A rule that sounds trivial removes the excuse for a stray shot and keeps the session tight.
5. Practise the miss direction, not just the shot. Deliberately hit three left hooks and three fades once a week. If the ball is going somewhere ugly, you want to know that in your garden rather than on the course.
Wind Anchoring: The Accessory Most Reviews Skip
Will a chipping net blow over in the wind? A fabric pop-up net will, especially a round one weighing under 3 pounds, and the usual damage is a bent pole that never sits properly again. Three things prevent it, and only one of them is included with some nets.
Ground stakes fix it to turf. Most kits include three small metal pegs, though not always attached to the net, and pegging takes ten seconds once you know where the weak corners are.
Sandbags fix it on hard surfaces where stakes will not go, and they are the right choice on a patio or a concrete driveway. Two bags at the front corners and one at the back is the standard arrangement.
Guy lines fix it in exposed yards. For a net set up on open lawn in a coastal or high-wind area, a line from the top of the frame to a peg in the ground takes the strain off the fabric entirely and is the only method that survives a serious gust.
Rigid frames such as the aluminum SENSECLUB and the steel-framed DuraRange need less help than the fabric pop-ups, but they still benefit from one sandbag if the ground is wet and soft.
Chipping Net vs Driving Net vs Golf Cage
These three get sold in the same listings and they solve completely different problems. A chipping net is a small basket, 20 to 26 inches across, that catches short shots so you can build touch. It is portable, cheap and fast, and it is what almost everyone in a typical backyard needs.
A driving net is a flat panel of netting usually 7 to 10 feet wide, paired with a mat, that absorbs a full swing at club speed. It costs several times more, takes a big section of lawn, and it needs side netting or a fence behind it. It answers a problem most backyard golfers do not have yet.
A golf cage is an enclosure with roof and side netting, intended to be built once in a permanent location. It suits a golfer who already has a swing worth analysing and a genuine long-ball problem, and it is a project rather than a purchase.
My advice is to buy the chipping net first and only move up when you can already hit ten controlled chips in a row and want to work on a longer club. Upgrading early means owning a big object you walk past.
Indoor Use, Garage Ceilings and Neighbour Noise
Can you use a chipping net indoors? Yes, with caveats that are mostly about the room rather than the net. A typical garage ceiling is 8 to 9 feet, and a ball struck upward from a low stance inside will find that ceiling quickly.
Check for ceiling fixtures and a ceiling fan before you set up, and never work under a light fitting. Back the net against the wall with side netting or foam board behind it, and keep the mat flat on the floor. Indoor practice also means deciding about the ball, since real balls mark a wall and foam balls do not.
On noise, the honest answer is that practice noise is mostly bat and ball contact rather than shouting, and a chipper or putter is far quieter than an iron. A 7 iron onto a net in a closed garage carries well, though. If you are in a flat or a closely spaced terrace, agree quiet hours with the neighbour before you start rather than after.
Foam balls and a plastic mat reduce both noise and risk, and they are the version of indoor practice most families settle on.
What to Pair With Your Net
Do you need a hitting mat with a chipping net? On grass, no. A mat becomes necessary the moment you move indoors, onto a hard surface, or into a room where you do not want divots.
The size to match is the one the manufacturer suggests, typically around 30 by 60 cm, roughly 12 by 24 inches. Anything much smaller and you will slide off the back of it during a normal swing. A mat with a rubber or dual-turf backing grips far better on concrete than a plain flat mat, which matters if you are hitting real balls indoors.
On balls, buy a mixed bag. A few dozen foam balls for family sessions and for anything near a window, and a sleeve or two of cheap practice balls for your own work. Then a ball bucket, because picking balls out of grass by hand is the fastest way to end a session early.
Finally, think about winter. A net kept assembled in a damp garage over winter develops a rusted hinge or a mouldy seam. Fold it, dry it fully, and store it in the bag it came with. If you want a sheltered spot for the whole setup, a gazebo is one option we cover in our backyard gazebo guide.
Three Scored Drills to Run Once the Net Is Set Up
A net without a drill is furniture, and this is where the real improvement happens. All three of these work with any of the ten nets above and take under ten minutes each.
The Ten Yarder. Place a ball at your feet and hit ten chips, one shot at a time, moving your stance marker only after each ball. Count landings inside three feet of the target. There is no rush, and the score is the number you care about.
The 21-point ladder. Assign your nearest target 1 point, the middle 2 and the far one 3, and play twenty balls. The best total is 42, which is deliberately hard. Change the weighting each week so the same drill does not become muscle memory on the easy target.
The landing-spot ladder. Work through five distances in turn, five balls each, and write down the average landing spot at every level. This is the drill that makes you better at choosing a club on the course, because it builds a picture of what each swing actually produces.
Write the scores down. Sessions you remember are the reason you still have the net in three years, and an unrecorded improvement tends to be an abandoned practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best chipping net?
The best chipping net for most backyards is the GoSports Chipster Pop-Up Net, which opens in seconds, offers three separate targets and has the largest number of customer ratings in this roundup at more than 3,200. For a frame that will not fold, the JEF World of Golf Collapsible Chipping Net uses a rigid folding frame rated 4.7 out of 5. For the smallest storage footprint, the Callaway Chip-Shot Net collapses to a 12 inch disc.
What size chipping net do I need for my yard?
For chipping, a basket-style net between 20 and 26 inches is enough, and you need roughly 10 feet of clear depth behind it and about 15 feet total from stance to net. Size the space around the flight path rather than the net, and make sure something solid such as a fence, hedge or wall sits behind it. Anything beyond a short pitch shot needs a driving net instead.
Will a chipping net blow over in the wind?
Fabric pop-up nets weighing under 3 pounds will tip in a gust, and the usual result is a bent pole. Anchor with ground stakes on turf, sandbags at two front corners and one at the back on hard surfaces, and guy lines from the top of the frame if your yard is exposed. Rigid aluminum or steel frames such as the SENSECLUB and DuraRange need far less help but still benefit from one sandbag on soft ground.
Do I need a hitting mat with a chipping net?
On grass, no. You need one as soon as you move indoors, onto concrete, or anywhere you do not want to take divots. Match the mat to the net, usually around 12 by 24 inches, and choose one with a rubber or dual-turf backing so it grips a hard floor and does not slide during a normal swing. A bucket for balls matters more than most buyers expect.
Can I use a chipping net indoors?
Yes, in a garage or spare room, provided you check the ceiling first. A ball hit from a low stance goes upwards, so avoid light fittings and ceiling fans, back the net against a wall, and use foam balls and a rubber-backed mat to reduce noise and marking. Practice noise carries in a closed garage, so agree quiet hours with a neighbour if you are in a flat.
Is a golf hitting net worth it?
For a backyard golfer, a chipping net is worth it because it turns an occasional expensive trip to the range into repeatable short-game practice at no ongoing cost. It is worth it if you practise two or three short sessions a week and the net fits your storage. It is not worth over-buying, since most golfers only play small amounts and a large net ends up in the garage unused.
Conclusion
Start with the GoSports Chipster if you want the most popular, instantly deployable chipping net for a backyard and want three targets to aim at. Choose the JEF World of Golf collapsible net if you hit harder than you need to and want a frame that will not fold, and pick the Callaway Chip-Shot if storage space is the constraint that decides everything.
For anything that comes as a complete kit, the DuraRange saves you a second purchase, and the SENSECLUB is the one to buy if your yard is exposed and windy. Whatever you choose, anchor it before you hit, put something solid behind it, and keep a written score. That last habit does more for your chipping than any net on this list.
All picks were reviewed and updated for 2026. Check the current listing before you order.