A putting mat or green supports rolling practice, while a chipping net provides a target for short airborne shots. The USGA says natural-grass greens require specialized upkeep and synthetic greens generally need less maintenance; SKLZ's Quickster net has three target openings and can be used with regular or practice balls.
Putting and chipping practice need different surfaces. A flat mat or green is built around rolling a ball, while a chipping target catches airborne shots. The right backyard setup depends on the shot you want to practice, the clear space available and how much surface maintenance you want to take on.
Compare the practice format
| Setup | What it supports | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor putting mat | Short, repeatable rolls in a compact area | Limited length and surface variety |
| Outdoor synthetic green | More space for multiple putting lines | Requires a suitable base and debris care |
| Natural-grass green | A living turf surface that can be shaped | Regular specialist mowing and maintenance |
| Chipping net | Short shots aimed at a target opening | Needs clear flight and rebound space |
The USGA’s backyard-green guide says natural grass needs specialized mowing and care, while synthetic surfaces generally require less upkeep. It also notes that synthetic turf does not allow hole locations to move the way a natural green can. Those tradeoffs matter more than whether a surface is labeled “practice” or “pro.”
What a compact target net adds
SKLZ describes its Quickster Chipping Net as having three target openings and a bottom ball-catching slot. The manufacturer says it accepts regular or practice golf balls and folds into a carry bag. That makes this type of target different from a putting mat: it catches a chip, while a mat gives the ball a surface to roll across. Check the current product manual and set the net in a clear area with enough room for the shots you intend to take.
Choose around space and care
An indoor mat uses little floor space and avoids installing a yard surface. A chipping target needs a safe, unobstructed line for shots and a place to collect balls. A permanent outdoor green can offer more layout flexibility, but it adds construction and upkeep decisions. If the yard also needs social game space, compare the nine-wicket croquet court layout and bocce court dimensions before committing a larger area. Browse net and yard sports for the site’s golf and net-game guides.
Sources
Common questions
Is a putting mat or chipping net better for a backyard?
Choose a putting mat for rolling practice in a small area and a chipping net when you have clear room for short airborne shots.
Does a backyard putting green need much maintenance?
The USGA notes that natural-grass greens require specialized maintenance, while synthetic greens have lower upkeep needs.
Can a chipping net use regular golf balls?
SKLZ says its Quickster Chipping Net can be used with regular or practice golf balls. Check the maker's manual and your practice space before use.
Can a chipping net replace a putting green?
No. A target net and a putting surface support different kinds of practice, so choose based on whether you want to work on rolling or airborne shots.