How to Make a Home Golf Simulator for Right- and Left-Handed Players
Is multiplayer fun a major motivation for your home golf set up? Have you accounted for righties and lefties? We go over the best launch monitors, golf hitting mats, and more that you'll need to get it done right—and left!
Who’s Playing in Your Home Golf Simulator?
There’s a lot to consider when planning and shopping around for your in-home golf simulator.
If multiplayer parties are going to be part of the plan, you’ll need to remember to think of both left-handed and right-handed golfers.
Why?
Well, when everyone’s playing together, you want that seamless pace of play. Moving your golf launch monitor or hitting mat around will likely detract from the overall experience.
We’ve heard of players swinging over the launch monitor—but that sounds a bit bananas to us for a few reasons. One, the awareness of it can affect a golfer’s swing (like a low ceiling can). And two, these high-tech golf devices were designed to be used a certain way. We don’t recommend deviating from that. Finally, it just seems too risky to the health and wellbeing of the launch monitor that you have so thoughtfully invested in. How’s it going to feel for all parties involved if your left-handed pal smashes your expensive unit like it was a golf ball.
So what do you need to keep in mind if you want to include both right- and left-handed players in your simulator setup? Read on to find out, and we’ll even give you some suggestions. You’ll be able to host righties and lefties—and many of the options for doing so are remarkably affordable. Let’s get to it!
Considerations for the Right (or Left!) Golf Simulator Setup to Include Any-Handed Players
To make sure your home golf studio set up is righty and lefty friendly, the most important thing you'll want to take into consideration is the golf launch monitor you use. But other key elements include your golf hitting mat, the size of your enclosure, and room dimensions. Let's take a closer look at each key feature.
Launch Monitor Selection
If it’s just going to be you or only occasionally a player of the opposite handedness, then a high-end photometric launch monitor will make an outstanding centerpiece for your golf simulator. We highly recommend any one of these super-reliable devices:
These camera-based golf launch monitors sit in front of the golfer in a simulator.
However, if regular social gatherings around the golf simulator are on the docket—or if someone in the house is an opposite-handed player—you’ll want to consider a radar-based golf launch monitor that sits behind the player, such as:
The advantage of these golf launch monitors is that they are often more affordable and have greatly improved in accuracy and feedback on your shots. And, of course, in the right set up, these units will not have to be moved to accommodate both right- or left-handed players. They can sit directly behind the hitting area.
Possible downsides may be that you want that elevated reliability of the more expensive camera-based golf launch monitors listed above. Also, you will need a bit more room depth for a unit that sits behind the player instead of directly in front of them.
Additionally, you can opt for a golf launch monitor that’s mounted above the hitting area like the Foresight GC Hawk or the Uneekor Eye XO2 or QED. These devices do require an investment of $10,000–$20,000 just for the unit itself. Not always the most practical solution for your average at-home golfers.
Golf Hitting Mats
Another key piece in your golf simulator to keep in mind is your hitting mat. Some golf hitting mats are designed for righties and lefties, like these Fiberbuilt golf mats:
In such cases, you would have to rotate the hitting mat to accommodate a player of the opposite handedness. Not an ideal situation when golfing at home with your friends.
Initially, you may think the the dual-hitting mat might work for a righty and lefty friendly setup—but the hitting area needs to align with the launch monitor sitting behind it. So, we would recommend a golf mat with a common hitting area, like these center-hitting ones from Fiberbuilt's Player Preferred Series:
Check out our Fiberbuilt golf mat collection for a variety of options.
Golf Simulator Impact Screen Size & Room Width
Are you using a projector and impact screen in your home golf simulator? If you want to accommodate right- and left-handed golfers, you’ll want to get a wide enclosure. With a central hitting area in your virtual setup, we suggest a 13-foot or wider enclosure so that righties and lefties will have ample, equal room on each side.
Room size requirements will vary depending on the golfer and on the type of launch monitor being used. For example, a launch monitor that measures from the side, rather than from behind, will require less room depth. And a shorter golfer with a shallower swing will require a lower golf simulator ceiling height than a taller golfer with a steeper swing.
To be safe, we recommend golf simulator room dimensions of at least:
- 10 feet high
- 15 feet wide
- 16 feet deep
A room with these dimensions will support a larger enclosure and multiplayer get-togethers with righties and lefties.
Golf Simulator Packages for Left- and Right-Handed Golfers
Garmin Approach R10 PlayBetter SimStudio
As a radar-based launch monitor that sits 6 feet directly behind the ball, the Approach R10 allows for seamless switching between right- and left-handed players.
This all-inclusive simulator package pairs the R10 with everything you need for under $5,000.
What Comes with the Garmin R10 SimStudio Simulator Package
- Approach R10 launch monitor that includes a free iOS version of E6 Connect with practice ranges, a darts mini-game, and five golf courses.
- A PlayBetter SimStudio full hitting bay with blackout walls and noise-dampening impact screen
- 5’x5′ hitting mat
- Landing pad turf that can double as a putting surface
- An Optoma GT1080HDR short throw projector
- A projector ceiling mount
- An alignment stand (optional purchase)
All the components are high-quality and super-easy to get set up! You can have an entire home golf simulator up and running in one afternoon!
The R10 directly measures seven data parameters using radar technology and calculates many other parameters including spin and face angle. You can practice and analyze your sessions on a virtual driving range for free with the Garmin Golf app.
Golf simulation with the R10 includes:
- Home Tee Hero (Garmin’s proprietary sim software)
- E6 Connect
- The Golf Club 2019
- Awesome Golf
Find out more about this launch monitor's simulation software compatibility.
The Optoma GT1080HDR is a value-packed projector with high lumens and 4K input, and in fact, it has ranked #1 in our guide for the best golf simulator projectors.
You’ll need at least 14 feet of depth to accommodate the R10, although 16 is recommended. And, if you are planning on players switching hands, the largest 13–foot enclosure size is recommended.
Learn more about golf launch monitor space requirements here.
FlightScope Mevo+ Complete PlayBetter SimStudio
As a radar-based launch monitor that sits 7–9 feet directly behind the ball, the FlightScope Mevo+ allows for seamless switching between right- and left-handed players.
This all-inclusive simulator package pairs the Mevo+ with everything you need for a full virtual home golf setup.
What Comes with the FlightScope Mevo+ SimStudio Simulator Package
- FlightScope Mevo+ launch monitor that includes 10 free E6 Connect courses for iOS and PC platforms.
- A PlayBetter SimStudio full hitting bay with blackout walls and noise-dampening impact screen
- 5’x5′ hitting mat
- Landing pad turf that can double as a putting surface
- An Optoma GT1080HDR short throw projector
- A projector ceiling mount
- An alignment stand (optional upgrade)
All the components are high-quality and surprisingly easy to get up an running in a few hours!
The FlightScope Mevo+ provides 20+ data parameters, free FS Golf mobile app for iOS and android, as well as a free software version for PC. You’ll also get personalized 3D views of trajectories and data overlay on video of your shot. Additionally, you can purchase software upgrades of the Mevo+ Pro Package and Face Impact Location. See more details on this page.
Golf simulation with the Mevo+ includes:
- FS Golf
- E6 Connect
- TGC 2019
- Awesome Golf
- GSPro
- Creative Golf 3D
Find out more about this launch monitor's simulation software compatibility.
The Optoma GT1080HDR is a value-packed projector with high lumens and 4K input, and in fact, it has ranked #1 in our guide for the best golf simulator projectors.
You’ll need a minimum of 15 feet of depth to accommodate the Mevo+, although 22 is recommended. And, if you are planning on players switching hands, the largest 13-foot simulator enclosure size is recommended.
Learn more about golf launch monitor space requirements here.
Rapsodo MLM2PRO Complete PlayBetter SimStudio
As a radar-based launch monitor that sits 6.5–8.5 feet directly behind the ball, the MLM2PRO allows for seamless play between righties and lefties.
This all-inclusive simulator package pairs the Rapsodo MLM2PRO with everything you need for a complete home golf setup.
What Comes with the MLM2PRO Simulator Package
- This new Rapsodo launch monitor for iOS and Androd includes a full year of MLM2PRO Premium Membership ($199 value) with access to the Rapsodo Range and more than 30K Rapsodo Courses
- A PlayBetter SimStudio full hitting bay with blackout walls and noise-dampening impact screen
- 5’x5′ hitting mat
- Landing pad turf that can double as a putting surface
- An Optoma GT1080HDR short throw projector
- A projector ceiling mount
- An alignment stand
All the components are high-quality and super-easy to set up in just one afternoon!
MLM2PRO features include measured spin metrics and full golf simulation features. It uses two new dual cameras and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Compatible Golf Simulation Includes:
- Rapsodo Range & Rapsodo Courses
- E6 Connect
- Awesome Golf
Find out more about this launch monitor's simulation software compatibility.
The Optoma GT1080HDR is a value-packed projector with high lumens and 4K input, and in fact, it has ranked #1 in our guide for the best golf simulator projectors.
You’ll need a at least 14.5 feet of depth to accommodate the Rapsodo MLM2PRO but 16.5 feet is recommended. And, if you are planning on players switching hands, the largest 13-foot simulator enclosure size is the best choice.
Learn more about golf launch monitor space requirements here.
Swing Caddie SC4 Complete PlayBetter SimStudio
As a radar-based golf launch monitor that sits 4–7 feet directly behind the ball, the Swing Caddie SC4 allows for seamless switching between right- and left-handed golfers.
This all-inclusive simulator package pairs the SC4 with everything you need for a complete home golf setup for under $5,000.
What Comes with the Swing Caddie SC4 Simulator Package
- This SC4 launch monitor with on-device display and free E6 Connect course (1) and driving range
- A PlayBetter SimStudio full hitting bay with blackout walls and noise-dampening impact screen
- 5’x5′ hitting mat
- Landing pad turf that can double as a putting surface
- An Optoma GT1080HDR short throw projector
- A projector ceiling mount
All the components are high-quality and super-easy to assemble in a few hours with a friend or two!
The Swing Caddie SC4 adds Spin Rate and Launch Direction to six measure data points, including Carry/Total Distance, Smash Factor, Launch Angle, Swing Speed, Apex (Max Height), and Ball Speed.
Compatible Golf Simulation Includes
- E6 Connect
- Optishot Orbit
Find out more about this launch monitor's simulation software compatibility.
The Optoma GT1080HDR is a value-packed projector with high lumens and 4K input, and in fact, it has ranked #1 in our guide for the best golf simulator projectors.
You’ll need a at least 15 feet of depth to accommodate the Rapsodo MLM2PRO. And, if you are planning on players switching hands, the largest 13-foot simulator enclosure size is the best choice.
Learn more about golf launch monitor space requirements here.
DIY Home Golf Setup for Lefties and Righties
Not quite ready to pull the full golf simulator trigger? That doesn't mean you can't have a game-changing golf practice setup at home—for left- and right-handed golfers.
Just be sure to purchase a launch monitor that sets up behind the hitting area.
Several of our more affordable golf launch monitors are extremely portable and work with apps on mobile devices. So depending on the space you're in, you can use a smartphone or iPad with a golf net and a hitting mat—wherever you can set up! You can even mirror it onto a TV!
Whether you want to set up on the back patio, in your basement, in the garage, in the living room, or at friend's house ... you can enjoy golf at home while improving your game.
You just need a few essentials, and we've got them on PlayBetter.com. Check out our most affordable, portable launch monitors, golf hitting nets, and golf mats.