George K.
Stuck at home during the lockdown but can’t shake that golfing bug? Are there no golf courses nearby? Then you might be looking at the next best thing: An indoor golf simulator. For those who like the game but also love to stay indoors, we’ve got you covered. A golf simulator takes the outdoors experience and brings it right into your living room, or game room for those of us fancy enough to have one. However, buying one isn’t as straightforward as it might seem, but we will make sure that you are well-equipped to hit a hole in one after reading this article.
Space for Greatness
When installing your home golf simulator, you need to consider the space available, namely: ceiling height, room depth, and room width. The most important factor here is to make sure that you have enough room to swing without smashing your walls. So, this is where the ceiling height comes into play. A pro-tip is to try to practice swinging at the desired space before starting the installation to see if it works. You also need enough space between you and the screen- a minimum room depth of 15 feet is recommended. Finally, with room width, you need to consider if you will be catering to both left and right-handed golfers or just one of the two options.
Materials of Dreams
A golf simulator is not only composed of the simulator but other materials as well. Those items include a projector to actually see the simulator because otherwise- what’s the point? You’ll also need an impact screen or net to shoot at unless you don’t mind walls with ball-shaped holes. A laptop or computer to run the simulator software on is also needed in addition to a golfing mat. Some people opt to remove the screen and only use a net with a laptop or TV nearby for the simulation which can save some costs, yet it’s a less immersive experience overall. One thing to keep in mind here is that all of these materials come at varying prices, and while you might be tempted to go all-in on them, you need to budget yourself wisely to make sure you have good materials all around.
Price Range
Now, we delve into the juicy part – money. There are a lot of options when it comes to buying a golf simulator. You will find that pricing can vary from as low as $800 up to a whopping $70,000. But what determines the cost? While some costs will go into the materials you choose to set your space with, the big bulk will be gulped down by the launch simulator. The most inexpensive ones cost around $300, while a mid-range one will cost you $15,500. To know which kind you should go for, you need to do some research. The internet is aplenty with hundreds of reviews that will help you make the right decision. If you have your eye on a certain simulator, look for a detailed review of this simulator to make sure it has all the features you need. If money is not an issue for you and you have enough space, some companies provide packages that include setup and installation, so you might want to look into those.
Simulator With A Purpose
Another important aspect when buying a simulator is to consider why you are buying it in the first place. Are you going to use it for entertainment? Or are you trying to improve your skills? These are important questions because they will determine the type of simulator you buy as each one comes with different features. Some only measure a few data about your club thus not being very accurate, while the high-end ones measure everything that you end up magically transported into an actual golf course. A lot of people also use the simulator to double as an entertainment center. If you’ve already got the projector and screen ready, might as well pop some kernels and have a lovely movie night by that breezy golf course you built yourself.
All in all, when setting up a golf simulator, there are a lot of things you need to take into consideration, from the free space you have and your budget to your end goal and needs. You also have to decide whether this is going to be a permanent setup or if you plan on upgrading it in the future. If it’s permanent, then go right ahead and spend to your heart’s content! If not, then look for some budget-friendly options. With these tips in mind, you should now be ready to start swinging and unleash the beast of Tiger Woods in you!
