The Recreational Golfer: The Net Return Golf Review

The Net Return Pro Series Multi Sport Net is Ideal for Golfers

I have seen some fantastic home putting greens, like the ones from Tour Links, and golf mats like the TrueStrike, but the golf practice nets have been disappointing - until now.

There is now a golf net that is worthy of the title - the best golf net - it is called The Net Return Pro golf net.

In reality it is called the Net Return Pro Series Multi Sport Net but as this website deals with golf I will refer to it as The Net Return Pro golf net.

I found this golf net at Amazon and although it is fairly expensive at $495 I see that it has over 40 customer reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5. I have never seen any product on Amazon with a 4.9 star average after more than about 10 customer reviews.

Who is The Net Return Pro Series Multi Sport Net For?

The Net Return Pro is designed for any serious athlete that wants to practice their sport that involves a ball. Due to the patented design that features an automatic ball return, an athletes’ practice time is greatly enhanced. The Net Return Pro is suitable for multiple sports, like golf, lacrosse, soccer, football, baseball, and softball.

The Net Return Pro Series net is used by the PGA Tour, the MLB (Major League Baseball), the NFL (National Football League), as well as both Professional and Amateur athletes alike.

General Features of the Net Return Pro Net

The Net Return net is a sturdy net and it look it, yet it can be assembled in only 5 minutes due to its push-button assembly using the "Quick Color Connect System." As it only weighs 28 Lbs and can be stored in the provided duffle bag, it is easily transported.

The dimensions are 7' 6" tall, 8' wide, and 3' 6" deep. The Net Return Pro can be used indoors or outdoors, including garages, basements, patios, backyards, or practice fields.

For those golfers with a fast swing speed that are worried about hitting the ball through the net, don't worry! This net has been tested by long drive champions at 225 MPH golf ball speed. You can see the difference between a traditional net and The Net Return in the images to the left.

The Net Return as a Golf Net

As a golfer, it is my belief that The Net Return really shines as a golf practice net. First of all, the automatic ball return works very well for practicing your golf swing. This is particularly true with irons, hybrids, and/or fairway woods. This is because the ball will return to the golfer's hitting area so that they only needs to re-position the ball with the head of their club in order to hit another practice shot.

In the case of a driver, even though the ball will return to the golfer, the ball will need to be placed on the tee again. However, this is to be expected when practicing with a driver; the bending down and the placing of the ball on the tee again.

The benefit of The Net Return for golfers is that you can use it to practice with every club in your bag. So, instead of having a driving net for practicing with your driver, fairway woods, and long irons, and a golf cage for practicing with your mid-irons, short-irons, and wedges, The Net Return can be used for all golf clubs.

Personally, I also like to have a small chipping net to practice my distance control with my wedges. So, even though The Net Return golf net can be used with the wedges it isn't the best way to practice the short game. Chipping is all about feel and distance control so it is best to have a chipping net too.

Recommended Practice Routine

First, warm up by doing some stretching exercises for golf. Then ease into your practice session by starting with your short irons and working up to your driver. Don't just blast away, hitting the ball once every 3 seconds, even though it is possible. Go through your pre-shot routine, hit the ball, watch where the ball hits the net, and see where it comes back on the mat.

So, the process is to setup, hit, analyze, setup and hit again. This is a great golf practice net for trying little tweaks to your swing or to try and fix a swing fault as the feedback is instant. Obviously, you won't be able to see the actual ball flight, but you will get enough feedback by watching where the ball hits the net.

You will be able to see if you are hitting off center shots and whether you are hooking or slicing the ball. A slice starts off to the left of the center line and then arcs dramatically to the right. However, with a golf net your ball will be on the left of center flight path when it hits the net but you can tell it is a slice as the ball will return to you slightly to the left. The hook will be the exact opposite of the previous description.

Summary of The Net Return Pro Golf Practice Net

Compared to many golf nets, The Net Return Pro golf net is quite expensive. However, if you have bought any of those cheap golf nets you will know that they don't last for long. In the case of The Net Return, the net is made of heavyweight polyester with a tubular aluminum frame. In the end, you will save money by not having to go to the driving range.

Below is just one of the many testimonials that I think is worth noting:

"For the past three years, we at Bridgestone Golf have used The Net Return in our Ball Fitting program. The Net Return has proven to be the best available hitting net on the market. With more than 25 units around the United States and many more overseas, our Net Return’s catch a minimum of 400,000 shots per year. The quality and durability of the nets are the reason we choose The Net Return year in and year out. Not only is the product proven, but the staff at The Net Return provides service that is bar none, the best out there!" - Corey Consuegra, Manager – Ball Fitting at Bridgestone Golf.

The fact that you can set it up indoor (space permitting) or outdoors is a great plus as you can use it to practice year round - set it up indoors in winter or when it is raining or set it up outdoors in summer or when the weather is fine and sunny. Also, you can dismantle it and place it in the duffle bag to take with you on a trip or on holiday as it only weighs 28 Lbs.

The Net Return Golf net is probably the greatest net you will find for practicing your swing. You will be able to get in some quality practice time that will help you to improve your game. Remember it is as easy as 1 2 3 - setup, hit, analyze, setup and hit again - and with the same golf ball!