Premium Home Golf Simulator Build: $5,000-$10,000 Setup Guide

The Premium Tier: No Compromises

Between $5,000 and $10,000, you build a simulator that rivals commercial indoor golf facilities. This is the tier where accuracy becomes tour-grade, visuals become stunning, and the experience becomes genuinely impressive.

Your guests will ask "wait, you built this yourself?"

What Sets Premium Apart

Key upgrades from mid-range:

• Tour-level launch monitor accuracy (1-2% error vs 3-5%)
• 4K projection capability
• Professional enclosure systems
• Club data (face angle, path, attack angle)
• No subscription required for core features
• Commercial-grade durability

The experience:

• Data accuracy trusted by teaching pros
• Visuals that feel like being on the course
• Equipment that handles daily use for 10+ years
• Resale value if you ever upgrade or move

The Equipment List

Launch Monitor: FlightScope Mevo+ or SkyTrak+ - $2,000-$3,000

You have two excellent choices at this tier. Both deliver professional-grade accuracy.

Option A: FlightScope Mevo+

The Mevo+ uses 3D Doppler radar technology. It works indoors and outdoors, needs no subscription for core features, and integrates with every major simulator software.

Best for: Golfers who want portability and outdoor use. Great all-around choice.

Option B: SkyTrak+

The SkyTrak+ is the industry standard for home simulators. It uses photometric camera technology optimized for indoor accuracy and has the largest software ecosystem.

Best for: Dedicated indoor setups where accuracy is the priority.

Head-to-head: See our detailed SkyTrak+ vs Mevo+ comparison for the full breakdown.

Enclosure: SIG Golf Simulator Enclosure - $1,300-$1,800

At the premium tier, skip DIY frames and invest in a professional enclosure. The SIG system includes:

• Heavy-duty metal frame
• SIGPRO Premium impact screen
• Side netting and ceiling baffles
• Foam padding for safety
• Push-pin assembly (no tools required)

Why it matters: Professional enclosures look better, last longer, and handle higher ball speeds. They also make your setup portable if you move homes.

Projector: BenQ TH690ST or Optoma UHD35STx - $1,000-$1,800

Option A: BenQ TH690ST - Best Performance

The TH690ST is the gold standard for golf simulators:

• 8.3ms input lag (imperceptible delay)
• Short throw for compact spaces
• 2300 lumens brightness
• 1080p 120Hz for smooth visuals

Option B: Optoma UHD35STx - Best Visuals

If you want the sharpest possible image:

• True 4K resolution
• Ultra-short throw ratio
• HDR10 support
• 4ms response time

Recommendation: The BenQ TH690ST for most setups. The Optoma if you prioritize visual quality and have a darker room.

Hitting Mat: Country Club Elite (Large) - $400-$500

At premium budgets, get the larger 5x5 foot size. More hitting area means you can practice different stances and shot shapes without repositioning.

Backup Protection: Net Return Pro Series - $550-$650

The Net Return Pro is what PGA Tour players use in their home setups. It catches everything, returns balls to your feet, and lasts essentially forever.

Placement: Behind and around the enclosure for complete protection.

Additional Items: ~$300-500

• Gaming PC or laptop: $800-1,500 (for simulator software)
• Premium HDMI cable (25ft): $40-60
• Projector ceiling mount: $50-75
• Quality speaker system: $100-200
• LED ambient lighting: $50-100
• Simulator software: $250-900 (GSPro or TGC 2019)

Total Cost Breakdown

Mid-Premium Build (~$6,500)

| Component | Cost | |-----------|------| | FlightScope Mevo+ | $2,100 | | SIG Enclosure | $1,500 | | BenQ TH690ST | $1,100 | | Country Club Elite Mat | $400 | | Net Return Pro | $600 | | Accessories | $400 | | Total | $6,100 |

High-Premium Build (~$9,000)

| Component | Cost | |-----------|------| | SkyTrak+ | $3,000 | | SIG Enclosure | $1,500 | | Optoma UHD35STx 4K | $1,700 | | Country Club Elite Mat (5x5) | $500 | | Net Return Pro | $600 | | Gaming PC | $1,200 | | Accessories | $500 | | Total | $9,000 |

Space Requirements

Premium setups need proper space to shine:

Minimum space:

• Ceiling height: 10 feet
• Width: 14 feet
• Depth: 18 feet

Ideal space:

• Ceiling height: 11+ feet
• Width: 16+ feet
• Depth: 20+ feet

Room considerations:

• Darker rooms produce better projected images
• Climate control matters for year-round comfort
• Sound absorption (carpet, panels) reduces noise
• Dedicated circuit recommended for all equipment

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Room Preparation

1. Paint walls dark (gray or black) behind and beside the screen
2. Install climate control if needed
3. Add carpet or rubber flooring
4. Install dedicated electrical circuit
5. Plan cable routing paths

Step 2: Enclosure Assembly

1. Follow SIG assembly instructions
2. Level the base carefully
3. Install side netting and ceiling baffle
4. Tension screen properly
5. Add foam padding to frame

Step 3: Projector Installation

1. Calculate exact mounting position using throw ratio
2. Install ceiling mount with proper anchoring
3. Run HDMI and power cables
4. Align projector with screen center
5. Calibrate focus, zoom, and keystone

Step 4: Launch Monitor Setup

1. Position according to manufacturer specs
2. Connect to PC via WiFi or Ethernet
3. Install manufacturer software
4. Calibrate with test shots
5. Fine-tune settings for your space

Step 5: Computer and Software

1. Connect PC to projector via HDMI
2. Install simulator software (TGC 2019 or GSPro)
3. Configure graphics settings for your projector resolution
4. Set up launch monitor integration
5. Test full swing with software

Step 6: Finishing Touches

1. Add ambient lighting (LED strips behind screen)
2. Set up speaker system
3. Install tablet/phone mount for secondary display
4. Create hitting station organization
5. Test everything with full round of golf

Software Recommendations

At premium budgets, invest in premium software:

TGC 2019 ($900 one-time)

• Best graphics in the industry
• 170,000+ courses
• Course designer for custom layouts
• Active multiplayer community

GSPro ($250 one-time)

• Best value for money
• 200+ quality courses
• Very active development
• Great community support

E6 Connect ($300/year)

• Most polished interface
• Easy setup
• Famous licensed courses
• Best for casual play

Recommendation: TGC 2019 for serious golfers, GSPro for best value.

Premium vs. Pro-Level: When to Go Higher

This premium tier delivers 95% of the commercial simulator experience. Going higher ($15,000+) gets you:

• GCQuad or Bushnell Launch Pro (marginally more accurate)
• Custom room buildout
• Commercial enclosures
• Multiple camera angles

For most home golfers, premium is the sweet spot. Pro-level is for those building dedicated simulator rooms or pursuing serious competitive practice.

Comparing Premium Launch Monitors

See our detailed comparisons:

• SkyTrak+ vs Mevo+ - The premium showdown
• Launch Monitor Rankings - All options compared

Common Mistakes at This Budget

1. Overspending on launch monitor, underspending on enclosure: A $3,000 monitor in a $200 DIY frame looks and performs poorly. Balance your spend.

2. Wrong projector throw distance: Premium projectors need precise positioning. Calculate carefully and verify before mounting.

3. Insufficient PC specs: 4K simulation requires a capable graphics card. Budget $1,000+ for a gaming PC if you don't have one.

4. Ignoring room prep: Dark walls, proper lighting, and climate control matter at this level. Invest in the room, not just the equipment.

5. Skipping the backup net: Even with pro enclosures, shanks happen. The Net Return catches everything.

Final Thoughts

The $5,000-$10,000 tier builds a simulator you'll use for a decade. The accuracy rivals commercial facilities, the visuals impress everyone who sees it, and the construction quality means it just works, year after year.

The FlightScope Mevo+ or SkyTrak+ paired with the SIG enclosure and BenQ TH690ST is a proven combination used by thousands of serious home golfers. It's the setup we'd recommend to anyone with the space and budget.

If you're committed to indoor golf, this is where you should be.

Related Resources

• Mid-Range Build Under $3,000 - More affordable option
• Pro-Level Setup $15,000+ - The ultimate build
• SkyTrak+ vs Mevo+ Comparison - Detailed head-to-head
• Best Short Throw Projectors - Projector guide
• Full Build Guide - All budget levels