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Hello all,
Brand new to the forum but had browsed the last couple weeks and was struggling to find what I'm looking for or where to even start. My background is as an average to below average golfer living in the midwest and wanting to continue being able to golf in the winter. I had initially become interested in a simulator setup for my home, but with space constrictions I became looking at a commercial space for personal use. At this point, I thought about going in with some friends since that's who I will use it with the most, but I decided I might as well make this a business space and get a little money back, while at the same time buying better equipment and giving the public the option to golf in the winter.
I haven't locked in a commercial space yet but would be buying. I don't consider this to be a cost of the facility as I was already looking at buying a commercial space to diversify my holdings. Some of these buildings have a second floor that could be renovated into living space for rentals. 50 foot long x 24 foot wide with 10 foot ceilings would be the minimum amount of space for the simulator area. Some buildings have higher ceilings which is probably what I prefer. It would be located a rural area of the midwest with a lower population and is certainly not my main source of income. A side hustle, if you must. It would be a self-serving facility meaning when you register a time slot, you are sent a key code to the facility that allows you in the day of your rented time slot. BYO drinks and food. There’s a fitness facility nearby that does that same and they’ve had no issues with this model for over 15 years.
I guess I am very unsure of where to start as far as equipment. I'd like to do some things on my own to save money since this is a bit of a hobby, but don't want to skimp on the quality of simulator. I feel like I could build a surround and wall protection to save a bit, but on a lot of the items it seems like I have to buy regardless. I understand the convenience of the kits, but there certainly seems to be a premium to be paid. So I'm reaching out to any of you to see what I need to look at or need to have. What is excess and what is necessary to be successful without trying to be like a 5 star indoor golf facility.
Projector – is 4K necessary? I know 16:9 is preferred. Planning to mount from the ceiling
Computer - I have a local computer store that I will purchase from, assuming gaming computer with windows system will work
Simulator software – I had thought about getting TGC because of the number of available courses, but really don’t know much about any of them to have an educated opinion so open to any feedback
Launch Monitor/Tracker - I understand both left and right handed golfers will be using the facility and need it to be easy to use for all customers. I think ceiling mount would work great, but have the space for something floor based as well. Would want a protective covering if that’s the case. Is Uneekor a good route?
Flooring surface – A good hitting mat is a must for both right and left hands, but how is best to make the floor flow well from the screen to the hitting area? I'm assuming a little elevation from the screen to the front side of the hitting area is preferred so balls return back. I’ve also seen hitting surfaces with different rough thicknesses, is this excess?
Screen - is a little padding useful behind a screen or is the 1 foot space between the screen and wall enough? How big should I go on the screen?
Surround – how deep is enough for a business setup? I would probably do netting or padding to supplement just because I know there’s poor golfers playing and don’t want their safety compromised or the facility damaged. I’m planning to buy and then purchase my own piping from a hardware store for the surround, unless there are better options
Balls – ball-specific for simulators or do customers typically BYO ?
If anyone has advice or recommended sites/threads I would love to read as much as I can. Thank you so much!
Brand new to the forum but had browsed the last couple weeks and was struggling to find what I'm looking for or where to even start. My background is as an average to below average golfer living in the midwest and wanting to continue being able to golf in the winter. I had initially become interested in a simulator setup for my home, but with space constrictions I became looking at a commercial space for personal use. At this point, I thought about going in with some friends since that's who I will use it with the most, but I decided I might as well make this a business space and get a little money back, while at the same time buying better equipment and giving the public the option to golf in the winter.
I haven't locked in a commercial space yet but would be buying. I don't consider this to be a cost of the facility as I was already looking at buying a commercial space to diversify my holdings. Some of these buildings have a second floor that could be renovated into living space for rentals. 50 foot long x 24 foot wide with 10 foot ceilings would be the minimum amount of space for the simulator area. Some buildings have higher ceilings which is probably what I prefer. It would be located a rural area of the midwest with a lower population and is certainly not my main source of income. A side hustle, if you must. It would be a self-serving facility meaning when you register a time slot, you are sent a key code to the facility that allows you in the day of your rented time slot. BYO drinks and food. There’s a fitness facility nearby that does that same and they’ve had no issues with this model for over 15 years.
I guess I am very unsure of where to start as far as equipment. I'd like to do some things on my own to save money since this is a bit of a hobby, but don't want to skimp on the quality of simulator. I feel like I could build a surround and wall protection to save a bit, but on a lot of the items it seems like I have to buy regardless. I understand the convenience of the kits, but there certainly seems to be a premium to be paid. So I'm reaching out to any of you to see what I need to look at or need to have. What is excess and what is necessary to be successful without trying to be like a 5 star indoor golf facility.
Projector – is 4K necessary? I know 16:9 is preferred. Planning to mount from the ceiling
Computer - I have a local computer store that I will purchase from, assuming gaming computer with windows system will work
Simulator software – I had thought about getting TGC because of the number of available courses, but really don’t know much about any of them to have an educated opinion so open to any feedback
Launch Monitor/Tracker - I understand both left and right handed golfers will be using the facility and need it to be easy to use for all customers. I think ceiling mount would work great, but have the space for something floor based as well. Would want a protective covering if that’s the case. Is Uneekor a good route?
Flooring surface – A good hitting mat is a must for both right and left hands, but how is best to make the floor flow well from the screen to the hitting area? I'm assuming a little elevation from the screen to the front side of the hitting area is preferred so balls return back. I’ve also seen hitting surfaces with different rough thicknesses, is this excess?
Screen - is a little padding useful behind a screen or is the 1 foot space between the screen and wall enough? How big should I go on the screen?
Surround – how deep is enough for a business setup? I would probably do netting or padding to supplement just because I know there’s poor golfers playing and don’t want their safety compromised or the facility damaged. I’m planning to buy and then purchase my own piping from a hardware store for the surround, unless there are better options
Balls – ball-specific for simulators or do customers typically BYO ?
If anyone has advice or recommended sites/threads I would love to read as much as I can. Thank you so much!
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