Here, we take a look at how to get the perfect home golf set up, including the best chipping nets, putting mats and affordable launch monitors
How to get the perfect home golf set up
As we endure lockdown 2.0 across many parts of the world and golf courses have been forced to close, the only option for those wanting to keep their game sharp is to practice at home.
But don’t despair, because this isn’t as depressing as it sounds. In fact, there are lots of ways you can hone in your skills across different areas of the game and we’re going to take you through them now.
You won’t need all of these bits of kit - the route you go down will be dictated mostly by the space you have available and your budget but also what part of your game requires the most attention.
Choose the options that are right for you and who knows, when the courses re-open you might be a better golfer than you were before.
Chipping net
The staple of any home practice set up, a chipping net allows you to not only work on your strike but also your accuracy.
Some even come with different targets and fold down easily into a small bag for convenient storage. Yes, you’ll have to brave the winter temperatures, but put on a base layer and a golf jumper and you’ll be just fine.
Here are some of our favourites:
Putting mat
Putting on your carpet serves a purpose, but it’s far from ideal. For a more realistic experience, try a putting mat.
Some individual mats offer different speeds and come with slope ramps so you can practice breaking putts. It won’t be like the real thing, but it’s as close you’re going to get.
Here are some of our favourites:
Launch Monitor
When practicing your swing and hitting balls in a situation where you don't know where the ball would have gone, it's preferable to get some feedback via some other means. A launch monitor does exactly this.
These devices sit either in front or to the side of the ball and can tell you things like ball speed, launch angle, spin rates and even predict distance and direction.
How A Launch Monitor Can Improve Your Game
They vary greatly in price, with the more expensive options like SkyTrak and Foresight Sports GCQuad able to form part of a simulator experience while still working on their own. But there are some excellent options out there that are more basic and affordable, which we've highlighted below.
Full Swing net
If you're going to fix that horrible chicken wing or disastrous overswing, you're going to need to hit proper golf shots. Unfortunately, a bed sheet draped over a washing line puts your neighbours' safety at risk.
Luckily, a more sturdy and purpose built alternative doesn't need to break the bank and they're easy to set up too. Here are some options to consider, along with a mat to hit off to save your precious lawn...
Training aids
Of course, there are some quirky gadgets out there, but depending on what you're working on, a training aid could be what you need to engrain a new movement or feeling.
The garden is the ideal place to rehearse this, especially if you're not able to hit golf balls. Get in front of a mirror (a window reflection will do) and see what your swing actually looks like.
Then choose an appropriate aid, perhaps one of these?
Simulator
For those of you with space and money to burn, a simulator could be the ideal solution to conquer any lockdown blues.
SkyTrak and Foresight Sports, maker of the impressive GCQuad, have a range of ready-to-go simulator solutions.
Related: Best Golf Simulator
Whether in a living room, spare room, garage or garden, all you need is enough space to swing a golf club and a net and you are ready to go.
Foresight also provides a ‘Performance’ simulator, which quickly and easily assembles straight out of the box in a matter of minutes.
A simulator also provides the ability to play some of the world's most famous courses from the comfort of your own home. Certainly food for thought.
So that's it, everything you need to build the perfect home set up.
Be sure to follow Golf Monthly across social media for all the latest golf gear news and reviews and send us pictures of your home golf set up.
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