Golf Simulator Guide

What should you know before you buy?

Here at GolfBays, we endeavor to help you create your own dream golf simulator at home. Therefore, we have created this guide to make the process of building your home simulator as smooth as possible.

Room Dimensions

The most common question we are asked on a daily basis is. Do you think my space is big enough? Sometimes, this is a difficult question to answer over the phone or email. So here are the minimum dimensions needed for a good functioning sim room.

Height - 2.8m
Width - 3m
Depth - 4m (Photometric)
Depth - 5m (Radar)

These are the minimum room dimensions for you to feel "comfortable", there can be exceptions where we can go slightly smaller but these are our recommended minimum dimensions.

The best thing to do if you are unsure if you have enough space, is to go into your room, and slowly try to swing a golf club. If you feel comfortable taking a full swing with a driver in your intended space, then the room will more than likely be big enough for your golf simulator.

All Equipment Needed?

The next thing we get asked is. What will I need for a full set up? Full set up meaning, everything needed to play indoor golf at home. Below is listed each piece of equipment you will need to complete your home golf simulator, so you can enjoy a seamless experience.

1. Hitting Enclosure

The hitting enclosure can either be a built-in structure with an impact screen, or it can be a free standing structure such as our SimBox. This is what you will be hitting the balls into.

Shop Enclosures
2. Hitting Mat

The hitting mat is what you will be hitting the balls off. We offer a huge variety of hitting mats from basic mats, teaching mats with alignment markers, Tee into turf mats for a more realistic feel or Quad Tech mats for maximum impact absorption.

Shop Hitting Mats
3. Launch Monitor

The launch monitor is normally the largest investment of you set-up. There are many to choose from such as radar based systems which require more depth, or photo-metric systems which require less. The choice in launch monitor will largely come down to what your intended use for the simulator is.

Shop Launch Monitors
4. Projector

So that you can see the image on the screen, you will need a projector. The type of projector you choose will depend on the position is is mounted and the aspect ratio for your screen. You can mount the projector either on the ceiling or on the floor. You can also mount a lot of projectors off center and keystone the image into the screen. This is handy when width is at a premium. If your projector is mounted on the ceiling, you will also need a projector mount.

Shop Projectors
5. Hardware

Depending on your chosen launch, you will need a computer or mobile device such as a phone or iPad to run the software that your launch monitor supports. Your going to need the right cabling for your setup too such as HDMI and chargers. Not forgetting your power positions in the room where your setup will be. The closer your power supply is the better.
6. Software

Now your devices are fully connected and you are ready to hit shots.You may need some external gaming software to play different golf courses, this may depend on the launch monitor you purchase. Many of the entry to medium level launch monitors are best paired with external gaming software. This will give you the choice of thousands of golf courses to play. Including practice games, different driving range options and online game play.