We all know the classic mistakes when building a golf simulator: buying the wrong boot monitor, skipping a quality screen, choosing the wrong software. But the most common issues go beyond the device itself; they come from the way the space is constructed.
Unfortunately, even the best tools won’t fix mistakes made during setup.
Here are five mistakes that can ruin your indoor golf experience before you even make your first swing.
1. Underestimating room (and why it messes with your swing)
This is the biggest mistake people make. You measure your garage or spare room and think, “This should fit,” and start ordering hardware. But after everything is set, you realize that there is no room to swing freely.
Low ceilings and narrow walls change your swing. When I was a kid, I managed to fit a net in my parents’ garage for winter practice, but I only had about an inch of space. While I had a way to practice all winter, it caused me some problems with my movement.
In this scenario, most players start to drive the club, blocking their follow through or shortening their swing to avoid hitting something. Over time, this creates bad habits that continue to develop.
Before you go any further, stay in your planned space and get some slow swing with a driver. If you feel the need to steer, it is very narrow.
Recommended dimensions
| Zone | The minimum | IDEALS | Why does it matter? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling height | 9 feet | 10-11 feet | Prevents strain and restricts swing |
| Room depth (tee to wall) | 12-14 feet | 16-18 feet | Allows for full ball flight and secure placement of the monitor |
| The width of the room | 10 feet | 14-15 feet | Provides room for natural movement and play with both hands |
2. Not understanding how recovery works
Reversal is one of the least discussed but most frustrating issues of the simulator. When the ball is pulled off the screen, not only is it unsafe, but it also changes the way you move.
The cause usually comes down to tension, separation and surface hardness. A wall-mounted screen without a seat behind it acts as a trampoline. Couple that with high ball speeds and you can end up missing your shots.
Tips
- Keep 12 to 18 inches between the screen and the back wall.
- Use bungee cords or straps to mount the screen instead of rigid fasteners.
- If possible, stand 10 to 12 feet from the screen when taking full-length shots.
- Add a mesh or soft padding behind the screen to absorb the impact energy.
A properly tuned screen should absorb the picture, not reflect it back at you. If your first balls are coming back at you, clear the screen or create more buffer space before you develop bad habits or hurt something (or someone).
3. Ignoring lighting and visibility
Lighting can make or break your simulator experience. Even the best projector and screen won’t work if your room is flooded with glare or bright overhead light.
Direct light on the screen washes out the image while uncovered windows create constant contrast changes. You’ll find yourself squinting or waiting for the photo to “set,” which takes you away from focusing on your shot.
Advice
- Avoid ceiling lights directed at the screen; position equipment behind or above you.
- Use blackout curtains if your room has windows.
- Paint nearby walls darker and matte to reduce glare.
- Match your projector’s brightness to the lighting conditions, but remember that no projector can overcome bad lighting.
When the lighting is right, you’ll see clean ball flight and accurate sights.
4. Pleasure on the kick mat
This is easy to overlook. You’ve already spent a lot on the monitor and screen, so grab the cheapest mat you can find. Lower quality mattresses can cause joint, elbow and shoulder pain over time.
Loose ground on hard concrete does not absorb shock and repeated impact can lead to injuries such as a strained golfer’s elbow or wrist.
Advice
- Look for mattresses with multi-layer construction or replaceable shock strips.
- Mattresses like the SIGPRO Softy are designed to simulate real terrain and protect the joints.
- If you are installing on concrete, add a layer of rubber for extra shock absorption.
5. Poor cabling and power planning
No one thinks about wiring until it’s too late. Then the projector cord hangs from the ceiling, the HDMI cables run along the floor, and the whole setup looks free and put together.
When plugs aren’t where they should be, you end up with extension cords, overheating devices, or even blackout hazards around the impact zone.
Advice
- Plan for dedicated outlets near the projector and impact area.
- Run cables through ceiling ducts or ducts instead of letting them hang.
- Keep your computer or game console well ventilated to avoid overheating.
- Label and secure each cord to keep the strike area clean and safe.
- Use a surge protector or UPS if using a PC-based SIM card.
Final thoughts
Building an indoor golf setup is exciting, but it’s easy to rush the planning. Take the time to adjust your space, screen, lighting, carpet and power and you’ll end up with an emulator that feels like a purpose-built studio.
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