How to Build Your Own Golf Simulator at Home
- Scott Bradley
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 16
If you’re a golf enthusiast, nothing beats practicing your swing at home—especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. A home golf simulator allows you to play, practice, and improve your game anytime. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to build your own golf simulator, from equipment to setup tips.
Essential Equipment for a Golf Simulator
Golf Simulator Software & Sensors: Your simulator needs software that accurately tracks your shots. Popular options include SkyTrak+ and Flightscope Mevo+. These devices measure ball flight, launch angle, and spin for realistic feedback.
Hitting Mat: A durable hitting mat protects your floor and simulates the feel of real turf. Look for mats with enough padding for comfort and enough firmness for realistic feedback.
Impact Screen: The impact screen is where the ball hits and displays your virtual golf course. Screens vary in size, so choose one that fits your space while allowing enough room for your full swing.
Projector: A high-quality projector displays the golf course onto your impact screen. Make sure it’s bright enough for your room and can handle the resolution of your simulator software.
Enclosure & Netting: Safety is key—enclosure netting around the hitting area keeps stray balls from causing damage.
Gaming PC: A gaming PC is necessary to operate the simulation software, which will be projected onto your impact screen.
Tips for a Perfect Golf Simulator
Lighting Matters: Avoid direct sunlight or overly bright lights to reduce glare on the screen.
Soundproofing: Adding foam panels or carpets can reduce echo and noise from balls hitting the screen.
Space Optimization: Keep extra space around the simulator for putting practice or other exercises.
Recommended Products on Amazon
Here are some top picks to get your golf simulator started:
Impact Screen Enclosure:
Hitting Mat:
Launch Monitors:
FlightScope Mevo+ - ~$1839
Pros:
Portability: Compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store.
Outdoor Capability: Performs well outdoors, providing flexibility for range sessions.
No Subscription Required: Offers a one-time purchase with optional upgrades, avoiding recurring fees.
Durability: Robust build quality suitable for various environments.
Cons:
Indoor Setup Complexity: Requires careful alignment, especially in confined spaces.
Room Depth Requirement: Needs at least 16 feet of total room depth for indoor use.
Spin Accuracy: Slightly less accurate in measuring spin compared to the SkyTrak+
SkyTrak+ ~$2595
Pros:
Indoor Performance: Designed for indoor use with easy setup and alignment.
Accurate Data: Provides precise measurements for carry distance, ball speed, and spin.
User-Friendly Interface: Offers a clean and intuitive display for data analysis.
Compact Design: Smaller footprint, ideal for tight spaces.
Cons:
Indoor Use Only: Not suitable for outdoor use.
Subscription Model: Requires a subscription for access to certain features and software.
Portability: Less portable due to its design and weight.
SkyTrak - ~$795
Pros:
More affordable
Compact and portable
Reliable for indoor use
Cons:
Limited to indoor use
Lacks club data tracking
Smaller hitting zone
PC Options:
Simulator Software:
GSPRO - Cost $250 Annual License
Golf simulation made for, and by, real golfers
GSPro was created as a true simulator. It isn't an arcade'y video game forked into the simulation space. This is real golf simulation software.
4K Graphics
Stunning, lifelike, in-game graphics built on the Unity gaming engine
Local and Online Play
Play with up to 8 players local or online in stroke, scramble, stableford, match play, best ball, alt shot, and more soon!
Realistic Ball Physics
Unrivaled game physics set GSPro apart from the competition
Continuous Improvements
We are just getting started. Constant game updates with new features
1000+ User Created Courses
The GSPro community created course list grows daily! Over 1,000 high quality, lidar-based, courses all created with OPCD tools
Final Thoughts
Building a home golf simulator is an exciting project for any golf fan. With the right equipment, setup, and a little patience, you can turn your basement or garage into a year-round golf paradise. Whether you’re practicing your swing or competing virtually with friends, a golf simulator is a game-changer for your skills and convenience.
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