How to Build a DIY Golf Simulator on a Budget

These are the five components you need to complete your DIY golf simulator, and my personal recommendation for each. However, I won’t be offended if my picks don’t suit your needs. You can pick and choose your priorities and how to divide your budget.

The simulator itself is obviously the crux of this whole operation. You can easily find budget golf launch monitors that offer simulated golf for under $700 that deliver all the data and quality you could ask for.

Perhaps the next most important element of your DIY golf simulator is your hitting mat. A good mat can not only withstand a beating, but will help your body withstand a beating as well. A cheap mat, on the other hand, is likely to cause wrist or other injury. 

Next, you need an impact screen or a hitting net. If you plan on using a projector, you should plan on using an impact screen, which is affordable and easy to set up. Otherwise, you can opt for a net, but after having used both myself, I personally prefer an impact screen over a net even when there’s nothing projected onto it.

The last components you need are either a projector or TV to bring your simulated golf to life, and some sort of device – it could be as basic as the smartphone you already use, or an iPad or computer – to run the golf simulator and send your virtual golf to the screen of your choice.

The launch monitor itself is the fun part, so let’s start there.
I use the Rapsodo MLM2Pro at home, and it leaves literally nothing to be desired. For only $700, you get all the data you need – which includes measured spin data so you know exactly where every shot ends up – plus virtual golf and even Rapsodo’s training combine.

The app also captures two videos of every shot, swing and impact videos, which really speeds up the improvement process.

If you’re interested in an alternative to Rapsodo for one reason or another, here are a few more top-rated budget options to consider:

• Garmin Approach R10 ($499) | SHOP PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE
• Swing Caddie SC4 ($449) | SHOP AMAZON

It’s important to distinguish that not every launch monitor is a golf simulator. The launch monitor is the feature that gives you your launch data, metrics like club speed, ball speed, smash factor, carry distance, and spin, among many others.

The simulator is the feature that converts all that data into a virtual representation of how each shot would play out on a golf course or driving range. 

In other words, without simulator functionality, there is no virtual rounds of golf or virtual driving range sessions, just raw numbers.

All golf hitting mats are not created equal. If you cut corners on this element, don’t be surprised if you start to suffer from chronic injuries to the wrists, elbows, or shoulders. 

A good golf mat is vital to the simulator experience. Assess how much you plan on using your DIY simulator. If you plan on using the simulator daily or several times per week, consider a higher-end mat that can withstand regular wear and tear, and will be gentle on your body.

Another important aspect of a mat is its size. The ideal mat is large enough for you to stand on and hit off of, which ensures you stand at the same level as your ball. The last thing you want to do is practice hitting a ball that's an inch above your feet all winter, then find in the spring that you can't find the center of the club face.

A 5' x 5' or even a 4’ x 5’ mat is a strong choice.

We recommend this 4x5 GoSports mat because it’s soft and has interchangeable hitting areas. Switch between fairway and turf cuts, or swap in one of the two hitting areas with a built-in training aid to groove a swing that creates crisp contact. 

The most important thing to remember when purchasing the projector for your simulator is to not cheap out on lumens. Every projector will list this number and the sweet spot is around 3,000 lumens. You can get away with a projector that’s only 2,000 lumens, but your space will need to be dimly lit. The recommended 3,000 lumens allows for a moderate amount of surrounding light.

This Epson EpiqVision projector is 3,300 lumens and at $299 it provides a crisp picture to watch all of your shots virtually sail.

For your screen, it’s important to look for something thick and durable. This should go without saying, but you cannot simply set up a standard projection screen like the ones you had in your high school. You need an impact screen for your DIY golf simulator that can absorb golf shots.

I got this aikeec impact screen off Amazon and I’ve been using it for more than six months now, and I would recommend it to anyone working on their own DIY golf simulator project. 

For starters, it’s plenty durable. I hit every club in the bag into it and there is no visible wear. It also has grommets all the way around which makes it super easy to hang in most spaces. It also comes in various dimensions so you can choose the width and height that work best for your space. Lastly, it’s very reasonably priced.

Editor's Pick: Consider starting with what you own

I’m not going to go into too much depth on the device you use for your simulator. For starters, there’s a good chance you can use one you already own. For example, I use nothing more than my iPhone to run my Rapsodo MLM2Pro. I could swap that for an iPad, connect it to a projector, or mirror it to a smart TV if I choose.

Some launch monitors may connect to a computer, and you may or may not already have one that would work for your setup.

Ultimately, this is your own personal preference. If you want the most budget option, my recommendation is to choose a simulator that works with a device you already own.

Just because a project is deemed DIY doesn’t mean it won’t cost some money, especially with a golf simulator. You can easily find a total package simulator like you would see in a golf retailer for $15,000 or more, but that’s not financially possible for a lot of people. 

Pick a budget you’re comfortable with for your personal simulator. At a minimum, a DIY simulator project will cost you around $1,500, so keep that in mind.

It’s one thing to have the finances for a golf simulator, but it’s another to have the space. Typically, a setup like a golf simulator is best located in a basement or garage. No matter where it’s going, you’ll want a minimum of 10 feet deep, 10 feet wide, and 10 feet tall to accommodate all of the equipment and enable you to swing every club in your bag.

It’s also wise to avoid a space that has a lot of direct sunlight, as that will create visibility issues for the projector and screen.

With the products listed here, you can successfully purchase and build yourself a golf simulator for around $1,500 with variable increases in price depending on your technology choice. 

This project should be enjoyable because, after all, it’s golf and you’re bringing the course to the comfort of your own home. If all goes well, be prepared for the neighbors to start knocking.