DIY Golf Simulator

Home golf simulator cost used to be the biggest obstacle to overcome for those hoping to achieve a golf simulator man cave. But as technology has evolved and more companies have developed products, prices have become much more reasonable. Yes, it can still be expensive, but you no longer need to be able to afford a private jet to afford a golf simulator.

The biggest obstacle now is space. There’s just no way around it: To swing your golf clubs indoors without hitting the walls or ceiling requires a fairly large room. Basement golf simulator and garage golf simulator setups are common because that’s where a lot of homeowners have the necessary space.

Room size requirements will vary depending on the golfer and on the type of launch monitor being used. For example, a launch monitor that measures from the side, rather than from behind, will require less room depth. And a shorter golfer with a shallower swing will require a lower golf simulator ceiling height than a taller golfer with a steeper swing.

To be safe, we recommend golf simulator room dimensions of at least:

• 10 feet high
• 15 feet wide
• 16 feet deep

Before you shop for a golf simulator system, swing your driver (slowly, at first!) in the space where you intend to have your setup. Obviously, if you’re contacting the walls or ceiling, you need to find a different space or consider an outdoor golf simulator setup.

As we said at the top, it can be confusing to understand what exactly comprises a golf simulator. After all, there are a number of different pieces of equipment and accessories that complete a setup. Because different manufacturers specialize in only certain parts of that setup, it can be difficult to learn everything in one place.

Don’t worry. We got you!

Here are the components that make up a DIY golf simulator system:

• Golf Launch Monitor
• Simulator Software
• Computer or Mobile Device
• Net or Impact Screen
• Projector (optional)
• Hitting Mat
• Side Netting

Now, let’s break them down to give you some understanding of what might work for your setup. The best part of doing it yourself is that you can pick and choose from the various options in each component section to find the setup that’s exactly right for you.

In order to turn your launch monitor into a DIY golf simulator, you need software. This is what allows you to play virtual golf and to see your ball flying through the air and landing on a simulated golf course or driving range.

Different launch monitors are compatible with different software packages. So, you’ll need to study the launch monitors you’re considering and then study which golf courses and games come with which simulator software packages.

Some launch monitors will use proprietary software. Others work with a variety of different software providers. Some software packages work with both IOS and PC, while some work with only one or the other.

Our advice: Buy the software package that includes the golf courses you want to play.

This is the component that runs the software that interfaces with the launch monitor so that you can hit golf shots in your underwear (hey, we are talking about golf in the comfort of your own home; who are we to judge?).

We won’t go too deep into computers except to say that for an ideal simulator setup, we recommend a dedicated gaming computer. Something that has enough horsepower and memory to run your software without the frustration of lagging.

If you’re going to use a projector to display the virtual flight of your golf ball right in front of you, you’ll need an impact screen. That will allow you to project the image onto a surface that can stand up to being pelted with golf balls.

Alternatively, you could hit into a net and then watch on a computer screen, tablet, or TV set up to the side of where you’re hitting. It isn’t quite as lifelike, but it will save you some money.

If you’re handy, you may be able to build your own net or impact screen solution. We sell the SIG Premium Golf Simulator Impact Screen Raw Material in multiple sizes that’s perfect for a DIY golf simulator setup. With some netting or screen material, PVC piping or an aluminum frame, and some hooks to attach the net or screen to the frame, you can save some dough.

Or, you can shop PlayBetter.com for one of several tried-and-true net or impact screen solutions.

If you’re using a net to hit your golf balls into, you don’t need a projector. Instead, you’ll watch the images on a computer screen, tablet, or TV.

But if you want to simulate a true lifelike golf experience, nothing beats being able to hit the ball and watch it fly right in front of you, just as you would out on the actual golf course. For that experience, you’re going to need a projector.

We recommend shopping for projectors just as you would if you were building a home theater. It’s the exact same technology. Find something that has a 4:3 aspect ratio and HD quality, and you’ll be set.

You will most likely mount your projector to the ceiling. The projector itself should come with the option to buy mounting hardware.

It may be tempting to cheap out on the mat from which you’ll be hitting your golf shots. Our advice: Don’t! Cheap mats will break down quickly, they won’t accurately simulate real turf conditions, and they won’t be comfortable to stand on or hit off of.

So, rather than buy the cheapest thing you can find, choose from some of our already-PlayBetter-vetted options.

This is another area where you can likely save some money if you’re handy. All you really need is some means of protecting your side walls from errant golf shots. So, again, some netting and something to build a frame, and you’re set.

Or, if you’re brave, maybe you skip the side netting. Just don’t blame us if you put a hole in your wall.

Maybe you love the idea of golf at your house but aren’t quite up for a DIY golf simulator build. No worries. If you want a turnkey solution that gives you everything you need in one shot, check out our SIG Golf Studio Complete Packages.

We’ve put together multiple different packages, including ones that pair with different golf launch monitors and with different sized netting to best fit your room. Each package comes with:

• A SIG Golf Simulator Enclosure
• Side Barrier Netting
• Landing Pad Turf
• A Choice of Hitting Mat
• HD 1080p Golf Simulator Projector
• Ceiling Mount
• 15’ HDMI Cable
• HDMI-to-Lightning Cable

Have a look at some of our SIG packages without the launch monitor included:

• PlayBetter SIG8 Golf Simulator Studio Complete Package
• PlayBetter SIG10 Golf Simulator Studio Complete Package
• PlayBetter SIG12 Golf Simulator Studio Complete Package

As we’ve identified for you each component that you’ll need to complete your DIY golf simulator setup, we hope that we’ve shown you that the possibility of playing golf in your home is a lot more realistic than you may have imagined.

All you need is ample space, a bit of money, maybe some handiness if you’re planning to build some of the components yourself, and the information contained in this guide.

If we’ve left anything out (remember, every setup is a little different), let us know how we can further assist you. We’re here to help you play better!