DIY Simulator Guide 2025
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Build Your Own Golf Simulator

Build your dream home simulator. Curated gear, honest reviews, no fluff. Whether you have a garage, basement, or spare room, we'll help you create the perfect setup for your space and budget.

Launch Monitors
Golf Mats
Screens & More

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Most Popular Choice

Complete Home Simulator

5 items - Everything you need

$3,500 - $5,000
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Launch Monitors Compared

The heart of your simulator - choose wisely

Swipe to compare all products
Feature
Best Value
Garmin Approach R10
(2,847)
Most Popular
Rapsodo MLM2PRO
(1,523)
Editor's Choice
FlightScope Mevo+
(892)
SkyTrak+
(1,245)
Bushnell Launch Pro
(634)
New
Garmin Approach R50
(127)
Price$549 - $599$699 - $799$1,999 - $2,199$2,995$2,999 - $3,500$4,999
Tierbudgetmid-rangemid-rangepremiumpremiumpremium
Best ForBeginners and budget-conscious golfersSerious amateurs wanting video analysisDedicated home simulator setupsPremium home simulator buildsGolfers demanding tour-level dataGolfers wanting the ultimate all-in-one solution
AccuracyGoodVery GoodExcellentExcellentTour-level-
Metrics13 ball/club metrics13 ball metrics + video16 ball/club metrics12 ball + club metrics16+ metrics-
Battery10+ hours----4 hours
ConnectivityBluetoothBluetooth/WiFi---WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI
Display-Mobile app required---10" touchscreen
Indoor Space--8+ ft ball flight---
Sim Software--E6, GSPro, TGCWGT, TGC, E6, GSPro--
Setup---5 minutes--
Technology----Foresight GC3-
Portability----Excellent-
Courses-----43,000+
Cameras-----3 high-speed
Weight-----9 lbs
Top Pros
  • Best value launch monitor on the market
  • Portable and easy to set up in minutes
  • Works indoors and outdoors
  • Dual radar + camera technology
  • Video replay with shot tracer
  • Excellent accuracy for the price
  • Professional-level accuracy
  • Works with all major sim software
  • Indoor and outdoor use
  • Excellent indoor accuracy
  • Largest software ecosystem
  • Club head data included
  • Tour-level accuracy (GC3 tech)
  • Compact and portable design
  • Club face angle data included
  • All-in-one design - no external devices
  • Built-in 10" color touchscreen
  • 43,000+ virtual golf courses
Considerations
  • Premium subscription unlocks more features
  • Less accurate than $2K+ options
  • Requires good lighting indoors
  • Subscription needed for full features
  • Higher price point
  • Requires 8+ feet of ball flight indoors
  • Premium price point
  • Software subscriptions add cost
  • Premium pricing
  • FSX software costs extra
  • Premium flagship pricing
  • Garmin Golf subscription for some features
Check PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
TOP PICK - Best Value Launch Monitor
Best Valuebudget

Garmin Approach R10

4.5(2,847 reviews)

Portable radar launch monitor. 13 metrics, works indoors and out. The budget king.

Best For

Beginners and budget-conscious golfers

Accuracy
Good
Metrics
13 ball/club metrics
Battery
10+ hours
Connectivity
Bluetooth

Why We Love It

  • Best value launch monitor on the market
  • Portable and easy to set up in minutes
  • Works indoors and outdoors
  • Free Garmin Golf app with virtual courses

Consider

  • -Premium subscription unlocks more features
  • -Less accurate than $2K+ options
  • -Battery-powered (4+ hours life)
Current Price
$549 - $599
Ships Free
Prime Eligible
Check Price on Amazon

Free returns within 30 days

Golf Mats

Quality turf that protects your clubs and joints.

TOP PICK - Top Golf Mat
Most Popularmid-range

Country Club Elite Real Feel Golf Mat

4.6(1,876 reviews)

Shock-absorbing base, realistic feel. Easy on joints for longer practice sessions.

Best For

Regular practice and simulator use

Sizes
3x4, 4x5, 5x5 ft
Base
Shock-absorbing foam
Durability
5+ years

Why We Love It

  • Excellent premium turf quality
  • Joint-friendly shock absorption
  • Multiple size options available
  • Very durable - lasts for years

Consider

  • -Heavier than budget options
  • -Takes up more space
  • -Higher price point
Current Price
$299 - $449
Ships Free
Prime Eligible
Check Price on Amazon

Free returns within 30 days

More Options

Best ValueBudget-Friendly

Callaway Supersoft Golf Mat

4.2(3,421)
$79 - $99

Entry-level hitting mat with forgiving surface. Good for casual practice sessions without breaking the bank.

Best For

Casual golfers and beginners

Pros

  • Most affordable quality option
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Decent durability for price

Cons

  • Thinner than premium options
  • Shows wear with heavy use
Check Price on Amazon

Free shipping on orders over $35

Mid-Range

SIG Pro Softy 4x7

4.5(542)
$399 - $499

Large hitting mat with integrated stance area. Commercial-grade turf built for high-volume practice sessions.

Best For

Dedicated simulator rooms

Pros

  • Extra large hitting area
  • Stance mat included
  • Commercial-grade turf

Cons

  • Requires dedicated space
  • Heavy to move
Check Price on Amazon

Free shipping on orders over $35

Impact Screens

Catches balls and displays your sim graphics.

TOP PICK - Top Impact Screen
Most Popularmid-range

GoSports Golf Simulator Impact Screen

4.5(1,500 reviews)

Popular home sim screen with great image quality. Designed for projector use and high-speed ball strikes.

Best For

Most home simulator setups

Sizes
10x8 ft and larger
Material
Heavy-duty polyester
Max Club Speed
150+ mph

Why We Love It

  • Excellent image quality for projection
  • Handles high club speeds
  • Multiple sizes available
  • Easy to install

Consider

  • -Requires tensioning system
  • -Frame sold separately
  • -May need reinforcement for heavy use
Current Price
$199 - $399
Ships Free
Prime Eligible
Check Price on Amazon

Free returns within 30 days

More Options

Mid-Range

SIG Pro Golf Simulator Screen

4.5(876)
$399 - $699

Commercial-grade impact screen with reinforced edges. Designed for driving ranges and high-volume home use.

Best For

Heavy use and commercial settings

Pros

  • Commercial-grade durability
  • Reinforced edges prevent tearing
  • Excellent ball absorption

Cons

  • Heavier material
  • Frame required
Check Price on Amazon

Free shipping on orders over $35

Pro-level setup
Editor's ChoicePremium

SIG Golf Simulator Enclosure

4.8(350)
$1,299 - $1,799

Complete professional enclosure kit with SIGPRO Premium Impact Screen, frame, and padding. All-in-one solution.

Best For

Serious home simulator setups wanting a complete solution

Pros

  • Complete all-in-one kit
  • Professional-grade impact screen included
  • Easy push-pin assembly

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Requires dedicated space
Check Price on Amazon

Free shipping on orders over $35

Golf Nets

Practice nets for non-simulator setups or backup protection.

TOP PICK - Top Golf Net
Best Valuemid-range

Spornia SPG-7 Golf Net

4.5(4,521 reviews)

The best-selling golf practice net on Amazon. Automatic ball return feature and sets up in under a minute.

Best For

Practice nets and simulator backup protection

Setup Time
60 seconds
Max Speed
150+ mph
Ball Return
Automatic
Portability
Excellent

Why We Love It

  • Quick 1-minute setup
  • Automatic ball return
  • Handles 150+ mph swing speeds
  • Extremely portable design

Consider

  • -Not designed for screen projection
  • -Ball return can be loud
  • -Net shows wear after 2-3 years
Current Price
$259 - $299
Ships Free
Prime Eligible
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Free returns within 30 days

More Options

Mid-Range

GoSports Elite Golf Practice Net

4.5(1,100)
$149 - $249

Heavy-duty golf net with steel frame. Available in 10ft or 7ft sizes for serious practice.

Best For

Dedicated practice areas

Pros

  • Steel frame construction
  • Multiple size options (7ft or 10ft)
  • Durable netting material

Cons

  • Heavier than portable options
  • No automatic ball return
Check Price on Amazon

Free shipping on orders over $35

Editor's ChoicePremium

The Net Return Pro Series V2

4.8(1,876)
$549 - $649

Premium practice net used by PGA Tour players. Patented design provides the best ball return on the market.

Best For

Serious golfers wanting tour-quality equipment

Pros

  • Used by PGA Tour professionals
  • Best ball return in the industry
  • Extremely durable construction

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Larger footprint needed
Check Price on Amazon

Free shipping on orders over $35

Projectors

Low-lag, high-brightness displays built for simulators.

TOP PICK - Top Projector
Editor's Choicemid-range

BenQ TH690ST Short Throw

4.7(543 reviews)

Built for sims. 8.3ms input lag, short throw. The 2024 go-to projector.

Best For

Serious golf simulator setups

Input Lag
8.3ms
Throw Ratio
0.69 (short)
Brightness
2300 lumens
Resolution
1080p 120Hz

Why We Love It

  • Ultra-low 8.3ms input lag
  • Short throw ratio (0.69)
  • Bright 2300 lumens
  • Full HD 1080p at 120Hz

Consider

  • -Not 4K native
  • -Fan noise at full brightness
  • -Pricier than older models
Current Price
$999 - $1,199
Ships Free
Prime Eligible
Check Price on Amazon

Free returns within 30 days

More Options

NewPremium

Optoma UHD35STx Short Throw 4K

4.8(234)
$1,599 - $1,799

True 4K short throw projector with incredible image quality. HDR10 support and gaming-grade 4ms response time.

Best For

Premium 4K simulator experiences

Pros

  • True 4K resolution
  • 4ms response time
  • HDR10 and HLG support

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • 2800 lumens (moderate)
Check Price on Amazon

Free shipping on orders over $35

Best ValueMid-Range

BenQ TH671ST Short Throw

4.5(2,341)
$699 - $799

Reliable short throw projector that's been the go-to for simulator builds. Great balance of performance and value.

Best For

Budget-conscious full simulator builds

Pros

  • Low input lag (16ms)
  • Short throw design
  • Bright 3000 lumens

Cons

  • Older model
  • Fan noise noticeable
Check Price on Amazon

Free shipping on orders over $35

Mid-Range

Optoma GT1090HDR Short Throw

4.6(876)
$999 - $1,199

High brightness short throw perfect for garages and rooms with ambient light. HDR support enhances realism.

Best For

Bright garages and rooms with windows

Pros

  • Very bright 4200 lumens
  • HDR support
  • Short throw design

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • 1080p native resolution
Check Price on Amazon

Free shipping on orders over $35

Mid-Range

ViewSonic PX701-4K

4.5(1,543)
$899 - $999

True 4K projector at a mid-range price. Great image quality for immersive golf simulation if you have ceiling mounting space.

Best For

Larger dedicated rooms with ceiling mounting

Pros

  • True 4K resolution
  • Excellent color accuracy
  • Low input lag mode (5ms)

Cons

  • Not short throw - needs distance
  • Requires 10+ ft throw distance
Check Price on Amazon

Free shipping on orders over $35

Skip the Research

Complete Simulator Packages

Curated bundles with everything you need at each budget level. Just pick and buy.

Starter Practice Kit

Best Value
Budget Build
Total Cost
$800 - $1,200

Launch monitor + net + mat. Solid practice setup, no sim required.

Best entry point for home practice
What's Included (3 items)
  • Garmin Approach R10
    launch monitors
  • Callaway Supersoft Mat
    mats
  • Spornia SPG-7 Net
    nets
MOST POPULAR CHOICE

Complete Home Simulator

Most Popular
Popular Choice
Total Cost
$3,500 - $5,000

Full sim experience. Quality at every level. Our most popular package.

Most popular setup - great value
What's Included (5 items)
  • FlightScope Mevo+
    launch monitors
  • Country Club Elite Mat
    mats
  • GoSports Impact Screen
    screens
  • Spornia SPG-7 (backup)
    nets
  • BenQ TH690ST Projector
    projectors

Premium Garmin R50 Package

New
Premium Build
Total Cost
$6,000 - $8,000

All-in-one R50 setup. No computer needed - unbox and play 43,000+ courses.

Flagship all-in-one experience
What's Included (5 items)
  • Garmin Approach R50
    launch monitors
  • Country Club Elite Mat
    mats
  • SIG Enclosure with Screen
    screens
  • Net Return Pro Series
    nets
  • Optoma 4K Projector
    projectors

Garage-Friendly Retractable Setup

Popular Choice
Total Cost
$4,000 - $5,500

Retractable screen rolls up in 60 seconds. Park your car and practice golf.

Perfect for shared garage spaces
What's Included (4 items)
  • Rapsodo MLM2PRO
    launch monitors
  • SIG Pro Softy Mat
    mats
  • SIG Pro Screen
    screens
  • BenQ TH690ST Projector
    projectors

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about building your home simulator

Do I need a subscription for these launch monitors?

Most work fine without one. R10 is great standalone; Garmin Golf ($99/yr) adds more courses. R50 includes everything on-device. SkyTrak and Mevo+ have optional sim software subscriptions.

How much space do I need?

Minimum: 10x12x9 ft. Recommended: 12x15x10 ft for comfortable driver swings. Ceiling height is key - measure at the top of your backswing.

Can I set this up in my garage?

Yes - garages are the most popular choice. Get a retractable screen if you still park cars there. Electronics work in 40-100F, so a space heater helps in winter.

What's the best budget option?

Garmin R10 ($599) + Spornia net ($299) + basic mat ($100). Under $1K for solid swing practice. Add screen and projector later for full sim.

Short throw vs regular projector?

Short throw (0.5-0.7 ratio) sits a few feet from the screen, behind you. Regular projectors need 10+ ft throw distance. Go short throw for most setups.

Is the Garmin R50 worth $5K?

If you want simplicity, yes. No computer or phone needed - just unbox and play 43,000+ courses on the built-in screen. For budget builds, R10 + sim software gets you close.

Space Requirements

Make sure you have enough room before you buy

Minimum

10' W x 12' D x 9' H

Tight but workable. Good for nets or compact setups.

Recommended

Recommended

12' W x 15' D x 10' H

Full swings with any club. Sweet spot for garages.

Ideal

15' W x 18' D x 10' H

Room for seating, multiple players, premium gear.

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Build Your Own Golf Simulator | Home Setup Guide 2025 | Local Golf Sims