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How to build a DIY golf simulator

12 parts from measuring your room to calibrating your first shot, wired to the 3D builder.

12 parts12 live nowfit-checked in 3D

The 12-part build

Work through it in order, or jump to the part you are stuck on. Each part checks itself off as you read it.

  1. Part 1Plan Your SpaceCeiling height, depth, width: the measurements that make or break a build, and how to find them.6 min read
  2. Part 2Set Your BudgetWhere the money goes, what to spend vs. save, and realistic $2k / $5k / $10k / $20k builds.5 min read
  3. Part 3Choose a Launch MonitorThe brain of your sim: radar vs. camera vs. photometric, overhead vs. side, and how much space each needs.5 min read
  4. Part 4Enclosure & Impact ScreenFraming options, screen material and tension, sizing to your room, and curved vs. flat.5 min read
  5. Part 5Projector & ThrowThrow ratio, lens shift, lumens, resolution, and the math that puts a full, bright image on your screen.4 min read
  6. Part 6Hitting Mat & TurfProtecting your wrists and your floor: mat types, thickness, and how to tee up.4 min read
  7. Part 7Flooring & RoomLeveling, subfloor, putting turf, lighting, and cable management for a finished bay.3 min read
  8. Part 8PC & SoftwareGPU/CPU/RAM by software, laptop vs. desktop, and which sim pairs with your launch monitor.4 min read
  9. Part 9Assembly & WiringBuilding the frame, mounting the projector, and running power + data safely.4 min read
  10. Part 10Calibration & AlignmentAligning the launch monitor, squaring the projector, and dialing in accurate ball flight.3 min read
  11. Part 11Extras & UpgradesPutting greens, side netting, sound, seating, and the touches that make a room a studio.3 min read
  12. Part 12Maintenance & TroubleshootingScreen care, firmware, and fixing the handful of things that go wrong.4 min read
Get the free Build KitA printable measurement worksheet, component checklist and budget planner. Plan your bay on paper before you spend a dollar.

Build Bench: hands-on deep dives

Step-by-step companions that go deeper than the chapters: framing, mounting, tensioning and wiring.

Pick a budget, then build to it

Rough all-in targets from Part 2. The builder prices your exact parts live.

Starter
$2k
An entry launch monitor with good ball data, a PC you already own, a DIY frame, a value impact screen and a foam-backed mat.
Enthusiast
$5k
A mid-tier launch monitor with reliable club data, a bright 1080p projector, a proper enclosure, a multi-layer screen and a commercial mat.
Premium room
$10k
Full club and ball data, a bright sharp projector, a turnkey enclosure, a tensioned screen, wall-to-wall turf and a purpose-built PC.
Showroom
$20k and up
A best-in-class launch monitor, the brightest short-throw projector, a finished curved enclosure, acoustic treatment and seating.

Price your parts in the builder

Ready to start?

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