Short game is where scoring happens. The average golfer loses more strokes around the green than anywhere else on the course — and it's the area of the game that responds fastest to practice. The problem is that most golfers don't practice chipping nearly enough. Driving ranges are set up for full swings, and backyard chipping without a target is aimless. A chipping net solves both problems: it gives you a defined target to aim at, it catches the ball so you don't chase it across the yard, and it's small enough to use literally anywhere.
The best chipping nets are inexpensive, set up in seconds, and fold down to almost nothing for storage. Unlike full-swing nets that require dedicated space and serious construction, a chipping net is a truly portable practice tool you can throw in your car, set up in a hotel room, or leave in a corner of your garage for a quick 10-minute session before dinner. We've tested the five best options on the market to help you pick the right one for your practice routine.
Our Top Picks
| Net | Design | Size | Portability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JEF World of Golf | Pop-up | 20 in | Excellent | Best overall, everyday practice |
| Callaway Tri-Ball | Target (3-hole) | 25 in | Good | Best target practice, distance control |
| SKLZ Quickster | Pop-up | 24 in | Excellent | Most portable, travel-friendly |
| GoSports Chipster | Pop-up | 24 in | Good | Best budget pick |
| Rukket Pop-Up | Collapsible | 25 in | Excellent | Best collapsible, easy storage |
Best Overall: JEF World of Golf Chipping Net
The JEF World of Golf Chipping Net is the original pop-up chipping net and it remains the best all-around option on the market. The design is as simple as it gets: a circular net basket supported by a spring-loaded wire frame that pops open instantly and collapses flat for storage. There are no poles to assemble, no stakes to drive, and no instructions to decipher. Open it, set it on the ground, and start chipping.
The 20-inch diameter target is deliberately compact. It's large enough to be a fair target from 10-30 feet but small enough that hitting it consistently requires genuine precision. This is exactly what you want from a practice aid — something that forces you to focus and rewards accuracy. The net basket sits slightly elevated off the ground, catching clean chip shots while letting low skulled shots pass underneath, which gives you immediate feedback on contact quality without needing to watch ball flight.
Durability is where the JEF net separates from cheaper imitations. The wire frame holds its tension over hundreds of uses without warping, and the netting itself is woven tightly enough to stop real golf balls hit with wedges without tearing. This net has been on the market for years and has accumulated tens of thousands of positive reviews — it's a proven product that delivers on a simple promise.
For storage and portability, the JEF net is hard to beat. It twists flat into a disc shape roughly 20 inches across that slips into the included carry bag. Throw it in your golf bag, your car trunk, or hang it on a hook in the garage. Setup time is genuinely under 5 seconds — pop it open and drop it on the ground.
Pros
- Instant pop-up setup — under 5 seconds, no assembly required
- Compact 20-inch target forces precision and focus
- Durable wire frame and netting that handles real golf balls
- Extremely portable — folds flat and fits in a carry bag
- Works equally well indoors and outdoors
- Proven design with years of positive owner feedback
Cons
- Single target — no multi-hole option for distance control drills
- Lightweight frame can shift on impact if not on a flat surface
- The twist-to-collapse motion takes a few tries to learn
Who It's For
The JEF World of Golf net is the right choice for any golfer who wants a reliable, no-fuss chipping target for regular practice. It's ideal for backyard sessions, indoor practice with foam balls, and travel. If you want one chipping net that does the job well without any complexity, this is it.
Check Price on Amazon →Best Target Practice: Callaway Tri-Ball Chipping Net
The Callaway Tri-Ball Chipping Net takes a fundamentally different approach from single-target nets. Instead of one opening, it features three target holes arranged vertically on an angled net face, each worth different point values. This transforms chipping practice from simple repetition into a game — and that gamification element makes a surprising difference in how long you stay engaged and how focused your practice becomes.
The three-target design is genuinely useful for developing distance control, which is arguably the most important skill in chipping. Each hole sits at a different height on the net face, so hitting the top target requires a higher, softer shot while hitting the bottom target demands a lower, running chip. Switching between targets in a single practice session trains you to vary trajectory and landing angle — skills that directly translate to course situations where you need to choose between a bump-and-run and a lob.
The Callaway name on this product isn't just branding — the build quality reflects the company's standards. The frame is sturdy enough to handle outdoor use in moderate wind, the netting is reinforced around the target openings where impacts concentrate, and the base sits flat and stable on both grass and hard surfaces. At 25 inches wide, it's slightly larger than the JEF net, giving you a bit more overall target area while the individual holes keep the precision challenge high.
The scoring system printed on the net adds a competitive element that works especially well when practicing with a partner. Set it at 20 feet, each player chips 10 balls, and highest score wins. This kind of structured competition under low-pressure conditions is one of the most effective ways to build the mental composure you need for pressure chips on the course.
Pros
- Three-target design trains distance control and trajectory variety
- Built-in scoring system makes practice engaging and competitive
- Callaway build quality — reinforced netting and stable frame
- 25-inch size provides good target area with precision challenge
- Excellent for practice with a partner or group
Cons
- Slightly bulkier when folded than single-target pop-up nets
- Multi-target design can be frustrating for absolute beginners
- Higher price than basic pop-up alternatives
Who It's For
The Callaway Tri-Ball is the best chipping net for golfers who want structured, engaging practice that develops real scoring skills. If you tend to lose focus during repetitive drills, the target system keeps you locked in. It's also the best option for golfers who practice with a spouse, friend, or kids — the scoring element turns practice into a game everyone can enjoy.
Check Price on Amazon →Most Portable: SKLZ Quickster Chipping Net
The SKLZ Quickster Chipping Net is built for golfers who want to practice their short game wherever they happen to be. SKLZ (now part of the TrueTimber family of sports training brands) has spent years refining portable training equipment, and the Quickster reflects that experience — it's the most travel-friendly chipping net we've tested, without sacrificing the durability needed for regular use.
The Quickster uses a spring-steel frame that pops open to form a stable, basket-style target. At 24 inches across, it's slightly larger than the JEF World of Golf net, which makes it a touch more forgiving for golfers still developing their chipping accuracy. The net sits at a slight angle that catches chips cleanly and keeps balls contained rather than bouncing out — a common complaint with cheaper pop-up designs where balls deflect off the rim and roll away.
Portability is where the SKLZ stands out. The frame compresses into a remarkably small package that fits in the included carry case, and the entire unit weighs almost nothing. It's genuinely small enough to pack in a suitcase for business trips or toss in your bag for a round where you arrive early and want to warm up your short game. The carry case is well-made with a zipper that holds up over time — a small detail that matters when you're throwing it in and out of a car trunk regularly.
The SKLZ Quickster handles both real golf balls and foam practice balls without issue. For outdoor use on grass, real balls give the best feedback. For hotel room or living room practice, foam balls paired with this net create a genuinely useful practice station that takes up almost no space and produces zero noise.
Pros
- Best-in-class portability — extremely compact when folded
- 24-inch target offers a good balance of challenge and forgiveness
- Angled net design catches balls cleanly with minimal bounce-outs
- Quality carry case included
- SKLZ brand reputation for durable training equipment
- Lightweight enough to pack in a suitcase
Cons
- Single target — no multi-hole scoring option
- Very lightweight frame can tip in stronger wind outdoors
- Slightly higher price than no-name alternatives with similar features
Who It's For
The SKLZ Quickster is the right pick for golfers who travel frequently and want to keep their short game sharp on the road, golfers who want maximum portability for practicing in different locations, and anyone who values a quality carry case and compact storage. If your chipping net needs to live in a car trunk or a closet rather than taking up permanent space, this is your best option.
Check Price on Amazon →Best Budget: GoSports Chipster Chipping Net
The GoSports Chipster delivers competent chipping practice at the lowest price point in our roundup. GoSports has built a solid reputation for affordable sports equipment that punches above its price class, and the Chipster continues that pattern — it's a functional, reasonably durable chipping net that costs less than a sleeve of premium golf balls.
The Chipster uses a pop-up design with a 24-inch target opening. Setup is instant — pull it from the bag, let it spring open, and set it on the ground. The netting is adequate for catching chip shots hit with real golf balls, though it's noticeably thinner than the JEF or SKLZ options. For casual practice sessions a few times a week, this isn't a concern. For daily heavy use, the netting will show wear faster than premium alternatives.
Where the Chipster earns its budget-pick designation is in the value calculation. At this price, you can buy one for the backyard and one for the office without thinking twice. If the netting wears out after a year of regular use, replacing the entire unit costs less than a round of golf at most courses. For golfers who want to test whether a chipping net fits their practice routine before investing in a premium option, the Chipster removes any financial barrier to getting started.
The frame is lighter than the top-tier options, which means it can shift on impact when hit with a firm chip on hard ground. On grass, this is rarely an issue — the slight depression the frame makes in the turf keeps it anchored. On a garage floor or patio, placing a shoe or a golf bag behind the net prevents it from scooting backward. A minor workaround for a net at this price point.
Pros
- Lowest price in this roundup — exceptional value
- Instant pop-up setup with no assembly
- 24-inch target is a good size for general chipping practice
- Light enough to take anywhere
- Low cost makes it easy to buy multiples or replace when worn
Cons
- Thinner netting wears faster than premium options
- Lighter frame can shift on hard surfaces
- Less refined build quality than JEF or SKLZ
- May need replacing after 12-18 months of heavy use
Who It's For
The GoSports Chipster is ideal for golfers on a tight budget, beginners who want to try chipping practice without committing to a more expensive net, and anyone who wants a disposable-price practice tool they don't need to baby. It's also a smart option for buying as a gift for a golfer — low risk, practical, and genuinely useful.
Check Price on Amazon →Best Collapsible: Rukket Pop-Up Chipping Net
The Rukket Pop-Up Chipping Net brings the build quality Rukket is known for in the full-swing net market down to the chipping net category. If you've used a Rukket full-swing net and liked the construction quality, their chipping net delivers the same level of durability and attention to detail in a compact, collapsible package.
The Rukket chipping net measures 25 inches across and uses a reinforced pop-up frame that feels noticeably more robust than budget alternatives. The netting is tightly woven and reinforced at stress points where the frame connects, which are typically the first areas to fail on cheaper nets. The frame itself snaps open cleanly and holds its shape firmly — no sagging or wobbling when a ball hits the target.
What makes the Rukket the best collapsible option is how cleanly it folds down and how consistently it pops back open. Some pop-up nets develop a memory problem over time — the frame gets lazy and doesn't fully expand, leaving the net misshapen and the target opening uneven. Rukket's spring-steel frame maintains its tension reliably, opening to the same shape on the hundredth use as the first. The included carry bag is properly sized (not uncomfortably tight like some competitor bags) and the net slides in and out without a fight.
The 25-inch target size is the largest in our roundup and provides a generous catching area that makes practice satisfying rather than frustrating. For golfers who are building chipping confidence and want a net that rewards good shots without demanding Tour-level precision, the extra inch or two of target diameter makes a real difference in the practice experience.
Pros
- Rukket build quality — reinforced frame and netting
- 25-inch target is the largest and most forgiving in this roundup
- Excellent collapse mechanism that maintains shape over time
- Well-sized carry bag that's easy to use
- Handles real golf balls without showing wear quickly
Cons
- Larger folded size than the most compact alternatives
- Slightly pricier than the GoSports and comparable budget options
- Single target only — no multi-hole scoring design
Who It's For
The Rukket Pop-Up is the best pick for golfers who want a chipping net that lasts. If you plan to use it regularly for a year or more and want something that won't need replacing, Rukket's build quality justifies the small price premium over budget alternatives. It's also a good choice for golfers who find smaller targets frustrating — the 25-inch opening is forgiving enough to keep practice enjoyable.
Check Price on Amazon →How to Use a Chipping Net Effectively
Owning a chipping net is the easy part. Using it in a way that actually improves your short game requires intention. Here's how to get the most from your practice sessions.
Set Up at Realistic Distances
Most golfers set their chipping net too close. While it's tempting to start at 5 feet where every shot goes in, this doesn't build the skills you need on the course. Start at 10-15 feet for basic chip shots and gradually work back to 25-40 feet as your consistency improves. The average chip shot on the course is 15-30 feet from the pin — practice at that range most often. Use a piece of tape on the ground to mark your standard distances so you can track improvement over time.
Vary Your Clubs
Don't fall into the trap of chipping with just your 56-degree wedge. On the course, different situations call for different clubs — a bump-and-run with an 8-iron, a standard chip with a pitching wedge, a flop with a lob wedge. Practice with at least three different clubs during each session. The chipping net is the perfect place to experiment with wedge selection because there's no consequence for a bad shot. Over time, you'll develop feel for how each club responds around the green.
Focus on Contact, Not Just Accuracy
A chipping net catches the ball whether your contact was crisp or chunky. Pay attention to how the ball enters the net — a well-struck chip will fly on a predictable trajectory and land cleanly in the target. A fat or thin shot will enter at the wrong angle or with the wrong speed. Listen to the sound of your contact. Feel the turf interaction. The net tells you whether you hit the target, but only you can assess the quality of each strike.
Create Practice Games
Structure prevents mindless ball-bashing. Try the "par 2" game: you have two chips to get the ball in the net from each distance. Start at 10 feet and move back 5 feet after each successful par. Track how far back you can go before missing. Or try "21" — each net entry is worth 1 point, and you have to hit exactly 21 in a row. If you miss, drop back to 15. These simple games add stakes and focus that transform aimless chipping into productive practice.
Chipping Drills to Practice with a Net
These five drills are specifically designed for use with a chipping net and target the skills that matter most for lower scores around the green.
Drill 1: The Ladder
Set up at 10 feet from the net. Hit 5 chips. If you sink 3 or more into the net, step back to 15 feet. Continue stepping back in 5-foot increments (20, 25, 30, 35 feet) as long as you hit 3 out of 5. When you fail, go back to 10 feet and start over. This drill builds distance control progressively and gives you a measurable benchmark to track over time. Most mid-handicap golfers plateau around 25-30 feet on this drill — pushing past that mark means your distance control is genuinely improving.
Drill 2: One Club, Three Trajectories
Using only your 56-degree wedge (or your most-used chipping club), hit three different types of shots to the same target: a low bump-and-run with the ball back in your stance, a standard chip with a neutral ball position, and a higher pitch with the face open and the ball slightly forward. Hit 5 of each, then count how many found the net. This drill develops feel and versatility with a single club — exactly the kind of adaptability you need on the course when terrain, wind, or pin position demands a specific trajectory.
Drill 3: Pressure 10
Set up at 20 feet and try to chip 10 consecutive balls into the net. If you miss, start over from zero. This drill trains composure under self-imposed pressure — the closer you get to 10, the more your hands want to tighten and your tempo wants to rush. The mental challenge mirrors the feeling of a crucial up-and-down on the course. When you can reliably hit 10 in a row from 20 feet, move back to 25 feet and start again.
Drill 4: Clock Positions
Place the net at center and set up 4 hitting positions around it: 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock, each at 15 feet. Hit 5 balls from each position. This forces you to adjust your aim and alignment for each shot rather than grooving the same angle repeatedly. On the course, you rarely get the same chip angle twice — this drill builds the ability to align to a target quickly from any orientation.
Drill 5: Club Rotation
Line up your pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge. From 20 feet, hit one chip with each club in sequence, then repeat. The goal is to notice how each club responds differently — how far the ball flies, how much it rolls after landing, and how the trajectory changes. After 20 balls (5 cycles of 4 clubs), you should have a clearer sense of which club you'd reach for in different on-course situations. This directly improves your wedge selection under pressure.
A chipping net is the cheapest, highest-impact practice aid you can own. The JEF World of Golf net is the best all-around pick — proven, portable, and perfectly sized. For structured target practice that builds real distance control, the Callaway Tri-Ball adds a scoring element that keeps you engaged. On a tight budget, the GoSports Chipster gets the job done for less than the price of lunch. Whatever you choose, 15 minutes of focused chipping practice a few times a week will lower your scores faster than any equipment upgrade. Your short game is where strokes are saved — start practicing it.