How Golf Simulators work - the ultimate guide

If you’re new to golf simulators, you might be wondering, "How do these things even work?" Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. A golf simulator lets you play or practice indoors, rain or shine, by capturing your golf swing and projecting the action on a screen as if you were on a real golf course. Here's a guide that covers all the components:

top rated golf simulators girl hitting view
How do these work?

Setting Up

A golfer sets up to hit a shot just like they would on a real golf course. The setup includes placing the ball on the hitting mat in front of the sensors, cameras, or radar of the launch monitor.

best virtual golf simulator man hitting action shot
How do these work?

Swinging the Club

The golfer swings the club and hits the ball. As the ball leaves the clubface, the sensors, cameras, or radar system in the launch monitor capture a wide range of data points about both the ball and the club.

golf simulator software data shot with club face
How do these work?

Data capture and processing

  • The ball is tracked immediately after impact to measure its speed, spin rate, launch angle, and trajectory.
  • If the system supports club tracking, the movement of the club is also measured (clubhead speed, face angle, swing path, etc.).

All this data is sent to the simulation software in real time.

cheap at home golf simulator player swinging view
How do these work?

Virtual Ball Flight

The simulation software takes the data from the launch monitor and uses it to calculate how the ball would behave in real life. It projects a virtual ball flight onto the impact screen, showing how far the ball would travel, where it would land, and any spin or curve (draw/fade) on the ball.

How do these work?

post-shot feedback

After the shot, the software presents detailed feedback:

  • Flight path: A visual representation of the ball’s trajectory (height, curve, distance).
  • Data metrics: Numbers like ball speed, launch angle, spin, carry distance, and total distance.
  • Club metrics (if applicable): Data like clubhead speed, face-to-path, and attack angle.
golf simulator course play shot with lighthouse and ocean
How do these work?

Course play or practice

In simulation mode, you continue playing through the course, taking each shot and watching your progress on a virtual fairway or green. In practice mode, you can repeat shots in a driving range or other settings, analyzing the data to work on specific aspects of your game.
How do these work?

Setting Up

A golfer sets up to hit a shot just like they would on a real golf course. The setup includes placing the ball on the hitting mat in front of the sensors, cameras, or radar of the launch monitor.

Swinging the Club

The golfer swings the club and hits the ball. As the ball leaves the clubface, the sensors, cameras, or radar system in the launch monitor capture a wide range of data points about both the ball and the club.

Data capture and processing

  • The ball is tracked immediately after impact to measure its speed, spin rate, launch angle, and trajectory.
  • If the system supports club tracking, the movement of the club is also measured (clubhead speed, face angle, swing path, etc.).

All this data is sent to the simulation software in real time.

Virtual Ball Flight

The simulation software takes the data from the launch monitor and uses it to calculate how the ball would behave in real life. It projects a virtual ball flight onto the impact screen, showing how far the ball would travel, where it would land, and any spin or curve (draw/fade) on the ball.

post-shot feedback

After the shot, the software presents detailed feedback:

  • Flight path: A visual representation of the ball’s trajectory (height, curve, distance).
  • Data metrics: Numbers like ball speed, launch angle, spin, carry distance, and total distance.
  • Club metrics (if applicable): Data like clubhead speed, face-to-path, and attack angle.

Course play or practice

In simulation mode, you continue playing through the course, taking each shot and watching your progress on a virtual fairway or green. In practice mode, you can repeat shots in a driving range or other settings, analyzing the data to work on specific aspects of your game.

So What do I need?

top golf simulators for home uneekor side angle view

Launch Monitor

Tracks your swing data

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golf simulator software ball flight shot

Simulator Software

Displays your shot and offers different courses to play

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Projector

Projects the virtual course onto a screen

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golf simulator enclosure and impact screen with golfer hitting into screen at angle

Enclosure and Impact Screen

Where the ball hits and the virtual course is displayed

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golf simulator mat diagonal view with white background

Golf Mat

Simulates the feel of the grass and keeps your floor protected

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computer for golf simulator mac front view

Computer / tablet

Runs the simulator software

so how much space do i need for my golf simulator?

Make sure you have enough room to swing freely! Ideally, you’ll want at least 10 feet in width, 15 feet in length, and 10 feet in height.

golf simulators for garage indoor shot next to car

How to Build Your Own Garage Golf Simulator

Golfers, imagine stepping into your garage and having a professional-grade golf simulator at your disposal. No more weather delays, expensive tee times, or range sessions—just pure, year-round practice and play. The good news? Building your own garage golf simulator is easier than you think! In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to create your dream setup.

garage golf simulators indoor shot

1. Assess Your Garage Space

Before diving into equipment, take measurements to ensure your garage can accommodate a simulator. Here are the minimum recommended dimensions:

  • Ceiling Height: At least 9 feet (ideal for a full swing with a driver)

  • Width: Minimum 10 feet for comfortable stance and swing

  • Depth: At least 12-15 feet to allow for ball flight and screen placement

Pro Tip: If your garage is tight on space, consider a short-throw projector and retractable screen to maximize flexibility.

golf simulator garage dimensions outline view

2. Choose Your Launch Monitor

The launch monitor is the heart of your simulator, tracking ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and more. Here are some great options:

Consider your budget and goals—whether it's casual play, game improvement, or professional training.

full swing kit outdoor on grass straight on

3. Pick a Golf Impact Screen & Enclosure

A high-quality impact screen and enclosure will protect your garage while providing a crisp, immersive experience.

For a DIY budget option, you can use a projector screen with blackout curtains or a heavy-duty net.

diy golf simulator enclosure side angle view white background

4. Select a Hitting Mat

Avoid injuries and get a true fairway feel with a quality golf hitting mat:

Pro Tip: Use a subfloor or foam padding under the mat to reduce impact on joints.

golf simulator hitting mat side by side with tee and ball

5. Get a High-Quality Projector

A golf simulator projector enhances immersion. Look for high lumens (3000+), low input lag, and 4K or HD resolution:

For best results, mount the projector on the ceiling to avoid shadows and optimize space.

best projector for golf simulator hanging view

6. Choose Your Golf Simulator Software

The right software turns your garage into a virtual golf course. Some top choices:

golf simulator programs data view with course background

7. Lighting & Setup Optimization

Proper lighting is crucial, especially for camera-based launch monitors like Uneekor.

  • Avoid direct sunlight and use soft, diffused lighting

  • LED track lights or studio lights work best for clear swing tracking

  • Keep the garage organized with cable management and storage solutions

golf simulator lighting side angle with rays of light

8. Test & Fine-Tune Your Setup

Once everything is set up, test your launch monitor's accuracy and adjust:

  • Projector alignment for a distortion-free image

  • Hitting mat positioning for comfort and swing consistency

  • Software settings to optimize graphics and responsiveness

Pro Tip: Add garage insulation or heaters if you plan to play in colder months!

garage golf simulators side angle next to car

Final Thoughts: Start Swinging!

With your DIY garage golf simulator, you now have a personal golf haven where you can practice, play, and compete anytime you want. Whether you're fine-tuning your swing or playing a virtual round with friends, this setup brings the game to your home like never before.

🚀 Ready to build your own? Explore top golf simulator gear at Home Golf Direct and start playing today!

garage golf simulators setup with golfer swinging
— James Sweeney
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