It’s time to build your own indoor golf sanctuary. Whether you’re converting a garage or turning a spare room into a golfer’s paradise, a home simulator setup lets you practice whenever you like, no matter the weather.
If diving into this high-tech world seems daunting, don’t worry! This guide breaks the process into simple steps, so you can create the perfect place to improve your game.
Whether it’s a garage or a spare room, you’ll need enough height and lateral space for a full swing. More if you want to make it a social space and enjoy your virtual rounds with friends and family.
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.
So get rid of the clutter, consider potential obstacles - we’re talking pipes, vents, or low-hanging fixtures - and get accurate measurements for the space you have to work with.
Then you can start to think about how much you want to spend on your home golf setup. There are options to suit all budgets, whether you’re looking for a casual round every so often or a professional coaching aid.
Unsure if your space is big enough or just want a second opinion? Schedule a video call with our experts. We’ll help you decide on layout, gear, and take you through the options to suit your budget.
Picking the right launch monitor is often the trickiest part of building a golf simulator. There’s a dizzying amount of options and price points. To help narrow things down, it’s useful to think about things from two perspectives:
Let’s start with the tech.
Launch monitors are either radar-based (Doppler) or camera-based (photometric). Both capture key details like ball speed, spin, and the launch angle of your shots. Radar systems bounce radio frequency signals off the ball, while camera units rely on high-speed photography to measure those metrics frame by frame.
It’s not that one method is better or more accurate than the other. Both have strengths and weaknesses. Plus, there are a bunch of things that have an impact beyond the system you’re using, including the quality of its parts and sensors, your software of choice, and more general setup factors.
It’s also worth noting that some radar systems such as the Trackman 4 and the Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro also include optical sensors, but it’s usually for alignment or swing-video capture rather than ball data measurements.
Camera-based systems give you ‘closed data’. They measure launch conditions at the moment of impact, which means wind and other outside elements aren’t factored into your metrics. Meanwhile, radar devices use ‘open data’ - they track the ball further downrange, which is ideal if you want to see how conditions beyond your swing are impacting your shots. With this in mind, you can see why radar-based systems tend to be preferred for use outdoors.
Nailing your spin metrics is where camera-based systems excel. By capturing the ball’s dimple pattern frame by frame, they can track exactly how fast - and on what axis - your ball is spinning. Radar systems also measure spin, but tend to infer it based on the flight path of your ball. That makes sense outdoors, but isn’t always best for indoor setups.
Some radar units approximate clubface position from behind, which can lead to minor inaccuracies in your metrics, especially on toe or heel strikes. Camera-based devices often see the entire clubface for a crystal-clear look at how and where you’re striking the ball. If super-detailed club data is a priority, a camera-based launch monitor might be best.
If you regularly host games for both righties and lefties, placement flexibility becomes a big deal. Overhead camera systems typically mount to the ceiling, so there’s no need to reposition them between swings. Floor-based camera units, on the other hand, will require a quick shift from one side to the other when you switch hitting hands. Radar-based monitors generally sit behind the tee, so they’re also hassle-free when it comes to multi-user play.
Radar-Based Monitors often come in at a lower price point and offer excellent ball-flight realism, especially outdoors. However, they typically need more space - both behind and in front of the hitting area. When you’re indoors and space is tight, radar units tend to estimate certain data points.
Camera-Based Monitors can be ceiling-mounted, floor-mounted, or occasionally both. They use less space overall (a few feet of ball flight is plenty), which is a game-changer if your simulator setup is snug or if you want to keep your floor clear on commercial premises. Overhead models offer a sleek, out-of-the-way install, while floor-based units have obvious portability benefits.
Choosing between radar or camera launch monitors comes down to your space, your budget, and how you plan to use the simulator. Both technologies provide reliably accurate data. The trick is finding a system whose hardware, software, and sensor quality align with your goals. Looking to tuck a sleek unit on the ceiling and keep your room clutter-free? Camera-based might be your best bet. Want to spend a bit less or use your system outdoors? Radar could be the way to go.
Overhead Launch Monitors mount to the ceiling and are
ideal if you regularly host both right and left-handed players, since you don’t
have to reposition the unit between shots. These launch monitors are fixed,
generally needing a ceiling height of at least nine feet and can’t be taken
outdoors. They tend to offer top-of-the-range object-sensing and
image-capturing technology, and are recommended for sleek, professional setups.
This all comes with a higher price tag.
Our Favourite Overhead Launch Monitors
Floor-Based Launch Monitors sit beside the hitting
area. These work great for smaller spaces because they don’t demand a big room
depth. Many can be used indoors and outdoors, making them flexible and portable
if you want to track your swing on the range. The downside: if you’ve got both
righties and lefties, you’ll have to move and realign the unit between shots.
Our Favourite Floor-Based Launch Monitors
Your enclosure and screen will take the brunt of every swing, so reliability and durability are non-negotiable. Nothing ruins a virtual round like a flimsy setup that tears or rebounds shots back at you. Here’s how to find the right screen and enclosure to handle your hitting.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding…
If you have the space and plan on playing a lot, a fixed enclosure offers total immersion and the feeling of your personal golf cave. If flexibility is your thing, go with a high-quality net and a portable screen you can pack away when you’re done.
A great middle ground is the GolfBays Simbox enclosure, which comes in a range of sizes and includes an impact screen of your choice. Speaking of…
An impact screen isn’t just a projector screen. It’s made from heavy-duty fabric that’s been engineered to withstand high-speed hits while preserving sharp visuals. Whether you need an ultra-durable option for daily practice, crave top-tier HD projection, or prioritise noise reduction, there’s a screen tailored to your setup.
The GolfBays Pro+, for example, offers top-of-the-line image clarity and seriously hard-wearing performance. Reversible baffle screens or foam-backed layers can also help cut down on bounce-back and noise - great for those late-night sessions when you don’t want to wake the neighbours.
Commercial-grade solutions (like GolfBays Pro+, Commercial Archery Baffle, or QuadPRO) combine tightly woven, high-density fabrics with smooth surfaces for crystal-clear projections. These fabrics won’t stretch, tear, or let light bleed through easily, so the colours stay vivid and bright. In contrast, DIY materials might save a few pounds but often fall short on durability and clarity.
A thick, well-constructed screen not only handles blistering drives day after day but also keeps the noise down and the ball in play. Added foam or baffle backing absorbs impact, further dampening sound and reducing ricochets. If you’re hitting balls at odd hours (or simply want a quieter environment), look for screens with layers designed for low bounce-back and high shock absorption.
Value durability above all? Check out our Close Knit & Commercial Baffle impact screens.
When it comes to hitting mats, realism matters. A high-quality turf simulates the bounce and feel of a fairway, letting you practice crisp iron shots and preventing unnecessary strain on your wrists and elbows. While budget mats might be tempting, they can wear out faster, form lumps, and lose that satisfying spring beneath your swing.
Investing in a durable, well-constructed hitting mat will pay dividends in both comfort and consistency.
We also have a wide selection of Putting Grass to practice with.
If you’re looking for the most immersive indoor golf experience, a projector and impact screen combination is the way to go. A well-chosen projector turns every shot into a larger-than-life spectacle and makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto a championship course.
Here’s what to consider before you invest…
After you’ve nailed down your launch monitor and simulator setup, it’s time to connect the dots between hardware and software. The right combination can expand your simulator experience from a simple virtual range into an expansive universe of digital golf - complete with world-famous courses, fun practice modes, and online competitions.
Depending on your launch monitor, you’ll need a PC, laptop, tablet, or even a smartphone to run the compatible software. Make sure your launch monitor is compatible with your operating system requirements.
Make sure you have the right leads - such as HDMI for a display connection and chargers for your devices. Ideally, keep your power sockets close to the hitting area to minimise trailing cables.
If you’re aiming for 4K visuals and top-tier graphics, a powerful gaming laptop or desktop with a robust graphics card is often essential. Higher resolutions demand more processing power, so confirm your hardware can handle the workload before you invest in a 4K projector or monitor.
External Gaming Packages & Course Libraries
Entry-to-mid-level launch monitors often work best with third-party software, which unlocks thousands of virtual courses.
Practice & Mini-Games
Beyond full-course simulation, these modes keep things fresh with skill challenges, range sessions, and even custom competitions. They’re invaluable for working on target practice or refining specific facets of your swing.
Explore our Golf Software Packages
Compatibility Is Key
Double-check that your chosen software integrates smoothly with your launch monitor. Confirm your system meets the recommended specs to avoid stuttery gameplay or missing features. Once everything is in sync, you can swing away without any annoying tech hiccups.
From ball trays, hitting nets, and bag organisers to acoustic tiles, the right accessories can transform a basic setup into a luxury golfing hideaway. Whether you’re looking to add a dash of personality, keep your kit neat and tidy, or simply dampen the sound of your virtual rounds, accessories offer the perfect final flourish.
There’s no need to dive headfirst into a top-of-the-range simulator. You can start small - just a simple net and a basic launch monitor—and upgrade in stages. That’s the beauty of modern golf tech: it’s flexible and increasingly budget-friendly.
Above all, consistency trumps perfection. Even a mid-tier system can help you refine your swing, provided it gives you reliable, repeatable data. Plus, having a simulator at home means you can squeeze in 15-minute practice sessions instead of braving bad weather or trekking to the range - ideal for anyone juggling work, family, and a passion for golf. Just remember not to drown in metrics: a handful of core stats (like carry distance, face angle, and swing path) will do the trick for most golfers.
Finally, don’t worry if you’re not snapping up the latest launch monitor every year. Software updates and new features are rolling out all the time, keeping many existing systems fresh. Whichever path you choose, the key is finding a balance that suits your budget, your space, and your goals - so you can keep improving, have fun, and never lose that love for the game.
