Optimum room size

[Crusty]

Hi, I'm fairly new here so please excuse me if my questions seem a bit dumb/repetitive. I've just pulled the trigger on a Protee and in the process of getting ready with PC, cube net, projector etc. I'll be setting up the system temporarily in the garage as I've just got the green light to build a man cave
From your experience, what would you suggest as the best room width to accomodate right and lefties? I'm fortunate to have ample space and a clean slate to work with. My current estimate is approx 16.4 ft (5M) wide x 26.2 ft (8M) deep x 10.8 ft (3.3M) high.

[Maverick]

That's probably the minimum width, which might or might not work for you. If you have the option to build the width you need, I would go with 18ft.

[Libbing]

On the width, the trick is to allow for a practice swing with a driver (where you are hitting while stepped a bit away from the tee - it's easy to forget about that one). If in doubt, grab a large cardboard box (or foam tube, or hang a sheet or towel) and place it that distance behind where a tee would go and make some full practice swings with the driver to make sure you don't hit it. Make sure it's a full swing where your arms really extend out. Ideally try it with the tallest person that would be swinging (e.g. a 6'3" buddy that might stop by and get another 6" on his swing!).

[Crusty]

Thanks Mike, good point. I totally forgot to allow for practice swings when working out sizes. I'll test it based on a 6mts wide room the way you suggested, hopefully that will be enough.

[Maverick]

You're so luck to have 10ft ceiling. Also thing about spots for people to put their clubs and bags. Read my camera how to thread and order the lenses I recommended.

[bcgc0918]

I suggest you don't build it just big enough... Build it bigger than you need. I have a 24 x26 room and at times when you have 5 or 6 playing it gets a little crowded. Dont forget you need a spot for bags as Z said and chairs table to set drinks on. A beer fridge or coolers.

[Cavs]

I am in the middle stages of designing my mancave / golf sim.
I am currently at 17'w x 14'd (dedicated with no shared furniture)
I do plan on putting in a pro-tee (with a new LM?) and making it right/left compatible.
Is the 14' deep enough?

[Maverick]

I am in the middle stages of designing my mancave / golf sim.
I am currently at 17'w x 14'd (dedicated with no shared furniture)
I do plan on putting in a pro-tee (with a new LM?) and making it right/left compatible.
Is the 14' deep enough?

Would be fine for the LM alone or just the LM and main senor only, but for main sensor+putting sensor, its going to be tough. It really depends on where your tee location can be at that would allow you to swing a driver freely. You can shorten the distance between the putting sensor and main sensor to about 2.5 ft and you would have to putt standing in between them to avoid shadows. See this thread.

http://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/build-your-own/enclosures/104-protee-garage-setup

[bcgc0918]

Its going to be tight. You have to remember you have to have room for those who are not swinging the club to get out of the way. And with it that short they will be very close to the back swing. I recommend at least 20 ft long. My room is 26 and I think it is perfect. I have played in a garage that was 16 ft deep and I can't tell you how many times I seen someone almost get hit. If you are still planning use all the space you can afford. You will regret it if it is too small. If you need to save a buck somewhere don't do it on the size of the room. Buy a cheaper projector or something you can upgrade later. You don't have to have the latest and greatest to start with. But the room size is not where you want to save a buck.

[Bubba22]

All great advice and I completely agree!

[Crusty]

I suggest you don't build it just big enough... Build it bigger than you need. I have a 24 x26 room and at times when you have 5 or 6 playing it gets a little crowded. Dont forget you need a spot for bags as Z said and chairs table to set drinks on. A beer fridge or coolers.

24 x 26 seems huge, but include furniture and 5-6 mates makes a good point. Luckily I don't have that many mates.... heh

[Crusty]

You're so luck to have 10ft ceiling. Also thing about spots for people to put their clubs and bags. Read my camera how to thread and order the lenses I recommended.

Hi Z, whereabouts is the thread on cameras you refer to?

[Cavs]

My set up will include an additional 18' behind the swing area which will include chairs etc. The 17' x 14' will just be the "turf area". Similar to this picture:


I am not sure my image is attached as it doesn't appear on the preview. Either way, no one else will be in the 17x14 except the golfer.

[Maverick]

In that case, make your turf area 17x17 or more. Put the main sensor at 10 or 11 ft from the screen, putting sensor at 2.5-2.7 ft from the main sensor. Draw out your image projection beam to see where can actually install the putting sensor and still avoid shadows.

Camera thread is in the technical section.

[Cavs]

I can make this space happen. Thanks for the suggestions!
I also found some great information on the ProTee customer support website.
http://csc.protee-united.com/entries/21098801-ProTee-Golf-2-0-Simulator-dimensions