One of the easiest ways of hanging a golf net in a garage is to use a ceiling-mounted track. All you need is to screw the track into the ceiling joists, slide roller hooks into it, then attach the net. The net hangs evenly, and you can slide it to one side when you want to park your car. In this guide, we walk you through the right net height, how a track compares with cables and eye bolts, and how you can install the track in four steps.
How High Does a Golf Net Need to Be?
A golf net should hang from the ceiling to the floor, so its height is based on your garage ceiling. For you to swing a driver without hitting the ceiling, you need a 9 to 10 ft ceiling. According to a Houzz survey cited by GolfingSim, 8.6 ft is the height of an average U.S. garage ceiling. This means many garages are better suited to irons and wedges than to a driver.
The areas behind and around your hitting position also need enough room. According to Total Golf Simulator, there should be at least 10 ft between the hitting position and the back wall, with a hitting area at least 10 ft wide.
A ceiling-mounted track hangs about 1-1/4 in. below the ceiling. The net hangs another 3/4 to 1 in. below the track, meaning you only lose about 2 in. of height. We recommend ordering a net slightly taller than your ceiling so the extra material rests on the floor and helps stop rolling balls.
Track vs. Eye Bolts and Cable
Most DIY guides recommend hanging a golf net from a steel cable stretched between two eye bolts. This is a low-cost option, but the cables may sag in the middle. There’s also a possibility that the clips may bunch together when you move the net, and a cable cannot turn around a corner. A track is attached to the ceiling every few feet, so it stays straight and its rollers move smoothly along the full track, including around a radius corner.
Cable and Eye Bolts
Ceiling Track
| Ceiling Track | Cable and Eye Bolts | |
|---|---|---|
| Stays level | Yes, supported about every 5 ft | Sags between the two anchors |
| Turns a corner | Yes, with a 24 in. radius corner | No |
| Opens and closes | Rollers glide the full length | Clips drag on the cable |
| Load rating | Up to about 100 lb. per ft with supports 3 ft apart | Depends on the cable and eye bolts |
| Cost | From about $107 for a short kit, free shipping | A few dollars of hardware |
Garage Golf Net Track Layout Ideas
Straight Run
Install one straight track across the back of the hitting area. This setup is the simplest, and you can slide the net to one side when you need to park.
L-Shape With a Radius Corner
The net covers the back and one side of the hitting area to catch shots that go left or right. The rollers will move smoothly around the turn when using a 24 in. radius corner.
U-Shape Enclosure
Use two radius corners to cover the three sides of the hitting area. This helps catch shots that miss to either side.
Across the Garage Door
Run the track beneath the garage door’s path so the net covers the door opening. It can span up to 12 ft between supports on each side.
How to Hang a Golf Net on a Ceiling Track
Plan the Layout
Measure each section of the ceiling where you want to install the track. A two-sided layout with one 24 in. radius corner covers the back and one side of the hitting area. The corner adds about 2 ft to each connected side; therefore, you should subtract that from your measurements.
Fasten Supports to the Joists
Use a stud finder to find the ceiling joists. Install a track support into a joist about every 5 ft. Closer spacing helps reduce sag. The track should not be attached to drywall alone.
Load the Rollers and End Stops
Connect the track sections and tighten the set screws to hold them together. At every 6 in., slide in one roller hook. Then, install an end stop at each open end to prevent the rollers from sliding out.
Clip On the Net
Clip the top edge of the net to each roller hook. Leave about 6 to 12 in. of slack at the bottom. With this, the net will absorb the ball’s impact instead of bouncing it back towards you.
Check the Garage Door, Opener and Lights First
Garage ceilings often have several things in the way. Confirm where the garage door rails, opener, opener rail, lights and moving door are located before you mark the track location. Make sure the track and folded net will not block them. Another option is to run the track underneath the door’s path as shown below.
Use the space above your net to choose a mounting style:
- Ceiling Mount: Attaches directly to the joists and takes up the least headroom.
- Chain or Threaded Rod Mount: Lowers the track below door rails or the opener. Threaded rod comes in 3/8 in. and you will find it at hardware stores.
- Wall Mount: Works well when there are no joists above the net line.
- Freestanding Curtain Track: Uses its own frame and can hold the net up to 12 ft high. This is the best choice when you cannot drill into the ceiling.
When the net is open, it gathers at one end of the track. Therefore, position the track in a way that the folded net does not block a door, window, or your car. You should install the track below the door’s path to cover the full garage door opening. You can span our steel track up to 12 ft without a center support. It hangs from chain or threaded rod supports on each side of the opening. See this guide to installing curtain tracks under roll-up garage doors.
Golf Simulator Curtain Track Kit
Our golf simulator curtain track kit comes with straight track, a track support spaced at every 5 ft, a roller hook every 6 in., and end stops. Depending on your choice, you can add a radius or hard corner. Enter the length of each side online, and the order form will calculate the parts you need.
- The price for a 42 in. straight kit starts from $107.06, and it comes with free shipping
- Shipping takes between 3 and 5 work days
- Comes with a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects
- Made from 16 gauge hot-dipped galvanized steel to handle golf ball impacts
- Nylon roller hooks come with a rating of 40 lb. each. We recommend 1 in. or 2.5 in. hooks to fit small or large net grommets
- Available with different mounts, such as ceiling, wall, chain, threaded rod, I-beam, or freestanding mount
Hanging a batting cage or another sports net? The same hardware comes as sport net track with a roller hook every 12 in.
Common Questions
What is the best golf net for a garage?
Garage golf nets are mostly made from knotted netting with 3/4 in. square mesh. The mesh is small enough to stop golf balls, and one broken strand will not cause the whole net to unravel. US Netting rates its #21 twine at 210 lb. breaking strength per knot. We recommend choosing a net with grommets or a reinforced top edge so that you can attach it to the roller hooks.
How much slack should a golf net have?
Leave about 6 to 12 in. of slack at the bottom. The ball’s energy is absorbed by a loose net, while a tight net may bounce the ball back to you. Therefore, leave enough space behind the net so it can move when hit without the ball reaching the wall.
Can I hang a golf net from drywall?
No, you cannot hang a golf net from drywall. This is mostly because drywall anchors can loosen or pull out after repeated impacts. Attach the track supports to the ceiling joists instead. Screw a 2x4 board across the joists and attach the track to the board if the joist and the track location are not in line.
How far apart should the track supports be?
Place a support about every 5 ft, which is the spacing used in many of our kits. Closer spacing reduces sag. The track carries up to about 100 lb. per ft with supports spaced 3 ft apart. See the curtain track deflection and sag charts.