Help, please! I’m overwhelmed

[Heynance]

I notice that most of the folks here are men and DIYers. I’m a woman in charge of our project which I fully recognize we are undertaking backwards. We found a fellow who lost his business during covid and my son purchased all of the gear below at a substantial savings. All I have to to is create the building! I’ve been lurking here and please be kind to me! I know that we may need to change things (such as screen size) later, but I really need to get this project going!

DS (dear son) is a leftie, DH (dear husband) and I are righties. DS and DH are 4-6 handicappers; I’m a new golfer (19). We plan to use this for practice and entertaining friends.

Here’s the equipment:

• Trackman 4 Indoor with TPS video
• Genaray Spectro LED Essential 500IID Daylight LED Light (2)-recommended by TM
• Epson High lumen projector PRO G7100NL and short throw lens ELPLU04; native 4:3 aspect ratio
• Alienware aurora gaming computer
• Premium impact screen and low profile frame 9’x12’
• Big Moss putting turf (Not quite wide enough for the whole space, but I plan to add carpet squares to finish it off).
• Curtains:
  • 4- 5'x9' lined
  • 2- smaller (not sure exact size)

Here’s the plan:

• Build a 16x20’ shed on a prepared level site; this will be a dedicated golf sim.
• Gable roof with 8’ walls (gable interior ceiling to provide minimum 11 foot ceiling height); we think the ceiling pitch will fit the screen frame; if not, we can modify the screen and frame.
• Probably will add two windows (see questions below)

MY QUESTIONS:

• Is there anything inherently wrong with my process so far?
• Anything I should add or subtract from the build?
• Our climate is moderate, but I am currently considering a “split system” HVAC to moderate temperature and moisture. If we do this; do we need windows? Should we have windows anyway? I can put them on opposite sides of the long walls on the screen end and they would be behind the curtains and add also add shades.
• Would you paint the walls a dark color?
• What are your lighting recommendations (other than the lights above purchased at the recommendation of TM)? I saw a very cool solid horizontal light along both sides of a sim (on Houzz). Other lighting ideas?
• Since we have lefties and righties, I’m leaning toward the Swing Turf 4x9 hitting mat as this seems most flexible and has very good reviews.
• Wall protection: I’m assuming (hoping) that 10 feet of lined curtain on either side is sufficient. I’ll have the contractor install a track on the ceiling just above the wall so we can change the screen to a larger size later....
• Protection behind the screen: I intend to place the screen about a foot from the back wall and I think the smaller curtains (see above) should be enough protection. If not, it seems as though this is an easy-enough thing to add later. I also purchased some tube sand bags for the bottom, as I think we may have some real beginners and I worry about bounce-back.
• Ceiling protection! Wow, you all write about this a lot. As I said, we’ll have a gable ceiling; I’m leaning toward a custom size net that would be flush with the top of the screen on the far wall, and angled up to the ceiling as this seems both economical and practical. Any advice or assistance with this is appreciated!

Of course, I will take photos and update the group. My husband thinks my son and I are a bit crazy to undertake this (he’s happy with an outdoor mat and net), but now that we are committed, he wants it finished ASAP.

I am profoundly grateful in advance for your patience and your assistance.

[SkeetShooter]

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the forum... I'd recommend a few things right off the bat. for a TM4, 20 feet is going to be bare minimum... I'd highly recommend at least another 4-8 feet. Also If you can stretch the wall to 9 ft? I'm unsure if you are doing prebuilt or building on site.

Windows will make an external structure more visibly appealing. I'd say yes, but have good protection in place.
If you can afford a mini-split go for it, you will not regret the ability to cool or heat to your preference.
Paint the walls black and if possible either a flat black or matte.
Trackman has specifics regarding lighting recommendations. Others here can chime in on that. I do not have experience there.
Regarding hitting mats... I'd recommend either a Fiberbuilt hitting strip which you can recess into the floor A DivotAction.
Space to back wall... Recommend extending that deadspace area to 16" or greater.
Ceiling protection. This can be done multiple ways, either through baffles, or a fixed net of some sort.

[jasonreg]

Hey have to take the first bite if you are going to eat the elephant! I would recommend highly searching through this sight for each area - then perhaps breaking up your questions into smaller chunks. That said, I will throw out a couple of thoughts.

• 16x20 will work, just realize that in an enclosed shed there will not be a lot of real estate to stand and watch when it is not your turn to hit assuming this is for more than single person play. If you can - a couple of feet wider and a few feet (5-6?) would pay off in spades.
• Make sure that is interior space and not exterior sizing when you quote!
• Not sure specifically about the TM requirements but what I do know is more ball flight is better for tracking. Most folks are most comfortable hitting from around 8-9 feet. I think the mins are 6-7 feet behind the hitting position and min 7 feet of ball flight but that might have changed with a recent update. if you hit from 8 feet and you need the TM at 6 feet back you are good, but again right on the mins.
• Again, if you can, plan 10 foot walls. It will increase build cost (and there may be height restrictions on your shed) but if you can get the permit, you will not regret it. And it will take the whole cutting the screen discussion off the table.
• Windows are fine but keep them behind the hitting position and make sure you can control the light.
• The darker the walls are, especially near the screen area, the better your image will look - so yes, I would go dark if possible. Does not have to be black, but dark and matt gloss.
• Do a lot of reading about hitting matt/turf. Everyone has their own opinions - decide what is most important and go from there. Cannot recommend Fiberbuilt highly enough but again, do your research, especially around elbow and wrist injury.
• Your wall protection plan is fine. 10 feet is more than enough. Most (including me) use much less - 5 feet is quite normal - many have even less. Your plan is fine.
• Yes, mount the screen about a foot back, and you will be great. I do not know which specific screen you have but I do not have anything behind my Par2Pro SQ screen and do not have any bounce back or other weird issues. YMMV - again, post back with your specific model and folks can weigh in.
• Lots of options for ceiling netting etc. This is a detail - circle back to it once you have the core bits in place. I use a netting system myself and it works great.

Enjoy!

[Dax]

Welcome to the forum. I will let others comment on most of your questions, but will note the following:

1. have you contacted TM to transfer the licence etc over to you? There is a cost for doing this, but at some point you will likely need to bit the bullet and get it done if you have not already done so.

2. Your space will be fine for TM specs, but my thoughts for entertaining etc is that you would need a bit more space. Bags and people take up room as would the seating for everyone. To the extent you can make it bigger, then I would recommend that. In terms of what TM recommends, there will be a new firmware out that will greatly reduce indoor space requirements to 6 to 7 feet unit front to ball and then 7 feet of ball flight. I believe the min room dimensions will be 15.5 feet in length. What I would recommend though is to have one foot of space behind the screen at minimum and then you could back up your screen with archery netting as an added precaution (this has other benefits as well). You could then also use archery netting for ceiling protection. Next I would have 11 or 12 feet of ball flight with the TM sitting 7 feet behind your hitting position. You will need to find a way to protect your TM from spills and kicks etc. TM does sell a protective case.

3. Your room will need lighting. I would speak to a TM rep on what they would suggest you add, but I think some addition room lighting at the back would be fine. If you have the suggested impact lighting that is a very good start. Also, avoid fluorescent lighting as this will interfere with the radar.

4. If you go with the split system, make sure it is on your back wall where the TM unit is to ensure it does not interfere with the radar. Suspect this is a non issue, but I would do this just out of precaution.

5. Adding windows should be fine, but I would have Roman blinds are something to both protect the window and to allow you to control the light in the room.

6. 10 foot curtains should be sufficient.

please ask other questions as they come up, but good luck with the build.

[Heynance]

Wow, you are all awesome!
Follow up to questions/comments:
We have transferred the licenses (hardware and software) as we are already using the TM with our outdoor setup.
Split system (if added) will be on the back wall (behind the TM).
We are building on site so maybe I should add a couple (2-4 feet to the length for a total of 22-24) as the point is to be able to play and practice with friends and family in the sim (add a couple of chairs and a beer refrigerator!); height is a bit more problematic. Maybe we can go to 9 feet—how important is this? I thought the real issue was the max height, which with 8 foot walls should be fine, I think.
The door will be on the long wall, on the TM end; based on your input, I think I will add two windows on the opposite long wall and one on the door side.
FYI Dax, I can’t read your entire comment as their is an ad sitting on top, but maybe on a different screen.
Thank you again; contractor starts Friday if his references check out.
Keep the suggestions coming. I’m now going to look at an inset hitting surface.....how does this work?

[Dax]

If you can go with 9 feet in the side walls and then increase to 11 that would likely be preferable. This should hopefully allow everyone to swing their driver comfortably. About two to 3 feet off your side wall is likely where a driver swing would max out in terms of its height and it is this area that you want to be 9’6” preferably. Given you are just doing the build now, why not err on the side of caution if you are able to with permits etc.

Ensure you wire the ceiling for your lighting as well as your projector. Likely best to add some conduit up there to allow you to run your cables etc and to allow for future proofing. Last comment would be to make sure you can get an internet connection of some sort in this space.

[Toothboy]

Definitely make the building depth as long as possible. I’m presently mid-build on my sim building 18x25 and I’m already concerned that it will be very tight for seating. The space might sound like a lot but it’s not by the time you account for space behind the screen, tee to screen, and safe swinging space behind the golfer to the seating. I already wish I could have added 5 more feet in depth.

I’m going black for the 10’ deep hitting area and dark gray paint for the rest, no windows to maximize the projected image brightness.

and definitely a mini split to moderate the room temperature but also control humidity. The last thing you want is mould!!

[wbond]

Make certain you get a mini split that works effectively for your region. As they get close to their operating temperature limits their efficiency drops significantly.

[14MPH]

I notice that most of the folks here are men and DIYers. I’m a woman in charge of our project which I fully recognize we are undertaking backwards. We found a fellow who lost his business during covid and my son purchased all of the gear below at a substantial savings. All I have to to is create the building! I’ve been lurking here and please be kind to me! I know that we may need to change things (such as screen size) later, but I really need to get this project going!

DS (dear son) is a leftie, DH (dear husband) and I are righties. DS and DH are 4-6 handicappers; I’m a new golfer (19). We plan to use this for practice and entertaining friends.

Here’s the equipment:

• Trackman 4 Indoor with TPS video
• Genaray Spectro LED Essential 500IID Daylight LED Light (2)-recommended by TM
• Epson High lumen projector PRO G7100NL and short throw lens ELPLU04; native 4:3 aspect ratio
• Alienware aurora gaming computer
• Premium impact screen and low profile frame 9’x12’
• Big Moss putting turf (Not quite wide enough for the whole space, but I plan to add carpet squares to finish it off).
• Curtains:
  • 4- 5'x9' lined
  • 2- smaller (not sure exact size)

Here’s the plan:

• Build a 16x20’ shed on a prepared level site; this will be a dedicated golf sim.
• Gable roof with 8’ walls (gable interior ceiling to provide minimum 11 foot ceiling height); we think the ceiling pitch will fit the screen frame; if not, we can modify the screen and frame.
• Probably will add two windows (see questions below)

MY QUESTIONS:

• Is there anything inherently wrong with my process so far?
• Anything I should add or subtract from the build?
• Our climate is moderate, but I am currently considering a “split system” HVAC to moderate temperature and moisture. If we do this; do we need windows? Should we have windows anyway? I can put them on opposite sides of the long walls on the screen end and they would be behind the curtains and add also add shades.
• Would you paint the walls a dark color?
• What are your lighting recommendations (other than the lights above purchased at the recommendation of TM)? I saw a very cool solid horizontal light along both sides of a sim (on Houzz). Other lighting ideas?
• Since we have lefties and righties, I’m leaning toward the Swing Turf 4x9 hitting mat as this seems most flexible and has very good reviews.
• Wall protection: I’m assuming (hoping) that 10 feet of lined curtain on either side is sufficient. I’ll have the contractor install a track on the ceiling just above the wall so we can change the screen to a larger size later....
• Protection behind the screen: I intend to place the screen about a foot from the back wall and I think the smaller curtains (see above) should be enough protection. If not, it seems as though this is an easy-enough thing to add later. I also purchased some tube sand bags for the bottom, as I think we may have some real beginners and I worry about bounce-back.
• Ceiling protection! Wow, you all write about this a lot. As I said, we’ll have a gable ceiling; I’m leaning toward a custom size net that would be flush with the top of the screen on the far wall, and angled up to the ceiling as this seems both economical and practical. Any advice or assistance with this is appreciated!

Of course, I will take photos and update the group. My husband thinks my son and I are a bit crazy to undertake this (he’s happy with an outdoor mat and net), but now that we are committed, he wants it finished ASAP.

I am profoundly grateful in advance for your patience and your assistance.

Heynance welcome and you are amongst equals here - each of us truely believes (aims for or is desperate!) that we can tame the little golf ball into doing what we ask of it, that we move like we think we should and not what the swing cameras actually show otherwise! 😜

Agree with room size comments being bigger if you can go bigger, especially with having friends over etc.

One thing to add to your consideration might be soundproofing if neighbours are close by. From posts in other threads few folks have had this concern. I like the side curtains and top protection (fabric or net) as fabric, especially thicker will be good to dampen sound and erratic shots.

On lighting, I’ve picked up using flicker-free LED lights (don’t know about TM set but this is an issue in some swing cameras for other sims), dimmer switches to turn up or down the amount of light, etc.

Look forward to the progress DW&M makes (Dear Wife n Mum 🤓) makes - pretty sure DS and DH will no doubt be thankful for your efforts!

[Heynance]

I found one instruction by Jerry3. Is this the best recommendation?
Can someone please direct me to how to inset a hitting strip? I’m sure there are posts about this! Do I add padding (interlocking rubber squares) under my putting “carpet” and then cut out an area for the hitting strip? Do I have a different type of padding for the stance-area and then something a bit harder for the rest? Does that get everything level? It seems as though since I have a nice quality putting carpet, I maybe don’t need a whole big 4x9 hitting mat on top which would save money and create a better-looking and more useful space. Thanking you all for your warm welcome and generous advice.

[Toothboy]

Put a dricore floor down on top of your concrete floor, then you can cut out a small area of the dricore to drop in a hitting strip and then just put quality turf around the strip.
Dricore is 3/4" thick, quality turf is 3/4" thick so if your hitting mat is 1.5" thick (like mine- a Country Club Elite 20”x30” and 1.5” thick) the mat will be flush with the rest of the turf area.

[jerry3]

I found one instruction by Jerry3. Is this the best recommendation?
Can someone please direct me to how to inset a hitting strip? I’m sure there are posts about this! Do I add padding (interlocking rubber squares) under my putting “carpet” and then cut out an area for the hitting strip? Do I have a different type of padding for the stance-area and then something a bit harder for the rest? Does that get everything level? It seems as though since I have a nice quality putting carpet, I maybe don’t need a whole big 4x9 hitting mat on top which would save money and create a better-looking and more useful space. Thanking you all for your warm welcome and generous advice.

As you mentioned, this is my recommendation because it's very easy and affordable. I've had this as the base the foundation of my putting/ stance surface for several years now and I think it's great. It's also light weight and modular if you ever want to move it or make changes.

1) Buy 1.5" thick MMA Mats from Amazon, this is thick enough to insert almost any hitting strip and just the right firmness under foot to feel like a fairway. I’ve been using it for several years and think it is the perfect solution.
2) Buy your putting turf, for budget conscious buy menards marine carpet, for a more premium experience buy from Turf Factory Direct
3 )Buy your preferred hitting strip (I highly recommend fiberbuilt, your joints will thank you!)
4) Measure your platform and cut your putting surface to size
5) Place your putting turf onto your platform
6) Place your hitting strip exactly where you would want it to go, mark it and cut out the spot in the turf and the platform (can be done with razor)
7) Insert Hitting strip and you've got your self a great looking platform

Good luck with your build!

[Heynance]

Our shed is coming along nicely; ready for interior and exterior paint on Monday. I'm wondering about hitting surface--purchased fiber built 12x36 insert but before I cut into my Big Moss putting carpet, I want to be sure this is the very best choice--both for TM4 and for DH and his arthritis. Any thoughts on Divot Action vs. Fiberbuilt?

[jasonreg]

Heynance - you will find that everyone will have their own opinion here. From my side, I firmly believe there is no better hitting surface for injury prevention than Fiberbuilt. We are a year into our sim, with fairly regular usage and we have seen no adverse effects what-so-ever injury wise. Some do not like the turf interaction and fear that it will lead to bad habits on course - while I respect their views, I can say we have not seen any indication of this and my personal ball striking has never been better.

The Divot Action is by all accounts a great option - better - hard for me to say. What I will say is if you have the fiberbuilt in hand you have one of the best, safest hitting surfaces out there. I would feel confident and press ahead. My two cents.

[Heynance]

Thanks so much!