Golf nets, cages and enclosures: what changes?
Compare the practical differences between a target net, a golf cage and a simulator enclosure before choosing a home setup.
A net catches shots. A cage adds a surrounding structure and may provide side and roof netting. A simulator enclosure usually combines a frame, side panels and an impact screen. Those names alone do not establish which shots a product can contain: check the exact model's rating and instructions.
| Format | Useful when | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Target net | You need to assemble and store the kit between sessions. | Depth, support legs, side coverage and packed size. |
| Cage | You have a dedicated practice area and want surrounding netting. | Anchoring, roof coverage, frame protection and impact-panel placement. |
| Screen enclosure | You want projected simulator images. | Screen movement, frame padding, projector position and room layout. |
Containment is a system
The frame, net, impact panel and fixings work together. Replacing a damaged panel with any mesh that happens to fit does not establish that it is suitable for golf balls. Ask the maker for the correct replacement.
The FORB cage manual places its net inside the frame and specifies a separate impact panel. That is one model's assembly method, not a general recipe for a homemade cage.
Choose for the session you will actually have
If every session starts by moving a table, carrying out a mat and assembling a frame, factor that routine into your decision. A smaller putting area may see more use in a shared room. A permanent cage can avoid repeated assembly, but it brings a different question: whether that structure is appropriate for the garden and its planning context.
Use the space checker for measured dimensions, then assess shot containment separately. Passing a footprint check does not certify a setup as safe.
Sources
Checked 25 October 2026. Recheck the current manual before buying.