Newbie Question: how to prioritize

[willwagner]

This has probably been asked a million times so I apologize already for the question but here goes:

• I assume that most people are similar to me that they have a budget or a spouse or other priorities that makes one have to deal with trade offs. The question is what part of a build I should really focus on balancing quality vs cost. Are these the right priorities?:
  • launch monitor: garbage in, garbage out
  • mat: hitting off a bad mat or something that needs to be frequently replaced sounds like a bad investment
  • enclosure: seems important especially for the screen and shank mitigation
  • projector: seeing the screen, having a small throw, and having low latency
  • computer/iPad: having a device that isn't super slow sounds important
  • balls
• How much should I worry about putting? Seems like an expensive part of a build with lackluster results. I have no idea on how to prioritize this for picking a launch monitor, the mat, etc. I guess I just can't imagine a scenario where it felt and reacted authentically
• Chipping seems similar -- am I wasting time worrying about it?
• what would you tell your naïve self when you first started? It all feels daunting to the point of spending a ridiculous amount of money ($6-10k) that I may look back at and wish I had done differently or just spent a bit more here or there later.

thanks for putting up with someone totally overwhelmed.

[Tom Howarth]

These are all important priorities. I was fortunate enough to not have many budgetary restraints, just space. I am set up in my garage with a 10'0 wide x 8'6 enclosure which is awesome. It would be great if I could have a 12-16' wide screen. Maybe someday, if my boys are really into it, mom will give up her parking spot. Having said that I would prioritize like this:
1. Launch Monitor - GC3/Launch Pro or Something from Uneekor. These are extremely accurate and affordable and don't require a lot of space for the ball to travel. If you want to improve - better data will certainly help
2. Hitting Mat - important for your elbows, etc. If you hit a lot of shots on a cheap mat you may end up with golfers elbow, etc.
3. Computer - most you can afford so you don't have to upgrade quickly - High End Graphics card. You can hit into a net for a while if necessary and see results on your computer (or iPad)
4. Enclosure - as large as you can get for your space and highest quality screen (for bounce back, image) -
5. Projector - if you are somewhat budget conscious, you can get a decent projector for under $1,000.00 which will produce a good image. My guess is the only people who really prioritize a projector are spending huge $$ and have a "golf simulator room."

You can always add things later (if you really enjoy having a simulator).

Good luck.

[bubbtubbs]

Putting doesn't matter much unless you want to use TGC without restriction to no-putting societies. Other than that, it's down to personal preference.

The ability to accurately practice pitches and chips on the monitor ranks much higher, IMO.

Other than that, I'd echo the previous take on priorities.

[Dax]

Agree with the comments above. If budget is tight, forgo the projector and screen (alternative is to buy an enclosure second hand when they come up) or look for clearance items at places like Par2Pro). Putting is good to practice, but can be done with other methods (for instance a 40 to 48 inch steel ruler).

launch monitor is key and for your budget, if you have the time it might be good to wait and see what the portable unit that Uneekor is developing comes out to look like. This could be a good alternative to the GC3. However, a used GC2 is still a very good bet.

[GullLakeMi]

If budget constraint, what are your goals? Main two from my perspective are game improvement vs. indoor entertainment. Improvement is more about ball/club data, which you could get hitting into a net with some imagination. Entertainment is more about screen/projector/course software. I was looking for both so went GC2, projector, computer as big spend items.

[golfsimulatorsite]

Alway buy the best hitting mat and impact screen. Those are the 2 components that matter on every shot.

[Karlos32]

Any laptop recommendations folks around £1000 non tech savvy these days always using an ipad 🤣