2025 PlayBetter Official Golf Simulator Studio Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Golf simulator considerations got you overwhelmed?
We’re keeping it simple.
Every component, every variable, all separated out and organized in a way that makes sense and answers each question you have in one simple golf simulator buyer’s guide.
Proceed at your own pace.
SPACE REQUIREMENTS: How much space do you need for a golf simulator?
Planning to go full indoor studio? Get your tape measure out.
- Ceiling Height: 10 feet is ideal; 8.5 feet may work for shorter players
- Room Depth:
- Camera-based launch monitors: ~10 feet
- Radar launch monitors: 18-21 feet total
- Room Width: At least 10 feet
Learn More:
- Space Requirements for Each Launch Monitor
- Want exact space requirements for the launch monitor you’re considering? We’ve mapped it all out.
- PlayBetter SimStudio Home Golf Simulator Package
- Get the dimensions for each option.
- Carl’s Place DIY, Pro, and Curved Enclosures
- Study all of your options.
- Retractable Golf Simulator Packages
- How much space do you need for a golf simulator that rolls up to the ceiling when not in use?
- Sim Studios With Golf Hitting Nets
- What if you want to use a net instead of an impact screen and enclosure? That’s an option too!
GOLF LAUNCH MONITORS: Which type of launch monitor should you choose?
Get this wrong, and nothing else works. But don’t worry: We got you like nowhere else on the internet.
- Radar or Camera?
- Radar sits behind the ball — needs more space
- Camera sits beside — better for tight rooms
- Data Tracking: Ball only vs. ball + club (know what you’re buying)
- Software Compatibility: GSPro, E6, TGC 2019 — not every launch monitor works with every platform.
- Price Ranges:
Learn More:
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Launch Monitor Reviews
- Nobody has reviewed, tested, rated, and ranked more than PlayBetter.com.
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Golf Launch Monitor Comparisons
- Curious how different models compare to each other? So were we.
- Check out our Mother of All Golf Launch Monitor Comparisons Chart
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Radar vs. Camera Golf Launch Monitors
- Pros and cons of each type.
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Golf Simulator Software
- Learn the software compatibility options for each launch monitor on your list.
- GSPRO Compatibility
- Best Choice for Each Price Point
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Accuracy
- How accurate are golf launch monitors? That can vary a bit. Find out what spending more on a launch monitor really gets you.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: What kind of laptop or computer do you need to run golf simulator software?
Some launch monitors work as standalone units. Others need to connect to a smartphone, tablet, or even a full gaming PC to unlock full functionality.
Know what your system can handle — and what each launch monitor demands.
Learn More:
- We’ve done the research. Check system requirements for every golf launch monitor.
PROJECTOR: How do you choose the right model for your space?
The visual backbone of your sim and the piece that brings the course to life.
- Throw Ratio - This determines how far the projector needs to be from the screen to produce a large, usable image.
- Aspect Ratio - The shape of the image (width to height).
- Brightness (Lumens) - Brightness determines how well your image stands up to ambient light.
- Resolution - This impacts the clarity and detail of your projected image.
Learn More:
- Guide to Choosing a Golf Simulator Projector
- We break down everything you need to know about what golf projector is right.
IMPACT SCREEN: What size and material is best?
This is like the canvas for your sim studio masterpiece.
Material Matters
- Multi-layer polyester is standard
- Look for wrinkle-resistant, projector-friendly surfaces
- Aim for tight weave = better image quality
Tension Is Key
- Too tight = trampoline effect (dangerous bouncebacks)
- Too loose = distorted image and annoying droop
- Target: ball bounces back 1-3 feet
Proper Setup
- Leave 12” behind the screen
- Soft landing zone below screen reduces ball rebound
Learn More:
- Screen Tension Adjustment
- Dial in the perfect tension for safety, image quality, and bounceback.
- Retractable Screen Setup
- Discover the advantages of a retractable screen and how it transforms shared spaces like garages into pro-grade golf simulator studios.
ENCLOSURE: Do you have the right setup to protect your surroundings?
The structure that frames your screen and protects your space.
Aspect Ratio (Match Your Projector)
- 4:3 = more vertical space, better for narrow rooms
- 16:9 = widescreen, best visual match for HD projectors
- 16:10 = hybrid fit for odd spaces
- 1:1 = square rooms, rare but doable
Customization or Turnkey: Your Choice
- Customize your perfect setup using our Sim Studio Builder.
- Or choose from a variety of PlayBetter SimStudio or Carl’s Place all-in-one sim studio packages to get the enclosure, launch monitor, projector, and mat in one.
A Hitting Net: A Great Budget Alternative
- You can still play sim golf — in your house with a hitting net instead of the more expensive enclosure/screen/projector option.
Learn More:
- Enclosure Size Guide
- Not sure which size you should choose? Our guide makes it simple.
- Home Golf Studio Customizer
- Experiment with finding the perfect setup using our Studio Builder.
- Shop Turnkey Sim Studios
- Shop Hitting Net Packages
HITTING MAT: Are you properly addressing one of the most overlooked components?
One of the most important pieces of the whole setup and an easy one to get wrong.
Feel and Feedback
- Too firm or too soft and the club-turf interaction won’t mimic real grass
- Some mats are literally as hard as concrete. Others are squishy soft. You don’t want either.
Injury Prevention
- Think of your wrists, elbows, and shoulders after thousands of shots.
Durability
- Make sure your mat can hold up.
Learn More:
- Golf Hitting Mat Guide
- Learn how to choose the best mat for your space.
- Why Fiberbuilt Offers the Best Quality
- Discover all of the advantages a better hitting mat can provide.
- 10 Reasons To Upgrade Your Mat
- Or why you should choose the right mat the first time.
DEEP-DIVE RESOURCES & COMPARISONS: In-Depth Resources for Golf Simulator Studios
Take a moment to consider the big picture. Here’s a snapshot of each topic you’ll need to think through.
- Space Requirements — Gotta make sure you’ve got the room to operate. That’s job number one.
- Golf Launch Monitor — The star of the show. Your launch monitor is the brains of your sim setup.
- System Requirements — Do you need anything special to run your launch monitor? Phone? Tablet? Full-blown gaming PC?
- Projector — The visual component is what makes the whole experience so golf-course realistic.
- Impact Screen — Where your shots land and your sim world comes to life. Tough, wrinkle-free, and built to take a beating.
- Enclosure — The frame that holds it all together. Keeps your shots and sanity safely contained.
- Hitting Mat — You want something that mimics real turf that will hold up and prevent injury.