What You Need to Make a Golf Lounge at Home

 

Most golfers want to have an indoor golf simulator at home. A one-year simulator can only be experienced at an indoor golf center or local golf club. The high price associated with these systems exceeds the price of the average home golfer. Thanks to advances in technology and the growing home golf market, the cost of golf simulators has fallen, making it possible to purchase indoor golf simulators at more affordable prices. In this article, we’ll be listing down the things you need in building a golf lounge at home.

 

Every golf simulator is different and has a unique set of products. Common things to consider are price, graphics, features, golf course play, and multiplayer availability.

You should also look at the main purpose of the emulator. If you're looking for something that allows you to play a round of golf with your buddies now and then, you might want to check out an entertainment-focused golf simulator. If you're in the market for a system with great graphics and gaming improvements, then you'll want to consider the golf simulator training package.

 

What you need for a golf lounge

 

Computer

To run the golf simulator software, you need a computer or tablet. In most cases, the PC will work fine. Desktop computers are the best choice when you're using projection-based emulation to deliver great HD resolution on impact screens. Laptops are better suited for monitor-based analog or output to HDTV displays. Be sure to refer to the system requirements section for the emulator you are considering covering your base.

 

Projector

There are a variety of projectors on the market. Which one you need depends on the size of the room in which the simulator will be built, the resolution quality you want, etc. You will also need to adjust the size of the projector according to the size of the room. If you're shopping for a portable golf simulator, you'll probably want a good projector that can work in a variety of different settings and spaces. Also, you need to decide whether you need a projector with non-interchangeable lenses or interchangeable lenses. Non-interchangeable lens projectors will work if the home golf simulator is to stay in the same room of the home.

 

Golf simulator software

 

 

Most golf simulators and launch monitors come with a free version of the basic software. Typically, the free version simulates a driving range environment and allows you to get key measurements such as distance carried, total distance, spin rate, and more. It also visualizes your golf shots in the form of a 2-D shot tracker. If you need something to add extras to your DIY golf simulator, such as game improvement options, bag mapping, challenges like closest to the pin and longest tee, or a full golf course game, then you will have to upgrade to Paid golf simulation software.

 

Impact screens and nets

 

 

Impact screens are also available in a variety of sizes to fit the walls in your available space. You can choose between a traditional flat screen or a curved screen. Curved screens provide a more immersive and realistic experience, especially if you have a larger screen. It can make you feel like you are on the specific golf course you are playing. Netting is the second option you can choose. If you want a more portable option, the net is a little more flexible, you can set it up, use it, and then put it away when you need space for something else.

 

Factors to consider in making a golf lounge

 

Space

Regardless of your approach to the space requirements we discussed earlier, there are some general requirements you need to make sure you meet. Most importantly, you need enough space to swing your golf clubs safely. You don't want to swing your club and hit a light fixture, furniture, or other objects that are too close. To test the space, stand in the center of the area where you plan to set up the golf simulator. Use a golf club and simulate a shot to make sure your swing and follow-through are unrestricted. Here are the things you should check to have a space for your golf lounge:

 

1. Room Width

You’ll want to make sure your room is wide enough to fit your golf simulator screen and/or golf net. Most golf simulator screens and nets are between 8 feet and 10 feet wide. Also, if using both right-handed and left-handed golfers, it's a good idea to consider the extra room width of 3 to 5 feet. It is recommended to have 13-foot-wide rooms to make your space more comfortable, although some of our systems are suitable for 10-foot-wide rooms.

 

2. Ceiling Height

A ceiling height of fewer than 10 feet may be suitable for some golfers but ultimately depends on your height and swing. Many simulator enclosures, crash screens, and nets have minimum height requirements, so be sure to refer to that requirement and compare it to your actual ceiling height to see if it works.

 

3. Room Depth

For room depth, you need to consider some space between the bumper screen and the wall, the bumper screen and you, and leave enough space behind you. In our experience, we found a room depth of 16 feet to be very comfortable and more than enough for your setup.

 

Costs

The next step is to determine a budget. The most important, and probably the most expensive component of an indoor golf simulator setup will be the launch monitor. A golf simulator is an investment, and whether you want to be frugal or a little extravagant in a golf simulator setup, there are settings for every budget. A good low-cost golf simulator setup costs about $3,000. If you're on a budget focused on the game and want to analyze and visualize your shots through time, this might be the budget to consider in making a golf lounge. There might be cheaper options, but you’ll also have to consider different factors such as additional accessories, durability, and the quality of your golf game.