How to Build a Golf Simulator Enclosure
Golf simulators are made up of a lot of different parts, including impact screens, launch monitors, projectors and software. All of these items are very important to your golf simulator setup.
Many golfers nowadays are building golf simulator enclosures, which helps create a comprehensive golf simulator experience. Building a golf simulator enclosure can be a straightforward process if you know what you’re doing.
It’s important to look over some important information so that you can be confident going into the building process.
What Is a Golf Simulator Enclosure?
A golf simulator enclosure is a kind of canopy that surrounds your simulator’s impact screen. It’s usually made from a metal frame built with metal pipes and draped with blackout screens, foam pads and netting. Building a golf simulator enclosure can offer a variety of benefits, including:
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Immersiveness: Modern golf software already offers an amazing experience that can make you feel as though you’re actually playing a course in real time. With a golf simulator enclosure, you can notch up that immersiveness even more. Blackout screens make you feel as though you’re in your own environment, letting you focus on the game and enjoy the technology.
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Aesthetics: A golf simulator enclosure also looks better, whether it’s in your garage, basement or living room. It has a cleaner, more nuanced look that will appear inviting to guests.
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Safety: Enclosures also offer safety. They help keep pets and kids from wandering into the area while someone is swinging.
Immersiveness, aesthetics and safety are just a few reasons you should consider installing a golf simulator enclosure.
DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure
An enclosure is an integral part of your golf simulator. With a solid frame, you can be certain that your simulator is secure. Be sure to take your time during the process and follow individual steps so that you don’t forget an important detail.
1. Choose What Type of Build You Want
First, you’ll want to choose what kind of golf simulator enclosure you’re looking to build. This ranges from enclosures with all the fixings to basic setups. At Spectrum Golf, we offer a few different options:
Basic
For the simplest golf simulator enclosure, you can opt for the basic option. The basic golf simulator enclosure includes an easy setup made from ¾ or 1” EMT conduit and connectors. Once you have your pieces, just connect the conduit to the connectors. Then you can attach your netting via bungees, and your screen goes in front with adjustable straps.
The basic option gives you all the benefits of a golf simulator enclosure without having to worry about a complicated setup process. However, you’ll also have a smaller screen and a limited amount of customization options, so factor this in as you make your final decision.
14” Deep Screen Frames
If you’re worried about space, then the 14” Deep Screen Frames might be the best option. The great thing about this option is that it’s the same size as your screen, so it will work great in a spot with limited space such as a garage or shed. You can easily pull out your simulator when you want to play. Note that this type is limited to 105” high.
DIY Padded Golf Enclosure
The DIY Padded Golf Enclosure lets you get all the responsibility of building your own enclosure while also supplying you with some of the best products on the market. This includes:
Panels: Our unique 3-piece panels make installation and replacement convenient.
Pads: For added safety and aesthetics, we include a 6” pad at the top and bottom of the screen.
Screen: Our poly spacer screen is one of the best on the market, offering defense against bounceback and great durability.
You’ll get US-made and sewn golf screens and panels, made with quality materials to ensure durability and longevity.
Proseries Golf Enclosure
When it comes to golf simulator enclosures, sometimes it’s worth it to go all out. With the Proseries Golf Enclosure, you’re getting just that. The bones of this enclosure is an all-aluminum 1.4” squared frame secured with corner brackets. Everything comes includes with this setup and you can assemble all pieces with one wrench.
The enclosure is then completely padded with black supertex material, which will easily catch any shanks or high wedges. An elastic cord system can be used to adjust the screen and eliminate excessive bounceback.
The Proseries is the best option if you’re seeking a comprehensive golf simulator enclosure.
Custom
If these options don’t seem to be fitting to your unique situation, Spectrum Golf is always here to cater to your needs. Simply fill out our form and we can help you craft an enclosure that’s going to work for you. We can collaborate to find the ideal product.
2. Measure Room Dimensions
After you’ve chosen your golf enclosure type, it’s time to gather the dimensions of the space where you’re intending to build. While you may be excited to get started with your project, be sure you’re taking time with measurements and getting precise numbers. This is especially important if you’re in a particularly tight space.
Also take note of any restrictions in the area such as HVAC systems, windows or doors — these will factor in to your setup.
If you’re unsure about measurements, try contacting the professionals at Spectrum Golf to see what kind of enclosure may be best for your situation.
3. Gather Your Materials
To make your installation go as smoothly as possible, you’ll want to have all of your tools and materials in one place and neatly organized before you begin. That way, you’ll know where everything is and won’t have to go running to the store to pick up another item.
What you’ll need for your build will differ on the type of project you’ve chosen. If you’ve bought a simulator package, make sure you know what items you’re getting and which ones you may have to buy yourself.
For a typical golf enclosure setup, here’s what you’ll need:
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Metal Pipes
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Corner Connectors
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Blackout Fabric
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Netting
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Impact Screen and Attachments
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Electric Saw or Pipe Cutter (if changes to metal piping are needed)
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Wrench
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Screwdriver
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Ladder
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Level
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Bungees
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Eye Protection
Again, this is merely a basic list, and you may need to add or delete items in order to fit it to your unique build.
4. Build Your Frame
Once you’ve gotten all of your materials, the first thing you’ll want to do is build your frame. In some cases, you may have gotten pre-fitted piping that’s ready to go. Other times, you may need to make adjustments to your frame in order to make it fit. If you’re making adjustments, be sure to use safety protection.
In most cases, you’ll be connecting metal pipes via various connectors on your frame. In basic setups, you’ll simply slide these pipes together and tighten them via screws.
As you connect pieces and stand your frame up, be sure to take measurements again to ensure that everything is fitting to your initial plan.
5. Install Blackout Panels and Padding
With your frame secured and in place, it’s time to add blackout panels and padding. You can attach your panels via bungees or zip ties or simply drape them around your frame. For certain setups, you may also have side, top and bottom padding to protect from errant shots.
6. Attach the Impact Screen
And lastly, you’ll attach your impact screen. You can do this again using bungees or adjustable straps that loop through your screen and hang onto your frame.
7. Add Accessories
Once you have everything in place, you can feel free to add other accessories to your golf simulator setup, such as:
Turf and Hitting Mat: Adding turf to your hitting space will help protect your floor and also add softness to each shot. You can also invest in a quality hitting mat to bring a lifelike quality to your simulator.
Side Netting: Consider adding side netting to the sides of your golf simulator enclosure for added safety and organization. Extra netting will help catch any shanks and keep balls inside the simulator area.
FAQs
Building a golf simulator enclosure can be complicated, so it’s only natural for questions to arise. Here are some frequently asked questions about building golf simulator enclosures.
How Much Space Do I Need for a Golf Simulator Enclosure?
Typically, you’ll want at least nine feet of height, ten feet of width and ten feet of length to ensure that your golf simulator fits comfortably in your installation space. This may differ based on the type of enclosure you intend to build. Be sure you’re taking time to narrow down measurements before you purchase items and start the building process.
Do I Need an Enclosure for My Golf Simulator?
It is not absolutely necessary for you to install a golf simulator enclosure. However, many people choose to install an enclosure because it provides a better experience, organization and also safety.
Find What You Need to Build Your Golf Simulator Enclosure at Spectrum Golf
It can be challenging trying to find quality products you can rely on to build your golf simulator setup. You want to make sure you’re finding a reliable company to provide you with what you need. With the right pieces, you can have faith that your simulator will work properly well into the future.
At Spectrum Golf, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the best golf simulator materials. We offer a variety of enclosures that are easy to put together so you can quickly get your simulator up and running.
Aside from enclosures, we also offer impact screens, simulators, projectors, golf mats and comprehensive packages that include everything you need to build an impressive golf simulator.
Feel free to browse our online shop to find what you need. If you’re still unsure about what you need or if you’re looking to customize your own golf simulator enclosure, feel free to reach out to the expert team at Spectrum Golf. We can collaborate with you and help assist in your golf simulator DIY project. Contact us today!