If you normally look forward to playing golf on the weekends and it’s all that gets you through the work week, then the fall and winter months can feel like the end of the world. If you don’t want to shelve your golf clubs for six months, then buying a golf simulator can be the answer. But in order to accommodate one of these setups you’re going to need some space. Understanding space requirements is the first step to design the perfect practice area in your house.
Your first step is taking careful measurements and learning about the golf simulator space requirements for each set you’re interested in. Most homes can easily accommodate newer systems. It will all be about carefully gauging the setup of your home, choosing the appropriate space and installing each of the components a determined amount of feet from the walls. Ceiling height is typically what determines whether or not your home can accommodate one of these systems. Of course, swing space, in general, will also be very important. If you’re not sure whether your home is large enough for a golf simulator system, then our guide will walk you through the process of how to carefully measure the available space in your home to determine if one of these top of the line systems is right for you.
The golf simulator space requirements can vary by model and manufacturer. Even if the system fits comfortably in a room, you also have to consider your swing. When using a golf simulator, you must be able to easily, and smoothly swing your club, without making any changes in order to compensate swinging in a tight space. Otherwise, you’re basically defeating the purpose of owning a golf simulator, which is to improve your game and to stay sharp year round. If you’re not able to swing indoors like you do outdoors on the course, then there’s no point owning a golf simulator. In terms of space needs, you must consider room depth, width, and ceiling height. Typically, a system will require a room that’s ten feet deep, ten feet wide, and a ceiling clearance that can range from seven feet up to ten and a half feet.
Setting up a spot in your home for your new golf simulator system is fairly easy if you have the right amount of space that the system requires. If you’re not sure how much room is enough, keep on reading to learn the correct way to measure your living room, game room, basement or garage, in order to determine if buying a golf simulator will work for you and your home.
Staying Sharp Year Round
Have you ever noticed that once spring hits, your game isn’t quite what it was by the end of summer? A home golf simulator is one of the best ways to keep your game strong, year round. Otherwise, it can take a month or two before your game is sharp.
The whole point of having a golf simulator in your home is to ensure you consistently play well. Not only can hitting a few balls at home be a fun way to spend the afternoon, but it can also allow you to perfect your swing, take challenging swings you normally wouldn’t on the course, and basically brush up on your golf skills.
If you often struggle to get your game back on point after shelving your clubs for the winter, then having your own year-round course can be a perfect solution.
Unfortunately, a golf simulator can take up a lot of space in the home. But how much space does one of these systems really need?
Golf Simulator Design
Commercial golf simulators are designed to keep your game on point by providing a realistic golfing experience. If you have the required space for the golf simulator then you’ll have plenty of room to use your full swing, which can be invaluable to the avid golfer.
But what type of space requirements are we talking about here? Not everyone is lucky enough to have vaulted ceilings, a spare room, or a large living room that can accommodate one of these systems.
Many of these sets are highly portable, so if you don’t have space to permanently set up your golf simulator, then systems such as the Skytrak TGC GS13 Studio can be a great option. Simply collapse the screen and pack up the mat, projector, and other components. This system and other leading models are also designed for transportation, so you can take your golf simulator to a friend’s house, or with you when you travel, for ultimate convenience and ease of use.
Assessing Space
If you have a particular system in mind, this will give you a better idea of the type of space requirements you need to work with. Mentally map out the space and consider where you can place each component in the set including the projector screen, playing mat, and the net. Grab a golf club and take a few practice swings. If you’ve never swung a club in your home, make sure you use caution. Many of us don’t realize just how low our ceilings are. Take a very slow practice swing and make sure the club has plenty of clearance above and around you. As you continue to take practice swings, gradually build up your speed. We recommend using a driver at this time because it’s the longest club in your bag. If you can easily swing your driver without colliding with a wall or the ceiling then you should have enough room for indoor golf club use.
If swinging your driver feels too tight, try using a shorter iron.
Golf Simulator Components
Most models will consist of the same basic components:
- Net
- Playing mat
- Projector
- Hardware
- Screen/TV
If you don’t want to use a large screen with the projector, we recommend projecting the image onto a wall. However, using a large screen can provide a clearer image.
Clearing Out Space
In most homes with a golf simulator, you’ll find that the room the system is set up in is the home’s multipurpose room. As an added bonus, the projector, combined with the large projection screen can allow you to enjoy having a mini theater in the comfort of your own home.
But not every golfer is lucky enough to have this type of set up or the amount of space needed to accommodate one of these systems.
Obviously, the biggest issue with setting up a golf simulator is finding the perfect space. If you don’t plan on leaving the system up permanently, then you’ll have more freedom in terms of where you can use it.
Typically, the best spot for setting up a simulator is the family room or the garage. If you plan on using the simulator indoors and you don’t have a projection screen you can use your TV to display the golf simulator software program.
Taking a Full Swing
As we mentioned earlier, before you buy a new golf simulator, you need to look at a system’s space requirements. This can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and model to model. Some sets will require ten feet by ten feet, with an overhead clearance of seven to eight and a half feet. Other systems may require an overhead clearance of nine and a half feet. Obviously, overhead clearance will depend on how tall you are. If you have a low ceiling and you’re over six feet tall, then it can be difficult to use your full swing.
If you plan on having friends over for a round of golf, then a ceiling height of ten feet is the safest option and should be able to accommodate most players. At this height, every player should be able to freely swing their clubs. However, you also have to consider the room’s width and depth.
Floor Space
Each set comes with a golf mat, which typically looks like artificial grass and contains built-in sensors. These mats can take up quite a bit of floor space, depending on the system. On average, a golf mat can take up three by five feet of space, which isn’t bad.
Measuring Width
In terms of room width, right-handed and left-handed players tend to have different space requirements. On average, the right-handed player will need a room that’s nine to ten feet wide, whereas the left-handed player may require twelve to fourteen feet of space.
Depth Requirements
Most players have found that the depth of the room should be at least ten feet, however, fifteen feet would work the best for most players. This includes the distance from the wall to the projection screen, the tee to the projection screen, and four to six feet of space between the golfer and the projection screen.
Room Layout
As you can see, there are many factors to consider regarding golf simulator space requirements. Each component in a simulator set needs a certain amount of space in order to function properly. Additionally, the golfer needs a certain amount of clearance on every side and above, in order to swing freely and use the same type of swing they would normally use on an outdoor course.
Related Questions
How Can I Add more Power to My Golf Swing?
A golf simulator can be just what you need to brush up on your technique and add more power to your swing. Obviously, practice is important. If you feel as though your swing has lost power, then consistent practice and following the proper techniques, in addition to using the correct stance, can be the answer.
To learn more, click here to read our article about golf swings losing power. on my golf swing has no power.
How Much Space Do You Need to Swing a Golf Club?
The average player will need an overhead clearance of seven to eight feet, with ten feet of clearance all around. This can vary by player and can even depend on their playing style and height. Taller golfers will obviously have different overheard clearance needs compared to shorter players. It’s also common for left-handed players to require more swinging space compared to right-handed players.
How Much Does an Indoor Golf Simulator Cost?
A decent golf simulator will run at least seven hundred dollars. Top of the line models can cost anywhere from three thousand up to twenty thousand dollars. Simulators designed for commercial use can cost even more. If you can’t afford a pro-style simulator, you can piece a set together for around fifteen hundred dollars, but if you’re looking for a system that can provide a realistic playing experience, then you’re better off with purchasing a complete golf simulator system. To learn more about leading systems on the market, click here to read our golf simulator buyer’s guide.
How Does a Golf Simulator Work?
A golf simulator consists of many components:
- Net
- Projector
- Hardware
- Playing mat
- Projection screen
- Sensors
- Software
Most systems require the use of a laptop to run golf simulator software. The laptop is hooked up to the projector, which displays the image of a golf course on the projection screen. The mat contains sensors, and some sets may also include sensors that must be placed around the room. The included net is designed to catch the golf balls you hit, preventing the balls from flying wild and breaking windows or damaging your home. When you’re shopping for a golf simulator, you’ll run into very basic models and high-tech sets that are designed for commercial use. Most top of the line simulators that are designed for home use can provide a performance that’s comparable to that of commercial style models.
Final Thoughts
The golf simulator space requirements can range from ten feet by ten feet, with an overhead clearance of seven to ten feet. Again, this can depend on the height of the player, the user’s playing style, whether they are right or left handed, and even the golf simulator itself. Because you don’t want to compromise your swing and need a system that allows you to actually work on your golf game in order to stay sharp and improve, it’s crucial that you carefully measure the available space in your home in order to determine if the simulator you have your eye on will work for you and your home.
