Setting up a home golf simulator can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming. From choosing the right equipment to making sure your space is suitable, there’s a lot to consider. At SimSpace Golf, we speak with first-time buyers every day and hear the same questions come up again and again.
To help you get started with confidence, here are 10 of the most common questions answered in detail.
1. How much space do I need for a golf simulator?
Space is the number one concern for most customers, and rightly so. A comfortable simulator setup should allow enough room for a full swing, safe ball flight, and room for accessories.
Here’s a general guideline:
- Width: 3–3.5 metres (10–12 feet) to accommodate your swing and the screen/enclosure.
- Height: 3 metres (10 feet), depending on your height and swing.
- Depth: 4.5–5.5 metres (15–18 feet) to allow room for swing, ball flight, and launch monitor placement.
If space is tight, our Slim Enclosures or Practice Nets are ideal for smaller rooms, garages, or shared spaces.
2. What launch monitor should I use?
Launch monitors are the brains of your simulator—they track your shots and feed data into your simulator software. The best one for you depends on your goals:
- Casual practice or fun at home? Portable options like the Garmin R10 or Square Golf are budget-friendly and easy to use.
- Game improvement and stats? Consider more advanced units like SkyTrak+ or Garmin R50.
- High-end realism and club fitting? Look at options like GC3 or TrackMan.
Explore our full range of Simulators & Sensors to find the perfect match for your goals and budget.
3. What kind of screen do I need?
A proper impact screen is crucial—it not only displays your simulator graphics but also absorbs the impact of real golf balls.
At SimSpace, our Impact Screens are:
- Made from premium 4K-rated material
- Designed for durability and high-definition visuals
- Available in multiple sizes to suit your space
They pair perfectly with most setups, and we also offer screen care and installation guides to help you get the best performance.
4. What’s included in a simulator bundle?
Our Simulator Bundles are the easiest way to get started with a complete setup. They typically include:
- A sturdy enclosure or net
- Premium impact screen
- Hitting mat
- Ceiling or floor projector mount
- Cable ties, bungees, or frame hardware
- Optional launch monitor
Each bundle is designed to reduce setup time and ensure all components work together seamlessly. Perfect for DIY setups or first-time buyers.
5. Can I use a golf simulator in my garage or shed?
Yes! Many of our customers transform garages, sheds, and even spare rooms into golf simulator spaces.
A few things to consider:
- Ceiling height: Make sure you have at least 3m (10ft), especially for driver swings
- Heating/insulation: Especially important in sheds or garages used year-round
- Lighting: Keep ambient light in check for clear projector visuals
- Flooring: Protect your floor with a solid mat and netting if needed
Our Enclosures and Practice Nets work great in unconventional spaces.
6. How do I mount the impact screen?
You can install an impact screen in a number of ways, depending on your space and frame setup:
- Enclosure mount: The easiest option. Our SimSpace Enclosures come with everything you need.
- Wall or ceiling mount: Use hooks, tension cables, or custom brackets.
- DIY frame: Build a custom PVC or metal frame to mount your screen.
Need guidance? We have detailed installation resources and Accessories to make the setup smooth and safe.
7. What projector should I use?
While we don’t currently sell projectors directly, we recommend using a short-throw projector with at least 3,000 lumens for bright, clear visuals.
Key considerations:
- Throw distance: Your projector should be able to display a full-screen image from about 1.5m–2.5m away.
- Mounting: Ceiling mount is most common, but floor mounts are also viable if headroom is limited.
- Aspect ratio: Match your screen size to 16:9, 4:3 or 1:1 depending on the projector.
We include mounting options and throw distance suggestions in our simulator bundles.
8. Can I take down the enclosure easily?
Yes. If you need a more flexible setup, consider our net systems or lightweight Practice Enclosures.
These are perfect if you:
- Share a room (e.g., home office or living room)
- Need to pack away the setup between uses
- Want to take it outdoors during warmer months
Our Nets and portable enclosures offer fast assembly and disassembly without tools.
9. Do I need a special hitting mat?
Absolutely. A poor-quality mat can hurt your wrists or ruin your flooring. Our preferred hitting mats:
- Mimic the feel of real turf
- Absorb shock on impact
- Allow tee placement for driver practice
- Are durable enough for thousands of shots
Explore our Accessories to find mats and hitting surfaces that complete your simulator.
10. How much does it cost to set up a home golf simulator?
Golf simulators range in price depending on how elaborate you want to go.
- Entry-level setup: From £800–£1,500 (net + mat + portable launch monitor)
- Mid-range enclosure + screen setup: From £2,000–£4,000
- Premium full simulator room: Up to £7,000+, depending on monitor, projector, and space upgrades
Our Simulator Bundles help simplify this by offering pre-matched kits at a range of price points.
