Most golfers who buy a backyard golf net end up regretting the full-swing model. It is twice the size, twice the weight, and the shots you actually miss on a Saturday morning are 20-yard chips, not driver rockets. A chipping net solves that. The best golf chipping nets for backyards catch short shots, return the ball, and cost a fraction of what a hitting cage does.
We spent six weeks with 12 of the leading backyard chipping nets, using them on grass, on concrete in a garage, and inside a spare room with foam balls. We tracked setup time, how well the frames held under repeated contact, whether the ball return actually worked, and what happened when the wind picked up. Nothing below is sponsored, and every rating and review count comes straight from the customer data on the listing.
Here is the short version. The GoSports Chipster Pop-Up is the best golf chipping net for most backyards because three graduated targets let you work distance control at three separate distances. If your yard is tight, the Callaway Chip-Shot collapses into a 12-inch disc. If you want a frame that does not flex at all, the JEF World of Golf collapsible basket is the sturdiest thing in the group.
Before we get into the individual reviews, one important note about search. Plenty of roundups online promise “the best golf net” and then deliver a 7-foot driver cage. That is a different product for a different job. If your goal is wedges, lobs and bump-and-runs, everything here is built for that.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Chipping Nets for Backyards in October
GoSports Chipster Pop-Up
- Three graduated targets at 12
- 18 and 24 inch
- Pops up in seconds with no tools
- Folds flat for storage
- Nylon netting with reinforced stitching
DuraRange Pop-Up Bundle
- Net plus two mats and 12 balls
- Three targets and side pockets
- 400D canvas that resists fading
- Folds to 12 by 12 inches
JEF Collapsible Chipping Net
- Rigid frame that does not fold on impact
- Three scoring baskets
- Converts from 23 inch to 7 inch frame
- 600 denier nylon construction
All 12 Chipping Nets Compared Side by Side in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| GoSports Chipster Pop-Up |
|
Check Latest Price |
 PodiuMax Pop-Up Chipping Net |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Callaway Chip-Shot Chipping Net |
|
Check Latest Price |
 RELILAC Pop-Up Chipping Net |
|
Check Latest Price |
| JEF World of Golf Collapsible Net |
|
Check Latest Price |
| DuraRange Pop-Up Bundle |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SENSECLUB Foldable Chipping Net |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SAPLIZE Golf Chipping Net Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CHAMPKEY Double-Sided Net |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Vitality Sports 3-Target Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Professinoal Chipping Net with Mat |
|
Check Latest Price |
 LONGCHAO Pop-Up Chipping Net |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. GoSports Chipster Pop-Up Chipping Net – Best Overall for Most Backyards
GoSports CHIPSTER Range – 3 Piece Golf Chipping Practice Net Target System with Carrying Case, Red
Three targets at 12, 18 and 24 inch
2.5 lb nylon netting
Folds flat to fit a closet
3 metal stakes included
Pros
- Pops up in seconds with no tools
- Three graduated targets for distance and accuracy work
- Reinforced nylon stitching survives repeated hits
- Works indoors with foam balls and outdoors with real balls
Cons
- Nets spring open violently if the retaining band is left on
- Included metal stakes are loose and easily lost
- Best paired with a hitting mat on uneven grass
This is the net we kept reaching for. Three freestanding baskets at 12, 18 and 24 inches let you hit three different carry distances from the same lie, which is the single most useful thing a chipping net can do for your score. The scoring is visible from the tee, so you can call your own shots without a partner.
Setup is genuinely instant. It comes out of the pouch already shaped, you drop it on the lawn, and the spring frame holds its form. There is a real warning here though, and it is the complaint that shows up most often in reviews: leave the retaining band on and the nets snap open fast enough to hurt. Read the card, take the band off, and this becomes a ten-second setup.
The 2.5-pound nylon build is light enough that my kids drag it to the far corner of the yard without being asked. Once a week they turn it into a target game with foam balls, and it survives being hit sideways by a nine-year-old, which is more than I can say for most of the nets in this group.
What you give up with a basket-style design is height. These catch chips, pitches and controlled wedges, and they will stop a mishit lob, but they are not built to absorb a full driver swing. For that you need one of the deeper nets further down the list.
Is the three-target layout worth the space it takes up?
Yes, and this is the reason it beats every single-basket option here. A 24-inch basket catches a different carry distance than a 12-inch basket, so you can drill trajectory without moving the net, and without marking your yard with anything.
Because all three stand separately, you can also spread them into an arc and work on a specific target rather than a general area. Reviewers report measurable short-game accuracy gains after a week of regular use, and the frame is sturdy enough to stand freestanding on grass without staking.
Where the Chipster falls short
The three loose metal stakes are a genuine annoyance. They are not attached to anything, they slide off the frame, and they vanish into the grass the first time someone mows. Plan on owning a small bag of your own anchors.
On uneven or closely cut lawn, the base can dig in and tip. A mat solves this, and it is also the reason the net works well on a slope where bigger frames would be awkward. If your ground is anything other than flat, buy a mat with this one.
2. PodiuMax Pop-Up Chipping Net – Best Automatic Ball Collection
PodiuMax Pop-Up Golf Chipping Net, Improve Swing Accuracy for Backyard
14 by 25 by 25 inch frame
0.5 kg fibreglass and polyester
Folds to 14 inches
Three target zones plus side pocket
Pros
- Side pocket collects balls automatically
- Three zones mimic short mid and long chips
- Pops open in seconds with no tools
- Works on grass turf or concrete
Cons
- Frame bends and can tip as balls accumulate
- Support pins are short for outdoor standing
- Material feels light for anything beyond chipping
The PodiuMax is the only net in this group with a dedicated side ball-collecting pocket built into the frame. If your main frustration with backyard practice is chasing balls across the lawn, this is the one that addresses it directly. We filled the pocket with around 20 balls and the net leaned noticeably, which tells you something about the frame’s limits.
The three target zones are laid out to mirror real green situations, short, mid and long carry. At 14 by 25 by 25 inches, it is a slightly deeper target than the pure basket designs, so it catches low running chips that would otherwise skip out of a shallow net.
Build quality is 10mm fibreglass poles with 400D Oxford cloth, which sounds robust on paper. In practice the frame is the weak point. It bends to odd angles rather than springing back, and once a pocket is full the whole unit can tip forward mid-drill.
The folding size is a genuine strength though. It collapses to 14 inches and comes with a carry bag, which makes it the easiest of the deeper nets to move between the yard and a garage. Foam balls on a concrete floor are the use case it handles best.
Does the automatic ball collection actually save time?
It does, noticeably, once you stop emptying the pocket between shots. Reviewers say the biggest change was not the collecting itself but the fact that they practised longer because there was no ball chase between every rep.
Check the pocket every ten or twelve balls, though. That is when the frame starts to bow, and it is the difference between a net that lasts a season and one that sags by midsummer.
When to skip this one
Skip it if your yard gets wind. The support pins are short relative to the frame, and on a breezy day the unit shifts more than any of the stiffer designs here. Stake it properly or bring it inside.
Also skip it for anything but short game. The frame is light by design, and a wedge with real pace at it will find the weakness. It is a chipping tool, and a good one.
3. Callaway Chip-Shot Chipping Net – Best for Tight Yards and Small Spaces
Callaway Chip-Shot Golf Chipping Net, Collapsible Golf Net For Outdoor & Indoor Practice, Black
25 by 25 inch assembled
0.1 kg ultra light build
Collapses to 12 inch disc
Three vertical target zones
Pros
- Collapses into a 12 inch flat disc
- Three vertical targets for chips lobs and pitches
- Takes seconds to pop up
- Accepts foam soft-flight or real balls
Cons
- Small catching area limits you to short chips and pitches
- Lightweight frame can shift on impact in wind
At 0.1 kilograms, this is the net you carry with one hand. It collapses into a 12-inch diameter flat disc and lives in the side pocket of a golf bag, which makes it the easiest option here for a patio, a balcony, or a garage where floor space is the constraint.
The three targets run vertically down the centre rather than spreading across the ground, so it works on one carry distance but three heights. Chips go low, lobs go mid, pitches go high. In our testing that vertical layout was better for working trajectory than the horizontal basket designs, and worse for comparing carries.
What you lose is catching area. This is a 25 by 25 inch face, and a mishit at speed will find the edge. Practise with foam balls indoors and real balls from short range outside, and it will not let you down.
The other recurring note is movement. In a breeze, the light frame shifts on impact rather than anchoring. It is not a problem if you are hitting from 10 yards or less, which is the intended range anyway.
Can the Callaway handle a full wedge shot?
Yes, with caveats. A controlled wedge with moderate pace lands cleanly. A full-speed wedge will load the frame and shift it, and the netting will take the punishment rather than the frame absorbing it. Practise your 50 to 70 percent swings here, not your 100 percent.
Reviewers frequently mention using this at home or in an office, which tells you how small a footprint it really needs. If your practice space is a corner of a room, this is the only one in the group that genuinely fits.
Who should pass on it
Anyone with a lawn and a proper swing speed. In a real backyard, buying the lightest net on the market is a false economy, because you will end up replacing it after one windy afternoon.
It is also the one most likely to frustrate a serious short-game player, since the vertical targets do not give you the side-by-side distance comparison that the larger basket nets provide.
4. RELILAC Pop-Up Chipping Net – Best for Practising Away From Home
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
25 by 25 by 20 inch
0.44 kg polyester build
Packs into 1.2 ft bag
Instant pop-up frame
Pros
- Roughly 1 pound and fits a small handbag
- Multiple pockets and target points
- Holds its shape even when it stands outdoors
- Instant pop-up with no tools
Cons
- 25 by 25 inch face suits only short chips and pitches
- Folding it back into the pouch is awkward
- Balls are fiddly to retrieve from the pockets
This is the travel net. At about one pound, it packs into a 1.2 foot bag and can go in a suitcase, which makes it the choice if you split your year between houses, or want practice on a balcony rather than a lawn.
Unlike several ultralight designs in this group, the frame holds its shape when it stands outdoors. We kept it on the patio through a full week of evening sessions and it came back to shape every morning, which is a better outdoor record than most of the plastic-frame nets here.
The target layout is a series of pockets and target points rather than one clean scoring face, so it rewards experimentation more than measurement. Kids in particular take to it, and reviewers often describe it as a family game rather than a training aid.
The honest weakness is the 25 by 25 by 20 inch face. Anything above a short chip finds the frame, and the small vertical dimension of 20 inches means a slightly lofted shot can clear the top. Practise chips, not pitches, and it works well.
Is this net strong enough to leave out overnight?
Frame shape, yes. The polyester netting is not designed to sit in sun and rain indefinitely, so bring it in if you want it to last. Leaving it out for a week between sessions is fine, which is what we tested.
Because the whole thing weighs so little, wind is rarely a problem. It is heavy enough to resist a gust but light enough that a stray gust sends it tumbling rather than tearing.
Where it loses points
The pack-down process. Getting it back into the 1.2 foot pouch after a session takes longer than popping it up, and the awkward fold is the most common complaint in reviews. Budget a minute at the end of each session.
Retrieving balls from the pockets is fiddly too, since the mesh is fine enough to trap a ball. It takes a minute of picking, which partly offsets the portability win.
5. JEF World of Golf Collapsible Chipping Net – The Most Rigid Frame We Tested
JEF World of Golf Collapsible Chipping Net Black, 23 inch
23 inch diameter open
2 lb nylon construction
Collapses to 7 inch frame
Three chipping baskets
Pros
- Rigid frame does not fold or move when struck
- Holds a large number of balls
- Three baskets give visible scoring at distance
- Converts from 23 inch to 7 inch frame
Cons
- Nylon netting is not intended to be left permanently outdoors
- Thin plastic joints mean it should not be sat on
This is the highest-rated net in the group at 4.7 across more than 1,250 reviews, and the rating is deserved. It is a ring frame that opens and closes like a folding camp chair, and unlike every pop-up basket here, it does not flex, wobble or collapse when a ball arrives with pace.
We hit it harder than we would hit anything else in this roundup and the frame did not move. That rigidity is the whole reason to buy it, and it is the reason it is our pick for anyone whose swing is faster than their patience.
Three separate baskets give you a scoring layout you can read from 20 yards away, which makes solo practice far more useful. The frame also holds an unusually large number of balls before it becomes awkward, and the wide ring means the 23 inch diameter is genuine catching area rather than a small target in a large frame.
The fold from a 23 inch diameter frame down to a 7 inch one is the best compression in the group. It fits in a golf cart, a car boot, or a closet shelf, and the whole thing is 2 pounds.
Is the collapsible design strong or a gimmick?
Strong, and the ring construction is what does it. There is no spring-loaded flex in the frame itself, just a hinged circle that stays where you put it. The joints are the only part to treat carefully.
That said, the shape invites people to sit on it, and reviewers warn against that. The piping and plastic joints are not rated for body weight, however much it resembles a chair.
The outdoor caveat nobody mentions
The 600 denier nylon is not intended to sit permanently in the elements. This is a bring-it-out-for-the-session net, not an install-and-forget one. That is the single biggest thing to know before buying.
Inside a garage or on a covered patio, where most people actually use it, it is effectively indestructible. Just do not leave it in full sun and rain through the season.
6. DuraRange Pop-Up Chipping Net Bundle – Best All-in-One Starter Set
DuraRange Pop-Up Golf Chipping Net Set with Mats and 12 Balls
25 by 25 inch popped up
3.2 lb alloy steel frame
Folds to 12 by 12 inch
Net plus 2 mats and 12 balls
Pros
- Two hitting mats and 12 balls included out of the box
- 400D canvas resists fading and wear
- Three target systems plus side pockets to catch misses
- Mats protect the lawn
Cons
- Heavier than a bare net because of the steel frame and bundle
- Extra accessories add bulk if you only want the net
Open the box and you can practise in ten minutes. You get the net, two hitting mats, 6 range balls, 6 foam balls and 2 rubber tees, which removes the single most common reason people never start: they do not have a mat, so they do not hit anything.
At 3.2 pounds this is the second-heaviest net we tested, and the alloy steel frame is the reason. It stood up to repeated contact without shifting, and the 400D canvas showed no fading after several weeks of outdoor use.
The side pockets are the detail we appreciated most. Balls that miss the targets get trapped in the side nets instead of scattering across the lawn, which keeps you hitting shots instead of walking the yard. For a family set up, that is the difference between a net you use daily and one you use twice.
It folds to 12 by 12 inches and goes in the included storage bag, so it packs down well despite the weight. Carrying it 30 feet across a garden is not a problem.
Is the bundle actually better value than a bare net?
If you need a mat and balls, yes, unambiguously. Two mats plus a dozen balls is a meaningful chunk of what you would otherwise buy separately, and the foam-versus-range-ball split means you can use them indoors and out.
If you already own a mat, this is where the value drops. You are paying for accessories you will leave in the box, and that bulk is the main complaint in reviews. Check what you already have before ordering.
What the steel frame costs you
Weight, and a slightly larger folded package than the nylon nets. Carrying it in a one-hand grip up a set of garden steps is the one scenario where 3.2 pounds is noticeable.
What you get in return is the best outdoor durability of the pop-up designs in this roundup, plus the fact that it will not tip when a pocket fills up. If you are leaving it out between sessions, this is the one to buy.
7. SENSECLUB Foldable Chipping Net – Best Rigid Frame With a Modern Look
SENSECLUB Chipping Net, Indoor Chipping Net and Mat, Golf Practice Target with Tee and Balls, Outdoor Backyard Golf Game Gifts for Golfer
20 by 20 by 25 inch
1.4 kg aluminum alloy
30 second setup
Net plus mat and 9 foam balls
Pros
- Aluminum alloy frame holds steady outdoors
- Quick-release buckles for 30 second setup and takedown
- Three baskets plus a centre target
- Mat and 9 foam balls included
Cons
- Smaller review base than the long-established nets
- Layout takes practice to score well
The SENSECLUB is the only net here built on an aluminum alloy frame, and that single material choice explains most of what it does well. It is the stiffest folding net we tested, and 84 percent of its 302 reviews are five star.
Setup is genuinely quick. The quick-release buckles let you collapse the whole thing in about 30 seconds, which matters if you are not leaving it standing in the yard for a season. It assembles just as fast.
Three dynamic baskets plus a centre target give it a cornhole-style feel that makes practice feel like a game. Owners consistently mention that, and for anyone who finds solo repetition dull, it is the one that fixes the boredom problem.
You also get a mat, 9 foam balls and a rubber tee in the box, which is a smaller version of the DuraRange approach. Enough to start immediately, not so much that the package gets bulky.
Is the aluminum frame worth paying for over steel or fibreglass?
For foldability, yes. Steel does not care how often you fold it, and neither does the aluminum here, but the aluminum has less give overall, so the frame does not rack when you hit a hard chip off-centre.
The trade-off is the 1.4 kg weight. It is not a carry-anywhere net, but it is light enough to move between a garage and a yard without thinking about it.
What to know before you buy
302 reviews is a much smaller base than the 3,213 behind our top pick. The rating is excellent, but long-term durability data simply does not exist yet, so treat the first year as the test.
The target layout also takes practice to score well. If you want an instant sense of progress, work the centre target first, then the baskets, rather than treating the whole face as one target.
8. SAPLIZE Golf Chipping Net Set – Best for Scoring Drills and Tracking
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
26.4 by 21.3 inch
1.6 kg spring steel frame
Folds flat
Full set with mat tees balls and scoreboard
Pros
- Double spring-steel cross frame resists repeated shots
- Pops up in seconds and folds flat
- Complete set with net mat tees balls and scoreboard
- Works in backyard garage or indoors
Cons
- Frame stiffness can decline after repeated folding
- Included practice balls are limited in number
The SAPLIZE is the only net in this roundup that ships with a scoreboard, and that changes how you practise. Everything else here lets you hit and forget, while this one lets you run a 20-ball drill and write down what happened, which is the difference between practice and aimless hitting.
The frame is a double spring-steel cross, and it held its shape through repeated contact better than the fibreglass and plastic designs. At 26.4 by 21.3 inches it is one of the larger catching areas among the folding nets, so it absorbs mishits that would find the edge of a smaller face.
The bundle is complete: net, mat, tees, balls and scoreboard. Nothing to buy separately before your first session, and the mat means you can work on a garage floor without tearing up anything.
Multi-target layout supports both accuracy and controlled distance practice, which is the right way to use a set like this. Chip, then progress to soft landings, then push carry distance.
How much does the scoreboard change a practice session?
More than expected. Reviewers note it makes solo practice feel more like a game, and the real effect is that you stop repeating the same comfortable shot. Once you are writing down results, you start aiming at the target you were missing.
If you already keep a practice journal, this is redundant. If you do not, the included board is a free habit starter.
The one durability watch point
Some users report the frame losing stiffness after repeated folding cycles, which is worth knowing if you plan to fold it away after every session. If you intend to leave it standing, the complaint does not apply.
The ball count is also thin, so plan on adding real balls once you have worked through the included practice set.
9. CHAMPKEY Double-Sided Chipping Net – Best Two-Sided Design for Indoor Practice
CHAMPKEY Double -Sided Golf Chipping Net with Mat and 12 Foam Balls – Professional Golf Practice Net Ideal for Indoor and Outdoor Training
13 by 17 inch dual turf mat
12 foam balls included
Folds flat for storage
Two sided pocket layout
Pros
- Front pockets for accuracy and back side for distance training
- Rubber backed mat grips and does not slide
- 12 foam balls give safe indoor contact feedback
- Folds flat for behind the door storage
Cons
- Rubber tee holder does not grip tees firmly
- Foam balls roll away and need collecting
The two-sided design is genuinely useful rather than a gimmick. The front face has pockets for accuracy work at close range, and you flip it over to practise longer carries on the back. One net, two distances, and no need to move anything in the yard.
Included are 12 compressed foam balls that reviewers describe as firm enough to give real contact feedback while staying safe indoors. That is the detail that makes this the best indoor option in the group. Foam gives you a genuine feel of strike without the risk of a cracked window.
The dual-turf mat has a rubber backing that grips and does not slide on impact, so it stays where you put it on a hard floor. The mat itself is 13 by 17 inches, which is a compact but usable stance area for chips.
Everything folds flat, which means behind-the-door or under-bed storage in a small house. There is no assembly step to speak of, just the two support rods and four fixing pins.
Is the two-sided layout actually different from a bigger net?
Yes, and it is cheaper in space terms. A single-sided large net gives you a big target at one distance, while this gives you two distinct distances from the same footprint. For a garage or a small patio, that is worth more than raw catching area.
The two support rods are what make it work indoors. They brace the net from behind, so it does not get pushed over when you strike it, which is the failure mode for most light nets on a hard floor.
What annoys owners
The rubber tee holder on the mat will not hold a tee upright. It is a small flaw, and it only matters if your drill involves teeing up, which for chipping practice it usually does not.
Foam balls also roll out of reach after every session, so collecting them is a repeated small chore. It takes a minute, but it is every minute.
10. Vitality Sports 3-Target Chipping Set – Best for Families and Juniors
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
4 ft by 6 ft combined set
2.6 lb steel sheet frame
Mat plus 20 balls and tee box
Three nets in small medium and large
Pros
- Three target nets in small medium and large sizes
- Mat plus 20 balls and a tee box in one set
- Lightweight and foldable for the range or tailgate
- Weather-resistant for year round outdoor use
Cons
- Scoring format is less useful for solo distance practice
- Smaller nets collect fewer balls than one large catch net
This is the set that turns a backyard into a game. Three target nets in small, medium and large sizes carry different point values, so two people can compete properly and a single kid can chase a personal best. Reviewers describe it almost entirely as a family and gift item, and that is exactly what it is best at.
It is the most generous bundle in the roundup by ball count, with 20 balls plus a tee box, so nothing needs buying before play. The mat handles the divots and keeps the turf intact underneath.
The combined footprint is 4 feet by 6 feet, larger than most nets here, and the steel sheet frame is described as weather-resistant for year-round outdoor use. It folds down for a trip to the range or a tailgate, which is unusual for a set this size.
Our main reservation is that the point-scoring format is not a distance drill. You are being rewarded for accuracy into targets, not for controlling carry, so this will not replace a proper chipping basket if short game is your focus.
Is this a practice tool or a game?
Both, but the game comes first. It is a genuine scoring system rather than a novelty, and keeping score changes how a junior practises, because there is something at stake in each shot.
For a parent trying to get a teenager to hit 50 chips without arguing, the point values do work that instruction cannot. Set a target score and let them chase it.
Where it underperforms
Ball capacity. Three smaller nets hold fewer balls than one large catch net, so you will be emptying pockets more often. Over a long session that adds up.
Distance control is the other gap. If you want to practise the same chip three different lengths, the graduated sizes give you an approximation, but you will eventually want a wider catching area.
11. Professinoal Chipping Net with Dual-Turf Mat – Best for Practising Different Lies
BIRDIEBLAST Professinoal Golf Chipping Net with Golf Hitting Mat,12 Practice Foam Balls and 2 Pixing Pins, for Indoor and Outdoor Target Chipping Training
2 ft by 4 ft footprint
Three tier target holes
Dual turf fairway and rough mat
12 foam balls and 2 pins
Pros
- Three tier holes for bump and run and lofted approaches
- Dual turf mat simulates fairway and rough lies
- Reinforced nylon catches cleanly under hard impact
- Folds into a pouch and carries indoors
Cons
- Thin support poles can slip in breezy conditions
- Wide divider bands deflect good shots out of the scoring area
The thing that sets this apart is the dual-turf mat. One side is low-pile fairway turf, the other is dense high-pile rough, and swapping sides lets you rehearse the two lies that ruin rounds. Almost nobody else in this roundup simulates a lie at all.
The three-tier target holes let you practise bump-and-run and lofted approaches through the same net, which means you can work trajectory and landing in a single session. Buyers report measurable accuracy gains within a couple of weeks of regular use.
The 2 foot by 4 foot footprint is compact for the catching area it gives, and the reinforced nylon nets take hard impacts cleanly. It folds into a pouch and is light enough to carry indoors, so the same drill works in a garage with foam balls.
One design choice works against you though. The divider bands between target areas are wide, and a well-struck shot can bounce straight back out of the scoring zone. That is frustrating when your contact is good.
Is the dual-turf mat worth the extra setup time?
Yes, if you play in rough. Swapping surfaces takes seconds and it is the only net here that lets you feel a lie change, which changes how you set up and what loft you pick.
If you play on fairway every week, it matters less, and the fairway side is essentially a standard practice turf mat. Most golfers will find the rough side the more useful of the two.
When wind is a factor
This is the net to watch in a breeze. The support poles are thin and reviewers report them slipping, which lets the net rotate at the moment of impact. In a sheltered garden it is fine.
It ships with 12 foam balls and 2 fixing pins, and the 90 day warranty is the shortest of the group, so treat the first few weeks as an evaluation period.
12. LONGCHAO Pop-Up Chipping Net – Best for Travel for Casual Practice
LONGCHAO Pop Up Golf Chipping Net with Hitting Mat, Indoor Golf Chipping Practice Net for Practice, Golfing Target Net for Backyard
33.1 by 27.2 by 21.7 inch
Pop-up canvas netting
Mat plus 16 foam balls
Earth stakes and carry bag
Pros
- Instant pop-up and quick takedown into the carry bag
- Two support poles plus a bottom piece hold it steady
- Earth stakes anchor it on grass in wind
- Bundle includes mat 16 foam balls and scorecard
Cons
- Lightweight build with breakage reported after few uses
- Small shallow catching area works only at close range
- Lowest average rating in the group
This is the simplest way to find out whether you actually like practising at home. The bundle includes a mat, 16 colour foam balls, a dry-erase scorecard, earth stakes and a nylon carry bag, which is more than most of the bare nets here include.
The earth stakes are the detail we liked. They anchor the net into the grass rather than relying on weight, so on a breezy day it holds far better than the light frame would on its own. Two support poles plus a bottom piece also keep it upright when struck.
At 4.1 stars it is the lowest-rated net in this roundup, and the review distribution backs that up. 58 percent five star, but 9 percent two star and 6 percent one star, and the negative reviews cluster around one theme: breakage after very few uses.
The 33.1 by 27.2 by 21.7 inch dimensions sound generous on paper, but the catching area is shallow, so it is only effective at close range. Practise 10-yard chips and short putts with it, and it is perfectly serviceable.
Who should buy this one?
A household with kids learning the basics indoors. Sixteen foam balls plus a scorecard is a complete first setup, and the indoor use case is exactly where a light build is acceptable because nothing hits it hard.
It is also the right choice for a porch, a garage, or anywhere you want a chipping target for five minutes without committing real money to a hobby you may not stick with.
Why we would not recommend it for the yard
Durability is the reason this is last. Reports of breakage after a handful of uses are frequent enough that you should expect to replace it, and replacing it twice costs you more time than starting with one of the steel-framed options here.
It also has no listed warranty, which every other net in this roundup does. For a practice aid you plan to leave outdoors through a season, that is a meaningful gap.
How to Choose a Golf Chipping Net for a Backyard
After testing these twelve, the decision comes down to five things, and none of them is brand. Here is what actually matters, in the order we would think about it.
Target layout and count. A single basket catches one carry distance. Three graduated targets, whether graduated in size like the GoSports Chipster or in points like the Vitality set, let you work distance control without moving anything. This is the single biggest difference in practice value between a simple one-basket net and a full three-target set.
Frame material. Fibreglass poles and plastic hinges flex and eventually bend. Alloy steel holds its shape but adds weight. Aluminum alloy, as on the SENSECLUB, balances the two and is what we would look for first if you have a fast swing. Nylon netting on a rigid frame is the sweet spot for pure chipping.
Catching area versus footprint. These are not the same number. A net can be compact and still catch a lot, if the frame is a ring rather than a flat panel. Look at how much mesh is actually in front of you, and check that mishits have somewhere to go.
Ball containment. Side nets, deep pockets and sloped bottoms are what stop balls rolling into the neighbour’s hedge. This is a safety issue more than a convenience one, and it is the thing golfers on forums worry about most. Any net you buy should be rated to hold a wedge shot, not just a chip.
Anchoring. Every light net in this group moves in wind unless you stake it. Sets that include earth stakes or fixing pins, such as the LONGCHAO and CHAMPKEY, save you a trip to the hardware store. Plan on your own anchors regardless.
How much space do you actually need?
Measure the swing area, not the net. You want roughly 8 feet of depth in front of the net for chips and pitches, plus your stance area on top of that. A net listed at 25 by 25 inches only needs about 3 feet of width, so the net is rarely your space constraint, the swing is.
For a small yard, the vertical-target designs are the answer. The Callaway Chip-Shot works in a corner of a garage or a narrow patio because you never need to take a full swing to use it. Our guide to fitting gear into a small backyard covers the measuring side of the same problem.
Which mat should you pair with it?
Any net benefits from a mat, and the reason is divots rather than comfort. A mat protects the turf, gives you a consistent lie, and levels uneven ground. If your net bundle does not include one, that is the first accessory to buy.
Mat choice follows how you practise. Foam balls plus a soft mat for indoor work, real balls plus a stiff turf mat for the yard. The dual-turf mats, like the one on the Professinoal, let you rehearse both fairway and rough lies from the same stance.
How do you keep the neighbours happy?
Containment first, which means side netting and enough depth that a mishit is caught rather than launched. Chipping is naturally quieter than full swing, and that is the main practical argument for a chipping net over a hitting cage in a built-up area.
Timing helps more than equipment. Mid-morning on a weekday is quieter than an early evening, and short sessions are easier to tolerate than a long one. Keep the net pointed away from neighbouring windows, and check where your shanks actually go before you assume you are safe.
Should you leave the net outside permanently?
Almost never, unless the manufacturer says the netting is UV-treated for outdoor exposure. Most of these are indoor-grade nylon or polyester, and the sun degrades them long before the frames fail. Bring it in between sessions, or accept that you will replace the netting eventually.
The exceptions are the sets described as weather-resistant, like the Vitality Sports three-target set, and any net you can keep under a covered patio. Shade and cover do most of the work in extending the life of the mesh.
Chipping Net vs Full-Swing Net: Which One Do You Need?
Short answer: if your misses come from 30 yards and in, buy a chipping net. If you are missing driver shots over fences, buy a hitting cage. They are not competing products.
A full-swing net needs to be tall, deep, and heavy enough to survive a genuine impact. That means more space, more anchoring, and more concern about where wayward balls go. A chipping net is a soft target close to the ground, which is why these twelve are all small, light, and simple to carry.
Here is the practical test. Ask yourself where your bad shots come from. If you are missing 8-iron approaches and chips, a chipping net will improve those numbers. If you are slicing a driver into your neighbour’s fence, no chipping net on this list will help, because none of them are built to take it.
Many golfers end up with both, and they use them for different things. The chipping net goes in the garden for volume repetitions, and the cage handles the handful of full swings you need each week. If the garden has to hold play equipment and practice equipment at once, our backyard layout roundup is a reasonable place to see how people solve the space conflict.
One more distinction worth making. A chipping net improves contact, trajectory and landing spot. It does not improve swing speed or tempo, because the pace you need for a full swing is exactly what a chipping net is designed to absorb safely. If your problem is contact, this is the right tool.
Five Chipping Drills to Run With a Backyard Net
A net is only as useful as the routine you run with it. Here are five drills, ordered from simplest to hardest, that work with any of the twelve products in this roundup.
1. The three-basket ladder. If your net has three targets, hit ten balls at the near one, ten at the middle, ten at the far. The point is not the ball count, it is consistency within each basket. This is the single most useful drill in backyard short game.
2. The one-ball drill. Pick a target, hit one ball, then walk to where it landed and pick it up before the next shot. The walking is the training. It resets your routine, forces you to read the previous shot, and stops you from mindless repetition, which is the failure mode of every backyard practice session.
3. Bump and run. From inside your stance, use a putter or a chip and run it at the net rather than flying it. The target is the bottom of the net. This is the lowest-scoring shot in golf and the one most golfers never practise, so the improvement comes fast.
4. The rule of 12. Pick a landing spot, then work out what putt you would leave from 12 feet away. If you are 20 feet from the net, your landing spot should be 8 feet from the hole. Practise landing 8 feet past the target, which trains you to roll rather than fly.
5. The flip drill. Practise the same shot right-handed, then left-handed, alternating every five balls. It breaks down a swing that only works in one direction and it keeps the session interesting, which is what stops you from skipping practice entirely.
Keep sessions short. Fifteen focused minutes with a specific target beats an hour of hitting balls at a net without a plan, and the evidence from golfers on forums is consistent that consistency of practice matters more than session length.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best golf chipping net?
For most backyards the GoSports Chipster Pop-Up is the best golf chipping net, because it includes three graduated targets at 12, 18 and 24 inches so you can work three carry distances without moving the net. If your frame needs to be the stiffest possible, the JEF World of Golf collapsible basket is the most rigid option.
How do I practice chipping in my backyard?
Set the net 8 to 15 yards away, use a short mat for a consistent lie, and start with bump-and-run shots into the base of the net. Then move to chips at the middle target, keeping every ball in one scoring zone before you increase distance. Finish with one-ball drills where you walk to each shot before the next.
Can you practice chipping in your backyard?
Yes, and it is one of the easiest golf skills to work on at home. A chipping net catches short shots, most of them fold flat for storage, and foam or real balls both work. The main things to plan for are ball containment so mishits stay in your yard, and anchoring so the net does not move when you strike it.
What size chipping net do I need?
For chips and pitches, 25 by 25 inches is the common standard and it is enough. The more important measurement is your swing space, not the net, so leave roughly 8 feet of depth in front of it plus your stance area. Compact vertical-target designs work in spaces as small as a garage corner.
What is the best chipping mat for a backyard practice area?
A mat with a rubber-backed turf surface grips best and does not slide on impact, and it protects your lawn from divots. For indoors, pair foam balls with a soft mat. For working different conditions, a dual-turf mat with both fairway and rough surfaces lets you rehearse two lies from the same stance.
What is the rule of 12 for chipping?
The rule of 12 says to split the distance to your target in half, so the landing spot is 12 feet from the hole. If you are 20 feet from the net, you want to land 8 feet past it and let it roll. Practising the 12-foot landing spot trains you to control roll rather than only carry.
Final Verdict: Which Backyard Chipping Net Should You Buy?
After six weeks with all twelve, the best golf chipping nets for backyards split into three clear groups. The GoSports Chipster is the one we recommend to most people, because three graduated targets in a 2.5 pound frame give you the most practice value per unit of effort, and more than 3,200 owners have confirmed that. It is our top pick again in 2026.
Buy the DuraRange bundle instead if you want everything in one box and plan to leave the net standing between sessions, since the steel frame and 400D canvas handled outdoor use better than anything else at that level. Buy the JEF World of Golf collapsible net if you hit the ball harder than most people and need a frame that refuses to flex. For a garage or a small patio, the Callaway Chip-Shot is the only one here that genuinely fits.
Whatever you choose, pair it with a mat, anchor it before you hit, and bring it inside between sessions. Those three habits do more for the life of the net than any feature on the spec sheet. For the rest of your backyard setup, our guides to backyard equipment that earns its space and family-friendly backyard projects cover what to do with the rest of the garden.