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Backyard golf practice is one of the ideal ways to improve your golf game on your schedule. Read on for essential tips and tools from our golf expert.
Practicing golf at home is one of the best ways to increase the speed at which you get better. There are so many great ways to work on everything from short game to full swing. The key is to have the best backyard golf practice gear and a plan!
We have put together some of our favorite ways to practice golf in the backyard and the equipment you will need to do it. If you are ready to have a backyard golf practice set up that makes your friends jealous, stick with us.
⛳️ Read Next: 20 Best Golf Training Aids in 2023 [Golf Expert Review]
How to Practice Golf in the Backyard (And The Tools You Need To Get It Done)
Not everyone has room to put an entire golf hole in their backyard. Rest assured that most backyard golf practice equipment will not take up a ton of space. You will find that even a patio may be all the room you need to practice.
We like to break down the best ways to practice in the yard by sections. Some of these include game improvement and training aids, chipping practice, putting practice, and, of course, launch monitors.
Golf Training Aids to Practice Golf at Home
If you want to make backyard golf practice more effective, it makes sense to include some training aids in the process. Training aids include alignment tools and balancing devices to make you a better player the next time you head to the course. Here are some of our favorites that hold up well and make learning more fun.
Scratch Stick Golf Training Aid
The Scratch Stick Golf Training Aid is a relatively new tool that you can use for full swing and short game practice. When collecting training aids, it’s important to consider tools that work for multiple areas of the game.
With Scratch Stick Golf, you can line up your full swing shots or short game shots. In addition, there is a mirrored finish on the putting stick helps ensure your eyes are lined up during your putting stroke.
One final feature here is the ability to record your golf swing using the monopod recording stake.
Orange Whip Orange Peel Balance Trainer Aid for Improved Golf Balance
Orange Whip makes some great training tools when it comes to increasing swing speed and improving tempo, but now they have moved into the balance space.
The Orange Whip Orange Peel Balance Trainer helps golfers that are looking to strengthen their legs and core.
We love this tool for senior golfers trying to prevent sway and be prepared for those difficult angles that golf courses can create.
The Orange Whip Orange Peel is easy to use and holds up really well outdoors.
Purchase it with the Orange Whip Trainer Aid to improve your swing tempo and golf swing plane.
Read what reviewers are saying:
“This is a great addition to the orange whip swing trainer. It really helps in focusing on turning in your swing rather than swaying. I sometimes have an issue with that, so this is a great help. Helps to focus on balance as well, and you can hit uphill, downhill, sidehill lies, etc.
– Golfguy, (Orange Whip Golf Trainer Aid review)
SuperSpeed Golf Swing Speed Training System
The SuperSpeed Golf Speed Training System is for golfers that need to work on clubhead speed. This system is a little pricey compared to other speed training devices, but it does come with a training program to make this process more effective.
With SuperSpeed Golf Speed Training, you don’t need to swing a club; you swing these sticks they give you. The program helps you to gradually gain clubhead speed, and it does work if you stick with it.
Read the rave reviews by golfers:
“Brilliant product. Used in conjunction with basic golf exercise program and added 20mph to my ‘protocol’ speeds in a month. I need to get back on a track man to see the gains like for like. But was 110mph at last fitting. Estimating 115 now. Took my sports dynamic to the range just now and hit 122 cruising ie on course swing not busting it. Apparently SD measures fast vs track man so seems right. THESE STICKS WORK. Get them if you want gain distance.”
-LPlater, (SuperSpeed Training System review)
Chipping Practice Golf Tools
Some backyards are big enough to hit full chip shots; others require a bit of an adjustment. To work on chipping in the backyard, you may be able to use real golf balls, or foam golf balls could be a better fit.
The key is having the right thing to aim for so you can transfer the practice to the golf course.
Read next: 7 Short Game Tips for Seniors: Improve Your Golf Game
Callaway Chip Shot Practice Golf Net
The Callaway Chip Shot Practice Golf Net is a quick and easy pop-up chipping net. This can be used with real golf balls or foam balls and allows you to work on chips, lob shots, and pitches. When you are done using it, the Chip Shot Practice Golf Net folds flat into a 12-inch diameter.
What we like about this tool is that you can vary the distance you stand from the golf net to work on the trajectory of your golf shots. When you get to the course, getting your golf ball closer to the hole will be easier.
GoSports Battle Chip Chipping Game
If you think golf practice chip shots gets boring, you won’t after you play with the GoSports Battle Chip. If you have a family of golfers in your home, Battle Chip is a great solution to get everyone involved. This backyard golf practice tool comes with a 3” x 2” target, a hitting mat, and color-coded foam balls.
We don’t recommend leaving the GoSports Battle Chip permanently set up, but there is a carry case that everything easily fits into.
The game is played as if it is nine holes, and you essentially try and score more points than those you are playing against. When you don’t have anyone to play with, the Battle Chip can be a great practice tool.
Jef World of Golf Short Game Chipping Net
The Jef World of Golf Short Game Chipping Net has four adjustable targets that let you fine tune your chipping skills. This short game practice tool lets you work on the flop, lob, pitch, chip, and punch shots.
When finished practicing, you can simply fold this up and put it away. We love this for senior golfers that are working on making up for lost strokes.
If you feel your swing speed is starting to slow down, the short game is the place to make up for it, and the Jef World of Golf Short Game Chipping Golf Net will get it done.
Read what the reviewers are saying:
“I use this net in my garage to practice chipping and pitching and the lob shot. It is a perfect way to understand and improve your short game. I highly recommend this product!”
– Reviewer, (Jef World of Golf Short Game Chipping Net review)
Practice Your Full Swing
Most golfers don’t have enough room in their backyard to hit full swing shots without a golf practice net. However, in addition to a golf practice net, you must also think about a mat and the type of golf ball you will use for backyard golf practice.
GoSports Golf Hitting Mat
The GoSports Golf Hitting Mat is made with a commercial-grade synthetic turf material. It does a great job of simulating real golf course conditions at a very fair price. The bottom of the mat has a 15mm layer non slip foam padding that helps the mat stay more stable.
With 6 different teeing positions, both left and right handed golf players can use the Go Sports hitting mat, and it comes with three rubber tees. Outdoor hitting mats can get really expensive, but GoSports keeps the pricing in check without sacrificing quality.
Divot Board Golf Swing Training Pad
One complaint golfers have about backyard golf practice is that it feels much different than the course.
If you want immediate feedback to give you more information on your results, the Divot Board Golf Swing Training Pad is a great solution.
Each time you swing, the Divot Board gives you a visual representation of the golf ball flight and trike quality. You can check on how well you hit the ball and whether or not your path is down the right line. Divot board works for both left and right-handed golfers, and it holds up for thousands of swings. In addition, you can use it with or without a golf ball.
Read some of the rave reviews on the Divot Board:
“I’m a life-long golfer with a healthy skepticism of golf training aids. Regrettably, most don’t live up to their bill in BUT this one truly does!
– Darryl, (Backyard Golf Practice, Divot Board review)
It gives immediate feedback on your swing path, and the location and the location and direction of your divot. I guarantee this will help your game.”
Hit Run Steal Heavy Duty Backyard Golf Net
There are plenty of backyard golf nets on the market to choose from. Some of these can be over $1000. However, one that we found to be good for affordability and functionality is the Hit Run Steal Heavy Duty Golf Hitting Net. One of our biggest pet peeves is when a hitting net can’t stand alone.
You need to have full confidence in your ability to hit a great shot, and the hitting net will stay in place. With the Hit Run Steal Hitting Net, you have plenty of room. The net is 10 feet wide by 7 feet high, so it does a great job of catching most shots.
Even though the Hit Run Steal Heavy Duty Golf Hitting Net Is our favorite backyard practice golf net, it does not fold down quite as easily as some of the premium models.
Read what other golfers are saying on this product:
“It was easy to set up and take down and also easy to put back in the carry bag that came with it. Made of quality material. Works fine. I live in a city, top floor and hit golf balls into the net and none of them have gotten away. Highly recommend this net for golfers who want to hit balls in their yard or terrace like me.
– Raymond, (Hit Run Steal Golf Hitting Net review)
Birdie Ball Golf Practice Balls
The Birdie Ball Golf Practice Balls are so much better than foam golf balls because they tell you about the spin and flight that you would get with a real ball.
The Birdie Ball won’t fly more than 40 yards, but it is effective and fun to use for full swing and chip shots.
Birdie Ball also sells a hitting pad that you can launch these from, but you can also hit them directly from the turf.
Birdie Ball Golf Training Aid reviews:
“Since this purchase in 2011 I have probably purchased four dozen of these babies – I just love them. Still over time they do crack and eventually break or not fly well due to being de-shaped in one way or another so I needed to get more. The only thing these things cannot do easily, is let you know if you hit slightly on the heel or toe. But over time and with some experience, you can even detect those mishits…
– E.A. (Backyard Golf Practice, Birdie Golf Balls review)
Easily my favorite practice aid of all time with the Divot Board a close second. If you are a golfer like me who loves to practice daily and prefers not to take unnecessary trips to the driving range, the Birdie Ball is a must have. I cannot recommend these enough.
Practice Putting at Home
Without putting green built into your backyard, you may feel as though the course is the only place to practice putting. However, more and more golf manufacturers are making small putting greens that can be used indoors or outdoors.
These affordable putting greens, allow for effective practice, and improve overall consistency in your scoring.
Read Next: 9 Best Putting Drills For Beginners To Master The Green
Rukket Golf Putting Green
The Rukket Golf Putting Green allows you to practice with four different putting cups as well as take advantage of the ball return feature. With the Rukket Golf Putting Green, you will find that it is surprisingly large and can feel more like an actual putting green.
We found that the Rukket was a great option to put on a patio as it held up quite well over time and increased the likelihood of walking over and taking a few putts.
Boburn Golf Putting Green
Not only does the Boburn Golf Putting Green have a great feel (similar to a real golf course), but it also looks nice. If you love the idea of having a putting green in your backyard but can’t quite pull the trigger on the full spend, the Boburn Golf Putting green is a great choice.
This heavy duty mat is 5 x 10 and takes up a good amount of space in a great way. You can approach the ball from several different angles and ensure that you are not practicing the same thing over and over again.
Read what the reviewers are saying:
“We love this putting green! It is large enough (10 x 5) to allow us to stand on the green and putt from the same level as the ball is resting. There are three holes which allow varying distances and also circular discs that can be placed under the green to provide breaks for the putts. It should definitely keep us busy during the winter months and we are expecting our golf score to be improved by using this great piece of equipment. It appears to be made of very sturdy material and it looks like it will last many years.”
– Pat, (Boburn Golf Putting Green review)
Golf Simulators
SkyTrak Golf Simulator Practice Package
Golf Simulators are a big investment. However, if you have the money to invest in one, it makes sense to get something that can be used both indoors and outdoors. The SkyTrak Golf Simulator Practice Package is one of the most affordable and easiest to transport simulators.
We love this concept for a golfer looking for outdoor practice in the summer and an indoor solution in the winter. The package comes with a hitting net, landing pad turf, a gaming laptop, SkyTrak Game improvement software, and all the cables necessary to use.
It takes a bit of time to get everything set up and working, but this is truly one of the best ways to play a round of golf and work on your accuracy when you are not out on the course.
Foresight GC Quad Swingbay Golf Simulator Package
The Foresight GC Quad Swingbay is known for its impressive accuracy and is a high end golf simulator. However, there are ways to save if this one is for you.
This is a smart choice for a more serious golfer as it has impressive software, the SwingBay Screen and Enclosure, and the side netting to ensure that an errant shot does not damage something in your home.
With the Foresight GC Quad Swingbay, you will also benefit from the projector, so it really feels like you are out on the course. However, for both play and practice, the Foresight GC Quad is a really good solution.
Read what reviewers are saying about this golf simulator:
“I had been thinking of getting a golf simulator for a while. I didn’t want to spend a fortune, so I settled for the practice setup and didn’t go all-in on a projector or screen for now.
– Phillip, (Foresight GC Quad Swingbay Golf Simulator review)
I’ve got to say, I’ve been very impressed! Items arrived quickly and were simple to setup! I honestly hit balls for about an hour each night, and am really enjoying it! Thanks Rain or Shine Golf for making this a very straightforward process!”
Golf Launch Monitor
Launch monitor technology can make backyard golf practice more effective. Having some data and stats about how you are hitting the ball makes your time spent working on the game that much more useful.
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
The Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor has ranked well in independent testing for both accuracy and ease of use. With the Rapsodo, you simply attach the device to your phone and get instant feedback and data bout your golf game.
With the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor, you can get instant feedback and work on the areas of your golf game that need the most attention. Pricing on this handy tool has decreased through the years; investing in something like this makes sense if you are on a mission to lower your scores.
Here’s what other golfers are saying about their purchase:
“I’ve had it about a week and could not be happier. I’ve been contemplating the purchase for months reading reviews and finally broke down and bought it. I’ve been out everyday hitting into golf net in my yard using it and am so happy with the purchase. It does even more than I thought… I use both my iPhone and ipad. Like the iPad best because it’s easier to see. Still learning more about it each practice but I’m thrilled with the product thus far. The only number I feel I’m missing is spin rate but this was known before purchase. Can’t believe how much value you get in this little package.”
– Anthony, (Backyard Golf Practice, Rapsodo Launch Monitor review)
Flightscope Mevo
The Flightscope Mevo is a lightweight and portable launch monitor. The standard Flightscope Mevo model has 8 data parameters and can track distance and spin performance. The Mevo will also record a video of your golf swing, giving you a visual to compare everything to.
One of our favorite ways to practice with the Mevo is by using the skills challenges. You can get involved in long drive competitions, range competitions, and challenges to keep you occupied while you practice.
Here’s what the reviewers are saying on this mobile launch monitor:
“So I got this to play around with but it has really helped my game with all the features in the app. It’s almost perfect with the distance say within 5-10 feet accurate. I use it mostly in my garage to practice at home but it’s so portable I take it to the range and use it every now and again. Battery life is great charge it maybe 2 times a week. I don’t like the cable as it’s a little short but not a big deal…Other than that had no issues.”
Newtown, (Backyard Golf Practice Flightscope Mevo review)
Our 4 Top Golf Tips For Backyard Golf Practice
Here are a few of our best tips of advice to make sure your backyard golf practice is worth the time and money you spend:
- Start with a small purchase like a chipping net and see how often you use it before purchasing more
- Find golf gear and golf training aids that can be folded up and put away; you may not want your backyard to always look like a golf training center.
- If you are purchasing golf technology like launch monitors and simulators, always look for something that is indoor and outdoor compatible.
- Come up with fun games and challenges that inspire you to spend more time practicing.
FAQs | Backyard Golf Practice
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions we get about the best backyard golf practice gear. If you want to improve your game at home, it usually takes a few key pieces of equipment to get this done.
It’s also important that you have the right golf clubs to suit your needs. Check out our best golf clubs for men and women for more information.
Can you golf in your backyard?
Golfing in your backyard is not hard to do if you have a golf net, a mat, and some training aids and tools. In addition, some golfers will purchase a simulator that brings the golf course to them.
How can I practice golf in my backyard?
The best way to practice golf in your backyard is to focus on short game and skill development. You may not be able to fully work out that slice in the driver, but you can certainly work on perfecting your chip shots or learning how to control trajectory on your pitches.
How can I practice my golf swing at home?
One of the best ways to practice golf at home is to get a golf net and mat and a portable launch monitor. These small launch monitors have dropped in pricing quite a bit since their release just a few years ago. The launch monitor is a perfect solution if you want data about your golf game and what you need to work on.
How many hours a day should you practice golf?
Professional golfers will spend 6 to 10 hours a day working on the game. For most amateur golfers, spending one hour a day should be plenty to get results that will carry over to the golf course. For more serious players, incorporate some other types of game improvement, like mental game work and physical training, into your practice session.
Final Thoughts
At this point, you should be feeling more prepared to get in a great practice session in the backyard. The time you spend working on your game in the backyard will translate to better scores on the course.
Keep your golf practice intentional, schedule time for it each week, and take advantage of all the good weather you can.
