Golf Practice Net

Commercial golf practice nets are expensive and use generic hardware-store fittings that aren't optimized for the geometry of a practice net. This project is a ground-up design — every joint, connection point, and structural member was modeled in SolidWorks before any material was purchased, ensuring the frame handles repeated impact loading from full golf swings without racking or joint failure.

The net is designed for use as part of a home golf simulator setup, with a 10ft wide × 7.5ft tall face and 3ft depth to safely catch shots at full swing speed. The angled rear supports transfer impact loads efficiently to the base rather than relying purely on joint friction.

Through a combination of creative sourcing — repurposed construction netting, a free golf mat, and golf balls sourced through a Facebook Marketplace group — the total build cost came to approximately $50 USD, a fraction of what a comparable commercial setup would cost.

The frame uses 1-1/4" Schedule 40 PVC pipe throughout, with the top rail carrying the most load. Standard PVC fittings don't come in the exact angles needed for a freestanding net with angled rear braces, so all structural joints were custom designed in SolidWorks and 3D-printed in ASA filament — chosen specifically for its UV and heat resistance over standard PLA or PETG, important for a fixture that may see outdoor or garage use.

Two joint types were designed: a standard 3-way corner joint for the top and bottom frame corners, and a 4-way joint with angled side port for the mid-frame nodes where the rear diagonal braces connect. The angled port geometry was modeled to match the exact brace angle needed to keep the net freestanding and stable under impact load.