Golf Simulator Side Barrier and Safety Netting 2026

Why You Need Side Barriers

Even skilled golfers hit errant shots. In a home simulator bay, a missed shot can hit walls, windows, electronics, or people standing to the side. Side netting and barriers are not optional safety items -- they are essential for any simulator setup where someone other than the hitter might be nearby, and for protecting expensive equipment and walls from ball damage. A simulator setup without adequate side netting is a liability risk.

Impact Screen vs. Side Netting

The impact screen (the screen you hit into at the front of the bay) is designed to absorb direct shots. It stops balls going straight forward. Side barriers address the different problem: shots that miss the impact screen entirely (far heel or toe shots, complete mishits) or shots that bounce back off equipment. Side netting runs along the sides of the bay from behind the hitting position to the impact screen. Ceiling netting is sometimes added for sky shots on open-top setups.

Dimensions

Standard recommendations: side netting should extend at least 5-6 feet on each side of the ball position. A wider bay (14+ feet wide) with the hitter centered gives more margin before the walls. Minimum recommended bay width for a driver setup with side netting: 12 feet. Ideal: 15-16 feet. Netting height: 9-10 feet minimum for driver shots. Netting should reach from roughly 3 feet in front of the hitting mat to the impact screen frame.

Materials

Nylon golf netting: standard, durable, UV-resistant if used outdoors. Typically knotted or knotless netting in 42-ply to 60-ply weight for golf ball impact. Polyester netting: similar to nylon but typically higher stretch resistance. Heavy-duty canvas barriers: used in commercial setups for complete ball containment. For home use: 1-inch mesh knotless nylon netting (4mm cord or heavier) rated for golf is the most common choice. Avoid thin decorative netting -- it will not stop a ball hit at speed.

Mounting Options

Ceiling mounts with hooks: run netting from ceiling hooks down the sides. Floor weights or anchor points: keep the bottom edge in place. Side frame systems: purpose-built golf enclosure side panels that integrate with the impact screen frame. For a DIY setup: golf netting rolls (available from Carl's Place, Rain or Shine Golf, The Indoor Golf Shop) with carabiner clips and ceiling hooks are the most flexible option. Budget: 100-300 EUR for DIY side netting setup depending on bay size.