IZZO Golf's Big Mouth Instant Range Net

Net Gain
David A. Dodson

There's only one sure-fire way to improve your golf game: practice... and often. Unfortunately, not everyone can get to the driving range to work on their swing any time they want. You could get plastic practice balls and hit them around the yard, but then you lose the feel of swinging through a real ball. Practice nets are great, but they're a pain to assemble and take down when you just want to get in a few strokes. Luckily those mental magi over at IZZO Golf have stepped in with their Big Mouth Instant Range Net. The Big Mouth eliminates the hassle of setting up frame poles and clipping net hangers. Utilizing a fiberglass hoop frame, the Big Mouth sets up instantly; simply toss it where you want it and it automatically springs to life. Then it's just a matter of staking it down and teeing one up.

Sounds great, but how well does it work? Very, very well. When the instructions say, "Toss the net away from you at least six feet," they mean it. The Big Mouth goes from a three-foot disk to a seven by nine foot net way faster than you can get away if you casually toss it to your side. The fiberglass frame does an excellent job of supporting the net; it holds its shape well even in moderate winds. Breakdown, however, is a bit of a chore the first time you try it. The directions are very clear, but you may regret taking your eyes off of the net to read the next step once the project starts. After you successfully refold it once, though, it becomes second nature.

Closed, the Big Mouth is a thirty-six inch flat disk that only weighs about fifteen pounds and stores practically anywhere. Also worth noting is the introduction of a woven netting rather than the traditional tatted style. This "knotless" technology allows the mesh to stretch and absorb the ball's force. The result is a thirty percent stronger net.

Another great feature is an adjustable chipping net that hangs in the middle of the Big Mouth's frame. Suspended on four sides by adjustable chords, you can set the position of the chipping net to work on high lob shots or low bumps. The main net acts as a backstop for those shots that don't quite make it in the target.

The bottom line is that by allowing you to hit drives, iron shots, and approach shots, IZZO's Big Mouth Instant Range Net lets you get in that crucial practice time that builds good habits and works out existing problems in your swing. It's a must have for players at any level looking to lower their score or maintain an already low handicap. For about one hundred dollars, you can pick one up just about anywhere golf equipment is sold or online at IZZO.com.