Build a DIY Golf Simulator: Budget-Friendly Retractable Setup
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. How the DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure Works
2. Our Experience with The SportScreen Components 3. Final Verdict
2. Our Experience with The SportScreen Components 3. Final Verdict
Thinking about building your dream DIY golf studio? The SportScreen has long been a favorite for high-quality golf simulator enclosures, and we previously reviewed their Vanish Series—a retractable enclosure that transforms any space into a golfer’s paradise. It was sleek, easy to use, and an all-in-one solution for serious golfers. But let’s be real—full simulator setups can get expensive fast. Just check out r/golfsimulators, where one user dropped $27K on a top-tier build.
So what if you’re not ready to take the plunge on an entire enclosure? The SportScreen just launched a Build a Golf Studio section on their website, and it’s a total game-changer for DIY-ers and budget-conscious golfers alike. Instead of buying a full enclosure, you can now pick and choose individual components from the Vanish Series to build a simulator setup that fits your space and budget. Talk about a DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure made easy!
How the DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure Works
Rather than committing to a full enclosure, The SportScreen now sells its high-quality parts individually—meaning you can piece together your own DIY golf simulator enclosure without breaking the bank. Whether you’re converting a garage, basement, or mancave into a golf haven, this modular approach lets you buy only what you need.
For example, if you want a retractable screen but don’t need side netting, you can grab just the Premium Impact Screen, Retractable Support Membrane, and Versatile Mounting Bracket Kit. And then, over time, you can add on all of the additional components to get the whole enclosure.
For example, if you want a retractable screen but don’t need side netting, you can grab just the Premium Impact Screen, Retractable Support Membrane, and Versatile Mounting Bracket Kit. And then, over time, you can add on all of the additional components to get the whole enclosure.
Why This is Awesome
There are plenty of resources out there for building a DIY golf studio, but if you’re looking to maximize your space with a retractable enclosure, things can get… complicated. Here are some of the biggest challenges DIY-ers face when trying to create a retractable setup:
Additionally, what’s great about this setup is that you can start with just the essentials and upgrade over time. If you’re working within a budget, you don’t have to drop thousands of dollars all at once—you can buy the key pieces now and expand as needed. Eventually, you can assemble a full Vanish setup if you want, without the upfront cost.
- Net Mounting – Finding the right way to attach and stabilize the net can be a struggle, especially if you need it to fold away cleanly.
- Folding It Down – Some DIY setups don’t retract as smoothly as expected, leading to bulky, inconvenient storage when not in use.
- Impact Screen Wrinkles – Getting an impact screen to lay flat without creases or puckering can be difficult, affecting both aesthetics and projection quality.
Additionally, what’s great about this setup is that you can start with just the essentials and upgrade over time. If you’re working within a budget, you don’t have to drop thousands of dollars all at once—you can buy the key pieces now and expand as needed. Eventually, you can assemble a full Vanish setup if you want, without the upfront cost.
Our Experience with The SportScreen Components
We got our hands on some of these components to test them out, and here’s what we found:
Impact Screen
One of the standout features of The SportScreen’s impact screen is the material itself. It’s a custom 3-layer polyester blend spacer material that’s about 1/8” thick.
Compared to other impact screens we’ve tested, this one stands out for durability. We’ve seen plenty of screens develop pot marks, puckering, and even burn-in marks from high-spin shots—but this one holds up incredibly well over time. The ball response is realistic, and the projection quality is crisp. If you’re serious about your simulator setup, investing in a high-quality screen like this is a must.
One of the standout features of The SportScreen’s impact screen is the material itself. It’s a custom 3-layer polyester blend spacer material that’s about 1/8” thick.
Compared to other impact screens we’ve tested, this one stands out for durability. We’ve seen plenty of screens develop pot marks, puckering, and even burn-in marks from high-spin shots—but this one holds up incredibly well over time. The ball response is realistic, and the projection quality is crisp. If you’re serious about your simulator setup, investing in a high-quality screen like this is a must.
Impact Support Membrane
A feature we didn’t know we needed until we tested it—the Impact Support Membrane sits behind the impact screen and dramatically improves projection quality. It acts as a blackout screen, reducing light bleed and making the image sharper. It also helps reduce noise, ball bounce-back, and wear on the main screen.
We tested both the motorized and manual retraction models, and we have to say—the electric retractable option is insanely convenient. One user on r/golfsimulators, B0y3rrr, documented their install of the electric retractable 16’ SportScreen and showed how easy it is to set custom unrolling limits. The fact that it retracts in seconds means you can instantly reclaim your space when you're not using it.
A feature we didn’t know we needed until we tested it—the Impact Support Membrane sits behind the impact screen and dramatically improves projection quality. It acts as a blackout screen, reducing light bleed and making the image sharper. It also helps reduce noise, ball bounce-back, and wear on the main screen.
We tested both the motorized and manual retraction models, and we have to say—the electric retractable option is insanely convenient. One user on r/golfsimulators, B0y3rrr, documented their install of the electric retractable 16’ SportScreen and showed how easy it is to set custom unrolling limits. The fact that it retracts in seconds means you can instantly reclaim your space when you're not using it.
Versatile Mounting Bracket Kit
One of the biggest challenges with DIY golf simulator setups is mounting the screen in a way that provides enough clearance while keeping everything stable. The Versatile Mounting Bracket Kit solves this problem by offering multiple installation options, whether you’re mounting around garage rails, walls, or ceilings. The brackets allow for 8-12 inches of clearance behind the screen, ensuring a proper fit without major modifications to your space.
One of the biggest challenges with DIY golf simulator setups is mounting the screen in a way that provides enough clearance while keeping everything stable. The Versatile Mounting Bracket Kit solves this problem by offering multiple installation options, whether you’re mounting around garage rails, walls, or ceilings. The brackets allow for 8-12 inches of clearance behind the screen, ensuring a proper fit without major modifications to your space.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a high-quality DIY golf simulator enclosure, The SportScreen’s Build a Golf Studio components offer the perfect mix of affordability and performance. Whether you’re going fully custom or just need a retractable screen for a garage golf setup, this modular approach gives you complete control over your build.
So, are you ready to start your DIY golf simulator journey? Check out The SportScreen’s new Build a Golf Studio section and start piecing together your dream setup today!
So, are you ready to start your DIY golf simulator journey? Check out The SportScreen’s new Build a Golf Studio section and start piecing together your dream setup today!
These accessories enhance the experience by providing realistic landing areas and putting practice.
Interested in what else The SportScreen has to offer?
Check out our The SportScreen Retractable Golf Simulator Enclosure Review and The Best Budget Golf Simulator Enclosure: The SportScreen Parlour Series® Review.
Interested in what else The SportScreen has to offer?
Check out our The SportScreen Retractable Golf Simulator Enclosure Review and The Best Budget Golf Simulator Enclosure: The SportScreen Parlour Series® Review.
