Complete Garage Golf Simulator Build Guide: From Empty Bay to Full Setup

Why the Garage is the Perfect Simulator Space

Your garage might be the best room in your house for a golf simulator - and you don't even know it yet. With ceiling heights typically around 9-10 feet, concrete floors that handle abuse, and enough square footage for a full swing, garages offer what spare bedrooms can't.

Here's how to transform yours into a year-round practice facility.

Space Assessment: Do You Have Enough Room?

Before buying anything, measure your garage carefully.

Minimum Requirements

| Dimension | Minimum | Ideal | |-----------|---------|-------| | Width | 10 ft | 12+ ft | | Depth | 14 ft | 18+ ft | | Height | 9 ft | 10+ ft |

Critical measurement: Ceiling height from floor to the lowest obstacle (garage door tracks, lights, beams). Stand where you'll hit and take a full swing with your driver - you need clearance.

Single vs Double Bay

• Single bay (12x20): Tight but workable. You'll hit from one position.
• Double bay (20x20+): Ideal. Room for screen, hitting area, and seating.

Phase 1: Prep Work

Clear and Clean

1. Remove everything from the garage
2. Deep clean the floor (degreaser for oil stains)
3. Inspect for moisture issues (check corners and floor/wall joints)
4. Note electrical outlet locations

Address Moisture Problems First

Garages often have moisture issues that ruin equipment. Look for:

• Water stains on walls or floor
• Musty smell
• Efflorescence (white powder on concrete)

Solutions:

• Seal concrete floor with epoxy or penetrating sealer
• Add weatherstripping to garage door
• Install a dehumidifier for humid climates

Phase 2: Climate Control

Playing in an uninsulated garage during winter or summer is miserable. Here's how to fix it.

Insulation Options

Garage Door (biggest heat loss):

A garage door insulation kit ($100-150) makes a huge difference. The reflective foam panels cut heat transfer significantly.

Walls (if unfinished):

• R-13 fiberglass batts for 2x4 walls
• Cover with OSB or drywall for finished look

Ceiling:

• R-30 batts if accessible from above
• Rigid foam boards if ceiling is finished

Heating and Cooling

Budget option: Portable space heater ($50-100) for winter, box fan for summer

Better option: Mini-split AC/heat pump ($800-1,500 installed)

Best option: Dedicated HVAC zone with proper ductwork

Pro Tip: A mini-split is the best value for most garage simulators. It heats, cools, and doesn't take floor space. The $1,000-1,500 investment pays off quickly in year-round usability.

Phase 3: Flooring

Concrete is hard on your joints and cold on your feet. Upgrade your flooring for comfort and safety.

Option 1: Foam Tiles ($100-200)

Interlocking EVA foam tiles are the budget choice. They:

• Cushion your stance
• Insulate from cold concrete
• Install in an hour
• Come in various colors

Best for: Budget builds, renters who need removability

Option 2: Rubber Gym Flooring ($300-500)

3/8" rubber flooring is more durable and professional-looking.

Best for: Permanent installations, heavy use

Option 3: Turf Over Padding ($500-800)

Full synthetic turf with foam underlayment creates a pro facility feel.

Best for: Premium builds, those wanting full room turf coverage

Phase 4: Lighting

Your launch monitor needs light. Most garages are underlit for simulator use.

Lighting Requirements

• Minimum: 400 lumens at ball position
• Ideal: 800+ lumens, evenly distributed
• Avoid: Direct overhead lights that create shadows on the ball

Recommended Setup

LED Shop Lights:

4-foot LED shop lights ($25-40 each) are the go-to solution. Install 2-4 depending on garage size, positioned to light the hitting area without glare on the screen.

Placement tips:

• Mount lights 8+ feet high
• Angle away from impact screen
• Use 5000K (daylight) color temperature
• Add dimmer switches for movie-watching mode

Phase 5: The Simulator Setup

Now the fun part - installing the actual golf equipment.

Screen and Frame

Impact Screen:

The Carl's Place Impact Screen is the most popular choice. Sizes from 8x10 to 16x10, designed to handle full driver shots.

Frame options:

1. DIY PVC frame ($50-100)
2. DIY metal conduit frame ($100-150)
3. Carl's Place Pro Frame ($400-600)

Recommended: The Carl's Place frame system. It's adjustable, sturdy, and includes bungee attachment for proper screen tension.

Screen Placement

• Mount screen 6-12 inches from back wall (allows ball deceleration)
• Bottom of screen should be 6-12 inches off floor
• Center screen at your hitting position

Projector Setup

Short-throw projectors work best in garages where you can't get 15+ feet of throw distance.

The Optoma GT1090HDR is our top pick for garage simulators. At 0.5:1 throw ratio, it projects a 100" image from just 4 feet away.

Mounting options:

1. Ceiling mount behind hitting position (ideal)
2. Floor mount on projector stand
3. Side table mount (least ideal, causes image distortion)

Launch Monitor Position

Position varies by device:

• Garmin R10: 6-8 feet behind ball, slightly right (for righties)
• SkyTrak: 12 inches behind ball, level with tee
• Mevo+: 7-8 feet behind ball, directly behind
• GCQuad/TrackMan: Per manufacturer specs (usually behind player)

Hitting Mat Placement

Position your mat:

• Centered with the screen
• 8-10 feet from screen (minimum safe distance)
• On top of foam/rubber flooring for extra cushion
• Secured with double-sided tape or heavy objects at corners

Phase 6: Technology and Wiring

Electrical Needs

A typical garage simulator uses:

• Projector: 300-400W
• Launch monitor: 10-50W (most are battery)
• Computer (if applicable): 300-600W
• Lighting: 100-200W
• Climate control: 500-2000W

Recommendation: Have an electrician add a dedicated 20-amp circuit for simulator equipment. Avoid daisy-chaining power strips.

Network Connection

Hardwired ethernet is better than WiFi for:

• GSPro and other simulator software
• Streaming content
• Online multiplayer

Run CAT6 cable from your router if possible. Otherwise, a WiFi extender or mesh node in the garage works.

Computer Setup

If using PC-based simulation (GSPro, TGC 2019):

• Gaming PC with RTX 3060+ or equivalent
• Located near projector for short HDMI run
• Wireless keyboard/mouse for convenience

Sample Builds by Budget

Budget Build: $2,000-3,000

| Component | Option | Cost | |-----------|--------|------| | Launch Monitor | Garmin R10 | $600 | | Screen | Carl's Place 10x8 | $200 | | Frame | DIY PVC | $75 | | Projector | Optoma HD146X | $550 | | Mat | Callaway Supersoft | $150 | | Flooring | Foam tiles | $150 | | Lighting | LED shop lights (2) | $60 | | Insulation | Door kit | $100 | | Total | | $1,885 |

Mid-Range Build: $5,000-7,000

| Component | Option | Cost | |-----------|--------|------| | Launch Monitor | Garmin R50 or MLM2PRO | $700-900 | | Screen | Carl's Place 12x10 | $300 | | Frame | Carl's Pro Frame | $500 | | Projector | Optoma GT1090HDR | $1,200 | | Mat | SigPro Softy | $350 | | Enclosure | Side netting | $200 | | Flooring | Rubber gym tiles | $400 | | Lighting | LED + dimmer | $150 | | Climate | Portable AC/heater | $400 | | Software | GSPro lifetime | $250 | | Total | | $4,450-4,650 |

Premium Build: $10,000-15,000

| Component | Option | Cost | |-----------|--------|------| | Launch Monitor | Bushnell Launch Pro | $3,000 | | Screen | HomeCourse Pro | $600 | | Frame | Professional install | $800 | | Projector | BenQ LK936ST | $2,500 | | Mat | Fiberbuilt Flight Deck | $600 | | Enclosure | Full bay package | $1,500 | | Flooring | Pro turf + padding | $1,000 | | Lighting | Professional LED system | $500 | | Climate | Mini-split install | $1,500 | | Computer | Gaming PC | $1,500 | | Software | FSX 2020 | $500 | | Total | | $14,000 |

Common Garage Build Mistakes

1. Ignoring Ceiling Height

Test your full swing before committing. Many golfers hit the ceiling with driver backswings in 9-foot garages.

2. Skipping Climate Control

An unusable simulator 4 months per year isn't worth the investment. Budget for heating/cooling.

3. Cheap Projector Placement

Don't put the projector where it can get hit. Mount it behind you or use a protective enclosure.

4. Insufficient Lighting

Your launch monitor won't work well in dim light. Over-light rather than under-light.

5. No Side Netting

Shanks happen. Side netting ($100-200) protects your car, walls, and windows.

Garage Door Considerations

Can You Still Use Your Garage for Parking?

Yes, if you design for it:

• Use a retractable screen mount that lifts up
• Choose a foldable frame system
• Keep hitting mat portable
• Store launch monitor and projector when not in use

Dedicated Simulator Bay

If you have a double garage and can dedicate one bay:

• Permanent screen installation
• No compromise on placement
• Leave other bay for vehicle

Timeline and Order of Operations

| Week | Tasks | |------|-------| | 1 | Clear garage, assess space, order insulation | | 2 | Install insulation, seal floor | | 3 | Install flooring, lighting | | 4 | Mount screen frame, set up projector | | 5 | Install launch monitor, calibrate system | | 6 | Add finishing touches, test everything |

Final Thoughts

A garage golf simulator is one of the best home improvements a golfer can make. You'll practice more, improve faster, and enjoy golf year-round regardless of weather.

Start with the fundamentals - space, climate, lighting - and build from there. Even a budget garage setup provides incredible value compared to commercial simulator hourly rates.

Related Resources

• Budget Build Under $1,500 - Entry-level complete guide
• Best Short Throw Projectors - Projector deep dive
• Impact Screen Guide - Screen comparison and buying guide
• Build Your Own Simulator - Equipment packages at every budget