Home>Outdoor Storage>How to Set Up a Home Golf Simulator in Your Backyard
Outdoor Storage
How to Set Up a Home Golf Simulator in Your Backyard
Modified: December 6, 2023
Improve your game by practicing with a home golf simulator! Learn how you can turn your backyard into a golf practice space with this guide.
(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)
You might be one of the few exceptions who find golf fulfilling and fun. It could be because it helps burn calories without having to do an intense workout. And maybe you also enjoy playing at the picturesque golf courses because of the serenity they give. Now with the current worldwide situation, it is not yet completely safe to go out and play at one. The good thing is you could play your favorite sport by setting up a home golf simulator in your backyard.
Advantages of Having a Home Golf Simulator
Whether you play golf professionally or leisurely, having a home golf simulator could bring lots of benefits. You might be reluctant to invest in it because of the expensive equipment, but the entertainment value and self-improvement benefits will make it worth it. Keep on reading to get to know what are some of the advantages of having a home golf simulator.
You can practice anytime.
Home golf simulators come in handy when golf courses are closed temporarily due to scheduled maintenance. You could set it up either in the garage or your backyard to practice anytime you want! No need to be restricted with the limited course hours and difficult-to-book “tee times”. Even the bad weather won’t stop you from playing if you have a golf simulator at home! Just make sure to store the hitting net, golf mat, and other golf equipment in an outdoor storage box after use to keep them from being damaged.
You can enjoy a variety of golf courses.
Now that some countries are implementing travel restrictions, it is almost impossible to play at different types of golf courses. Fortunately, your dreams of playing at a pro golf course locally and overseas will come true with a home golf simulator. It features thousands of courses from many parts of the world, and the best part is, you can customize them.
You get to have fun at home.
If you stay cooped up inside the house all day long, you’ll eventually feel burnout. Lift the mood by inviting your family to play golf with you in the backyard. Just look for a home golf simulator and place an outdoor cushion storage bench for resting, and you are all ready to play! Youngsters might initially find the sport boring and old-fashioned, but once they experience the thrill of playing it, they will surely get hooked in no time.
How Much is a Home Golf Simulator?
It depends on the setup. If it’s a basic home golf simulator setup with no projector and side barrier netting, then the price could reach up to $800. However, if the two extra pieces of equipment are included, the total cost would be over $1,000.
Meanwhile, if you want high-end golf equipment, a home golf simulator could cost from $21,000 to $24,000. It’s quite expensive because this setup requires advanced launch monitors that cost $14,000. But even though it costs a lot, a home golf simulator is a worthwhile investment as it provides detailed information on every shot you take.
What You Need for a Home Golf Simulator
Most golfers would prefer an indoor home golf simulator that has a projector and simulator screen. You could do the same for an outdoor setup, but it requires a lot of work. Either build an awning or set up a large tent to protect the projector screen from the harsh weather. If that’s too much of a hassle, you could try a DIY home golf simulator that requires only the following.
Launch Monitor
A golf launch monitor is the most important part of a DIY home golf simulator setup. It will provide you with the data you need to improve your game. You will learn how strong your shots are and how far you hit the ball. This would come in handy, especially if you do not have a coach to teach you personally. Here are some of the launch monitors we recommend for an outdoor home golf simulator:
Do you have friends who also love playing golf? If you do, you’ll find this Portable Launch Monitor from FlightScope useful. Aside from providing accurate data parameters on clubhead speed, total shot shape, and other golf performance information, it also allows you to automatically record and save your shots. You could share this data with fellow golfers to help them further improve their skills.
Key Features
- Free mini-game
- Accurate data parameters
- Automatic save and record feature
Specifications
- iOS E6 Connect simulated golf courses
- 17 practices ranges
- 16 data parameters
Pros
- Has a built-in golf simulation software
- Create custom skills challenges using the FlightScope Skills app
- Compare performance with professional golfers from PGA tour
Cons
- Free courses are accessible only through any Apple device
In golf, the faster you swing the golf club, the farther the ball will go. Improve your swing speed by using this Swing Caddie SC200 Plus from Voice Caddies. It is a portable launch monitor that allows you to practice your swings without having to hit the ball on a net. What is also great about it is that it’s a radar-based launch monitor that uses the “Doppler Effect” to track the projectile motion of the ball.
Key Features
- Portable launch monitor
- Practice swing mode
- Voice distance output
Specifications
- Requires 4 AAA batteries
- Remote-controlled device
Pros
- Know how far you’ve hit the ball with the voice distance output
- Shows a simultaneous display of the carry distance, swing speed, ball speed, and smash factor
Cons
- Thin plastic screen
- No built-in golf simulator software
Do you want to experience playing at one of the world’s renowned country clubs, but cannot travel anytime soon? Luckily, with the SkyTrak Launch Monitor, you will be able to try out any type of golf course at home. These golf courses are even modeled after the world’s top courses, so no need to travel out of the country to try them out!
Key Features
- World renown courses
- High definition graphics
- Photometric launch monitor
Specifications
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Launch monitor measures 5.75 inches x 6.75 inches x 2.5 inches
Pros
- Includes a simulator software
- Gives the chance to virtually play at famous golf courses
- Provides accurate data of various golf ball parameters
Cons
- Battery lasts only for 4 hours
- Must be connected to a laptop or any working device
Hitting Net and Golf Mat
Since you are building a golf simulator in your backyard, you need to use a hitting net instead of a projector and simulator screen. Using a net is a great way to practice your swing without getting distracted with the ball flight. Meanwhile, the golf mat is used to help reduce the risk of injury. Usually, it has a gel cushion layer that absorbs the impact of hitting the ball on the mat.
When choosing a golf net, look for those that are durable and can withstand the impact of a golf ball. Just like this one from Hit Run Steal. It uses a 7-ply knotless netting with a steel pole frame and reinforced fiberglass rods. Even if you hit the ball very hard, the golf net won’t rip off and stumble on the ground.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty golf net
- Tri-folding turf mat
Specifications
- 10 x 7 net hitting area
- 23 x 12 turf hitting mat
Pros
- Large hitting area
- Portable and very easy to assemble
Cons
- Ball tends to bounce back because of the “springy” net
Flimsy hitting nets can easily tip over when hit by strong winds. It’s better to use a golf net with ground stakes to prevent such instances. This Pop-Up Golf Net & Mat from ZNCMRR comes with those ground stakes that can hold the net down.
What makes this a good home golf simulator equipment is that it has three targets in front. Use the targets to improve the accuracy of your shots. Moreover, it has deep side pockets that will catch all your missed shots. You don’t have to go around your backyard to pick up stray golf balls anymore.
Key Features
- World renown courses
- High definition graphics
- Photometric launch monitor
Specifications
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Launch monitor measures 5.75 inches x 6.75 inches x 2.5 inches
Pros
- Complete home golf simulator set
- Doesn’t take too much storage space because of its collapsible design
Cons
- Hitting net tends to fall over if there are too many balls inside
If you are already a pro player, you don’t necessarily have to splurge on high-end golf equipment. For example, you could still improve your accuracy just by using a simple driving range mat that could absorb high-impact shots.
When it comes to affordability, you can never go wrong with this Professional Golf Net Bundle from SteadyDoggie. It includes everything you need: a hitting net, dual turf grass mat, chipping target, and carry bag. All you need is a launch monitor and you are now ready to play golf in your backyard!
Key Features
- Realistic grass mat
- Sturdy 5-ply knotless net
- Adjustable chipping target
Specifications
- 0.75-inch square net
- 10 ft x 7 ft golf net
Pros
- Bundle golf equipment
- Takes a couple of minutes to assemble
- Hitting net has a high-grade steel frame and fiberglass rods
Cons
- Practice mats are quite short
Play Golf Anytime at Home
With a home golf simulator, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a country club to get some practice. You can do it in the comfort of your home! Play anytime you want and track your performance to improve your game. You could also use the home golf simulator to bond with your family. Teach them how fun golf can be. This is the perfect time as most of us are stuck in the confines of our homes.
Once you finish playing, you could always tuck your golf equipment away in those metal garage storage shelves to keep things tidy. Some of the hitting nets and golf mats that we recommended above have a compact design so they will easily fit your garage shelves.
Was this page helpful?
At Storables.com, we guarantee accurate and reliable information. Our content, validated by Expert Board Contributors, is crafted following stringent Editorial Policies. We're committed to providing you with well-researched, expert-backed insights for all your informational needs.
0 thoughts on “How to Set Up a Home Golf Simulator in Your Backyard”