Golf enthusiasts can attest to the fact that golf is a very interesting and calculative game. It is a way to keep fit while getting entertained. You can compete with your friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers. The game has been in existence for ages, and while some play it for relaxation and leisure, others take it a bit more seriously.
Traditionally, golf is played on the fields, with grass and holes. But what if there is no field around you? What if it’s raining or snowing? Or for some reason, you can’t go and play out in the field?
Thanks to technology, you can now play golf virtually, from your home or anywhere. Golf simulators are high-tech devices that are built to mimic the actual golf game. Although golf simulators are virtual, they provide the same golf experience and environmental setting.
With an indoor golf simulator, you can practice golf indoors and analyze your swing. Also, golf simulators will help you identify your weaknesses and practice better without having to go to a golf course.
Also, playing with an indoor golf simulator requires less time. In most cases, you can play a round in less than an hour, and you are not mandated to complete the holes.
How to Set Up a Home Golf Simulator?
Setting up home golf simulators is high sounding, but you can fix them yourself. Building your indoor golf simulator may seem impossible for an individual, but you can set up your DIY golf simulator easily. This will make your golfing experience easier and more accessible.
All you need to do is to buy the necessary equipment and create room for the golf simulator. You can control the premises and invite your friends over to play with you and compete. Also, you can play in any of your preferred world golf courses without being physically present.
There is no standard method of setting up a golf simulator. It is all dependent on your budget and space. Setting up a home golf simulator may cost hundreds of dollars for some and tens of thousands for another. Nevertheless, there are some basics that are needed for every setup.
1. Carve Out a Golf Simulator Space
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This is the first step in setting up your DIY golf simulator. The garage is mostly popular for setting up an indoor golf simulator. You can also include a space or game room in your house plan while building or free up a room for this purpose.
Whatever space you choose, make sure it’s wide enough and convenient for you. It can be the guest room, office, or basement. The minimum width of the room should be wider than the golf net, by about 2 feet. This will accommodate the net and give extra space for swinging.
The room should be higher than the screen and your highest swing point. Also, consider the height of your friends or those you’ll be playing with. You need a room high enough for the tallest person to swing comfortably.
2. Pick Your Launch Monitor
The launch monitor is the most essential part of the home golf simulator setup. It is most likely the most expensive as well. The launch monitor is the brain of the simulation. It monitors and calculates data points for determining your shots.
The system you choose will impact your experience. As such, it is important that you research the different golf simulators and decide the one that’ll best suit you. Consider the features, graphics, multiplayer option, and of course, price.
If you are looking to play a few rounds with friends once in a while, then entertainment focused golf simulators will be excellent. But if you are big on graphics and game improvement, go for a game training golf simulator.
3. Get a Hitting Mat
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You will need a golf mat for your indoor golf simulator. The fact that you are not in an actual course does not mean you can’t feel nature. A golf mat will give you the feel of nature and also protect your floor. There are mats made with extra levels of materials that give the exact feel of natural grass.
Also, for the best home golf simulator, get a quality mat that will cover both the hitting and ball landing area. This will allow you to swing better and ensure that the ball doesn’t dent your carpet. In addition, the quality of your golf mat will impact your golf simulator readings.
4. Select a Viewing Screen
To play golf at home, you will need to set up a screen to view your results. It’s up to you to decide if you want projector screens, tv screens or a laptop. For a bigger view, big projector screens will do the job better.
This will help you get more into the game, and you will best enjoy the virtually simulated environment. Seeing your virtual golf ball go all the way up in the sky on a big screen will give the feel of an actual course.
Also, staring into a small iPad or laptop screen may be stressful, and it will not give you the best experience. But it all depends on your budget. Buying a projector and screen will cost a lot more.
Another factor to consider is the size of the room. Your screen needs to fit the room where you intend to set up your home golf simulator. Choose a screen that will be easy to assemble and take down.
5. Set up a Golf Net
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Setting up a golf net should be the easiest task. The aim of the net is to catch the golf ball. It saves you the stress and time of searching for the golf ball. Also, it aids your practice and helps you aim without the fear of your ball bouncing off either hitting you or damaging your walls.
Conclusion
The golf simulator is an easy way out for those who love golf but can’t make it to the local course. No matter the weather or time, golf lovers can enjoy the sport at home. They can invite their friends over and have a fun game or improve their swings.
Setting up a DIY golf simulator at home doesn’t require hiring an engineer. You can easily create a space at home and set one up. All you need is to get the required equipment. But the very first thing to consider is your room space and budget.