Build Your Own Home Golf Simulator

If you’ve ever dreamed of building your own golf simulator to practice your golf game at home, then this guide is for you! I am going to show you how to find the parts to set up your own golf simulator so you can have fun practicing from the comfort of home with friends and family.

Having a home made golf simulator is super convenient especially when you’re working too much to get in regular rounds at the golf course. Or maybe you have family commitments that are keeping you from the driving range; whatever the reason, a golf simulator could be exactly what you need.

I am going to discuss what you need today, and a price range that will suit any budget. Let’s locate the items for a home golf training system and improve your scores for your next golf outing. Sound good?

Resource: Download my favorite 15 golf practice drills

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Any home golf simulator system will need the following components, whether you create you own or buy a complete package. Today, I’m going to price the components for various budgets that are readily available locally or online.

• Golf Hitting Mat
• Golf Hitting Net
• Projector Screen
• Projector
• Simulator Device

GOLF HITTING MATS

These mats will give you a nice feel for practicing all your golf shots. Select one of the following that best suits your needs. You’ll have to incorporate some sensors if you buy your own mat, but you’ll have some options for that later.

#1 Choice:

The REAL FEEL GOLF MATS are a heavy-duty commercial golf mat that lets you swing down and through the ball for realistic practices. This mat offers true divot action and a no bounce feel that other mats may exhibit. A new one comes in around $280, but the quality will last you through unlimited practice sessions.

Click here to see current pricing & availability on Amazon

#2 Choice:

The DuraPro Commercial Grade Golf Mat is an option that comes in around the $250 price range. You need a good mat that will simulate true turf conditions and not wear out quickly. This mat gives you true ball flight and reduces shock and injury as you follow through.

Click here to see current pricing & availability on Amazon

#3 Choice:

The RUKKET TRI-TURF GOLF HITTING GRASS MAT offers true hitting feel for fairways and rough at an entry level price. Train from every lie, including driving and chipping. This mat is adequately sized at 25”x16”, with 3 different surfaces for various attacks. Priced at $60, this is a fair priced introductory matt for your home simulator. There is also a 24”x36” extra-large size available around $90.

Click here to see current pricing & availability on Amazon

GOLF HITTING NETS

Driving golf balls in an enclosed area, you need a solid, dependable net to capture your shots and return them for quick re-play. The following 3 nets are available in the given price ranges:

Also Read: Best Chipping Nets Review

GALILEO GOLF DRIVING RANGE PRACTICE NET

This unit offers high-quality netting, easy set-up and an unbreakable steel pole. Easy to set up at home, and big enough to catch any drive, iron or chip shot. A great value, coming in at just under $100.

The floating target is great if you want to practice outside, or without the simulator.

This one is easily removed for full simulator use as well.  These targets simply clip on or off, depending where you are practicing and what equipment you have available.

Click here to see pricing on Amazon

RUKKET HAACK NET PRO

Rukket makes our list again for the DIY golf simulator builder. This golf net is developed and endorsed by NCAA golf pro Chris Haack.

Plenty of size at 9’x7’x3’, this unit can be quickly set up and broken down. It also comes with a carry case for moving or storage.  A mid-priced addition to our choices at $150.

Click here to see pricing on Amazon

SPORNIA SPG-5 GOLF SIMULATOR SERIES SPG-5 GOLF NET

This Spornia offers full swing with all clubs and a patented Ball Return System for over 200 golf balls. Large target screen absorbs ball impact, loud sounds and secures the net.

The bullseye is a decent feature if you are practicing without the simulator but is also removable, so you can view your entire simulation. Pricing starts at $219. A nice, durable product in this price range.

Click here to see pricing on Amazon 

Golf Simulator Projector Screens (Durable)

Now we’re getting into the meat of the home golf simulator systems. The screens will show you where your shots are really heading.  There are multiple options for a screen.

Some people have made their own, using a wall at home or a plywood stand that is portable. The chosen surface is then painted with a specially designed paint to replicate the correct surface for projection. There are even stick-on screens!!

I’m not interested in those today, so let’s look at a few for your home package you can use right out of the box.

PRACTICE PLAN: How to Break 80 (Golf Drills, Worksheets) – Get Started Here

PULL UP SCREEENS

Pull up screens seem to be the option that will fit any budget, are portable and very easy to set up. Place the stand on the floor, pull up the screen and fix in place. No drilling, no ceiling mounts, no wall attachments.  You’re ready to go, and if your room isn’t dedicated to the simulator, you’re out of the way in a few minutes.

APONTUS 100” HW46524-MASTER

This simulator golf screen is a portable pull up floor projection screen with an aluminum case. Moving and set-up are light and easy, thanks to the aluminum frame.

End cap brackets are included if you decide to mount the screen to your wall or ceiling later.  This item is sold locally at Wal-Mart or online from Amazon, and ships directly to your home from the manufacture, Apontus LLC. Cost is in the $175 range. See options here on Amazon

DA-LITE FLOOR MODEL C 40253

This projector screen has a viewing area of 96”X96”. It is a square screen, is manually operated and floor-mounted. The resolution is 1080P, so you’ll get a nice image displayed.  This unit is made in the USA, ships directly to your home in 3-5 days, and sells for just slightly over $600. There is also an 108×108 option on Amazon here.

Pull Down Projector Screens for Your Home Made Simulator

Although pull up screens will work for most, I have decided to include one pull down screen today. The screen can be mounted to the wall or ceiling and is quickly available for use or storage without being in anyone’s way. They’re also practical if the kids or family want to watch a movie.

ELITE SCREENS MANUAL 150” M150UWV2

It is a ceiling or wall mounted screen with 150” of viewing area. A really large screen, this unit is easily mounted up high, out of the floor space area, and ready for quick use.  I stayed around home and found this one at the local Wal-Mart as well.  This large screen is in the $300 price range, and will be shipped directly to your home by MaxxA1 or Elite Screens Inc.

See options on Amazon and pricing

PROJECTORS

Every home golf simulator should be run off a projector and a projector screen! This makes your golf round feel more real compared with watching your ball on a small computer screen.

Projector prices have really come down as of late. The expensive models are still out there and offer great features for the money, but there are other choices as well.  Here’s 3 to consider:

ABOX T22 PROJECTOR (Affordable Option Under $100)

• Up to 60ANSI lumen set for perfect projection performance with crisp images even in bright settings, this high luminance lets even viewers seated furthermost clearly see the slides and boosts image quality with vibrant colors for pictures and videos as well as fine details.
• 176 inches Bigger Image: ABOX projectors offer a range of 1280*720p resolutions(Support 1080p) and projected image sizes to meet diverse space needs. Featuring crisp image quality from 32 to 176 inches, our ultra-short throw projectors achieve increased space versatility at reduced costs.
• 5Layer LCD Technology: Based on 5 layer LCD technology with LED environmentally friendly source for amazing colors, incredible details and solid reliability, ABOX projectors dedicate an entire chip to process each primary colors continuously, unlike single-chip technology that delivers colour sequentially.
• 50,000hrs Long Lifetime: This projector has a long service life of about 50,000 hours, which means that you needn’t replace the lamp in 10 years even using it 8 hours a day. LED light source achieves environmental protection and energy saving.
• Multiple Input Interfaces: HDMI/SD/AV/VGA/USB-in/USB-out/ Earphone slot; Connect PC/Laptop/ Android TV Box via HDMI or VGA port, connect Chrome Cast/Fire Stick via HDMI&USB 5V ports, 

Click here to learn more on Amazon

EUG HD HOME THEATRE MOVIE NIGHT HDMI (Semi Expensive Option $350)

• Enjoy big-screen entertainment at home! 50-200″ images from 5ft-20.4ft. 3500 Lumens, 1280×800 Native Resolution, with 4500:1 Contrast Ratio of vivid color and great brightness, offers you years of visual feasts. With 60Hz refresh rate, it delivers a latency-free performance ideal for playing fast-action and motion-sensing games
• Super smart projector,wireless signal transmission technology mirroring,screen cast with your iphone,ipad,smartphone.

Click here to learn more on Amazon

BENQ DLP HD PROJECTOR (High End Option – $900)

• HIGH RESOLUTION: 3D 1080p projector with ANSI Brightness of 2,200 Lumens, 15,000:1 contrast, premium RGBRGB Color Wheel and ISFccc Certified Calibration for Day/Night viewing
• QUIET PROJECTOR: Whisper quiet operation, with the lowest fan noise in its class allows viewers to hear the movie, not the projector.
• ENERGY EFFICIENT PROJECTOR: Includes SmartEco technology for energy conservation and auto standby mode to save energy and prolong lamp life; lamp lasts up to 7,000 hours

Click here to learn more on Amazon

COMPUTERS

I am going to say very little today about computers.  Your simulator will need one to run the software and communicate with the various components.  You may already have a laptop or something you can use around the house.

I would dedicate a computer just for the home golf simulator so you’re not constantly moving it around when you or someone else needs to use the laptop.

You can easily visit eBay or a local computer shop that sells refurbished or re-manufactured laptops. Expect to pay $250-400 for a very ample used computer to run your set-up.  Most places will even offer some warranty and may help you install the needed software.

Want a high performance computer for gaming so your simulator doesn’t lag? Check this option out with an amazing curved screen!

PRACTICE PLAN: How to Break 80 (Golf Drills, Worksheets) – Get Started Here

BEST GOLF SIMULATORS

OPTISHOT 2 GOLF SIMULATOR

Since we have priced all the other components for you to build your system, the OptiShot 2 (read our review) could be the perfect way to keep your project under budget.  Coming in around $300, the OptiShot 2 is touted as the world’s #1 golf simulator for your Mac or PC.  The package comes with all the necessary cables, software, infrared swing pad and adjustable extra rubber tees. Also included are fifteen great professional courses for your home projection simulator.

Click here to buy OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator

SKYTRAK GOLK LAUNCH MINTIOR AND SIMULATOR

The Skytrak is a full featured and accurate launch monitor and golf simulator in a small, affordable package. You’ll need an iMac or a PC laptop to run the software as we discussed above.

Software packages are available from basic to advanced, and prices range from $99-$200 for the yearly subscription fees. The basic practice package is free with the system. Prices for the monitor and simulator start at $1695.

Click here to buy the SkyTrak Golf Simulator

RAPSODO R MOTION

The R-Motion Golf Simulator is a complete simulator package that includes a Tracker, 14 Clips and 15 top courses to choose from plus a Driving Range mode.

It’s highly reviewed and rated thanks to accurate club and ball data which will help you find ways to improve your game.

Inside the Rapsodo R Motion simulator you’ll find multi-player mode to have fun challenging your friends to a round of golf. This golf simulator can run on your PC or smartphone and the best part is that no launch monitor or projector required.

Learn more about Rapsodo Golf Swing Analyzer on Amazon

TRACKMAN

Many of the world’s greatest golfers use a trackman golf simulator. They have top-notch graphics, software and materials for the best money can buy.

I am not pricing these today because of the budget I’m shooting for, but if you’re curious head over to https://trackmangolf.com and check out what the pros use.

Resource: Our Favorite Golf Short Game Drills to Practice

APPROPRIATE SPACE

This is a concern that really warrants our attention. You can’t squeeze your simulator into a small space. You need an area you can comfortably complete a full golf swing; it may be more than you imagine.

Go to the room where you want to install your simulator. Take a driver and see if you can comfortably and fully make your swing.

A ceiling height of 10’ is desirable, but you may get by with a little less. It really depends on how tall you are, or if others will be using your simulator as well.  10’ of width should also get you by, but again, maybe a bit more if lefties and righties are using the simulator.

Room depth is also important. Different simulators and projectors require varying distances to properly display their images.

A single car garage bay, or a room that was originally designed as a home entertainment theater should work perfect for your home golf simulator.

If you do set up in the garage, secure your area and your investment.  You don’t want unsupervised kids around your equipment, nor do you want the neighborhood dogs testing out your driving mat.

Read: We Reviewed the Best Golf Hitting Mats

FINAL THOUGHTS ON DIY GOLF SIMULATORS

So guys, there you have it; some solid information if you’ve been thinking about a home golf simulator. I think you could set up something very usable in the $2000-$3000 price range, or even less.

Certainly, you could spend more, but give it a go in the basic prince range. You can always upgrade some components as you go along and get comfortable using a simulator.

I’m sure there is a market to sell the parts you’d like to upgrade. I’ve gotten more than one nice golf club from others using that strategy. Enjoy your new simulator and make some new friends as well!!

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