DIY Golf Simulator - Do It Yourself Guide
Do you dream of having your very own golf simulator but cringe at the cost? You are not alone! That’s why we put together this helpful guide to building your own golf simulator. We'll show you some easy DIY Golf Simulator ideas that will help you build your own simulator without breaking the bank. This guide will cover a complete DIY setup from the mat to the enclosure, as well as some of the cheaper purchase options for each item in case you’d rather pick and choose what projects you want to take on. Here we go!
What you need:
Necessary
1. Hitting mat
2. Impact Screen & Enclosure or Net
3. Launch monitor with golf simulation software
4. PC or iPad
5. Projector (if using an impact screen)
The Enclosure and Screen
Building A DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure
How hard is building a golf simulator enclosure? It actually may be easier than you think! The build typically will consist of EMT Pipes and connectors (which are available at most hardware stores), an impact screen, heavy-duty curtains to act as the enclosure, and some bungees for fastening the screen to the EMT pipes.
We get a lot of inquiries from golfers wanting to know how to create a diy golf simulator setup. So we've created a set of DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure steps that you can follow for your project!
The Overview
There are 3 essential parts to every golf simulator enclosure:
- 1. The Screen
- 2. The Frame
- 3. The Enclosure Surround
See the image to the right (below on mobile) to see a diagram of our recommended build out.
Examples of the Build
Here is an example of what the build can look like:
1. What To Use For The Screen
It will make your build a lot easier to start by picking an impact screen. The screen you go with will largely depend on how much space you have and your budget. Or if you already own a projector, you may want to choose a screen size that will pair well with your projector specifications. You can check out our screen size calculator to find the optimal screen size based on a projector you already own.
But overall, screen size is totally up to you. Going the DIY route gives you a lot of flexibility!
Shop Golf Impact Screens2. Build The Frame
The Frame
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1. Determine frame width and height based off your chosen screen size.
We recommend making your frame 1/8" - 1/4" bigger on each side than your screen. For example, if your screen is 120" x 90" - make your frame 120.5" x 90.5".
When you go to attach your screen, the bungee based system will give you some flexibility if your screen is smaller than the frame. And this small space can ensure your screen is a tight/stretched fit and not loose and baggy.
As far as the depth of your enclosure frame goes, we recommend a depth of between 2-5'. If you are planning on securing the frame to the wall or ceiling, you can get away with a narrower 2' frame. But if the enclosure will be freestanding, you'll want 3-5' of depth for added stability.
2. Cut 1" EMT pipes to size using a pipe cutter or miter saw with a blade fit for metal.
3. Insert pipes into 3-way pipe connectors, fastening with their included hook screws
And that's it! Your frame is ready to go!
3. Attach Screen to The Frame
Attaching the Screen
To attach the screen to the frame, we recommend using a box of ball bungee cords. These will give you a lot of flexibility if you ever need to disassemble your simulator. But you could also use something like a zip tie!
Simply loop the cord side of the bungee through each hole in the screen, wrap around the frame, and loop the ball through the cord.
4. Install Side Curtains
Adding the Curtains
Side curtains are a great way to create an affordable enclosure for your screen. Some people will wrap the frame with a vinyl covering. But curtains are a lot easier to setup and look good! Check out our DIY Golf Simulator Curtains that can be paired with a curtain track for easy installation
Using curtains, as opposed to some sort of frame fabric covering, also enables you to retract the curtains any time they are not in use. Which is great for garages or any other spaces where you might not always be using your simulator
Just attach the track on the ceiling directly left and right of the frame so that it lines up snug with each side of the frame. Make the width of your curtain tracks the exact same width, or even slightly narrower, than your frame width. Making the two curtain tracks slightly narrower than the frame will allow the curtains to drape over the frame which ensures a snug fit that will cover up the sides of the frame. Then attach the curtains to the track!
DIY Hitting Mat Build
Building your own golf mat might be easier than you would think! If you are interested in the project, check out our Complete Guide to Building Your Own Golf Mat.
Our guide will cover all the steps and materials you need to build a hitting mat for under $100!
Building your own mat will save you some money, but you most likely will sacrifice a little time and quality. So we understand if the DIY Mat project isn't for you.
Affordable Golf Mats You Can Buy
If you don't want to build your own mat but still are looking for a quality solution that's affordable, then check out our recomendations below!
1. The SwingTurf Golf Mat
The SwingTurf Golf Mat is one of the most realistic feeling mats on the market. It's easy on your joints over long sessions and even accepts real tees. For the price, it's one of the best mats on the market at $530.
Buy SwingTurf2. The Fiberbuilt Flight Deck
At just $99, the Fiberbuilt Flight Deck is a very affordable option. The biggest downside is that it's just a hitting pad, with nothing for your feet to stand on. But it's one of the cheaper options out there and coming from Fiberbuilt, you know it will be a quality build.
Buy Fiberbuilt Flight deck3. The Country Club Elite Golf Mat
The Country Club Elite is a simple, but effective golf mat. It's a no thrills mat that is reasonably priced and will absolutely last through years of practice sessions. It comes in multiple sizes starting at 4' x 5' and is priced under $500.
Buy Country Club EliteThe Launch Monitor
There are a lot of options when it comes to launch monitors with golf simulation capabilities. Many golf DIY'ers will build their own hitting enclosure so that they can spend more money on the launch monitor. While other's may want an all-around affordable solution. Here are the best launch monitors with golf simulation for every budget.
OptiShot - The Best Entry-Level Launch Monitor
OptiShot 2 costs $400 and comes with its own golf simulation software including 15 courses right out of the box. Optishot 2 uses a Swing Pad filled with optic sensors to measure your club through impact. This works out great if you are building your own golf mat with a hitting insert, as you can simply insert OptiShot's SwingPad in place of your hitting insert. Just be sure to measure out the dimensions of the Swing Pad to ensure you cut out the right dimensions!
OptiShot won't be as accurate as other systems. But it's a great golf simulation technology for the budget concious golfer. You can even use foam balls with it due to the way it calculates your shot.
Shop OptiShot2 ›
SkyTrak - The Best Mid-Level Launch Monitor
SkyTrak is one of our most recommended launch monitors. You get an amazing bang for your buck with SkyTrak. It offers many different golf simulation software integrations, high level of accuracy, and is perfect for both game improvement and golf sim fun!
In addition to golf simulation, SkyTrak provides a ton of awesome features like skills challenges, competitions, and player assessments.
Shop SkyTrak ›
Uneekor EYE XO - The Best Premium-Level Launch Monitor
The Uneekor EYE XO is a high-end golf simulator and overhead launch monitor. Its high-speed cameras give quick shot feedback as well as some of the most precise and detailed data available.
It offers many golf simulation integrations and very realistic course-play. If you are looking for the best of the best when it comes to indoor launch monitors, the EYE XO hits the mark.
Shop EYE XO ›
Golf Simulator Projector
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of ways to skimp on the projector. You can purchase a cheap projector for a $100-$400 but most likely you will end up with a fairly sub-par system that has a dull projection and is not ideal for short-range projection. To get a solid display we recommend around 3000 lumens and a short-throw ratio between .3-1 and .9-1. These two specifications will give you the brightness and screen resolution that is ideal for golf simulation. Here are two options on the less expensive end that we recommend:
BenQ MW632ST 3,200 ANSI Lumen Colorific MHL DLP
You’ll also need a projector mount. Luckily these are fairly inexpensive. Our high quality Golf Simulator Projector Ceiling Mount is only $79. Alternatively, you can purchase a Projector Floor Enclosure. These are a bit more expensive but you don't have to worry about mounting the projector on the ceiling.
If you are interested in learning more about projectors you can read our guide on the Best Golf Simulator Projectors.
Golf Simulation Software
Most launch monitors do not come with their own native golf simulation software and will require a 3rd party software. But there aren't a ton of options out there, which has resulted in two options dominating the golf simulation market. Those two are E6 Connect and The Golf Club 2019 (TGC 2019).
These two simulation softwares are both fantastic options. However, we almost always recommend TGC 2019. TGC 2019 has the best course selection by far. You'll find just about all courses played on the PGA Tour on TGC 2019. If anything, TGC 2019 has too many course options which can make it difficult to find the course your looking for. Due to naming rights, all the courses are named something slightly different. Augusta, for example, is named Magnolia. So when searching for courses you'll have to weed through some options and look up the correct course name on golf simulator forums.
TGC 2019 is not compatible with iOS. So E6 Connect will be the best option if you own an iPad and do not own a PC.
Here is an overview of these two softwares:
Other Considerations
How Much Will A DIY Golf Simulator Cost?
The cost of a DIY Golf Simulator can vary depending on how DIY you go and what launch monitor you choose. But the launch monitor will most often be your biggest expense ranging anywhere from $500 - $10,000 typically.
In general, here is a breakdown of the expected expenses:
The Enclosure and Screen: $500-$1,500
The Mat & Turf: $100-$1,000
The Launch Monitor: $500-$10,000
The Software: $995
On average, you should expect to pay around $4,500 for a quality DIY setup with the SkyTrak Launch Monitor. You can create a setup under $3,000 if choosing a lower priced launch monitor or if using a net vs a screen and enclosure.
How Much Space Will I Need?
The great thing about a DIY Golf Simulator, is that you can easily customize the size based on how much space you have.
But at minimum, you will most likely need 8' of Width, 8-9' of Height, and 10' of Length. An average sized bedroom can typically fit a smaller sized golf simulator.
However, if you have lots of space, you can go with something like a 12' screen and create an immursive simulation experience. If you want an average to large-sized golf simulator, then plan for 12' of Width, 9' of Height, and 16-17' of Depth. But keep in mind:
The wider the screen, the more length you'll need for projection
When determining how much space you'll need for your simulator build, keep in mind that the bigger the screen, the more room you'll need for your projector. That is assuming you want to fill up the entire screen with the projection. Head over to our Projector Throw Distance Calculator to find out how far you'll need to place your projector from the screen in order to fill up your screen.
Conclusion
If you build your own enclosure and source many of the components mentioned in this guide, you can build a quality home simulator setup for under $5,000! Keep in mind that the projector and projection screen are optional. If you are going the DIY route, then the projector and screen will be your biggest cost outside of the launch monitor. By watching your shot on a computer or tv screen you can save around $1,000.
The experience won't be as realistic, but still very fun!
Even if you choose to purchase a few items or purchase a projector and screen, you should still be able to build a golf simulator for between $1,000-$5,000. Here are a couple options with the associated price estimate:
- Swingturf golf mat, DIY golf net, OptiShot 2 w/home computer - $1,000
- Swingturf golf mat, basic golf net, SkyTrak w/TGC 2019 - $3,000
- SwingTurf golf mat, DIY enclosure and screen, Projector, SkyTrak w/home computer + TGC 2019 - $5,000
We hope this guide has given your dreams of owning your own golf simulator a better outlook. And at the very least we hope that we have given you some helpful ideas and inspiration to build your own golf simulator. To learn more about our top Simulators check out our Best Golf Simulators Page. Be sure to tag us on Instagram @rainorshinegolf or Facebook @golfrainorshine with what you come up with! Good luck!