Covid Garage Build

[Stoner88]

HI there I wanted to share my build on here and possibly get some advice to finish it off.

I live in QLD, Australia and since April I've been stuck in my house only leaving for groceries and to play golf. I decided to get serious about practice (5 handicap trying to get to scratch) and I installed a putting green in my backyard (pic attatched) and after that I purchased a Mevo +. My initial plan was to use the mevo plus outside in my yard and at the range/course, however with so much time on my hands I decided to install a sim in my garage.

Garage is 18ft x 18ft however ceiling height was only 8.5ft.
I decided stuff it and went to work increasing the ceiling height in the hitting area to 10 feet. I'm a carpenter by trade so this was possible however ALOT of work. Would not recommend.
I installed the frame for the screen with piping attached to the floor, wall and ceiling. I hung an old pool cover then moving blankets then my impact screen. Screen size is 3.6m x 2.5m. Screen sits about 6 inches off the wall and stops balls dead.

My mevo plus sits against the back wall 2.2m from the ball and then 3+metres to the screen. Absolutely loving it so far, i hit 100 balls a day.
I use a CCE mat which is beginning to give me pains in my wrists and arms. Considering doing a diy hitting mat as sourcing a fibrebuilt or similar down under is really expensive.

I have not yet bought my projector as after hours of research I still have no idea what I'm doing. Would anybody be able to recommend a suitable one for my setup? 3 metres from ball to screen with 8.5feet lower ceiling height.

I'm using my putting green remnants for now but I'm looking for a cleaner, more professional look. Possibly gym tiles or rubber matting.
I am also not sure on how to 'trim' my screen out. Does everyone Velcro padding to the frame?

Thanks for all the info I've gathered in this site and thanks for letting me share my work!

[14MPH]

Stoner88 Great set up and thanks for sharing! I too have a double Aussie garage space that I’m looking to set up for a sim. I’m renovating the space so will take existing roof higher and replace garage door with slider/stacker door as this old structure is at the back of the property opening into new garden space (just finished new build house on old plot and left old garage structure there for future use

I’m looking to set up for both right and left hand play so may choose between mevo+, skytrak, uneekor (undecided and early days) but first I need to work on the physical room set up. Can you please share your distances from ball position to screen and ball position to back and side walls? Trying to work out position and size of hitting mat for both left and right players so checking against your dimensions where your mat and swing arc distances are for your right hand set up. I think a double car garage footprint should be enough for my needs but want to base it also on someone who has converted and used such a space to see what more I can learn from their experience of using their set up for a while.

Glad to know 6” off the wall is enough space with use of pool cover and moving blankets as padding - any distance I can gain is what I’m tying to do. I too have a pool cover that needs replacing so can put the old one to use like yours! Most responses I’ve read so far are suggesting at least 30-40 cm (12” plus) gap behind the screen. My room depth is about 6 m length and width is about 5.3m. Aiming for a 3.2/3.3m internal height after renovation.

Did you consider side heavy-duty/net curtains? Not that you’d expect a 5-handicapper to worry about shanks!! I’ve got 2 kids, one lefty and one righty so not sure I trust their control. I’m playing off 14 so hopefully won’t be too worried about that but golfing gods work in mysterious ways so best I plan for this in advance!

What about ceiling bevels or top netting for any lofty/flop shots to protect the ceilings?

Other areas I’m investigating resolving are any gel pads under hitting mat to protect wrists/elbow joints (I’ve got a concrete floor!), light, internet point & socket positions, projector and sim positions and avoiding shadows etc. (future), computer/projector/audio equipment (future) etc.

Anything you can share is appreciated. Thanks.