Winter 2018 Sim Build

[JJI1981]

First off - thanks to all who have chimed in on my various posts and questions concerning launch monitors, sim software, enclosures, etc. The amount of information on this forum - as well as the quality of the members - is truly something else.

I began doing research roughly 2 months ago to install a simulator at my golf club. The options seemed endless at the time but one principle started to emerge - you can really create some beautiful custom/DIY options. Since the club already had a skytrak, I decided to go the custom/DIY route. When I first started researching, I was likely going to recommend some sort of more "turn key" option, but I think what we are going to do instead will be just as good and far more cost effective.

I'm going to be using Par2Pro for most of the simulator parts/enclosure materials (as well as installation) and will be using a separate indoor turf installer to create a putting area and hitting mat area for the sim. We will likely be using TGC for software.

I will post pics when all is said and done.

Thanks again.

[JJI1981]

Here are some early pictures. We just had some turf put down a couple of days ago from synthetic turf international of New Jersey. My golf club had an unused space which actually presented some challenges as certain beams/trusses needed to be reconfigured to accommodate a golf swing. Of the two pictures I attached, there are three different artificial turf surfaces pictured - a putting green, a hitting mat, and some surrounding fringe for visuals. We are awaiting the simulator screen, projector, curtains, etc to be delivered and subsequently installed by par2pro, but so far we are very happy with the look.

Although the final piece of this puzzle has yet to be complete, I'm quite happy with par2pro I must say. They are very knowledgeable, pleasant and professional. I've spoken/emailed with both Preston and Corey, each of whom respond to my (various and likely clueless) emails and they've been starting to ship some of the materials already.

The first picture is taken from where the screen will be, whereas the second is taken behind the putting green at an angle. Hopefully I uploaded these pictures correctly.

[Boerdoc]

Very impressive. You will love TGC. That is a great setup.

[Ookie]

Great space to do sim. As I cautioned another user, be careful about putting the mat too close to the screen. Being too close to a big screen forces you to turn your head and the whole thing loses immersivity. I'm working on moving back and putting a top enclosure in.

[JJI1981]

When all is said and done we should have 10 ft of space from where we will hit to the screen.

[JJI1981]

Which may be a little close but we had to do it. Screen is going to be an interesting size at around 13.5 wide and 7.5 high. Enclosure itself will be around 8 ft high.

[shellman19]

Is there a consensus on the optimal distance from hitting point to screen? Is the distance also based upon size of screen?

You also mentioned adding a top enclosure. Is that because of the likelihood of balls hitting the ceiling the further you move back?

[JJI1981]

From reading the forums, it seemed like most folks had their hitting area about 7-12 feet away from the screen, with 10ft being the most common/desired.

[shellman19]

From reading the forums, it seemed like most folks had their hitting area about 7-12 feet away from the screen, with 10ft being the most common/desired.

Thanks... that is what I have been reading as well. I'm excited to see your space come along... please post some pics as the project progresses.
Also noticed you mention NJ, are you in N. Jersey or S. Jersey?

[JJI1981]

In north jersey. We are awaiting par2pro (a simulator consultant) to fly out to build out the screen, frame, curtains, hang the projector etc. We all can't wait for this, so hoping they can come sooner rather than later. I will definitely post pictures when all is said and done.

[shellman19]

Sounds like it's gonna be awesome!
A very good friend of mine is a member at White Beeches in Haworth... I'm up there frequently to hang out and play at his course (I live in South Jersey near Philly)... Maybe we'll cross paths at some point up your way. Best of luck with your build out!

[JJI1981]

Thanks Shellman! We are hoping it turns out great... and built on time as well. I'll keep you posted.

[Solstice72]

Great space to do sim. As I cautioned another user, be careful about putting the mat too close to the screen. Being too close to a big screen forces you to turn your head and the whole thing loses immersivity. I'm working on moving back and putting a top enclosure in.

Ookie, can you clarify on the distance. As you may know another power member has been at 8.5 feet from a 17ft screen and doesn't use an enclosure. I wanted to do similar to preserve clean look. I didn't understand the turning head thing you're referring to and i totally want to maximize immersivity so can you clarify, i don't want to screw up my build.

[Solstice72]

Nevermind, i found your other post. Thanks for it.

[JJI1981]

As of last week, the sim room was completed for my club in NJ. Everyone is pretty much beyond thrilled with the final product; it came out perhaps better than we could have hoped. I received all of the materials from Par2Pro about 10 days ago, and then Preston (from Par2Pro) flew out from Arizona and came out to New Jersey last Thursday morning, finishing on Friday afternoon. I posted a before and some after pics below.

Honestly, and I'm saying this after the fact with nothing to gain here, Preston and Par2Pro did a fantastic job. The room was extremely challenging, but he completed everything in about a day and half and often went the extra mile when it came to removing screen wrinkles, hanging the projector, hiding wires, and giving it an overall professional look. In the days since, Par2Pro has given us very quick tech support with some newbie issues/questions we have had.

I was originally considering a wide array of options for our room, but I'm extremely satisfied that I went with par2pro and perhaps even happier that we decided to pay for installation. I'm not a handy guy whatsoever, however, so others on this forum may love a DIY project like this. Still, it was well worth it.

Special thanks to everyone on this forum who offered tips along the way.

[Solstice72]

Great stuff. Can you retract your ceiling netting by any chance? You got their premium screen? What resolution are you rockin?

[JJI1981]

We did not make the top retractable no; we may need it for the occasional flop shot. We went with a 16:9 image and a 90" x 160" screen. It is their High Quality screen, 1080p resolution.

[JJI1981]

Thanks wbond. The pictures actually don't do it justice; preston did a wonderful job.