How to Build a DIY Golf Simulator

Do you know that in line with the Nationwide Golf Basis (NGF) an estimated 6.2 million People performed golf utilizing a simulator in 2023? That’s a 73% enhance from pre-Covid ranges.

Furthermore, the macro knowledge suggests this pattern of elevated international participation will proceed over the subsequent decade.

As such, there’s a good likelihood you’ve contemplated including some type of “at-home” golf resolution on multiple event. Nevertheless, the sheer variety of choices is mind-numbing and, at first look, doubtless seem cost-prohibitive. However, as the good Lee Corso cautions, “Not so quick, my associates ….”

WHERE DO I BELONG?

Let’s contemplate three buckets of would-be golf simulator customers.

The primary are these for whom price range just isn’t the first concern. Put in a different way, that is the golfer who isn’t going to stress whether or not the ultimate price ticket is $50K or $60K or pursuing a industrial possibility. On the different finish of the spectrum is the golfer who could be restricted in price range, area, or probably each.

Then, there’s the ol’ DIYer—the man or gal who sits someplace between Bob Vila and Sideshow Bob. Yep, that’s me. I’m not a grasp craftsman, however I’ve constructed a shed (albeit a really fundamental one). I can change a lightweight fixture, however I’m not going to transform my kitchen.

I take pleasure in DIY tasks, even when it means the completed product isn’t centerfold attractive, if it might save me the price of an expert set up.

A easy “atta boy” from my buddies or a ”you actually did that by your self? ” from my spouse is enough. If that sounds such as you, let’s check out steps (and missteps), supplies and key determination factors in constructing your golf simulator.

LET’S GET STARTED

Step one is to find out how a lot area you have got for this venture. Most golfers underestimate the room wanted to accommodate each right- and left-handed golfers whereas accounting for a great facet ratio (relationship between the width and peak) of the hitting display.

Ideally, the ceiling peak is not less than 10 ft. Something past 10’6” is superfluous except you’re making an attempt to accommodate Andre The Big (could he relaxation in peace). Conversely, something lower than 10 ft will restrict which golf equipment you need to use. In case you don’t have a minimal of 9 ft, I’d doubtless bag the venture or be content material hitting wedges and punch 6-irons.

By way of width (right here’s the place facet ratio issues), projectors and software program are likely to optimize with a 16:10 or 16:9 facet ratio. As such, you probably have 10-foot ceilings, you’ll need a width of not less than 16 ft.

Then you definately’re going to need 17 to twenty ft of depth, ideally 25 if the intent is to offer seating or room for others to observe with out concern of taking a 3-wood on to the chops. The display will sit 12 inches off the again wall (permit room for the display to flex) after which the strike mat will sit roughly 9 ft from the display. From there, an extra six to seven ft is required behind the golfer (swing radius, entry/exit, that type of factor).

You definitely can work with much less actual property though you’ll need to make some compromises. In my case, I’ve loads of peak and depth, however solely 12 ft of width. In consequence, I positioned the hitting mat barely offset (proper of middle as you face the display) and adjusted the facet ratio to 4:3. It’s not an enormous deal due to how present projectors can right for this however, once more, an extra couple of ft on both facet would eradicate any want for picture manipulation.

FRAME

I used 1 ½” slotted angle iron from Residence Depot to construct the body. Relying on what’s behind the angle iron, you’ll want wooden screws and washers (wall anchors in the event you’re going into drywall) to affix the angle iron to the wall/ceiling.

If you already know the precise size for each bit, the ironmongery shop may have the ability to reduce it to size for you. In any other case, seize an angle iron noticed or electrical cut-off instrument with a skinny blade for reducing steel as a way to modify each bit as wanted throughout set up.

If in case you have somebody who owes you a favor, an additional set of palms to carry the angle iron in place when you get the primary couple of anchors in is a bonus. If not, the vertical items on every wall aren’t too tough to handle. The ceiling items are, nonetheless, one other story. My suggestion is to chop the whole size in half and set up each bit individually. Managing a six-foot piece of angle iron is arduous however not inconceivable. As a bonus, your higher and anterior deltoids will function a reminder of your accomplishment for not less than the subsequent three days.

Shoot for one screw (or wall anchor) each 12 to 18 inches. In case you’re going straight right into a stud, each 24 inches is ok however watch out to not stress the drywall by inserting too many screws too shut to at least one one other.

It’s unlikely lots of you’ll run into my wall-curb conundrum however, if that’s the case, right here’s the repair. As a result of my storage has a concrete lip on the underside, I wanted to create a vertical wall by bracketing two 2x4s from the highest of the concrete to the ceiling. It must be pretty apparent however make any wanted modifications to your area earlier than putting in the body.

SCREEN

It will be straightforward to miss the display and assume this is a chance to save lots of a few bucks. I’d warning in opposition to that line of considering. A high-quality display goes to last more, soak up sound higher and venture the next high quality picture. The SIGPRO Premium display is the place it’s best to begin (and certain finish) your search. Another choice is the SIGPRO Most popular. Both approach, the display might be ordered in any measurement to suit your area. From there, it’s microwave dinner straightforward to put in. Merely line up every grommet on the perimeter of the display with a slot on the angle iron. Then loop a bungee ball wire by, ensuring the ball finally ends up sitting behind the display. This may develop into necessary while you set up the carpet trim.

FLOORING

It’s not a necessity however the SIGPRO Premium flooring elevates any simulator area and offers it a decidedly customized really feel. That’s the upside. The draw back is that it’s fairly dear. As a substitute, contemplate a SIGPRO Tremendous Softy hitting mat.

In case you resolve to go the premium flooring route, seize a rubber hammer and prepare to sweat. Past that, a foam pad or additional set of tiling knee pads will show you how to keep away from pointless discomfort. In case you have been born earlier than 1984, you already know what I’m speaking about. In case you’re beneath 30 years outdated, you’re in all probability not going to pay attention anyhow. (Your time is coming. Simply wait.)

The flooring is shipped as particular person items which match collectively like a big jigsaw puzzle. My recommendation is to put out one row at a time, utilizing the rubber hammer to pound each bit collectively, working from one edge to the opposite. As soon as the row is full, begin hammering that row into the prevailing row. Preserve going till it’s full.

There isn’t an actual science or method to this. The one saving grace is that every piece doesn’t want to take a seat completely flush with the adjoining piece. On this case, “shut sufficient” suffices.

While you lay the laser-cut turf on high of the flooring, place some heavier objects (books, weights and even young children work) alongside the perimeter for a number of hours. As soon as flat, use double-sided tape alongside the perimeter and across the hitting mat to forestall the turf from sliding.

TRIM

Velcro is your buddy. SIGPRO screens include a strip of Velcro constructed into the display border. Matching black carpet in varied widths adheres, nicely, such as you’d count on it to. The chief profit is a clear, completed aesthetic that hides slight missteps or ugly blemishes.

TECH

Launch displays are the engine that drives the golf simulator machine. Digicam-based programs have a tendency to supply higher accuracy (notably indoors). Additionally, radar-based models (e.g., Trackman) require extra depth to generate correct measurements. Because of this, I counsel beginning your search with Foresight, Garmin, or Bushnell and discovering a product with the options you want at a snug value level.

Regardless, every launch monitor unit wants a pc to run the simulation software program and connect with your projector. The software program will primarily decide how a lot computing horsepower you want. I’m no card-carrying member of the Geek Squad however a protected wager is to give attention to the processor (latest-generation Intel Core i7), RAM (16 GB is really helpful) and video card (NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050) as the important thing parts.

Relating to the projector, the primary determination level is decision. A 4K projector (doubtless costlier) is the higher possibility in case your setup will double as a house theater or you have got a eager curiosity in future-proofing your tech as soon as all video migrates to the next decision. A typical high-definition (1920×1200) projector is enough for many functions. I made a decision on the Panasonic VMZ51U as a result of it gives 5,200 lumens (nice for areas with pure mild) and a lens shift perform that lets you venture from a variety of distances and orientations with out distorting the picture. (Fast word: In case you see language selling horizontal/vertical and/or nook/keystone correction, that tells you the projector has the performance to regulate the picture form for many any oddball projection points.)

Projector set up is easy. Assuming the ceiling peak is comparatively uniform, mounting {hardware} attaches to the ceiling and the highest of the projector. The extension arm lets you grasp the projector on the right peak. To find out this, I wired the projector to the pc and positioned the projector on high of an eight-foot stepladder which I slid round to approximate the ultimate set up location.

** Electrical: Relying in your state of affairs, it could be smart to have an expert electrician set up further retailers (one within the ceiling for the projector and one on your launch monitor and laptop, respectively). Ideally, it’s best to determine the place you’re going to put the launch monitor and laptop earlier than starting any electrical work.

CURTAINS/CEILING PANELS

The retractable curtains are easy to put in and primarily beauty though I do have a single window in my storage I needed to cowl up. The curtain tracks might be mounted straight into the ceiling. Or, if you wish to get super-fancy, tack a 2×4 into the ceiling after which connect the curtain tracks to the two×4. Paint the two×4 black after which grasp a small strip of carpet off the two×4 to cowl the tracks.

Inevitably, somebody will hit a pop-up (or try a super-flop) and put a pleasant golf-ball-sized gap in your ceiling. To forestall this, you may both set up particular person ceiling tiles (main ache within the ass however they give the impression of being improbable) or foam/cloth baffling. I used Liquid Nails and Velcro to stick every tile to the ceiling. Yep, I took the extra arduous route however as a result of I didn’t need to stand on a ladder with my arms prolonged ready for the Liquid Nails to treatment, I taped a number of towels to a chunk of PVC pipe which I wedged right into a ladder to do the holding for me. Then, each hour or so, I repeated the method till it was full. Set up is akin to doing 25 consecutive a great deal of laundry: 5 minutes of labor, adopted by 45 minutes of ready … advert nauseam.

IF YOU BUILD IT …

Golf simulators are to at the moment’s market what sizzling tubs have been to the Eighties and Nineteen Nineties—all the fashion. Quite a few choices give customers loads of decisions and it appears most of my {golfing} buddies both have one or are contemplating some type of at-home golf resolution.

Past the nuts and bolts of the method, listed here are three ideas that you simply may need to contemplate:

* Don’t let perfection develop into the enemy of progress. A DIY golf simulator area isn’t going to look the identical as a professionally put in one—and that’s OK. Because it’s solely useful and meets your wants, that’s finally what issues.

* Ask for assist. Many “DIYers” are unbiased varieties who take pleasure in working alone, tackling duties and discovering options to issues. That’s nice. Nevertheless, an additional set of palms will turn out to be useful, notably when constructing the body and putting in the display.

* Give your self loads of time. Assuming you have got all of the supplies available, you possibly can knock this out over an extended weekend. My suggestion is to interrupt the venture down into three components:

1) Framing/Display screen/Trim

2) Flooring

3) Tech Set up (Projector, Launch Monitor, Laptop/Software program set up and calibration)

With that, I’m positive you have got loads of questions … so fireplace away!