Starting from scratch ! Please share knowledge and experience...

[MrUhHuhYea]

Hello I hope I am posting this message in the right part of the forum.

Hey guys thanks for letting me post on your forum . I would like to tell you my situation and parameters and hope for feedback as to how I should go about putting a golf simulator together in my garage . First off my garage is a nice size and has good ceiling height. unfortunately I don't have the exact dimensions because I am currently at work , but it has to be at least 20 feet long , I'd say at least 14 feet wide , and have a ceiling high enough for a full driver swing . I'd like the simulator for practice and for doing some courses with my buddies , I have been to a commercial golf simulator for fun where they used the track man system. I have done some research and correct me if I am wrong but it seems like the home version simulators basically come down to SkyTrack and Mevo+ for what I'm looking for price wise . (I'd probably like to keep the budget under 6 or 7 thousand for everything if possible .)


After some initial research I am drawn more towards the Mevo+ device because it sits behind the tee area . Maybe because I only played at the golf simulation place and that's how trackman was set up. I just think that having the device right next to the ball might be distracting, and I am not a great golfer and I'd be concerned about me or a friend cueing the ball into the device . I also have enough room for the Mevo, I heard it comes with better software and courses right out of the box , and that it has a longer warranty. I'm not so obsessed with accuracy of the device , I'd just like to work well and not have too many shots that it doesn't register . Please let me know if I seem to be leaning towards the right direction .


I'm frugal but I'm not super handy. I know I could save a lot of money by constructing certain things myself , but I am just not great at it . If there are any easy "hacks" however to saving some money by protecting or fortifying the screen for example though those would be appreciated . Although I do like to be economical I have decided that I want this simulator to be nice and quality and I don't mind spending the money if it means I have something that works and looks great and will last awhile .


As far as the enclosure and everything else I need I have looked into a few things mentioned on here . I see the website TopShelfGolf that sells "The Perfect Bay" . It looks you can add everything you need from floor mats to projectors . I basically need everything . I do have a Macbook from 2017 that I use for day to day use and I'm not sure if that will run the sim software or if I need something more powerful. In my experience buying things packaged up like this are more convenient but usually more expensive . I've also seen websites like spectrum golf that look like they have the material for a bay covered, but I'd still need a projector and maybe something to run the software on.


So basically I'm at square 1 here , I will certainly continue to browse the forum and read more , I just don't want to make any big mistakes and I thought I'd any of you had a "man I wish I did that when I built my sim" experiences you might be so kind to share them with me . Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any input. I will make sure to Keep this thread updated and also I'll put my exact garage dimensions in here next time I post . I am very excited for this experience!

[golfsimulatorsite]

When you get home, take some measurements and post them . I will get you a quick layout. I assume you want the screen on the opposite wall of the garage door? Also look at the location of your garage door frame and opener. They usually comes into play and may or may not have to be moved. Typically you swing between the frames. You cant go wrong with either skytrak or mevo +. You need around 17-18 ft of total depth to set up the mevo plus.

Thx

Chip
spectrum golf

[bubbtubbs]

In the garage, I'd use 1" EVA foam tiles extending up to the screen/net then recess a hitting strip into it like the Holy Grail (GungHo Golf) or something homemade.

Not sure how important putting is to you, but that will probably influence what turf or other surface you put over the tiles.

If you're going with a projector and screen, you can save a good chunk of change on initial setup by keeping the resolution to 1080p instead of 4K and using raw impact screen material - there's a thread in the screens subforum where you can buy some, or you can get imperfect screens from Par2Pro for around $300US. Any budget saved on the screen can go back into purchasing better turf, better projector, etc. You can always sell it later if you want a movie-quality screen and some people use worn screens as additional backstop behind their good one to reduce wear.

Others are free to disagree but my personal experience was that it's advantageous to get something that lets you hit balls with feedback and get started without having every single piece initially available, so you can still have fun with it if some item didn't arrive yet, or if you want to upgrade slowly.

launch monitor > hitting strip > net/screen > software/computer/projector would be my order of priority.

[Par2ProRyan]

Both the SkyTrak and the Mevo+ are great options in that price range. There are some factors that need to be considered before making a final decision about the launch monitor. Confirming the exact dimensions of the space is an important step. Will both left and right-handed players be using the simulator? Are there ceiling fans or electronics in the garage that might cause interference with the radar? The answers to these questions could make the decision simple.

Par2Pro sells everything that you would need to build your golf simulator. The Stealth Elite retractable screen is great for use in a garage because the screen rolls up on a roller tube that is installed on the ceiling so that it’s out of the way when it’s not being used. It works with a remote control, so it retracts and comes down with the push of a button.

I’d love to help you answer any questions that you have about building your own simulator. You can reach me at ryan@par2pro.com if you’d like to discuss your project in more detail.

[jgturnier]

In the garage, I'd use 1" EVA foam tiles extending up to the screen/net then recess a hitting strip into it like the Holy Grail (GungHo Golf) or something homemade.

Not sure how important putting is to you, but that will probably influence what turf or other surface you put over the tiles.

If you're going with a projector and screen, you can save a good chunk of change on initial setup by keeping the resolution to 1080p instead of 4K and using raw impact screen material - there's a thread in the screens subforum where you can buy some, or you can get imperfect screens from Par2Pro for around $300US. Any budget saved on the screen can go back into purchasing better turf, better projector, etc. You can always sell it later if you want a movie-quality screen and some people use worn screens as additional backstop behind their good one to reduce wear.

Others are free to disagree but my personal experience was that it's advantageous to get something that lets you hit balls with feedback and get started without having every single piece initially available, so you can still have fun with it if some item didn't arrive yet, or if you want to upgrade slowly.

launch monitor > hitting strip > net/screen > software/computer/projector would be my order of priority.

bubbtubbs what putting turf would you recommend for this above set up?

[bubbtubbs]

jgturnier I'm not a great source for that, since I have zero interest in sim putting. You could try asking Par2Pro or GungHoGolf

[Stetson]

If budget is a factor and you want a more upscale look than Camry Carpet is worth a look. I plan on using it in my build as I know it rolls great and gives a cool contrast to the hitting strip.