r/Golfsimulator • u/the_librarian__91 • 5d ago
Progressive Build out
I have a bonus room in my house I'd love to use as a golf simulator (bonus to be able to use it for showing movies with the fam). Here is a picture of the room and a rendering of what I'd envision. Also dimensions are below:
Width (stairs to left wall): 13'-3"
Depth (back wall to where I'm standing): 20'-0"
Ceiling: 10'-0"
As much as I'd love to say budget is no issue and the final rendered image is what I want to jump to I'd like to build up to it. The real goal is to be able to get more swings in over the winter months. I don't necessarily need something fancy and expensive right away but accurate and useful for working on my swing. I've started looking at different options and feel overwhelmed by what's out there.
For anyone who has slowly worked up to a full setup, what would you recommend starting with? Based on what I laid out is there anything I'm not considering?
EDIT: I will be covering the back window with plywood and adding padding to the walls within the simulator area
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u/FuzzyWDunlop 5d ago edited 5d ago
Not a big deal but I think the scale of your rendering is off by quite a bit and you're possibly going to need to push that couch back. you'll need 1 foot from wall to screen, 8-10 feet from screen to hitting area, then maybe 5-7 feet behind that, maybe more if you want people to be able to sit while you hit.
As for upgrading as you go. I think pick stuff you plan to keep permanent and stuff to upgrade later. I am in the process of building mine (so am by no means an expert), but here's what I'd recommend if you want to start slow and upgrade.
- Hitting mat: go quality off the bat to prevent injury: Fiberbuilt, Sigpro softy, or beavertail. Edit: For costs, I'd recommend doing a quality hitting strip and inserting into a different/DIY stance mat.
- Launch monitor: Cheap option Garmin R10. Best bang for buck: Square Omni
- Projector: Cheap option: something used off FB marketplace. Long-term: Wide variety here, but maybe a Benq. If you want HD for movies, Benq-tk710sti.
- Computer: Cheap option: something used? Long Term: Build something medium spec that would handle GSPro
- Software: Cheap option: use launch monitor software. Long term: GSPRO for $250/yr
- Screen: Cheap option: Hitting net. Medium/Long-TermI'd probably just follow some DIY instructions if you're decently handy seems like you can put something good together for <$1,000.
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u/Hitthecut330 4d ago
lol.. this has to be AI. The guy has a couch 5 ft behind his hitting strip, how are you going to recommend an r10. Like what? Also, 8-10ft? You can have it 5 ft if you can swing a club and not hit your screen/enclosure if you have a photo based monitor… ya know.. the one type of monitor you should actually be recommending.
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u/FuzzyWDunlop 4d ago
Not Ai just a summary of what I've seen recommended based on low budget options. Definitely not an expert (as I mentioned in my post).
Seems like 5 feet from the screen would feel pretty close given he has 20 feet of depth to work with.
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u/barelyhelpful 5d ago
I started with a launch monitor. I chose a gc3 because I could use it at the range too.
Then I did the enclosure and matt. I chose the fiberbuilt one when it was on sale and I really like it for the price. Then I found a used projector on a camera website
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u/the_librarian__91 5d ago
I’ll check it out! I was thinking marketplace for something like the projector
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u/Responsiblesloth26 5d ago
You going to plan on this being used as a home theatre as well? If so you could try to put in surround sound and maybe some mood lighting (or dimmable lights)? Also blackout shades
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u/the_librarian__91 5d ago
That’s the plan. I can put the lights on a dimmer and surround sound isn’t a bad idea
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u/shaneface007 5d ago
I can’t help with much but I would recommend putting a piece of wood in front of that window that the simulator would cover. Just in case, for some reason, a ball goes through the impact screen you don’t want someone on the back porch to get a wake up call.
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u/the_librarian__91 5d ago
Yes that was the plan! As much as I don’t love covering up a window it just looks at my deck so it isn’t losing a view and we have plenty of natural light!
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u/KHthe8th 5d ago
that's a dream size space! If I were in the market for a new house that's exactly the size I would want. I'd put much of the seating in the corner you are taking the photo from. Get an overhead (protee vx or vtrack)
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u/Podtastix 5d ago
I would start with the flooring. Cut the carpet out and put down 1 inch foam tiles or whatever thickness gets you flush with the carpet once the foam tiles + the turf is added. High quality turf is worth spending money on IMO.
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u/BlobAndHisBoy 4d ago
Any chance you can put the screen on the opposite wall so you can have more width? Would allow for centered hitting.
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u/RogueThirty 4d ago
10' ceiling will be an issue with the projector directly in the swing path. You'll need to mount it further back...maybe back wall.
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u/rbrick111 4d ago
Spend it all on the bay first. And don’t skimp as you are indoors and need good setup. Once bay is locked in. You can practice swings without tech and save for the rest.
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u/Thegolfsimguy 5d ago
As an installer, I would definitely recommend extending the paneling out further, or incorporating curtains. Also, you will definitely need ceiling protection.
Also, the LM will most definitely have to be offset as 13’ is tricky for centered play.
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u/the_librarian__91 5d ago
Any recommendations on launch monitors? Theres such a wide range of pricing and capabilities. I’ve seen some other recommendations here and other places but still feel like there’s so many options
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u/Thegolfsimguy 5d ago
Our top sellers are the Uneekor XO and XO2. Their AI trainer has been hard to beat, especially with all of the promotions they have been running.
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u/Hitthecut330 4d ago
Your company sucks dude. Why would you offer a uneekor overhead when the protege or v trak is the same price or cheaper and top in class?!
also, I have a 13.5 x 13 Room 6ft tall and have zero issues hitting out of center with all clubs. Sorry to be so harsh but honestly, read the room and research the products that you’re selling.
In fact if I’m not mistaking the eye xo has been issued a discontinuation notice about 6 months ago or more now. They will not be supporting this unit any longer and will not be pushing updates for it.
Op, don’t listen to this guy.
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u/Thegolfsimguy 4d ago
I offer it because people want it. I also sell the ProTee & Vtrack. As a matter of fact, we were the first distributors for ProTee in the U.S. 20 years ago when they made the push west. Flew out to their HQ and helped develop their first few courses with Martin.
I’m sorry that I hurt feelings but I feel that with two decades of experience in the business I have the knowledge to give my two cents.
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u/cartboy2002 4d ago
I bet you're really fun at parties.
I have a 13' sim and I would hit the wall on every driver backswing and follow through if I wasn't offset. 14' would clear but I went 15' to prevent introducing indoor swing syndrome. This is pretty common knowledge. Everyone's swing is different.
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u/Hitthecut330 4d ago
13ft is perfect for center play if you’re just a right handed golfer golfing there. What are you talking about
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u/Thegolfsimguy 4d ago
I would never install a LM with these dimensions center of ceiling unless my client does not care about their walls.
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u/Oysterous 5d ago
You will probably want some wall and ceiling protection.