Two options for a new build. Need input.

[madawu]

I have been a reader for this forum from time to time over the last couple years. As an avid golfer, I always lust over indoor golf simulators as I live cold climate. Recently we finally moved into a house with 10 feet ceiling basement. Time to bring this idea to life.

With the new place, I have two possible locations for the golf simulator:
1) a 11x15 feet place to designate for golf simulation. I guess I can fit a Simulator-in-a-box system in that space, even though the most systems require 12x16 feet minimal space. Would I be too close to the screen for this option?
2) a 21x 30 feet space that already has build-in furniture of TV and entertainment system. Wife is OK with this option as long as the screen is retractable and the side is protected with drapes. This option will be more expensive but if it works, it can double as a movie theater experience space while keeping the existing 60" TV for regular family room use...

Questions:
a) Will 11x15x10 (W x L x H) be enough for a golf simulator? Will it be too small?
b) Any one here done retractable screen for hitting? Can it be done? How expensive? what is the experience like?
c) Does anyone have experience with www.hdgolf.com? Their room pictures look amazing. They seem to have different simulator system. I haven't reach out yet. Seems expensive.
d) Any other custom build options? Please share your experience.
e) on the simulator side, were supper impressed by Trackman and GC2. But heard that both are not good with chipping? Chipping is such a big part of the game. Anyone want to comment on chipping accuracy here?

Advice welcome. Just start looking. Hoping to get this done before it gets too cold.

[3on3putt]

a) It will be a little tight but very doable. Will likely have to hit slightly off-center but it's not the worst thing in the world. Plenty of people have simulators in equal (and smaller) spaces. Mine is actually not much bigger than that. Just be efficient with how you use the space.

b) A lot of people have retractable screens. I believe Par 2 Pro sells one that seems popular. Check them out or try using the search function here for a thread about retractable screens.

c) HD golf is quite expensive. Never used it. Might be great, and if you have a limitless budget go nuts. But in reality it's probably overkill. Those tend to be used more in commercial spaces and what not (at least from what I've seen).

d) This website is full of them lol. Just check out the "simulator builds" forum.

e) Trackman are GC's are both top of the line products. Chipping and short putting seems to be a little hit or miss (no pun intended) with radar based units in general. A camera based unit tends to do a little better with chips and putts that only travel a few feet. But that's probably more true for the lower-end radar based units as opposed to the higher end ones. And there are a lot of GC and Trackman sim users and I'm guessing the overwhelming majority are more than happy with their investment. It really comes down to what you're looking to spend as there's a massive price difference in a Trackman and something like a Skytrak or Mevo+.

[Deuce]

My recommendations...

a) I would go with the smaller dedicated space. Plenty of room for a great simulator build, especially with the 10' ceiling, and if you don't want to design it yourself there's a lot of options for custom builds. Lots of folks recommend Par2Pro, for example. You'll be grateful you have a dedicated space later on, since it'll take far less time to setup and use, which means you'll use it more often. Can't tell you how often I'll go hit a half-dozen balls throughout the day, just because it's there waiting for me. As for hitting off-center, that can be a good thing, since it enables you to flip the screen once the impact area gets worn. On that front, recommend the Premium screen by Carl's. I've been super impressed with it.
b) Haven't tried a retractable screen, but note my comment above.
c) No idea about HD golf, but it puts you in a smaller community of users.
d) What the last guy said -- lots of write ups (including mine) on this site.
e) Can't comment on Trackman since it's outside my price range, but no real issues of any kind chipping with my GC2. If you're even thinking about HD Golf, my guess is you can afford the GC Quad, so I'd compare GC Quad to TM4, as they're both the top of the line.

[madawu]

Thanks.
Was working on my wife to get the bigger space but I do like the ideal of having the system waiting for me. Will check out Par2Pro.

As to simulator, it all depends on if I can get my son to play the game. Apparently, the budget for hubby's hobby vs. educational need of youngster is quite different. My son (13) is just starting. I assume the club data from TM4 or GC Quad really helps the newbie, right? Or it is more of a fade?