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DIY How To Simulator Enclosures

How To Build a DIY Golf Simulator Pt. 1

Let's get started - Floor Dimensions

how to build a DIY golf simulator

 

     The first step to building a DIY golf simulator is figuring out the floor dimensions you have to work with. These can be any size you want, for this example I chose to design a small simulator with a 10 foot wide screen and the frame to be 5 feet deep.

     Width is going to be your screen size, depth is how deep the enclosure will end up being. The depth is key because you want it deep enough to prevent an errant shot (shank!) from damaging anything in your home. I wouldn’t suggest anything less than 3-4 feet of depth.

     The final floor dimension to take into account is the ball to screen distance. If you have a camera based launch monitor, you have the flexibility to shorten this up. In this example I am using 10 feet from the center of the hitting surface to the screen, which is a good starting point. It gives enough distance for the ball to not bounce off the screen and hit the golfer. If you have a radar based launch monitor, see the manufacturer recommended distance here, as the radar needs to monitor the ball flight for a minimum distance to get accurate readings.

Source Building Material - Build a DIY Golf Simulator

golf simulator corner fittings
golf simulator frame material

     Once you have your dimensions sorted out, now you can source your material to build your DIY golf simulator enclosure frame.

     I suggest using 1″ EMT metal conduit, it is easily sources from your local Lowe’s or Home Depot, its fairly inexpensive for a building material and its strong enough to hang your enclosure fabric, projector and launch monitor without sagging. It also normally comes in 10 foot lengths, convenient! You can use a wide variety of materials to frame out the enclosure, such as wood or steel/aluminum pipe as well.

     To tie all the 1 inch EMT conduit pipe together, you are going to need some corner fittings. The fittings on the image above (left) are 3-way corner fittings, you will also need some 2-way L fittings. You can find these from tarps.com at a good price. I will include a list of the quantity and type of fittings, and the length of pipe needed, later on in this article.

Assemble the Base of the Frame

how to build a DIY golf simulator
how to build a DIY golf simulator
3-Way Corner Fitting
how to build a DIY golf simulator
2-Way L Fitting

     Here is where some math comes into play, so measure twice! Prior to cutting down your pipe, see how deep the pipe fits into the corner fitting, you want the top interior edge of the 3-way corner fitting to be 10 feet from the opposite fittings interior edge (width side), so your 10 foot screen fits perfectly later on. I strongly suggest doing some test fits, and marking the pipe with a marker prior to cutting, or else you may need to make another trip to the hardware store… ask me how I know. You may get lucky and not have to cut down your 10 foot length of pipe.

     Now you can secure your 1″ EMT conduit pipe, to two 3-way corner fittings in the back (screen side), and two 2-way L fittings on the front side (towards the golfer). Congrats, you have the foundation of your new DIY golf simulator laid!

How to Build a DIY Golf Simulator Pt. 2

how to build a golf simulator enclosure
How to Build a DIY Golf Simulator

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Categories
DIY How To Simulator Enclosures

How to build a golf simulator enclosure

How to build a golf simulator enclosure

A custom DIY golf simulator enclosure can be a great addition to any home that allows for indoor practice and play. Building your own enclosure can be a fun and rewarding DIY project, and it can also save you money compared to purchasing a pre-made enclosure. Here are some steps to follow if you want to build your own golf simulator enclosure:

how to build a golf simulator
  • First, you will need to choose a space in your home that is large enough to accommodate the enclosure. A spare room or garage is often a good choice. The size of your available space will dictate what launch monitor you can user, the best projector that fits your needs and if you can accommodate left or right handed players.
  • Second, reference our free E-Book for design examples. We cover how to tackle the design process from start to finish. Don’t just buy a DIY sim in a box, you can build a product that fits your space perfectly, and you will get a higher quality result.
    • The dimensions of the frame are critical to accommodate the launch monitor and projector, as well has enough space to swing a golf club freely.
  • Next, you will need to gather the materials and tools you will need for the project.
    • The most popular framing material is 1″ EMT (electrical metallic tubing) conduit. It is a thin wall metal pipe, traditionally used in construction for electrical conduit.
    • To connect the length of tube, you will need 1″ EMT fittings. Tents.com is where I sourced all the fittings to to build my first simulator.
    • You will need to source some fabric for the side walls / baffling, as well as the ceiling. I suggest just going to a local fabric store near you.
    • Impact Screen – This could be as as expensive as $500-$1000 for a premium screen, so plan accordingly. I have seen some people use a net or a bed sheet to make due, but you really want a nice impact screen that displays a good image quality from your projector.
    • Download our E-Book for a breakdown of pricing and all the extra miscellaneous parts you will need.
  • Once you have all of your materials, you can begin building the frame for the enclosure. This will typically involve cutting piping to size and using fittings to secure the pieces together.
how to measure dimensions of a golf simulator enclosure

How I designed my first custom golf simulator enclosure.

  • Once the frame is complete, you can attach the screen material or netting to the walls of the enclosure. This will typically involve using Velcro or other fasteners to secure the material to the frame.
  • Finally, you can add any additional features or accessories to the enclosure, such as golf club racks or lights. You may also want to add padding or other protective materials to the walls to reduce the risk of damage to your golf clubs or balls.

Overall, building a golf simulator enclosure is a relatively straightforward DIY project that can be completed in a few days with the right materials and tools. Just be sure to plan ahead and carefully follow the steps outlined above to ensure a successful outcome.