advice on new backyard cabin build for sim

[Sim-dreamer]

Hey all, I'm hoping to get some advice from those that have walked the path already, specifically anyone willing to give "their best tips". The "if only I could do it over" type advice. I'm finally going to get a build going in my backyard, absolutely no space in my house. I'm only in the planning stage, I'll be clearing the way overgrown landscaping as the weather improves... Its snowing as I'm typing.
Anyway, this will be a golf dedicated structure, so no need for portability etc, and it will be built from scratch. I've got a good size yard, but also kids and a wife who is "landscape conscious", so space is an issue to consider. Budget is DEFINITELY an issue. I'm definitely more concerned with the structure at this point, so I'll start with an Optishot and budget projector and go from there. I dream about a skytrak but it'll have to wait. I'm handy enough to build the "shed" and rough all the electrical, but I'm a long way from being a pro builder.

So, my questions at this stage are:

I'm thinking 18' long, around 15-16' wide, height will be over 10' easy, probably over 11' actually, is this enough for hitting L and R from middle? If I'm building from scratch I don't want to hit offset and I have lefty friends.

I'm concerned about noise with the neighbors... Is insulation and 2 layers of drywall enough to dampen the sound? I'm about 30yards from neighbors. I'm debating adding OSB with carpet on the walls to help with this. Would that work? Sprayfoam, greenglue and whisper clips are way out of my budget.

I'll get a screen/net that will fill most of the "hitting wall", I'd rather not have a net/enclosure to make the space feel even smaller. Ideas for wall protection or stopping "bounce back"?

Lighting for the room, I'm not planning on adding windows because of sound and breakage issues, so where and how much light to still have a good picture on screen without playing in the dark?

Projector positioning, on this I know nothing... I'm terrified of trashing it in my follow thru.

For those that have a "golf room" what do you love? what do you not have that you miss?

I'm a lot more interested in just having fun hitting golf balls than getting into launch numbers etc... but I'd like the option to do both. I used to play a lot more, and a lot better (lol) before the kids, and I really just want to be able to play 18 or crank some drivers out in a sim for now. Maybe down the road I'll worry about my score again...

Any overall build or design tips are welcome, and thanks in advance!

I'm newly registered here, and I'd like to thank everyone here for their posts. This site has made me believe I can do this and make it awesome! There are so many awesome sims out there and thank you all for sharing! Now I need my own!

Thanks again in advance

[Kent]

I would say the ideal interior dimensions would be 17' wide and 24' long. Anything over 10' high is great. I really don't think I would be concerned with sound and I don't think you need 2 layers of drywall. I would definitely get on dbgolf's list for a screen as they are great quality and really inexpensive. It takes a while to get one. If you go the dimensions I listed you really don't need side wall protection. You can mount slotted angle iron to the walls and ceiling and attach the screen to that with bungees/zip ties. For lighting I would do 2-4 LED can lights on a dimmer that are offset away from the screen. The projector positioning depends on the projector and the image size. The best values for a decent projector are the Optoma GT1080Darbee, the BenQ HT2150, and the BenQ TH671ST.

[wbond]

Since it's permanent and you want both L/R handed play and to hit from the middle, a protee system would be one to look at. Others would be radar systems, but your price goes up quite a bit more. I've got to say though, going through all this work to put in an opti shot, you will probably be rather disappointed very quickly. I would suggest starting with an R motion over the opti shot, i've found it gives much better and more consistent results. My setup is in my garage and i probably only have about 20 yds or less on that side of my house to the neighbors and noise has never been an issue so I think you'll be fine with standard insulation and drywall. Every bit helps, so any extra space you can get, go for it. There is no need for a cage, you can go wall to wall with your screen and do a 16:9 or 16:10 setup. You can create a ceiling baffle fairly inexpensively and then you could do some carpeting or something on the sidewalls for protection there. As far as hitting the projector on your follow through, not going to happen unless you have the projector mounted somehow behind you. I've yet to see any golf swing plane that is straight up and down. The only time it's a concern is a popped up shot off a driver or some really extreme flop and the projector is mounted forward of your hitting position because it's a short throw projector. But that's easily remedied with a cheap wire basket surrounding the projector. Good luck with the build and post some pictures along the way when you get going.

[gene438]

Well, where to begin.

1)First, congrats on taking the plunge. Love your forum name by the way.....we all understand your excitement and desires.....

2)As far as construction, I will say that like a boat, the bigger the better. The fact that you want both left/right players will be a big factor in building and equipment. My room is 28 x 20 and the 20ft width allows me to comfortably have left/right players with no offset. Also, you did not mention flooring but since you are constructing from new, I would highly recommend a subfloor with 3 or 4 putting holes. My putting turf is one of my favorite and most used features in my golf sim room. I too do not like enclosures so my screen is 17 x 9.5.

3)In terms of equipment, based on the fact you are planning a dedicated, fixed system....plus you want left/right play....plus you have young kids.....plus you have complete control of lighting, ..... and you are budget conscious........I would advise you to take a look at the Protee system. Full disclosure, it's the system I use so I may be partial... The ProTee allows for seamless right/left play, it is very, very sturdy and you don't have to worry about kids hitting it like you would a launch monitor.

The guys here are great and I am sure you can get all your questions answered, enjoy the ride.....this is just the beginning!!!

[Sim-dreamer]

Thanks for the feedback!

I'll definitely squeeze out the max size that I can, may run into permit issues if I try and get too big. 18 x 20 seems doable for the section of the yard I envisioned. The putting cups are a great idea, I'll try to come up with something creative for that. The suggestions on other sims over the optishot are valid, but to be honest the budget is tight right now. A Protee system looks great but is just not in the cards for a while I think. I'll definitely do more research on the sims as the build goes along. For the next little while I'll focus on plans for the "cabin", and trying to figure the cost for building it. Running electrical will require a trench and more than likely a sub-panel, so even if I rough it in I'll need an electrician $$$. I'm guessing the cabin itself will blow the budget to begin with, before I even add the sim hardware/software, which is why I was thinking about the optishot.

Good to know sound-proofing shouldn't be an issue.

Haven't heard of dbgolf's screens, is there a website for them?

Thanks again for all the input, I really appreciate it.

[wbond]

As I mentioned, I would suggest looking into R motion over the opti shot. I think others who have used both would agree. Maybe they'll chime in as well. Its about the same price i think as the opti.

[Kent]

Here is a link to the thread about the screens. If you can squeeze a few more feet of length in, I think you will be a lot happier with the finished product. There have also been some used Protee systems for sale on the forum and I think the putting portion is separate and you could add that later.

[BGCurtis2nd]

In building mine I managed a very good deal off eBay on an ultra short throw projector, so I used the fact I had scissor trusses and left it open next to the screen and mounted the projector where it could not be hit with a direct shot. Also if you plan to go to a Pro Tee in the future, setup for where it will go ahead of time that way when you get it you do not have to redo the whole floor when you do. The framing setup I show was for a Pro3 but same principal will save you cash in the long run, used PVC for where the wires go use big enough to just shove them through. I used the car siding because it was cheap easier to put up and will take a hit without leaving a hole.

[KPaas]

That’s awesome! Congrats on taking it on!
I built a shop specially for man cave purposes. 25x30
i wanted a pool table and stuff so my screen is 14x12ish and I cropped the screen for a 4:3 ratio.
I’m not the biggest fan on wide screen but thats my preference.
Also, they are right. Sound won’t be a issue. Standard R13 insulation if your doing 2x4 walls is plenty and it’ll be cheaper building than 2x6’s.
A lot of short throw projectors will be close enough that no swing will hit it. Just depends on how big you want the screen and how far ya want to hit from. There are sites that help with projector setup and distance info. Just google it. Pretty simple. First time doing it had mine up in 10 minutes.
Just make sure you have 10’ ceilings. I have a few taller friends and I’m 6’2 myself. It’s perfect height. If you have kids and they are waving around golf clubs when your not looking 10ft ceilings will be best.
To my knowledge, at least in Canada, when I was building you could go as high but not exceed the existing building on the property ie: your house.
If your budget is tight. I would suggest just being patient and get a skytrak or getting at least the R motion. It really isn’t much more than an optishot.
It will be the software and having a good computer to run it can be a little pricey, or ppl do a build and forget to factor that in. It’s really important for seamless play.
Floor wise, I just put vinyl plank flooring down, right on the cement. Then cut in with track and put the green carpet around. but that was to separate the areas in my shop.
I wish I would of built my hitting area for left and right but I only have skytrak at the moment so I just built my hitting pad for righties. I’m selfish I guess haha
I suggest a subfloor tho if your going to dedicate whole room. Maybe a small spot at the door for shoes boots.
Some cabinets and storage is pretty key as well.
Lighting should be pretty easy, led pot lights worked great for me. Make sure they can be put on a dimmer switch and two different circuits. Then turn whatever you’d like on or off or dim them down. One spot light down on your hitting area. Recepticals you can never have enough lol map out where your electronics are going to go then place accordingly. Throw some extras in as well.
Wiring!! I would run cable for any TVs, projector, speakers etc before final ya finish drywall. Makes it a clean look. I should of lol.
But it all in all his forum is great, the people on here are great and take the time to help, reach out as much as ya can and do it right the first time!

Good luck!

[Sim-dreamer]

Again, thanks, and wow, so many awesome ideas and tips. I'm starting to think at the end of summer I'll have an awesome fort with a putting green and maybe a net to hit into... maybe. The sticker shock is staggering. I'm definitely open to suggestions for good value on putting turf, my first searches have come up with crazy costs. Hitting mats too. Maybe even just green carpet.

The ideas of sub-floor conduit for wires, and speakers in walls or ceiling hiding wires, are great and easy to do pre-drywall. Those will get done for sure.

I did a bunch of measuring and comparing rooms with a driver in hand, I am starting to understand the "bigger is better" mentality. I'll push for 18w x 22l x 11h interior. I'm 6'3" but at those dimensions with a 45" driver I should never hit a wall, or even get close. Plus it should get a permit from the city... IDK about the wife though.

One question I have, given how tight the budget will be when it's time for the sim, is an optishot really that bad? It looks to me that after optishot at around $500 the next system is over $1000, then $2500-4000 for a skytrak, then $5k+ protee etc...

Found some great ideas for space heaters on amazon, so I'll save some money there vs the in-floor heat I was going to do, but the build cost will still hit hard. I was really hoping an optishot would keep me busy for 6-12 months. Those that have or have had them, are they really that bad?

I'll for sure set in pot lights with dimmers and separate switches, love the idea for customizing the light depending on what I'm doing there.

Thanks again for any info and suggestions

[KPaas]

No problem! It’s a fun endeavour that’s for sure.
I have not personally tried the optishot. But that was where I first got the idea for a simulator of my own. I was buying a house at that time that had a big cement pad for a shop. So I wanted to put one in there
the more research I did. The more I seen that I don’t think I would of been happy with. Mind you I had a little extra cash.
I got the skytrak. On here I’ve seen em for like 1600 with cases and membership for game improvement.
Keep an eye out or check website for a referbished model. You will be more than happy.
But if you have to wait you have to wait. It will be worth it my friend!!
One thing you may want to keep in mind is that once you get it hooked up. Your gonna be out there for hours. Space heaters can run your electrical bill up(not sure where your from but can add up in winter) like crazy.
I ran natural gas line out there and got a 45,000 btu heater out there. Keeps it 62 all winter long. At only 50 bucks a month more on my gas bill. It was a bit pricy to get installed but way worth it. After year 2. The natural gas is cheaper than electric would of been. Then I save about 500 a year after that
I would be paying a crap ton more if I went electric.
Just something to keep in mind.
Good luck. Be happy to help with anything else.

[717golfer]

Pm me I have an offer for you.

[Sim-dreamer]

Thanks again guys. Couple more things...

I'll look into the idea of running as gas line, if I'm doing a trench for electrical it would be nice to add it. I don't know about cost or permitting on that, but maybe they can run it from near the outlet on my deck for the bbq. Honestly I have absolutely no idea on how-to or cost on that, but I'll get a couple quotes. Maybe I should join a DIY builder's forum, lol.

A question on the screen-link list above, I'd like to add my name, seems like a brilliant idea. If my planned room is at 16'w should I order it at 15'? I haven't looked into the mounting method noted above (or any others), but I imagine it needs at least 6" on either side to attach. Or is it better to have it slightly bigger than the wall? Also, If I manage to stretch the width a bit would 15' size screen be to small for 18' room? Sorry I'm clueless on this.

[KPaas]

So if your digging a trench for electrical, then do the gas for sure. It can be laid down in there with the electrical. They just used a big o to put the gas line through.
If you have your bbq on the deck and on natural gas. Should be able to T off of that.
I got a $750 heater but my shop is 30x25 and 11’ ceilings. So big space. And they hooked everything up.
So total was 2000. But my shop was 60 feet from my house so quite a bit of copper.
Seems like a lot. But your size you can prolly get a heater for 400 to heat yours.
Look into it that’s all. If your trench is already dug. Might as well lol
That first cold month and electric heaters going. You may not like your electrical bill 😂

[wbond]

Some, including myself, have ordered wider so when it wears, you can unroll some and have a new impact area. Better than ordering an entire new screen. Using angle iron, you can attach tarp clips to the screen and then use adjustable ball bungees to tension it.

[Sim-dreamer]

Thanks again all, the input is so appreciated. I know there will be mistakes and regrets, just trying to minimize them.
for everyone reading to give context, I'm in Vancouver BC, so wet all the time...
So as it stands,
My build looks like 22L x 18W, that will be the absolute max based on wife/kids approval in the yard. Honestly though, permit wise I probably couldn't push much more in my area. I'm somewhat concerned with height issues, but compared to some swinging in 8.5 ceilings I'll just move past that.
If there's anyone with great ideas on building on a slope, heavy rain area without pouring concrete, I'm all ears. I see a retaining wall and a ton of digging in my future when the snow melts...

I'm looking into a gas line to go into the trench, seeing as how i'm already digging for the electric, thanks for that advice Kpaas. Truthfully, my budget is blown already. This build will be over many, many months, and by that I'm talking about the enclosure. (The "sim"starting out is going to be an Opti shot). I'm just excited to hit balls into a net frankly, as a driving range is 30+ mins away. BUT I'm looking at the end goal. which is where I have more questions...

For the sub-floor, I'm hoping for pictures and ideas. BGC's photos above are great, I'd like to see more ideas, and ideas for floor with insulation off of the joists. I might just have to wait longer for a simulator and put in a concrete slab, but...
ideas on leveling putting with the hitting mat are much appreciated.
Still don't know what ceiling baffles are, do I need them? How do they work?
flooring options for the room, synlawn seems costly for the whole space,,,

thanks again all