How to Build a DIY Home Golf Simulator
Updated 8/19/2024, by Lem Clevenger
Building a DIY golf simulator has never been more accessible. Creating a personalized, do-it-yourself golf simulator can transform any space into a high-tech golf haven. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and considerations for building a golf simulator that meets your needs and budget.
From selecting the right launch monitor to choosing the ideal projector and screen setup, every detail matters. We'll explore the must-have components for a successful DIY golf simulator and provide tips to optimize your setup for the best experience possible. Whether you're aiming for a simple practice area or a full-scale simulation room, this article will help you navigate the process of building a golf simulator that brings the course to you.
By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to create your own golf simulator setup, allowing you to enjoy the game anytime, regardless of the weather or time constraints.
From selecting the right launch monitor to choosing the ideal projector and screen setup, every detail matters. We'll explore the must-have components for a successful DIY golf simulator and provide tips to optimize your setup for the best experience possible. Whether you're aiming for a simple practice area or a full-scale simulation room, this article will help you navigate the process of building a golf simulator that brings the course to you.
By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to create your own golf simulator setup, allowing you to enjoy the game anytime, regardless of the weather or time constraints.
We have several sections on this page with designs specific to different golf simulator spaces. You can use our tool or jump to a specific design section using the links below.
Before you spend dozens of hours tracking down specs and thousands of dollars buying all of the components you'll need to build your DIY golf simulator, get our ULTIMATE DIY GOLF SIMULATOR PLANNING TOOL. Whether you are building a golf simulator shed, or putting one in the house or garage, our tool is a big help. You can customize your setup and see the total cost in just minutes or spend hours fine tuning the perfect setup for you.
Just below our tool, you will find a step-by-step guide on building your home simulator.
Our easy to use tool eliminates hassle and includes:
Just below our tool, you will find a step-by-step guide on building your home simulator.
Our easy to use tool eliminates hassle and includes:
- Reviews and feedback from actual owners of golf simulators
- Step-by-step instruction designing / picking your DIY golf simulator components
- 6 component selection pages covering simulators, software, enclosures, projectors, mats, and accessories
- Each component page has relevant details around specs and/or compatibility with other components
- Convenient pricing and links to each component
- A summary page with all your chosen components and total cost in one place
- Tracking check boxes for when you order and receive each component
- The ability to compare DIY golf simulator options to packaged kits
- Unlimited mix and match flexibility as you try many options to see what the best one is for you
Here is how it helps plan to build a DIY golf Simulator:
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In Step 1, you pick which simulator is the best fit for you from our list of simulators with detailed specs. This includes real owner feedback from ~200 DIY golf simulator owners we collected from our forum. It has data on stats collected, software compatibility, price, owner ratings, and more to help you pick the best simulator for you. You will simply put a "1" in the row next to the simulator you like.
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In Step 2, you will pick a hitting mat from a list of the top mats curated from our forum. The mats listed are a wide range of sizes and quality. You will see owner ratings, price per square foot, and average price paid. We've done some highlighting to show which mats were best in each different characteristic.
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In Step 3, you select the course simulator you want. As both the simulator page and the software page include compatibility, you can be sure to pick the right software. This tab also includes information about PC specs, number of courses and lifetime license prices.
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In Steps 4-6 (not pictured) you pick a projector, enclosure, and any accessories. All your choices are tracked and automatically build into a custom plan. You can chance choices an unlimited number of times and see how the total price changes. You can order via the links and track which ones you've ordered and received.
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Key Steps to build a DIY home golf simulator
Golf simulators have become the latest trend in home entertainment. They allow people to play and practice screen golf on some of the best courses in the world. DIY golf simulators are also a great way to improve your game and work on specific parts of your swing. Having your own golf simulator is a great way to play golf anytime and anywhere. You can practice in any weather, and you can spend as much or as little time practicing as you want. The biggest benefit of having your own home golf simulator is that it allows you to focus on the things that matter most for improving your game. Read on and get the best home golf simulator for your needs.
DIY Home Golf Simulator - High End
How much space do you need for a DIY home golf simulator
We recommend looking for a minimum of 10 feet wide x 115 feet long x 10 feet high (taller golfers or those with an uprights swing may need a higher ceiling). More room is better and allows you to add amenities to improve your space.
Start your build by figuring out how much space you have for your golf simulator. This is important as it will dictate what kind of impact screen you buy, how big a hitting enclosure you can build, and what golf simulator you can buy. Ceiling height will also determine what club you can swing - too low and you might not be able to hit that driver.
Breaking this down a bit more, your room needs to be wider than your screen and enclosure by a foot or two. The height needs to be safely taller than the space you (or your tallest guest) needs to swing a driver. Take a few very slow swings to test out the space. The length or depth of the room needs to allow for the distance between the ball and the screen that your simulator requires, plus any distance from the golf ball to the simulator if it is placed behind you.
Learn more on our golf simulator dimensions page.
Start your build by figuring out how much space you have for your golf simulator. This is important as it will dictate what kind of impact screen you buy, how big a hitting enclosure you can build, and what golf simulator you can buy. Ceiling height will also determine what club you can swing - too low and you might not be able to hit that driver.
Breaking this down a bit more, your room needs to be wider than your screen and enclosure by a foot or two. The height needs to be safely taller than the space you (or your tallest guest) needs to swing a driver. Take a few very slow swings to test out the space. The length or depth of the room needs to allow for the distance between the ball and the screen that your simulator requires, plus any distance from the golf ball to the simulator if it is placed behind you.
Learn more on our golf simulator dimensions page.
DIY Garage Golf Simulator: You might find a garage golf simulator suits your needs. Converting a garage into golf simulator is a fairly common DIY project. Whether it is a detached garage with a golf simulator or an attached garage, they make for a good simulator space as they tend to have the room and ceiling height.
Make sure you think about heating and cooling for your garage golf simulator setup. Garages aren't always insulated and conditioned. Your garage golf simulator floor plan should also account for other uses like storage and parking. Many owners opt for a simulator they can easily move out of the way when building a garage golf simulator.
When setting up a garage golf simulator you may have to work around your garage door track and garage door opener. There are options to raise or move them if they are in the way.
Make sure you think about heating and cooling for your garage golf simulator setup. Garages aren't always insulated and conditioned. Your garage golf simulator floor plan should also account for other uses like storage and parking. Many owners opt for a simulator they can easily move out of the way when building a garage golf simulator.
When setting up a garage golf simulator you may have to work around your garage door track and garage door opener. There are options to raise or move them if they are in the way.
Home Basement Golf Simulator: Putting a golf simulator in a basement is also a good option. A finished basement makes a good place for a golf simulator as it would be conditioned and insulated. The key item to ensure is that the ceiling height accommodates a golf simulator basement. Also make sure any duct work or lighting in the basement is not in the way when you are hitting.
We've recently written a comprehensive article on building a basement golf simulator in your home.
We've recently written a comprehensive article on building a basement golf simulator in your home.
Golf simulator sheds are growing in popularity. A backyard golf shed eliminates the need to find room in your home or garage for the golf simulator. If you are starting from scratch, you can build the golf simulator shed shed to the exact dimensions you need for your golf simulator design. You can even build a DIY shed from a kit you can order on Amazon. Having a golf simulator shed creates some distance between your golf simulator and other home occupants which helps to minimize noise disturbances in the house.
If you are going to do a backyard golf shed, be sure to think about heating and cooling or you won't want to be in the golf simulator shed in hot or cold weather.
If you are going to do a backyard golf shed, be sure to think about heating and cooling or you won't want to be in the golf simulator shed in hot or cold weather.
Golf Simulator Shed Ideas
Find a good retailer
We've really grown to like two companies in this space as they are focused on indoor golf and have good buyer reviews from our forum. They offer financing, have a wide range of simulator options, provide free shipping, offer a "no hassle" 30 day return, and orders can be cancelled if they haven't shipped yet. Check them out as you start to plan your purchase.
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Building a DIY Golf Simulator - Step-by-Step
Select the home golf simulator
Selecting a golf simulator will probably start with your budget. That will determine whether you are buying a high end golf simulator, a cheap golf simulator, or something in between. Once you know your budget, you can use our golf simulator planning tool to select the best DIY golf simulator for your needs. Buying the best affordable golf simulator you can gives you room to spend on the other components of your setup. You can also check out our golf simulator reviews to help you decide.
Aside from your budget, you should also think about how you plan to use the golf simulator to pick the best one. Will you mostly play simulated golf courses, or will you be hitting balls into the screen on a virtual driving range looking to improve. If you are mostly about play, look to see what golf software you like best and make sure the simulator is compatible. If you are more focused on improvement, look to see if the golf simulator will provide the metrics and accuracy you desire. Lastly, think about whether you will want to take your simulator to the range - if so, you'll need one that is portable and can be used outside.
Aside from your budget, you should also think about how you plan to use the golf simulator to pick the best one. Will you mostly play simulated golf courses, or will you be hitting balls into the screen on a virtual driving range looking to improve. If you are mostly about play, look to see what golf software you like best and make sure the simulator is compatible. If you are more focused on improvement, look to see if the golf simulator will provide the metrics and accuracy you desire. Lastly, think about whether you will want to take your simulator to the range - if so, you'll need one that is portable and can be used outside.
Pick your Golf Simulator Software
Depending on the launch monitor you end up choosing, you may also have to purchase simulation software. Whether you’re hitting balls on a virtual practice range, playing a round on a golf course, or playing online, you will need some sort of software to display your shot on a digital golf image that simulates a real course.
Budget will again come into play here. You'll also want to look at the features of the software - how many course, does the golf simulator have famous courses, does it have games, can you play online, etc. As we mentioned above, you'll also need to factor in compatibility with the simulator you choose. Lastly, make sure to understand what sort of system requirements for your iPad or PC are required to run the software.
Budget will again come into play here. You'll also want to look at the features of the software - how many course, does the golf simulator have famous courses, does it have games, can you play online, etc. As we mentioned above, you'll also need to factor in compatibility with the simulator you choose. Lastly, make sure to understand what sort of system requirements for your iPad or PC are required to run the software.
Hitting Mats and Enclosures for the Home Golf Simulator
Selecting a golf hitting mat is a very important part of the DIY home golf simulator experience. You'll be hitting a lot of balls off the mat. You want one that is durable, but also easy on the hands, wrists, and elbows. You may also want a hitting mat that simulates taking a divot, as well as one that takes a real tee. Size of the golf mat is important as well. It needs to both fit into your space and be large enough to allow you to comfortably swing.
The enclosure creates a sense of space, but also protects other parts of your home or garage from golf balls. It can also be thought of as a safety feature as good padding will prevent golf ball ricochets back at the golfer. You can build these yourself with tubing, or you can buy a kit to assemble a DIY golf simulator enclosure. You will often save quite a bit of money going the DIY golf enclosure route. When you select the enclosure, make sure you size it for the screen and/or net you are using and allow some space between it and the wall.
The enclosure creates a sense of space, but also protects other parts of your home or garage from golf balls. It can also be thought of as a safety feature as good padding will prevent golf ball ricochets back at the golfer. You can build these yourself with tubing, or you can buy a kit to assemble a DIY golf simulator enclosure. You will often save quite a bit of money going the DIY golf enclosure route. When you select the enclosure, make sure you size it for the screen and/or net you are using and allow some space between it and the wall.
Golf Simulator Projectors
With the launch monitor software and PC, you have pretty much everything you need. Just add a net to catch balls and you can play on your golf simulator. The experience does get more engaging and real if you add an enclosure, a screen, and a projector to see the game in full size action.
The projectors on the market today have great definition and flexibility. You can even build a dual purpose golf simulator / home theater if you have the space. Many basement golf simulators serve dual purpose as a home theater as well. The projector and large screen give you much of what you need, just add good seating and a place to store golf equipment and you can maximize your space.
The projectors on the market today have great definition and flexibility. You can even build a dual purpose golf simulator / home theater if you have the space. Many basement golf simulators serve dual purpose as a home theater as well. The projector and large screen give you much of what you need, just add good seating and a place to store golf equipment and you can maximize your space.
Other DIY Home Golf Simulator Options
You can really go crazy here and I've seen some amazing DIY golf simulator setups. People put golf simulators in the garage, a shed, a bedroom, a basement, or a dining room. Here are a few additional design ideas for your DIY home golf simulator:
- Landing turf for when the ball comes off the screen - could also serve dual purpose as a putting green
- Side impact netting for a larger margin of error / safety when hitting golf balls
- Projector and simulator enclosures to protect your investment
- A retractable golf screen you can hide when not in use
- Controller box to make it easier to use your simulator
- Golf club holder to store clubs when not in use
- Lighting to make it easier to see the ball with low lights so the projector contrast is better
- Seating and a bar or refrigerator for guests
- Additional TV's to watch sports like golf
- You can even build a DIY shed from a kit you can order on Amazon
More DIY Home Golf Simulator Design Ideas
More information about our in home golf simulator review data
Having recently completed our annual in home golf simulator survey of actual owners via our forum on Reddit, we now have golf simulator reviews from well over 500 owners. We collected information on simulator accuracy, golf course software compatibility, golf simulator price, space needed, metrics tracked, ease of use, ability to accommodate both right- and left-handed golfers, and much more.
All of this information is included in our ultimate golf simulator planning tool for free. Our research will help ensure you get the best home golf simulator setup for your needs. Let’s start with some of the highlights
What were the most popular golf simulators?
In terms of owners sharing what they purchased, the most popular simulators in our survey were as follows (in order of popularity):
Other than the Uneekor EYEXO, all of the most popular models are also portable golf simulators. The simulator prices above came in a wide range, but mostly trended towards the affordable golf simulator range.
How much did a home golf simulator cost?
In our survey we asked owners to tell us the golf simulator price they paid. While some owners purchased used, we did get a good sense of golf simulator prices in their reviews. The table below shows the golf simulator cost reported by owners. In addition to simulator price paid, we’ve included other survey data around ability to use the simulator outside, golf course software satisfaction, percent that would buy again, and what percent of owners rated their golf simulator 9 or 10 (out of 10) on providing accurate distance and direction on golf shots.
All of this information is included in our ultimate golf simulator planning tool.
Having recently completed our annual in home golf simulator survey of actual owners via our forum on Reddit, we now have golf simulator reviews from well over 500 owners. We collected information on simulator accuracy, golf course software compatibility, golf simulator price, space needed, metrics tracked, ease of use, ability to accommodate both right- and left-handed golfers, and much more.
All of this information is included in our ultimate golf simulator planning tool for free. Our research will help ensure you get the best home golf simulator setup for your needs. Let’s start with some of the highlights
What were the most popular golf simulators?
In terms of owners sharing what they purchased, the most popular simulators in our survey were as follows (in order of popularity):
- SkyTrack Launch Monitor
- Garmin R10 Approach
- Flightscope Mevo+
- Bushnell Launch Pro
- Uneekor EYEXO
- Foresight GC3
Other than the Uneekor EYEXO, all of the most popular models are also portable golf simulators. The simulator prices above came in a wide range, but mostly trended towards the affordable golf simulator range.
How much did a home golf simulator cost?
In our survey we asked owners to tell us the golf simulator price they paid. While some owners purchased used, we did get a good sense of golf simulator prices in their reviews. The table below shows the golf simulator cost reported by owners. In addition to simulator price paid, we’ve included other survey data around ability to use the simulator outside, golf course software satisfaction, percent that would buy again, and what percent of owners rated their golf simulator 9 or 10 (out of 10) on providing accurate distance and direction on golf shots.
All of this information is included in our ultimate golf simulator planning tool.
| Simulator | Avg Price Paid | % Able to Use Outside | % Satisfied with Courses | % That Would Buy Again | Rated 9 or 10: Distance | Rated 9 or 10: Direction | Bushnell Launch Pro | $3,000 | 100.00% | 94.00% | 94.00% | 94% | 94% | Flightscope Mevo | $400 | 100.00% | 0.00% | 100.00% | 66% | 33% | Flightscope Mevo Plus | $2,000 | 100.00% | 84.00% | 92.00% | 60% | 72% | Flightscope Mevo+ Pro | $2,750 | 100.00% | 89.00% | 89.00% | 56% | 89% | Garmin R10 Approach | $590 | 100.00% | 97.00% | 83.00% | 30% | 33% | Skytrack | $2,000 | 74.00% | 91.00% | 81.00% | 32% | 42% | Foresight
(GC2) |
$2,000 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100% | 100% | Foresight (GC3) | $6,750 | 100.00% | 94.00% | 72.00% | 100% | 100% | Foresight
(GC Quad) |
$14,900 | 100.00% | 89.00% | 100.00% | 100% | 100% | Uneekor Eyexo | $10,100 | 0.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100% | 94% | Uneekor QED | $6,750 | 0.00% | 89.00% | 100.00% | 100% | 78% |
| Trackman | $19,000 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100% | 100% | TruGolf | $27,500 | 0.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100% | 100% | Swing Caddie SC200 | $249 | 100.00% | 0.00% | 100.00% | 0% | 0% |
| Optishot 2 | $350 | 0.00% | 100.00% | 50.00% | 0% | 0% |
| Rapsodo | $500 | 100.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0% | 0% |
What is the most popular golf simulator course software?
In our survey, we asked golf simulator owners to tell us what golf course software they are using with their at home golf simulator. We also asked what golf course software price they paid. Both the software used and prices paid are included in the table below. Popularity depends a lot on which home golf simulator is used as not all software works on all simulators.
In our survey, we asked golf simulator owners to tell us what golf course software they are using with their at home golf simulator. We also asked what golf course software price they paid. Both the software used and prices paid are included in the table below. Popularity depends a lot on which home golf simulator is used as not all software works on all simulators.
What metrics does a golf simulator track?
Across our survey we found a number of metrics that the home golf simulators were reported to track. Not all simulators track all of the golf ball or the golf club metrics, but most have a decent selection of metrics to describe a golf shot. Below is a list of the most commonly tracked metrics across all golf simulators:
Of the metrics, those about the golf club seem to be the least frequently tracked. If club metrics are important to you, you may want to look at the Bushnell Launch Pro, Flightscope Mevo+ Pro, Garmin R10, Foresight GC Quad, Uneekor, Trackman, or TruGolf simulators.
How much space do I need for a DIY golf simulator?
If you are wondering about the dimensions needed for a golf simulator, we can help you there. You need enough space to swing a club, have places for all your golf equipment, and enough room for the simulator to track the ball. In most cases you need to have 10 feet of ceiling clearance, 16 feet of depth and 10 feet of width in the room. I’ve seen some websites report much less – even 8.5 feet of ceiling height. I have 9 feet in my basement and can only swing a 9 iron.
What other features should I look for in a DIY golf simulator?
A few things our survey respondents shared that were important to them included:
Across our survey we found a number of metrics that the home golf simulators were reported to track. Not all simulators track all of the golf ball or the golf club metrics, but most have a decent selection of metrics to describe a golf shot. Below is a list of the most commonly tracked metrics across all golf simulators:
- Smash Factor
- Club Speed
- Club Path
- Club Face Angle
- Total Shot Distance
- Attack Angle
- Club Loft Angle
- Club Lie Angle
- Ball Speed
- Golf Ball Spin
- Launch Angle
- Spin Axis
Of the metrics, those about the golf club seem to be the least frequently tracked. If club metrics are important to you, you may want to look at the Bushnell Launch Pro, Flightscope Mevo+ Pro, Garmin R10, Foresight GC Quad, Uneekor, Trackman, or TruGolf simulators.
How much space do I need for a DIY golf simulator?
If you are wondering about the dimensions needed for a golf simulator, we can help you there. You need enough space to swing a club, have places for all your golf equipment, and enough room for the simulator to track the ball. In most cases you need to have 10 feet of ceiling clearance, 16 feet of depth and 10 feet of width in the room. I’ve seen some websites report much less – even 8.5 feet of ceiling height. I have 9 feet in my basement and can only swing a 9 iron.
What other features should I look for in a DIY golf simulator?
A few things our survey respondents shared that were important to them included:
- Golf simulator shot delay
- Whether the simulator requires stickers to pick up golf ball spin
- If you must move the home golf simulator for right versus left-handed players
- If it is a mobile or fixed golf simulator installation
- Where the sensor is positioned
- Whether the sensor is camera, optical sensor, or radar based
- If you can use the golf simulator outside
We appreciate you visiting our site and hope that the information we are providing on golf simulators is both informative and helpful. We spent a lot of time on the survey and did our best to provide practical information on golf simulators. We’d love to connect on social and invite you to join our forum:
Reddit Golf Simulator Forum
You may also find a couple of our other golf articles interesting and relevant:
Golf Simulator Costs
Best Electric Push Carts
Turf and Golf Hitting Mats
Best Golf Simulator Software
Reddit Golf Simulator Forum
You may also find a couple of our other golf articles interesting and relevant:
Golf Simulator Costs
Best Electric Push Carts
Turf and Golf Hitting Mats
Best Golf Simulator Software
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About the Author: Lem Clevenger is a lifelong golfer with over 40 years of experience playing and buying the latest golf equipment. He has reviewed golf equipment for over 10 years and runs a golf simulator forum with over 40,000 followers. Lem is passionate about helping golfers of all levels improve their game and is always looking for the latest and greatest golf equipment to help them do so.
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