Build & Gear
How to Build a Golf Simulator at Home
The order to plan a DIY golf simulator in: measure the room, pick the launch monitor and software, then the mat, screen, projector, enclosure, floor and PC. Each step links our full guide, with sample builds from about $3,500 to $30,000.
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Before you buy anything: measure the room. You want at least 9 feet of clear ceiling, 10 feet of width and 15 feet of depth; 10 by 12 by 18 is comfortable. The room decides the launch monitor, screen and projector you can use.
The build, step by step
Decide whether a sim fits your life
Be honest about how often you will use it, who else shares the space, and what you want from it: practice, play or both. That answer sets your budget more than any spec sheet.
Measure the room before you buy anything
The space decides the simulator. Plan for at least 9 feet of clear ceiling (10 is comfortable), 10 feet of width (12 is comfortable) and 15 feet of depth (18 is comfortable). Measure to the lowest duct, beam or garage door track, not the ceiling.
Pick the launch monitor
Radar units need distance behind the ball; camera units sit beside it and need less depth. Decide whether you need measured club data, then check which simulator software your unit supports and what that connection costs each year.
Choose the software
Software is a yearly cost you pay as long as you own the sim. Compare GSPro, Trackman, Foresight Premier, E6, Awesome Golf and the newer platforms in our software hub before you commit.
Protect your joints with the right mat
You will hit thousands of balls off it. A multi-layer mat that lets the club slide is worth more than a nicer projector if you practice often.
Pick an impact screen
Screens trade durability, image quality and bounce-back. Leave room behind the screen for it to flex, and size it to your room width, not the other way round.
Match the projector to your throw distance
Throw ratio decides whether a projector can fill your screen from where it can safely hang. Check it before lumens or resolution.
Build or buy the enclosure
An enclosure contains misses, blocks light and holds the screen. Kits with EMT pipe frames are the common DIY middle ground between a net and a custom build.
Finish the floor
Foam under turf makes long sessions comfortable, and a putting area near the screen makes the room feel like a course.
Spec the PC
Most simulator software runs on a mid-range gaming PC at 1080p. 4K and the newest Unreal Engine platforms need far more GPU, so check your software's requirements first.
Price the whole build
Starter builds run about $3,500 to $5,500, serious builds $10,000 to $15,000, and premium rooms $30,000 and up. Add the yearly software and launch monitor fees to every tier.
What it costs
Starter, about $3,500 to $5,500
Entry radar launch monitor, multi-layer mat, DIY enclosure kit, short-throw 1080p projector, used gaming PC and GSPro.
Serious, about $10,000 to $15,000
Camera launch monitor with measured data, premium screen and mat, brighter projector and a new PC.
Premium, $30,000 and up
Top launch monitors, custom enclosure and finish work, 4K projection and the full software libraries.
Every tier also pays yearly software and launch monitor fees. See the full parts lists for each build →
Then make it yours
Pick your platform in the sim software hub, load courses from the GSPro course directory, follow new gear in New Releases and room builds in Gear, and when you are ready, build a course of your own.
Questions
How much space do you need for a golf simulator?
Plan for at least 9 feet of clear ceiling height, 10 feet of width and 15 feet of depth. 10 feet high, 12 feet wide and 18 feet deep is comfortable. Measure to the lowest obstruction, such as ductwork or a garage door track.
How much does a DIY golf simulator cost?
A starter build with an entry launch monitor, mat, DIY enclosure kit, short-throw projector and used gaming PC runs about $3,500 to $5,500. Serious builds with a camera launch monitor run $10,000 to $15,000. Budget separately for yearly software and launch monitor subscriptions.
What do you need for a home golf simulator?
A launch monitor, simulator software, a hitting mat, an impact screen with an enclosure or net, a projector, and a PC or device that runs your software. Flooring and lighting finish the room.
Can you put a golf simulator in a garage?
Yes. Garages are the most common home sim space because they usually have 9 to 10 feet of ceiling and plenty of depth. Plan for temperature swings, light from the garage door, and where the cars will go.