Garage Golf Simulator: From Complete Packages to Easy DIY Setup Solutions

As the indoor golf revolution continues its ascent, one unlikely product type may be in danger of losing its home: vehicles. A garage golf simulator, you see, is kicking cars to the curb. More and more golfers are seeing their garage as more than a parking space.

But a garage golf simulator setup doesn’t necessarily mean the car has to be parked in the driveway. In fact, several simulator build options have either a small enough footprint or are moved easily enough to allow room for the important things (golf) and life’s necessities (vehicles).

So whether you’re planning a full-time, full-blown, best-of-the-best garage golf simulator, or you’re looking for more of a DIY garage golf simulator, you’ve got options. And, as always, we’re here to help you make the right decision.

The best news about the whole golf simulator in garage topic? None of it is nearly as difficult as you might fear. Now would be a good time to alert the spouse that some changes are coming. Because soon enough, you’re likely to give in to the temptation of your own garage golf simulator.

Let’s uncover everything you need to know.

The Golf Simulator for Garage Fork in the Road: Pre-Packaged or DIY?

Are you going to build your own golf simulator studio? Or are you better off buying a turnkey solution that gives you everything you’ll need in one shipment?

As you’re likely already aware, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to either option.

And, of course, there are some common components you’ll need regardless of which direction you go, including:

• A golf launch monitor. If you didn’t already know, this is the device that records your golf shots. There’s no golf simulator without a golf launch monitor.
• Golf simulator software. Depending on which golf launch monitor you buy, it will either include golf simulator software, or there will be an option to add software with an additional purchase or subscription model. Alternatively, you can shop a number of different third-party simulator software solutions, with GSPro being one of the most popular.
• A computer or mobile device. Your golf simulator software will either be able to run on a phone or tablet, or on a computer, or on either. But you’ll need some kind of computing device to display the simulated golf experience.
• A golf hitting mat. You’ve got to have an artificial grass surface from which to hit your golf shots.
• An impact screen or hitting net. And there has to be something into which you’ll hit those golf balls. The most common solutions are an impact screen or a golf net.
• A projector (optional). If you choose an impact screen, you’ll likely want to pair it with a projector. Your golf simulator software and accompanying computer will relay the signal to the projector which will then project the simulated golf experience onto the screen in front of you so that you can watch the ball fly just as you would after hitting a shot on the real golf course.
• An enclosure. This may not be an absolute necessity, but it sure is a good idea to have something set up to protect wayward shots from damaging other things (or people) in your garage.

We’ll get into the details of each of these components, including our recommendations for things like golf launch monitors that work best for garage golf, as we go deeper into this comprehensive golf garage simulator buyer’s guide.

But first, a brief look at some of the good and bad for both DIY or pre-packaged solutions.

DIY Garage Golf Simulator Pros and Cons

Like most things DIY, building your own garage golf simulator could save you money.

On the other hand, it’s likely to cost you time.

Creating a DIY garage golf simulator is by no means an impossible task, but you are going to have to be at least a bit handy. And you’re going to need to be willing to spend the time not just to build it but to research all of the necessary components for your specific space and customized setup.

The beauty of doing it yourself is that you can make choices that work for your exact space. 

And, even if you don’t choose a turnkey, pre-packaged golf simulator solution, PlayBetter.com still has the individual components you’ll need for your do-it-yourself garage golf build, including:

• Golf Hitting Mat. We’ve got a wide assortment of different-style mats at all kinds of prices. If you want to skip straight to our recommendation for the best golf hitting mat, it’s Fiberbuilt. You won’t be sorry about choosing a premium golf mat.
• Golf Simulator Impact Screen. Your garage golf simulator ideas probably include watching your simulated golf shots fly through the air right in front of you. It’s what makes for the most realistic indoor golf experience. An impact screen is built specifically to withstand repeated golf shots while also serving as a clean, flat surface on which a golf simulator image can be projected.
• Golf Net for Garage. The best alternative to an impact screen is a golf hitting net. No, you won’t be able to watch the ball fly in front of you, but you can still have your simulator image displayed on your computer screen. And, a great advantage of a hitting net is that it’s easily collapsed and moved to make room for parking your vehicles. We really like the Net Return products for their build quality and because they are designed to gently return the ball right to your feet. Very convenient!
• DIY Garage Golf Simulator Studio w/ Enclosure and Impact Screen. PlayBetter sells various-sized enclosure options that come with the impact screen. Installation is simple, and you even have the option to add a projector and hitting mat to your purchase. Or, if you really want to build your own enclosure, our guy Jock at Golf Busters on YouTube has some great tips.

Even if you go the DIY route, your best bet is likely to choose a combination of these components to create the right mix for your situation.

Of course, you’ll still need the golf launch monitor, and we’ll cover some great options below. And you’ll also need a mobile device or computer to run the golf simulator software that’s compatible with the golf launch monitor that you choose.

Each golf launch monitor and golf simulator software package has different system requirements, so pay close attention to the specifications of the product you choose to make sure you have the right computer configuration.

Also, if your DIY garage golf simulator is going to include an impact screen, you’ll want to purchase a projector to display all the fun.

Turnkey Garage Golf Simulator Setup Pros and Cons

Honestly, there aren’t a whole lot of cons to going with a pre-packaged solution. Especially considering that there’s still so much opportunity to customize your build to meet your specific needs.

As for the pros of going this route, they might be obvious. Mostly, wouldn’t it be nice to get everything that you need for your garage golf simulator all in one shipment? Well, PlayBetter.com sells those exact solutions, including all of the components except the computer.

Here’s how it works. You choose the golf launch monitor (which we’ll talk about in just a minute), and PlayBetter will send you a turnkey setup package that includes:

• The golf launch monitor of your choice
• A 5’ x 5’ hitting mat and putting mat
• A ball tray
• A golf simulator enclosure and impact screen available in:
• 10’ W x 8’6” H x 5’4” D
• 12’ W x 8’6” H x 5’4” D
• 13’ W x 10’ H x 5’4” D
• 13’ W x 10’ H x 10’ D
• Side barriers that extend off of the enclosure to provide additional protection
• An Optoma GT2000HDR 3500 lumens projector with a projector mount

Installation of these turnkey packages is simple. Ideally with two people, you can easily be set up and operational within a few hours.

Again, the only additional things you’ll need to provide are the computer and, of course, your golf clubs.

Our advice:

1. Get out your tape measurer, and measure your space.
2. Choose the right golf launch monitor from our below recommendations.
3. Buy a turnkey garage golf simulator package that is going to remove the entire headache of figuring out this whole indoor golf puzzle.
4. Easily install it yourself. Ideally, with the help of a friend.

By going that route, you’re only four steps away from playing golf in your garage!

How Much Space Do You Need for a Garage Golf Simulator?

First things first: Will your garage golf simulator ideas allow you to freely swing a golf club without hitting any walls or the ceiling?

If you can clear that hurdle, you’ve probably got adequate golf simulator dimensions to make this dream a reality.

But there are two key components that will determine exactly how much space you’ll need:

1. The length of the golf swings that will use this garage golf space.
2. The type of golf launch monitor that you choose.

First, the length of the golf swing. As you’d assume, the longer the swing (often the same thing as the taller the golfer), the more space you’ll need to avoid damaging any surroundings. Conversely, a shorter golf with a more compact swing will require less space.

Second, the type of golf launch monitor. There are three kinds:

1. A camera-based system. This type of golf launch monitor sits to the side of the golf ball and requires minimal room depth. Golf shots are measured at impact by one or more cameras.
2. A radar-based system. This type of golf launch monitor, which measures shots using Doppler radar, usually sits 8 to 12 feet behind the golf ball and requires a good amount of room depth. The advantage of this type of system is that when you switch back and forth between right-handed and left-handed golfers, you won’t have to move the golf launch monitor.
3. An overhead system. This type of golf launch monitor is mounted on the ceiling and measures the shots using multiple cameras. While it may require higher ceiling height, it won’t require near as much room depth as a radar system and won’t have the disadvantage of having to move the launch monitor for righties and lefties like a floor-standing camera system.

You’ll notice in our turnkey golf simulator solution section that the smallest enclosure we sell is 10’ W x 8 ’6” H x 5’ 4” D. So, you’ll likely want to make sure your space is at least 10 feet wide and 8 feet, 6 inches high. As for room depth, you’ll want your enclosure to be at least 1 foot off of the back wall. And you’ll want at least 8 feet between the golf ball and your net or impact screen. Then, of course, if you choose a radar-type golf launch monitor, you’ll need that additional 8 to 12 feet of room depth.

Because space requirements vary depending on the size of the golfer and the type of golf launch monitor, there are no absolutes. That gets us back to the very first step of seeing if you can freely swing a golf club.

After that, for a camera-based golf launch monitor, our rule of thumb is to have a space that is at least:

• 10 feet wide
• 10 feet deep
• 9 feet tall

For a radar-based golf launch monitor, we recommend:

• 10 feet wide
• 21 feet deep
• 9 feet tall

And for an overhead golf launch monitor, we recommend:

• 10 feet wide
• 14 feet deep
• 10 feet tall

The Right Golf Launch Monitor for Your Garage Man Cave Golf Simulator

Alright, we’re getting close to go time! By now, you should have a handle on the various components you’ll need to pull this off. And you’ve hopefully got an idea of whether you want to try to build this yourself or go with a convenient turnkey package. And you should know if your garage is going to be big enough.

Now the most important part: Choosing the correct golf launch monitor.

As we outlined above, space requirements are going to be a factor. If you don’t have enough garage depth, you can rule out a radar-based system right off the bat.

The righty and lefty thing is another consideration. Will all of the golfers who use your simulator stand on the same side of the ball? If so, a camera system will work great. If not, you may want to look at a radar or overhead option.

And if you’ve got enough ceiling height and want the most out-of-the-way, professional-style setup, you can’t beat a ceiling-mounted golf launch monitor. This is what’s going to make your garage man cave golf simulator look and feel like what you’d see at a commercial operation.

While the below options aren’t the only golf launch monitor choices, they are our top golf simulator in garage recommendations. We’ll break it down by camera, radar, and overhead launch monitor options. 

Top Camera-Based Garage Golf Simulator Setup Options

As a reminder, this is the type of golf launch monitor that will sit to the side of the golf ball, saving a lot of room space. For that reason, camera (sometimes called photometric) golf launch monitors are very popular for tighter golf simulator dimensions. Here are some of our favorites.

Foresight GC3

There are so many reasons why the Foresight Sports GC3 is going to be the perfect launch monitor for a garage golf sim studio. These are just a few of the highlights:

• Incredible accuracy. If you want a realistic golf simulator experience, you need a golf launch monitor capable of recording exactly what happened with each golf shot. You’ll never have to second guess the GC3.
• Outstanding golf simulator software included. Foresight Sports is renowned for their lifelike graphics, with every detail accounted for to make for the most realistic simulator experience. And the best part is…
• No subscriptions! Once you buy the GC3, you’re done. Unlike with golf launch monitors from most other brands, the Foresight Sports products don’t require an annual subscription. All that great simulator software is included for life with the purchase of the golf launch monitor!

Bushnell Launch Pro

The Launch Pro is the exact same golf launch monitor as the Foresight GC3. The only difference is in how it’s priced. With the GC3, you pay once and you're done. With the Launch Pro, to play simulator golf, you’ll need to pay a $499 per year subscription. But the initial purchase price is much more affordable.

So, if you only plan to own this golf launch monitor for a couple of years, you may be better off going with the pay-as-you-go Bushnell Launch Pro. All of the other benefits that make the GC3 so great are the same with this device.

Foresight GCQuad

The GCQuad launch monitor stands out with its four cameras, offering an additional vantage point compared to the GC3. That means even more precise readings of ball and club data, providing for a broader range of data options and greater accuracy.

Just like with the GC3, there are no annual subscriptions with the GCQuad. And you have access to the same industry-leading Foresight Sports golf simulator software. If you’re super serious about having the most pinpoint data accuracy, you’ll be beyond thrilled with the GCQuad.

Foresight QuadMAX

Here it is: The best of the best. The QuadMAX takes all of the awesomeness of the GCQuad and then ramps it up a few more notches by adding:

• Unlimited shot storage on the device itself
• Speed training
• Improved touchscreen
• Much more

And, yes, there are no subscription fees. If you’re looking for the ultimate golf launch monitor for your garage, this is it!

SkyTrak+

There may be no better golf simulator software for having the most fun than the package that’s part of the SkyTrak+ platform. And isn’t fun one of the main reasons you want a garage golf simulator?

In June of 2024, SkyTrak upped the ante, improving on what was already becoming one of the most popular golf simulator solutions on the market, when they rolled out their own Course Play golf simulator software that rivals the best sim software available with any launch monitor. 

If you’re looking to throw a garage golf party, the SkyTrak+ experience is guaranteed to bring the good times.

Top Radar-Based Garage Golf Simulator Ideas

As noted, if you’ve got enough room depth in your garage and you plan to play regularly with both righties and lefties, you’ll likely appreciate having a radar golf launch monitor. Another big advantage of this type of monitor is that some of the most affordable options are in this category.

Garmin Approach R10

The Garmin Approach R10 is the product that really started the whole affordable golf simulator for garage craze. Can you believe that for just $599.99, you can get a golf launch monitor that’s only the size of a deck of cards, that you can operate with just a smartphone, and that’s compatible with multiple different simulator software packages?

It’s true! And even better is that this golf launch monitor is so portable that you can easily bring it from your garage golf simulator setup to your buddy’s garage man cave golf simulator.

Full Swing KIT

You could play golf in your garage with the same golf simulator setup that Tiger Woods uses at his house. And if it’s good enough for him, there’s a fairly good chance it’s good enough for your game.

The Full Swing KIT features a beautiful built-in display and a crystal-clear 4K camera that gives you access to swing videos. You’ll get five e6 Connect simulated golf courses out of the box and then have the option to add more through their $99-per-year subscription package.

Learn more about everything this exciting and now updated product can do.

FlightScope Mevo+

The Mevo Plus delivers more ball and club data metrics than any golf launch monitor anywhere near its price point.

And the new 2024 Mevo+ edition includes a premium e6 golf simulator course package that has big-name tracks like St Andrews, Pebble Beach, and Bethpage Black. All without any kind of annual subscription!

If there’s a downside, it’s that 21 feet of room depth is recommended to get the most accurate results with the FlightScope Mevo+. But if you’ve got the space, this is a slam dunk option.

Rapsodo MLM2PRO

If you’re planning to use your golf launch monitor both for a garage golf simulator setup and to take outdoors to the driving range, you can’t do any better for under $1,000 than with the Rapsodo MLM2PRO.

It’s the only golf launch monitor in this price class that has two built-in cameras for slow-motion swing and impact review. It’s super simple to set up, and you don’t need anything more than a smartphone to operate it.

For garage golf on a budget, you’ll have a very difficult time beating the Rapsodo MLM2PRO. 

The Number One Overhead Garage Golf Simulator

This category is our shortest because in our estimation, there’s really only one right answer.

Foresight Falcon

The Foresight Falcon is the ultimate garage golf simulator. Priced at $14,999, the Falcon offers exceptional value, coming in at $5,000 less and at half the size of the GCHawk, yet it maintains the same industry-leading accuracy and lifelike simulator software options.

One of the Falcon’s standout features is its larger hitting area, which provides more flexibility and comfort during play, including with righties and lefties at the same time.

So long as you don’t have ceiling height for golf simulator issues, this is perfect for a dedicated, indoor sim studio option.

Got More Golf Simulator in Garage Questions? PlayBetter Has the Answers!

We hope with this garage golf crash course you’ve got everything you need to know about turning your dream into a reality.

Above all else, you should now clearly understand that you’ve got options. If you can swing a golf club inside your garage without hitting anything, you can pull this off, whether that’s with a DIY garage golf simulator or a turnkey package solution.

And if you’ve still got questions, there’s a good chance we’ve covered what you’re interested in learning somewhere in one of our golf blog posts. If you don’t find the answers there, contact our customer service department. Not only are they knowledgeable, but if they don’t know the answer to your question, they know exactly where to go to find it.

As for your cars? They’ll be fine outside. Just roll up the windows and lock the doors. You’ve got garage golf to play!