Budget Golf Simulator Build Guides
I'm focused on setups starting at $1,000 and topping out at $7,500 or so. That's really all you need to get into a functional garage golf simulator setup. At the low end, we're not talking about a projector, but you can get into a projector-based setup for about $2,000.
I'll note that skipping a full enclosure will give you a more flexible setup, read more about my slide-away cable setup.
"I can't think of any other $2k spend that's brought me so much joy and satisfaction. With a cheap tensioned cable and some clips I can still use my garage as a garage when I'm not playing."
— Me
$1k
Bare Bones
Just a taste. A launch monitor, a net, a mat. Use your phone or existing tablet as your screen and golf app. If you've got an extra TV to hook into, there's an easy upgrade.
Base Loadout:- $697 - Launch Monitor (Rapsodo, Square, Garmin)
- $125 - Mat - Matzilla or equivalent
- $100 - Net - Izzo golf or similar
- $40 - Additional Netting for shanks
$2k
I Ain't Broke
Add a projector and a screen. Roll out some more turf. Enclose your setup with some curtains. You'll probably grow into this setup pretty quick but you might not need anything more.
Add In:- $800 - 1080p Projector
- $130 - Decent roll of Turf
- $70 - Cheap Impact Screen
- $55 - Black Curtains
Full build details coming soon
$5k+
Baby Baller
Move up to an fully-framed enclosure and a better mat. You might consider upgrading your projector, screen or even your launch monitor at this point. Maybe add a gaming PC.
Add some more $$:- $999 - Fully Framed Enclosure
- $400 more - Upgraded Mat - Carl's HotShot or similar
- $1,200 more - Upgraded 4k projector
Full build details coming soon
Beyond Budget, What Else Matters?
Space Constraints
Depending on space constraints, you may need a specific kind of launch monitor. Garmin, Mevo and Rapsodo all need to sit about 8 feet behind the ball, meaning you'll generally need at least 16 feet of space from screen to launch monitor.
The Square Golf launch monitor on the other hand can sit basically right next to your ball, meaning you can get away with a much shorter space requirement.
Permanent or stow-away?
If you need to be able to stow away or tear down your setup when not in use, you probably won't want a fixed-frame enclosure. I ended up hanging and tensioning a cable so I can slide my net out of the way when not in use.
