There are few better places to install a golf simulator than in the garage. But you’re probably skeptical that you could ever bring any of your garage golf simulator ideas to life as you look at all the stuff currently crowding your space.
We’ll show you how to build a golf simulator in the garage below, from preparing the area to sourcing everything you need to start playing your favorite courses virtually and fine-tuning your swing even during the winter season.
Indoor Golf Outlet specializes in golf simulator design for homeowners and businesses alike, and we’ve helped create quite a few garage layouts for our customers. Get in touch with our experts today for one-on-one guidance.
Key Takeaways
- There’s ample space in the average two-car garage (roughly 20' x 20') for a garage golf simulator setup.
- You need to measure ceiling height to be sure you can take full swings with your driver.
- A DIY garage golf simulator requires an impact screen, enclosure, launch monitor, projector, and hitting mat.
- It may be worth renovating the garage to improve climate control for year-round use.
- Indoor Golf Outlet carries all the best equipment and has the expertise you need to make your garage golf simulator ideas a reality.
How Much Space Do You Need For a Garage Golf Simulator Setup?
Most two-car and three-car garages have more than enough space. But to be sure, how much room do you need for a golf simulator? The biggest limitation is almost always height. Not length and width.
Height Requirements
The typical ceiling height for a golf simulator that we recommend is a minimum of 9 feet from the floor to the lowest overhead obstruction. Not the ceiling itself. You have to figure out exactly where you’ll place your hitting zone as you measure. This is enough for the average person to take a comfortable full swing with their driver without worrying about:
- Garage door tracks
- Light fixtures
- Ceiling joists
Ideally, you’d have at least 10 feet. Especially if you’re on the taller side. The more height you have, the better. It just gives you more flexibility in how you set up your space and who can use it.
Length and Width Requirements
Width is unlikely to be an issue - you just need 10 feet if you’re specifically setting up the space for you to use. 12 feet is better if you plan on accommodating both lefties and righties, and don’t want to adjust the hitting zone as you play.
Depth is a different story. You need room behind the ball for you to take a full stance and a backswing - AND you need space in front of the ball for the launch monitor to capture enough ball flight before hitting the impact screen to get accurate data and shot displays.
15 feet deep is a good rule of thumb for building a golf simulator in the garage. 18-20 feet gives you sharper image projection (more on that later) and a more comfortable hitting area.
Can You Fit a Golf Simulator in Your Garage?
The answer is probably yes. It’s just a matter of what you’re willing to compromise on. Two-car garages usually mean parking your car outside. You might even have to remove some of the stuff you’re storing in it so that you can create the optimal setup.
Our team at Indoor Golf Outlet can take a look at your garage and help you set your expectations. We’ll build you detailed 2D plans and a sophisticated 3D layout, complete with a full shopping list, so you can bring your garage golf simulator ideas to life.
Speaking of shopping…
Everything You’ll Need to Bring Your Garage Golf Simulator Ideas to Life
The typical garage golf simulator setup consists of five non-negotiable pieces of equipment:
- Impact screen
- Enclosure
- Launch monitor
- Projector
- Hitting mat
You need to make sure every component is compatible with not just your space but the rest of the equipment you’re choosing. This is why it’s so valuable to have an expert guide you through building a golf simulator in the garage.
An Impact Screen
Your golf simulator screen is what you’re actually going to hit shots into. This obviously takes a toll on the material over time, which is why it’s worth investing in quality from the get-go.
You’ll get way better value for your money with something from Carl’s Place or The Indoor Golf Shop than you would a cheaper screen that starts denting and displaying a distorted image in the first year. Seek out multi-layered woven fabrics with at least a 200 mph ball speed rating.
As for screen size, that will depend on your enclosure footprint and projector throw distance. You see why we say having an expert walk you through the nuances of how to build a golf simulator in the garage is so important? It takes a lot of the guesswork out of things! At any rate, most garage golf simulator setups we help build use screens in the 8' x 10' to 10' x 14' range.
An Enclosure
You don’t want stray shots hitting your drywall (or worse, a window or car). The golf simulator enclosure contains your hitting area, catching mishits so you don’t get flak from your wife when she sees the damage to your garage.
We recommend curved enclosures because they add depth perception to the projected image and widen your field of view. Straight frames can work just fine if your ceiling clearance is tight, though. Either way, you want a unit with side netting or baffles in your home garage golf simulator - it’ll protect the rest of your garage, so it’s worth the investment.
A Launch Monitor
The launch monitor is the brains behind your golf simulator. It tracks your ball flight using cameras (and in some cases, radar) and displays that data for you on the screen - both in terms of raw numbers and an actual shot. It’s how you’ll play courses and practice in the garage.
Overhead launch monitors mount to the ceiling and track the ball from above so the floor stays totally clear. This is usually the better choice for a permanent golf simulator in the garage. On the other hand, portable launch monitors sit on the floor - the appeal here is they can go to the range with you if you want.
There are tons of great brands to choose from - UNEEKOR, Garmin, Foresight, Bushnell. We can help you weigh your options based on your budget and setup.
A Projector
The projector takes your launch monitor’s shot data and puts it on the screen, showing you the actual shot shape and simulating your favorite courses.
A lot of people overlook the importance of the golf simulator projector, but it can really make or break the whole experience. You’ll probably want a short-throw model specifically, because most garages just don’t give you 20+ feet of throw distance between the projector and the screen.
Lumens are really important in a garage. There’s likely a lot of ambient light in the space that can mess with the image you’re projecting. You want at least 3,500 lumens. Ideally, 4,000+. You can’t go wrong with BenQ projectors, but LG and Epson make great projectors as well.
A Hitting Mat
The mat is more important than people give it credit for, too. It can be the difference between realistic strikes and comfortable long sessions, and weird responsiveness and sore joints. You want something that can hold up to a lot of wear and tear, too.
Don’t settle for those cheap foam-backed mats from the big-box stores. They slide around on concrete, compress, and don’t give you legit feedback. You want commercial-grade turf with a rubber base that’s at least 1.5 inches thick. We recommend the SIGPRO line from The Indoor Golf Shop or something from Carl’s Place. We carry both here at Indoor Golf Outlet.
Figuring Out Where You’ll Mount Your Home Garage Golf Simulator Equipment
Now it’s time to start bringing your golf simulator garage ideas to life! There are three main things you have to anchor: the launch monitor (assuming you followed our advice and chose an overhead unit), the projector, and the enclosure/impact screen (these go hand-in-hand).
The tricky part is garages can be quite a bit different. Open rafters, finished drywall ceilings, and steel beams will change the approach. So, start by finding your ceiling joists. You’ll mount every heavy component into one. Drywall anchors won’t hold a projector reliably enough to risk it.
You need to have everything mapped out before you grab a drill:
- Mark projector placement based on its throw distance
- Determine launch monitor position (usually 9-10 feet in front of the ball, centered over it)
- Identify enclosure frame connection points
You might have to run a 2x6 or 2x8 board across two joists for a solid attachment if you discover that any spot falls between said joists.
Oh, and don’t forget to account for garage door clearance throughout all of this. We see this overlooked all the time. Confirm the garage door can open up all the way if the enclosure sits near it.
Climate Control in Your DIY Garage Golf Simulator
You’re not alone if you’re trying to learn how to build a golf simulator in the garage to extend your playing season because courses around you close down in the winter months. But that also means your garage can get quite frigid, and that’s not exactly fun to play in.
On the other end of the spectrum, a lot of people live in areas where it’s way too hot to play in the summer (looking at you, Arizona). It might be more enjoyable to climate-control your garage and play indoors to beat the heat.
Here are some tips on putting the finishing touches on your DIY garage golf simulator.
Heating and Cooling the Space For Year-Round Enjoyment
The easiest solution for home garage golf simulator setups is a ductless mini-split. It’ll heat and cool year-round for a pretty affordable price. It just mounts to the wall, and typically requires an HVAC expert for installation. Way easier than running ductwork from within your home, though.
The other option if you’re just worried about winter’s chill is a space heater. Or, you can go with a swamp cooler for the summer season. You have options depending on your local climate and how serious you want to take this thing.
Is it Worth Upgrading the Insulation?
Most garages come built with minimal wall insulation and nothing in the ceiling, so if you have a little extra room in your budget, you could upgrade the insulation. This will save you money on heating and cooling, and it’ll help dampen noise for the rest of the home while you play.
It’s not that complicated, either. You just need to put R-13 batts in the walls and R-30 in the ceiling. Single-layer steel is the most common garage door type, and it leaks a lot as well, so you might look into upgrading that at some point.
Want Expert Guidance on Building a Golf Simulator in the Garage?
You know the general process of how to build a golf simulator in the garage. You can see how much goes into it, and all the little nuances that can make or break your DIY garage golf simulator setup. So why not enlist the help of a professional who has built countless spaces?
Indoor Golf Outlet specializes not just in the design phase but also golf simulator installation. You don’t have to lift a finger, and you can rest assured everything is being done right the first time around. We’ll talk about your space and recommend the ideal layout with a full equipment list, all offered at the lowest prices online with full manufacturer warranties.
Whether you’re building a garage or basement golf simulator, seasoned expertise goes a long way in ensuring you enjoy the space to the fullest. Take the next step!
Frequently asked questions
Can I set up a golf simulator in my garage?
Yes, probably! You just have to measure ceiling height, width, and depth to confirm you can make it work. Then, it’s as simple as sourcing the right equipment and getting everything installed.
Is a garage golf simulator worth it?
It’s one of the best ways to improve your game. You can play year-round no matter where you live. Your garage is going to become the gathering space for all your buddies. It’s every golfer’s dream!
How much would it cost to build a golf simulator in my garage?
We’ve seen it done for under $5,000, but it depends on how legit you want the space to be - a better launch monitor and projector are where you should allocate extra budget if you can.
How tall should a garage be for a golf simulator?
At least 9 feet from the floor to the lowest obstruction (which is not necessarily the ceiling). 10 feet gives you a little more room to work with, and is a better “minimum” for any golfer over 6 feet tall.
How can I convert my garage into a golf simulator?
Just measure the space and confirm it’ll work. Then research equipment and source everything you need. Map out where everything will attach per the manufacturer's recommendations, and get to work! Or better yet, leave all the design and installation work to the experts at Indoor Golf Outlet.
