Home golf simulators

Every way to build a golf simulator at home

A golf simulator is a hitting bay where you hit real balls into an impact screen. A launch monitor reads each shot, and software shows the ball flight on a projected course. This page covers every way to build one, what room you need, what gear to buy and what it really costs.

Typical cost: $2k to $60k+
Time to build: 1 day to 3 weeks
Minimum room: 9 × 10 × 12–15 ft
Permit: Only for new wiring, framing or a basement finish

Five ways to build it

Costs include gear and labor, approximate as of November 2026. Product prices are retail and sale prices seen in November 2026; they change often.

DIY kit

$2k–$10k

A free-standing frame, screen and netting set up in the room you have.

Time: 1 to 2 days
Skill: Low
Best for: A garage or basement that must stay multi-use
Downside: Looks temporary; the frame takes up space

Enclosure
Carl's Place DIY Enclosure Kitfrom $999.95
Carl's entry-level kit with an impact screen included. You build the frame; sizes can be customized to your room.
Enclosure
Indoor Golf Shop DIY Enclosure$1,215–$1,567
SIGPRO impact screen, black surround, foam padding, bungees and fittings, in ten sizes. Frame pipe (1-inch EMT conduit) is not included; buy it locally.
Launch monitor
Garmin Approach R10$480–$600
Small radar unit that sits behind the ball. The cheapest way into GSPro. Spin is estimated, not measured. Garmin Golf (~$100/yr) unlocks home sim play.
Launch monitor
Rapsodo MLM2PRO$600–$700
Radar plus cameras, so it measures spin. Needs a ~$200/yr membership (or ~$600 lifetime) for full features. Works with GSPro.
Launch monitor
FlightScope Mevo Gen2$1,299
Radar unit with 20 data points and no subscription, ever. Indoors it needs about 16 ft: 8 ft of ball flight and 8 ft behind the ball.
Projector
BenQ AH30ST$1,499
1080p short-throw golf projector, 3,000 lumens. BenQ's budget pick for smaller rooms.
Hitting mat
SIGPRO 3D Golf Mat 5' × 5'$396.99
Budget hitting mat with a turf top. Enough to get started; upgrade later for softer feel.
Software
GSPro$250/yr
The simulator program most home builders use. 4K graphics, realistic ball physics and 300+ community-made courses.

Retractable screen

$4k–$12k

The screen rolls up to the ceiling, so the bay folds away.

Time: 1 to 3 days
Skill: Low to mid
Best for: A garage that still needs to park a car
Downside: Less side padding; set it up each session

Retractable enclosure
SportScreen Vanish Retractable Studio$2,999.99–$6,089.99
Rolls up into the ceiling by hand crank or remote. Comes with a 3-ply impact screen, side screens, ceiling panel, baffles and brackets. Widths from 9 to 16 ft. No monitor, mat or PC included.
Launch monitor
SkyTrak+~$2,200
Sits beside the ball, so it needs no depth behind the golfer, which suits a garage. No subscription required. Connects to GSPro only through a third-party app.
Launch monitor
Uneekor EYE MINIcheck with seller
Camera unit on the floor beside the ball. Officially works with GSPro. The free Player plan covers basic use.
Projector
BenQ AH500ST$1,999
1080p, 4,000 lumens and BenQ's shortest throw (0.50). Made for tight rooms where the projector sits close to the screen.
Hitting mat
SIGPRO Softy 4' × 7'$749.99
Softer, joint-friendly mat that rolls out and stores against the wall when the car comes back in.

Built-in bay

$15k–$40k

A contractor frames walls and a soffit, recesses the screen, pads the walls and lays turf.

Time: 1 to 3 weeks
Skill: Several trades
Best for: A dedicated room you want finished
Downside: Permanent; the room is committed

Screen kit
Carl's Place Built-In Golf Room Kitcheck with seller
A wall-to-wall screen kit made for framed rooms, so the screen sits flush instead of in a free-standing frame.
Launch monitor
Uneekor EYE XO2$7,999 (sale; list $12,700)
Three cameras mounted in the ceiling, 9 to 10 ft above the floor, so nothing sits on the floor. Tracks 24 data points with any ball. GSPro needs the Pro plan ($199/yr).
Launch monitor
Foresight GC3$3,999 (sale)
Camera unit beside the ball, so the room needs less depth. No subscription on the ball-enabled version. Official GSPro support.
Projector
BenQ LK936ST$4,899
4K, 5,100 lumens. BenQ's brightest golf projector, for larger finished rooms.
Hitting mat
Fiberbuilt Studio Mat 7' × 4'$1,249
Premium mat that lets the club dig into the fibers like real turf. Can be set flush with the floor.
Software
GSPro$250/yr
Runs on the bay's PC and works with both monitors above.

Turnkey

$25k and up

A simulator company designs, ships and installs a complete bay. Boxed packages you set up yourself start under $10k.

Time: 2 to 6 weeks of design, 1 to 3 days to install
Skill: The vendor handles it
Best for: One point of contact for everything
Downside: Highest cost; tied to one vendor's products

Package
Foresight Sim in a Box, Play 10'under $8k–$10k
Frame, screen, mat, PC cart, projector and side nets with a GC3S (subscription) or GC3 ball-enabled (no subscription). Tax, freight and install extra.
Package
Foresight Custom Studio$12,799–$30,995
Configurable studio with your choice of Foresight launch monitor. A PuttView edition with a built-in putting system runs $42,499–$48,499.
Package
Full Swing KIT packages~$7,300–$11,500+
Built around the Full Swing KIT radar ($4,999 alone) with enclosure, projector and mat. Custom installed Full Swing rooms run about $22,000–$70,000.

Hybrid

$10k–$35k

A contractor builds the room; you or a vendor install the simulator gear.

Time: 1 to 2 weeks
Skill: Mid
Best for: Owners with strong gear preferences
Downside: Two parties to coordinate

Enclosure
Carl's Place Pro Enclosure Kitfrom $3,409.95
Heavier-duty enclosure with an impact screen that you set into the room the contractor builds.
Enclosure
Carl's Place Curved Enclosure Kitfrom $4,894.95
Curved screen surround that blocks out the room for a more immersive look.
Launch monitor
Bushnell Launch Pro~$2,500
Camera unit beside the ball, built on Foresight's technology. Needs a subscription (~$1,000 Silver tier), so the first year is about $3,500.
Projector
BenQ AK700ST$2,899
4K, 4,000 lumens, with automatic screen fitting. A good middle pick for a finished room.
Hitting mat
SIGPRO Super Softy 4' × 9'$1,369.99
Larger, extra-soft mat with room to stand on either side for left- and right-handed golfers.

A basic DIY setup with an entry-level launch monitor can come in around $2,000 to $3,000 all in. DIY enclosure kits run about $800 to $1,500, pre-built enclosures about $3,100 to $4,000, paid installation $1,500 to $5,000, and custom framing and padding $2,500 to $6,000 or more.

How much room you need

Inside dimensions. Before you commit, have the tallest golfer swing a driver slowly where the mat will go.

Measurement	Minimum	Comfortable	Notes
Ceiling	~9 ft	~10 ft	Under 9 ft, use a camera monitor near the ball and limit drivers
Width	~10 ft	~12 ft	Add 1 to 2 ft if left- and right-handed golfers share the bay
Depth	~12–15 ft	~15–17 ft	Radar monitors sit behind the golfer and need about 15 ft
With seating	+3–4 ft	20–24 ft deep	Fits a couch, bar stools or a counter behind the player

The mat sits about 10 ft from the screen, with about 7 ft of clear swing space behind the tee. In a shallower room, or with a radar monitor behind the golfer, put seating in a back corner.

Three gear packages

Complete parts lists. Every one works with GSPro. Prices are for gear only, before construction or labor.

Starter

~$3k

Trying sim golf on a budget

Launch monitor: Garmin R10, ~$500 (spin is estimated)
Subscription: Garmin Golf ~$100/yr, optional with GSPro
Software: GSPro ~$250/yr
Enclosure: DIY frame kit, ~$800–$1,000
Projector: 1080p budget projector, ~$400–$600
Hitting mat: Basic mat, ~$150–$250
PC: Used gaming PC, ~$300–$500
Room: ~10 ft wide, ~15 ft deep

Mid

~$8k

Serious practice and regular play

Launch monitor: FlightScope Mevo Gen2, ~$1,300
Subscription: None
Software: GSPro ~$250/yr
Enclosure: Pre-built enclosure, ~$3,100–$4,000
Projector: 4K short-throw, ~$1,500–$2,500
Hitting mat: Fiber-turf mat, ~$400–$700
PC: New gaming PC, ~$1,000–$1,500
Extras: Turf, side netting
Room: ~12 ft wide, ~15–17 ft deep

Premium

~$20k

A finished, dedicated bay

Launch monitor: Foresight GC3, ~$4,000
Subscription: None
Software: GSPro ~$250/yr
Enclosure: Custom framing and padding, ~$2,500–$6,000
Projector: 4K laser short-throw, ~$3,500–$4,000
Hitting mat: Premium mat, ~$1,000+
PC: High-end PC, ~$2,000+
Extras: Turf over subfloor, lighting, audio
Room: Camera unit near the ball, so less depth needed

Running cost: about $250 to $350 a year for software and subscriptions. Upgrade path: start with Starter and upgrade the launch monitor first, then the projector, then the enclosure. The software and PC carry over.

Every component, by tier

Example models. Confirm the current lineup and pricing before buying.

Component	What it does	Entry	Mid	Premium
Launch monitor	Reads ball and club data	Garmin Approach R10, Rapsodo MLM2PRO	FlightScope Mevo Gen2, Uneekor EYE MINI, Bushnell Launch Pro	Foresight GC3 or GCQuad, Uneekor EYE XO2
Impact screen	Takes the strike, shows the image	Basic polyester screen	Multi-layer quiet screen	High-gain, low-bounce screen
Enclosure	Holds the screen, catches mishits	Pipe-frame kit with netting	Steel-frame kit with side padding	Framed walls with padded panels
Projector	Puts the course on the screen	1080p short-throw	4K short-throw	4K laser short-throw
Hitting mat	Where you strike the ball	Basic commercial mat	Fiber-turf mat	Premium joint-friendly mat, flush-mounted
Flooring	Floor around the mat	Rubber flooring	Synthetic turf on pad	Turf over built-up subfloor
PC and software	Runs the course	The monitor's own app	Gaming PC + GSPro or E6 Connect	High-end PC + several software licenses
Lighting and AV	Light without glare on the screen	Existing lights	Dimmable LEDs off-screen	Zoned lighting, ceiling speakers, second display

What a launch monitor really costs

The sticker price often isn't the real price. Several monitors lock simulator play or key features behind a subscription.

Model	Price	Subscription	First year	Works with GSPro
Garmin Approach R10	$480–$600	Garmin Golf ~$100/yr	~$600–$700	Yes
Rapsodo MLM2PRO	$600–$700	~$200/yr, or ~$600 lifetime	~$900	Yes
FlightScope Mevo+	~$1,100	~$600 Pro Package	~$1,700	Yes
FlightScope Mevo Gen2	~$1,300	None	~$1,300	Yes
SkyTrak+	~$2,200	None required	~$2,200	Only through a third-party app
Bushnell Launch Pro	~$2,500	~$1,000 Silver tier	~$3,500	Yes

Simulator software such as GSPro (~$250/yr) or E6 Connect is a separate yearly cost on top of these. The Rapsodo MLM2XPRO (~$900) and Uneekor EYE MINI are also options; check their current prices and plans with the maker.

DIY build guide

A garage simulator, start to finish

One setup: a DIY enclosure kit in a two-car garage, a GSPro-ready launch monitor and a short-throw projector. About two weekends of work and roughly $5,000 to $8,000 in gear.

Item	Choice for this build	Why
Room	Two-car garage, ~10 ft ceiling, ~12–15 ft wide, ~18 ft deep	Meets the comfortable size range
Enclosure	DIY frame-and-screen kit, ~$800–$1,500	Cheapest complete enclosure; assembles in a day
Launch monitor	FlightScope Mevo Gen2 (or Garmin R10 to save money)	Works with GSPro; the Mevo Gen2 has no subscription
Software	GSPro, ~$250/yr	Open connection, large course library
PC	Gaming PC or laptop that meets GSPro's requirements	Runs the simulator
Projector	Short-throw, mounted on the ceiling	Keeps the golfer's shadow off the screen
Mat and turf	Fiber-turf hitting mat on turf over pad	Easy on joints; covers the floor
Seating	Two chairs in a back corner	Stays clear of a radar unit behind the golfer

Steps

MeasureConfirm ceiling, width and depth. Have the tallest golfer swing a driver slowly where the mat will go.
Plan the layoutMark the screen line, the mat about 10 ft from the screen and the swing space behind it. Radar monitors sit behind the golfer, so leave depth.
PowerPlan outlets for the PC, monitor and projector. A new ceiling outlet usually needs an electrician and a permit.
Assemble the enclosureBuild the frame, hang the screen with its bungees, add side netting and padding.
Lay the floorRoll out pad and turf, then center the hitting mat on the screen.
Mount the projectorFix it to a joist and adjust keystone and zoom until the image fills the screen. Check for the golfer's shadow.
Set up the PC and softwareInstall GSPro and the monitor's connector app, then pair the monitor.
CalibratePlace the monitor at the maker's distance. Hit a wedge, then irons, then driver, and adjust until readings are consistent.
Finish the spaceDim or block windows, aim lights away from the screen, set up the corner seating.
Safety checkHit full shots with every club. Watch for bounce-back and mishits, and add padding where needed.

Tools and materials

Tape measure, laser level, stud finder, drill, ladder
Ceiling projector mount and hardware to reach a joist
A properly rated outlet, or an electrician for a ceiling outlet
HDMI cable long enough to reach from the PC to the projector
Zip ties, and padding for side walls near the screen

Watch out for

Garage door rails and openers cutting into ceiling height
A radar monitor without enough room behind the golfer
A projector too far off-center, causing shadows
Cold winter garages affecting the PC, projector and ball flight

Spend less or upgrade

Save: a Garmin R10 instead of the Mevo Gen2, a 1080p projector, a used gaming PC.

Upgrade: a camera-based monitor like the Uneekor EYE MINI (no radar depth needed), a 4K laser projector, a premium quiet screen.

Build your own

Mixing gear and homemade launch monitors

Mixed and homemade setups work because the simulator software has an open connection. GSPro's Open Connect takes shot data from any device that sends it in the right format.

1 · Launch monitorStore-bought or homemade. Measures ball speed, launch angles and spin.

2 · ConnectorSends shot data over your home network to the simulator, e.g. GSPro Open Connect.

3 · Simulator softwareRuns on a PC and turns the data into ball flight on a course.

4 · Projector and screenStandard AV gear. Any projector and screen work with any monitor.

So the only real compatibility question is between the launch monitor and the software.

Which launch monitors work with GSPro

Launch monitor	Type	GSPro	Notes
PiTrac	Homemade, camera	Yes	Also E6 and Open Shot Golf; measures spin
OpenFlight	Homemade, radar	Yes	Also OpenGolfSim and PAR-TEE; spin still experimental
Garmin R10 / R50	Store-bought	Yes, official	Cheapest way in; R10 spin is estimated
Rapsodo MLM2PRO	Store-bought	Yes, official	Subscription for full features
FlightScope Mevo+ / Mevo Gen2	Store-bought	Yes, official	Mevo Gen2 has no subscription
Uneekor EYE MINI, MINI LITE, XR, XO, XO2	Store-bought	Yes, official	Connects over Ethernet
Foresight GC3, GCQuad, QuadMAX, Falcon	Store-bought	Yes, official	GC3 has no subscription
Bushnell Launch Pro	Store-bought	Yes, official	Subscription required
Full Swing KIT, ProTee VX, Square, GolfJoy, VTrack	Store-bought	Yes, official
SkyTrak+	Store-bought	Unofficial	Works through a third-party app; updates can break it
Trackman	Store-bought	No	Uses its own software

Checked November 2026 against GSPro's device list and Golf Simulator Videos.

Best picks

Software: GSPro. Works with homemade and store-bought monitors, and has a large course library.
Homemade monitor: PiTrac. Camera-based, measures spin, parts list published.
Homemade alternative: OpenFlight. Radar-based with a printable case; spin is less mature.
Free simulator to test with: Open Shot Golf.
Store-bought pick: FlightScope Mevo Gen2. Official GSPro support and no subscription.

How to hook it up

Build or buy the monitor. Confirm it can send to Open Connect.
Install the simulator software on a PC on the same network.
Turn on the open connection and point the monitor's connector at the PC.
Hit test shots and compare against a known-good monitor if you can.
Adjust camera position, lighting or radar placement until readings are consistent.

Homemade monitors are hobby projects with unproven accuracy and can change without notice. Modifying a store-bought monitor likely voids its warranty.

Planning and hiring

Strategies, permits and quoting

Strategies for your space

Low ceiling (under ~9 ft): use a camera-based monitor near the ball, recess the mat into the floor and limit drivers.
Shared garage: retractable screen, wall-mounted gear, mat on rollers. Leave a clear path for the car.
Basement finish: build the bay during framing so outlets and the screen recess are part of the plan.
Tight budget: spend on the launch monitor first; upgrade the screen, mat and projector later.
Lefties and righties: center the mat with room each side, or put in two mat positions.
Resale: keep the room convertible. A framed screen recess can become a media wall.

Permits

New circuits or ceiling outlets usually need an electrical permit and inspection.
Adding or moving framed walls, or finishing a basement, usually needs a building permit.
Basement finishes bring egress, smoke-detector and ceiling-height rules.
Rules vary by county, so check locally.

Common mistakes

Measuring the ceiling without the golfer's actual driver swing.
Mounting the projector where the golfer's shadow hits the screen.
Buying a radar monitor for a room too short to place it.
Leaving walls and ceiling near the screen unpadded.
Leaving the software subscription out of the budget.

Build order for a built-in bay

Measure the room and the tallest golfer's swing.
Electrical rough-in: projector, PC, monitor and lighting outlets.
Framing: screen recess, projector soffit, side walls.
Drywall and paint. Dark, matte walls cut glare.
Flooring and turf; set or recess the mat.
Install the screen, padding and netting.
Mount the projector and align the image.
Install and calibrate the launch monitor; set up the PC and software.
Walk-through: test full swings with every club.

What a quote should include

Site visit with measurements and a swing test
Electrical work and permit
Framing, drywall and paint
Flooring, turf and mat install
Screen and enclosure (supply, or install only)
Projector mount and alignment
Launch monitor, PC and software (supplied or owner-provided)
Lighting and AV
Cleanup and walk-through