Apartment Golf Simulator Setup: Complete Small Space Guide

Golf Practice in 100 Square Feet

You don't need a garage or basement to improve your golf game. With the right equipment and setup, you can build a functional practice station in a spare bedroom, living room corner, or even a walk-in closet.

Here's how to make it work without destroying your apartment (or your security deposit).

Space Requirements: The Minimums

Absolute Minimum

| Dimension | Minimum | Notes | |-----------|---------|-------| | Ceiling height | 8.5 ft | Short irons only at 8 ft | | Width | 8 ft | Barely enough for stance | | Depth | 8 ft | Net + hitting position |

Comfortable Minimum

| Dimension | Recommended | Notes | |-----------|-------------|-------| | Ceiling height | 9 ft | Most clubs work | | Width | 10 ft | Room to move | | Depth | 10 ft | Screen + comfortable distance |

The Ceiling Problem

Ceiling height is usually the limiting factor in apartments. Here's what works at different heights:

8 feet: Chipping, putting, 9-iron and below. No full swings with longer clubs.

9 feet: Most clubs except driver for many players. Test your swing before committing.

10+ feet: Full swings with all clubs for most golfers.

Test first: Stand where you'll hit and take full swings with your longest club. If you can swing freely without ceiling contact, you're good.

Equipment for Small Spaces

Launch Monitor: Garmin R10

The R10 is ideal for apartment setups because:

• Compact size - fits in your hand
• Battery powered - no cord management
• Works in tight spaces - 6-8 feet behind ball
• Accurate enough for meaningful practice

At $600, it's the best value for apartment golfers.

Net: The Net Return Pro Series

The Net Return changed apartment golf. Key features:

• Auto ball return - balls roll back to you
• Quiet catch - neighbors won't hear every shot
• Folds flat - stores in a closet when not in use
• Durable - handles full driver swings
• 7x8 foot footprint - fits apartment spaces

The Pro Series V2 (~$500) is the go-to for apartment use.

Alternative Net: Spornia SPG-7

More affordable at $250-300 with similar ball return and folding capability. Slightly less quiet than Net Return but excellent value.

Hitting Mat: Compact Options

Fiberbuilt Player Preferred (4x5):

• Fits small spaces
• Real grass feel
• Around $400

SwingTurf 4x4:

• Ultra-compact
• Good for tight corners
• Around $150

For apartment use, go smaller than you think - you're not hosting guests, just practicing.

Putting Mat: Year-Round Short Game

Putting practice is perfect for apartments:

• Silent operation
• Zero ceiling requirements
• Available in various lengths
• Great for daily practice

Check our full putting mat guide for detailed recommendations.

Setup Options by Space

Option 1: Dedicated Spare Room (Best)

Space needed: 10x10 minimum

Setup:

• Net against one wall
• Mat centered 6-8 feet from net
• Launch monitor behind mat
• Optional: projector and screen instead of net

Pros:

• Leave set up permanently
• Best practice environment
• Room to store equipment

Cons:

• Requires dedicated room
• May not be possible in smaller apartments

Option 2: Living Room Corner (Portable)

Space needed: 8x8 corner

Setup:

• Folding net (Net Return or Spornia)
• Roll-up or portable mat
• Garmin R10 (battery, no wires)
• Set up in 5 minutes, pack away after

Pros:

• Works in most apartments
• Doesn't require dedicated space
• Quick setup/teardown

Cons:

• Must set up each session
• Less convenient
• Storage needed for equipment

Option 3: Walk-In Closet (Net-Only)

Space needed: 6x6 closet with 8+ foot ceiling

Setup:

• Compact net or foam target
• Small hitting mat
• Optional launch monitor

Pros:

• Hidden from living space
• Permanent setup possible
• Great for chip and pitch practice

Cons:

• Very tight
• Limited to short swings
• May feel cramped

Option 4: Putting-Only Setup

Space needed: 2x10 feet (hallway works)

Setup:

• Putting mat
• Practice balls
• Optional putting mirror/aids

Pros:

• Zero swing space needed
• Silent
• Can leave out permanently
• High-value practice

Cons:

• No full swing practice
• Limited game improvement

Noise Management

Apartment golf without angry neighbors requires attention to noise.

Impact Noise (Ball Hitting Net)

Solutions:

• Net Return - designed for quiet catches
• Foam balls for late-night sessions
• Dense net material absorbs sound better

Swing Noise

Your swing itself makes sound - club cutting air, mat impact.

Solutions:

• Quality mat - thin mats on hard floors are loud
• Foam underlayment beneath mat
• Avoid swinging past midnight

Ball Rolling

Balls rolling on hard floors are surprisingly loud.

Solutions:

• Ball return nets keep balls contained
• Carpet or rug under hitting area
• Ball collection tray

Neighbor Communication

Consider telling neighbors about your setup:

• "I practice golf in my spare room occasionally"
• "Please let me know if noise is ever an issue"
• Most people are fine with reasonable practice times

Renter-Friendly Installation

No-Damage Mounting

For nets:

• Freestanding frames (no wall mounting)
• Heavy base weights instead of floor anchors

For projection (if used):

• Tripod-mounted projector
• Freestanding screen frames
• Command strips for light items only

Protecting Floors

Hardwood/laminate:

• Thick foam tiles as base layer
• Rubber mat on top
• No ball contact with bare floor

Carpet:

• Plywood base for level hitting surface
• Mat on top of plywood
• Prevents divot-like wear

Protecting Walls

Even with perfect aim, shanks happen.

Solutions:

• Position net with 360-degree catch area
• Add side netting panels
• Use foam balls for high-risk areas
• Keep expensive items away from hitting area

Apartment Setup Costs

Minimum Viable Setup

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Garmin R10 | $600 | | Spornia SPG-7 Net | $280 | | Budget mat | $100 | | Foam floor tiles | $50 | | Total | $1,030 |

Recommended Setup

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Garmin R10 | $600 | | Net Return Pro V2 | $500 | | SigPro Softy mat | $350 | | Foam tiles + rug | $100 | | Putting mat | $100 | | Total | $1,650 |

Premium Apartment Setup

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | MLM2PRO | $700 | | Net Return Pro V2 | $500 | | Fiberbuilt Flight Deck | $600 | | Foam tiles + rubber mat | $200 | | Wellputt 13ft mat | $200 | | iPad for data viewing | $400 | | Total | $2,600 |

Practice Tips for Limited Space

Maximize Short Game

Your apartment setup is perfect for short game work:

• Chip shots to net (controlled swings)
• Pitch shots with full commitment
• Putting (unlimited)

Focused Swing Work

Without room for driver:

• Work on 7-iron and down
• Focus on swing mechanics, not distance
• Use partial swings with longer clubs
• Practice tempo and rhythm

Data-Driven Improvement

The Garmin R10 provides:

• Ball speed
• Launch angle
• Spin rate
• Club head speed

Use this data to:

• Track improvement over time
• Identify swing issues
• Practice specific shot shapes

Simulation Without Full Setup

For variety without screen/projector:

• GSPro on tablet/phone (R10 compatible)
• Virtual driving range sessions
• Skills challenges and games

Common Apartment Setup Mistakes

1. Ceiling Strikes

Test your swing before investing. One ceiling strike can:

• Damage club
• Damage ceiling
• End your apartment golf career

2. Underestimating Noise

What seems quiet to you may not be to downstairs neighbors. Test at different times and ask for feedback.

3. Skipping Floor Protection

Dropped clubs, topped shots, and general wear damage floors quickly. Protect them properly.

4. Permanent Installations

Renters should avoid anything requiring wall damage. Freestanding solutions exist for everything.

5. Cheaping Out on Net

A cheap net that lets balls through damages walls, windows, and TVs. Invest in quality.

When Apartment Golf Isn't Enough

If your apartment limits practice too much:

• Visit local simulator venues for full-swing sessions
• Use apartment setup for short game
• Consider dedicated golf membership with simulator access
• Look for apartments with higher ceilings in next lease

Final Thoughts

Apartment golf practice is genuinely effective. Tour players cite short game as the most important area - and that's exactly what apartment setups excel at.

A $1,000-1,500 investment creates meaningful practice opportunity regardless of weather, time, or proximity to courses and ranges.

Start with quality net and mat, add launch monitor for feedback, and focus on the shots your space allows. You'll improve faster than golfers who only practice when weather and schedule permit.

Related Resources

• Net Return Simulator Series Review - Detailed net comparison
• Best Putting Mats for Home Practice - Putting mat guide
• Budget Build Under $1,500 - Affordable full setup
• Build Your Own Simulator - All equipment options