How to Install a Net to Protect From Stray Golf Balls

Homes around golf courses are often highly desired properties among golfing enthusiasts, but the proximity to flying golf balls presents a hazard. Additionally, golfers may want to practice their swing in their own backyard without worrying about damaging property. Safety nets catch stray golf balls, preventing them from flying into neighboring yards, windows and onto highways. Professional contractors install the large nets around golf courses, which are sometimes 80-feet tall, but the do-it-yourself homeowner can install a small-scale version to practice golf at home. The size of the home net varies depending on the type of swing and desired area of protection.

Install a net around your golf course or practice area to protect from stray golf balls.

Step 1

Drill three holes around the top of each of the poles, so that there are two holes directly across from each other and one spaced in between. The poles can be wooden or metal and the size of the poles depends on the size of the safety net you wish to install; each pole should be at least 36 inches deeper than the desired height of the net.

Step 2

Screw eyelet screws into each of the three holes.

Step 3

Attach the grommets in the top corners of the net to the middle eyelet screws on each pole, using zip ties. The net should be laying outstretched on the ground, with the middle eyelet screws facing in.

Step 4

Secure the net to the poles with zip ties down the length of each pole, allowing for slack in the net to catch the ball instead of springing it back.

Step 5

Tie a long piece of nylon rope through each of the remaining holes on each pole, for a total of four lengths of rope. The ropes should be approximately 10 feet longer than the desired height of the safety net.

Step 6

Dig post holes that are at least 36 inches deep for each post; increase the depth of the post holes with tall poles to increase the stability.

Step 7

Pour in a layer of crushed rock to provide a stable foundation; use up to 6 inches of base for sandy soils. Dig the holes deeper to compensate for the depth of the rock.

Step 8

Pick the posts and net up and position the end of each post into a post hole. This may require the help of two or more people, depending on the size of the net.

Step 9

Fill in the holes around the posts with concrete. Prop the poles up with boards, if necessary to hold the poles up while the concrete hardens.

Step 10

Pull the nylon strings out at a diagonal until they are taut and the pole is held up straight. Drive stakes in the ground to anchor the strings and then cut off the extra length.