How to Setup a Golf Simulator At Home

Who could resist the thought of having to brandish their golfing skills the introvert's way? 

If "Dan Doh!!!" and "Beat Shot!!" are your kind of anime, your ideal otaku room would have a fantastic golf simulator configuration.

However, the only thing stopping otaku golfers, even those who don't belong to the anime fandom, from acquiring the simulator is the myth that setting it up is an impossible task to do alone. 

Golf simulators are becoming a thing due to the availability to play golf in the comforts of their home. But the presumed cost and its complexity hold them back.

Let us bring you the good news around here. There are various ways to set up the golf simulator—cost-effective and easily—to debunk the myths hounding it.

Overview Of A Golf Simulator Setup

Unsurprisingly, there are numerous factors that a user should first consider before installing the setup—let alone buying one. The location and budget are important factors in setting up a golf simulator at home.

When setting up any virtual and augmented technology, the location where the user plays matters—the venue's size determines how restricted or flexible a golfer’s movement is. 

A playable area requires at least 9-foot ceiling height and 13 by 13-foot dimensions. The dimensions consider the placement of hardware and both the golf ball and club swing movements. 

Rooms larger than the required area dimension can house additional accessory equipment if the user so wishes. The budget comes to play when considering what materials to use. 

Entry-level budgets often cut costs through alternatives while investments pave the way to all-out high-end materials. Whatever anime about golf you're watching, you could test out their techniques with a low-cost launch monitor, even if you have enough space, as mentioned.

Hitting Mats

Any golf simulator needs golf hitting mats. The mats take the form of grass golf turf but are far more durable. These mats are also forgiving, thereby absorbing any recoiling club impacts from all of the swinging that the golfer makes. 

Some mats can be another sensory component of the tracking technology, requiring golfers to place the ball on a point location. The absence of hitting mats can damage the floors; worse, it will render the golf simulator unplayable. 

Most golf simulators come with their hitting mats, and there are install-ready mats out in the market. But to do DIY practice mats, builders can use foams affixed beneath grass turf carpets. Builders can also secure it into plywood before fastening the setup to the floor using screws or powerful adhesives. 

If you have enough budget, consider decent golf simulator enclosures that provide top-notch features: velcro border protection pads, triple-layer HD projector screen, ricochet-proof set design, and sturdy click-together metal frame, like this item sold by 24/7 US. Click the image to purchase:

Impact Screens and Nets

If you prefer getting parts-by-parts, don't forget to include these items on your list.

Impact screens are often part of the simulator’s hardware serving two purposes in the golfing experience: to absorb the ball’s impact and to allow viewing of the golf simulation. 

The most common impact screens shape into a white standing plane of cloth. Metal frame supplements strength to the screen, padded with layered fabric and even cushions at its back. Impact screens also come with enclosures to catch possible golf trajectories from the side.

DIY-doers carry out this component of the project by draping the clothes on the set metal frames then securing the edges with Velcro. Some golfers add rivets to the screen cloth to add extra firmness and security to the screen. 

Rivets also decrease the creases and loose folds of the screen. For a cheaper alternative, golfers can use golf hitting nets like the below image to catch golf projectiles. They then use an actual screen behind the net system to view the simulation. Click the image to see the item in Amazon:

Simulation Hardware

A plethora of simulation hardware is needed for the setup, each having variations suited for a budgeted or high-end experience.

Tracking devices are essential in measuring the golf’s movement projected into the screen. These tracking systems are the golf simulator’s sensors that accumulate data from the user and the golf ball. Infrared sensors can prove to be the cheapest devices for motion sensors. 

However, the heat-seeking sensor’s disadvantage lies with split-second delays between the golf ball’s movement within the screen and in real life. Non-infrared launch monitors are more common solutions that fix the issue but are expensive. 

Displays are the next essential items in the setup. Most golfers use projectors to display their play onto the impact screen, bearing either a 4:3 ratio or 16:9. However, users that rely on nets turn to LED displays wired at the back of the net. 

Lastly, all crucial hardware and sensors should connect to a computer that runs on an Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB memory or equivalent. 

Golfers connect the simulator to portable power processing devices like Android tabs to improve portability. These devices run golf simulators with factors to consider, such as compatibility, graphics, golf course features, and accuracy to process inputs.

Our recommendation to those who seek entry-level golf simulators with features at far with mid-range launch monitors is the Garmin Approach R10.

This Garmin device puffs a wide arsenal of tracking features to improve your shot efficiency. Like high-end golf simulators, it allows you to record your play so you can get back to watch your posture anytime you need it. Moreover, it lets players enjoy 42,000 virtual courses, which are digital replicas of famous worldwide golf ranges.

Accessories

Golf simulators shouldn’t be too expensive. A budget set up of golf simulators can start with impact screens, hitting mats, sensors, projectors, and a computer device. Don't forget the cleaning materials, which may be the same for cleaning laptops. But there are many accessories to add to the setup for hardcore golfers willing to go the extra mile in their hobby. 

Avid golfers are willing to invest in a space dedicated to golf simulation. One option is to upgrade the area into a theater-like space, adding extra soundproof pads and curtains across the room. 

Casual players would also want to share the experience with friends, so lounge areas and sofas go a long way during the game. 

The addition of golf ball washers is an extra step in ensuring that no streak will come in contact with the clothed screen.

Final Words

Apart from the virtual game setup, a complete package would be a gizmo anime hub where the golf simulator is the main attraction. Meanwhile, The corners of the room could be another battle station or shelves accommodating your ever-growing otaku collection.