How to build a home golf simulator.

1. 1

   What space do you actually have? Measure before reading reviews.

   Space determines everything and it will eliminate options faster than budget will. You need a minimum of 2.7 metres of ceiling height to swing a driver without risk — 3 metres is comfortable for most golfers. Room depth needs to be at least 4.5 metres for a radar launch monitor setup, or 3.5 metres for a camera-based monitor. Room width needs at least 3 metres for safe swing clearance on both sides.

   Take a tape measure to your intended garage, spare room, or loft space now. Not approximately — exactly. Every component recommendation in this guide assumes you know your available dimensions.

2. 2

   Net only or full enclosure with projector?

   A net setup — hitting net plus launch monitor plus phone or tablet — is the minimum viable simulator. It costs significantly less and works in smaller spaces. You get accurate shot data and can play virtual golf on your device screen. A full enclosure with impact screen and projector is a different experience: virtual courses projected life-size, a proper golf bay, and contained missed shots.

   The enclosure setup costs more and needs more space. If you are unsure how often you will use a simulator, start with a net. You can always upgrade to a full enclosure once you know the habit will stick.

3. 3

   Which launch monitor?

   The launch monitor is the most important component. For indoor use, camera-based monitors (SkyTrak+, Foresight GC3S) sit beside the ball and work brilliantly in rooms as shallow as 3.5 metres. Radar monitors (FlightScope Mevo Gen2, Garmin R10) need to sit behind the ball and require more room depth — typically 4.5 metres or more.

   See our complete Launch Monitors guide for every product compared in detail. View the Launch Monitors guide →

4. 4

   What is your real total budget including software?

   The launch monitor and enclosure headline the cost, but the full build also includes a projector (£400–£1,500), a quality hitting mat (£150–£600), and simulator software (GSPro is around £200 per year, E6 Connect varies). If you plan to run GSPro, you also need a Windows PC or gaming laptop.

   Add 30 per cent to whatever launch monitor plus enclosure cost you have in mind to arrive at your realistic total. The Build by Budget section below gives itemised component lists at three price tiers.

5. 5

   Buy a bundle or build component by component?

   A bundle from a UK specialist like OpenGolfer guarantees that every component works together, typically saves 10 to 20 per cent against buying separately, and comes with setup support. The downside is less flexibility.

   Building component by component lets you optimise each part — better mat, better projector, specific launch monitor — but requires research time and carries compatibility risk. For first-time buyers, a bundle is the safer choice. This guide covers both approaches.

Work through each step in order. Each decision depends on the one before it.

1

The launch monitor

The launch monitor is the brain of the system. It measures your shot and feeds data to the software. This is where the majority of your budget should go — a better launch monitor delivers better data and better indoor accuracy. Do not save here to spend on the enclosure.

Key considerations: Camera-based vs radar (see space requirements above), indoor spin accuracy, simulator software compatibility, room depth requirements, and whether a subscription is required for the features you want.

Our picks by budget

• 

  →Garmin Approach R10— £479Under £500

  Twelve metrics, Home Tee Hero on 43,000 courses, E6 and GSPro compatible. Factor in the Garmin Golf membership cost. Works well outdoors, solid indoors with proper setup. Requires 4.5m+ room depth.

  View on Amazon →
• 

  →FlightScope Mevo Gen2— £1,199£500–£1,500

  The strongest no-subscription option. 20 directly measured parameters, 8 E6 courses included at purchase, GSPro and E6 compatible with no ongoing licence cost. Needs 4.5m+ room depth.

  View on Amazon →
• 

  →SkyTrak+— £1,695£1,500–£3,000 · Tight spaces

  Camera-based, sits beside the ball, works in rooms from 3.5m deep. Reliable indoor accuracy. Course play subscription required for access to larger course libraries.

• 

  →Foresight GC3S— approx £3,499£3,000+

  Three-camera photometric accuracy, compact, no ball stickers needed, works from 3.5m depth. The premium choice for a permanent room.

• 

  →TrackMan iO / TrackMan 4— £10,000+Professional

  TrackMan is the benchmark every other launch monitor in this guide is measured against. Two options for simulator builds: TrackMan iO is ceiling-mounted, requires no minimum floor clearance, and works in tighter spaces — from USD 13,995 (~£11,000) with iO Home. TrackMan 4 is portable and works indoors and outdoors — USD 25,495 (~£20,000). Both run Virtual Golf 3 with 500-plus courses. Annual software subscription USD 700–1,100/year. Contact an authorised UK dealer for current pricing.

See all launch monitors compared in our full guide →

2

Net or enclosure?

Your screen setup is what you hit into. The right choice depends on your budget and how immersive you want the experience to be.

Option A — Hitting net (budget)

A quality hitting net costs £100 to £300 and provides containment without projection. You play your virtual round on a phone or tablet placed nearby. The Rukket Haack net is widely regarded as the best value hitting net available — sturdy construction, 3 metres wide, straightforward setup.

• →Rukket Haack Golf Net— approx £150–200. Best value net, 3m wide, sturdy frame.
• →Budget impact screen— approx £100–200. Hang from a wall or frame and add a short-throw projector for the cheapest projected setup.

Option B — Full enclosure with impact screen

A proper steel-frame enclosure with triple-layer impact screen is the right choice for a permanent setup. OpenGolfer stocks the SimSpace range — UK-manufactured, premium velour-lined interior, six sizes from 2.5m to 4.5m wide. Prices from approximately £800 to £2,000 for the enclosure alone.

• →SimSpace Enclosure via OpenGolfer— from approx £800. UK-manufactured steel frame, triple-layer impact screen, six sizes.

3

The hitting mat

The mat matters more than most guides admit. A poor quality mat absorbs none of the impact energy when you catch the ground, which means real risk of wrist and elbow injury over time. A quality mat with proper cushioning protects your joints and gives you honest feedback on fat shots. Do not put a £100 mat in a £3,000 simulator.

Our picks by budget

• →Budget nylon mat— £100–200

  Rubber or foam backing, nylon turf surface. Adequate for occasional use. Look for at least 12mm backing depth.

• →TrueStrike Single Golf Mat— £350–450

  UK-based brand. Silicone gel subsurface simulates genuine divot action — the club travels through the mat as it would through real turf. Replaceable hitting strip extends the mat's life significantly. The mid-range recommendation.

• →Fiberbuilt Player Preferred— £500–800

  Commercial and home simulator standard. Proprietary Fiberbuilt Grass technology, designed for permanent installations. Ships from the US — factor in duty and delivery.

4

The projector (full enclosure setups only)

If you are using a full enclosure and impact screen, you need a short-throw projector. A standard long-throw projector cannot produce a usable image at the distances available in a home simulator bay. Short-throw projectors use a throw ratio of 0.7 to 1.2, meaning they can project a 2.5-metre wide image from about 2 metres away.

What to look for: Throw ratio 0.7–1.2 for most bays. Minimum 3,000 lumens for a well-lit room, 2,500 in a darkened room. 1080p is sufficient; 4K is noticeably better for a dedicated room. Laser lamp preferred for longevity — no bulb replacement.

Our picks by budget

• →Budget short-throw— £300–500

  1080p, adequate brightness for a reasonably dark room. Suitable for occasional use or a first enclosure setup.

• 

  →BenQ TH671ST— £700–800

  The community standard projector. 3,000 lumens, 1080p, 0.69–0.83 throw ratio. Available on Amazon UK. The default recommendation for mid-range builds.

  View on Amazon →
• 

  →BenQ TK710STi— £1,200–1,500

  4K, laser lamp, the current community standard for a serious dedicated room build. No bulb replacement, significantly better image quality.

5

Simulator software

The software is what you actually play on. It determines course quality, graphics, and how your shot data is displayed. Check that your chosen launch monitor is compatible with your preferred software before buying either.

See our full software guide below →

Every component listed. All prices approximate and correct at May 2026. Check individual links for current UK pricing.

Prices checked May 2026. UK retail prices vary by retailer. OpenGolfer prices are for SimSpace enclosures and Foresight devices via their UK store.

How much does a home golf simulator cost in the UK?

A minimum viable practice setup — launch monitor, hitting net, hitting mat — costs around £750 to £1,600 depending on which launch monitor you choose. A proper enclosure with impact screen and projector starts at around £2,500 to £3,500 as a bundle. A dedicated studio with camera-based accuracy costs £5,000 to £9,000. Add approximately £200 per year for GSPro software.

How much space do I need for a home golf simulator?

Minimum 2.7 metres ceiling height (3 metres is comfortable), at least 3 metres room width, and at least 4.5 metres room depth for a radar-based launch monitor. Camera-based monitors (SkyTrak+, Foresight GC3S) work in rooms as shallow as 3.5 metres. Measure your space precisely before buying anything.

Can I build a golf simulator in my garage?

Yes — garages are one of the most common UK home simulator locations. A typical double garage is more than wide enough and usually has adequate depth. Key considerations are ceiling height (measure the usable height away from the door where you will stand), temperature control in winter, and ambient light — you may need to block windows for projector image quality. A retractable screen setup lets you still park when the simulator is not in use.

Which launch monitor is best for a home simulator?

For rooms over 4.5 metres deep, the FlightScope Mevo Gen2 at £1,199 with no subscription is the strongest value. For rooms under 4.5 metres deep, the SkyTrak+ at £1,695 is better because it sits beside the ball rather than behind it. For a permanent professional installation, the Foresight GC3S delivers three-camera accuracy that independent testing places at the top of the consumer market.

Do I need a PC to run a golf simulator?

It depends on your chosen software. GSPro — the most popular choice — requires a Windows PC. E6 Connect runs on iPad and iOS, which means you can run a simulator without a PC if you choose E6. If you plan to use GSPro, budget for a gaming-capable laptop or desktop with a current Nvidia GPU.

What is the difference between a hitting net and a full enclosure?

A hitting net catches the ball and costs £100 to £300. You play virtual golf on a phone or tablet screen beside the net. A full enclosure has a steel frame, impact screen, and side returns — you project your virtual course onto the screen and the enclosure contains all missed shots. The net setup is cheaper and more portable. The enclosure setup is more immersive and better for a permanent installation.

Is a home simulator worth the money?

For golfers who play regularly and lose significant practice time to UK winters, the maths often works. A range session costs £10 to £20. A £2,500 setup amortised over five years costs £500 per year — similar to twenty-five range sessions with no data, no course play, and no weather protection. For golfers who play fewer than ten times per year, the calculation is harder to justify.

Is a TrackMan simulator worth it for a home build?

TrackMan is the benchmark professional launch monitor — the system every other monitor in this guide is measured against. For a home simulator build it is genuinely worth considering if two conditions apply: your budget is £20,000 or above for the full setup including enclosure and PC, and data accuracy is your primary specification rather than entertainment value. TrackMan iO is the more practical home choice. It ceiling-mounts cleanly, requires no minimum floor clearance in front of or behind the ball, and works in a tighter bay than a floor-mounted radar unit. iO Home starts at USD 13,995 for ball data only — iO Home Complete at USD 23,495 adds full club delivery data, which most serious golfers need. TrackMan 4 adds outdoor portability — the same unit goes to the range or a fitting day. At USD 25,495 it is the right choice if the monitor needs to work both indoors and outdoors. For most home builds, the Foresight GC3S or SkyTrak+ delivers excellent accuracy at a fraction of the cost. TrackMan is the answer when the professional specification is the point, not just a nice-to-have.