How much room do you need for a golf simulator?

Most people ask how big the room needs to be before they ask anything else. The honest answer is that it depends on three measurements and one choice: the launch monitor you pick changes the depth you need.

The short version

As a general guide, plan for at least 10 ft wide, 9 ft of ceiling height and, depending on the launch monitor, between 10 and 20 ft of depth. More is better in every direction. Specifications vary by product, so always check the product page.

Ceiling height

Height is the measurement that surprises people most, because it is the hardest to change. Measure from the floor to the lowest thing above your hitting spot: a light fitting, a beam, a ceiling fan, a garage door track. Nine feet is a common minimum and ten feet is comfortable. Some golfers manage with a little less for short irons, but a driver swing needs clearance above your head and a margin for the club to pass the screen safely.

A quick test: stand where you would hit, take a slow driver swing with a club, and check nothing is close at the top of the backswing. Ask someone to watch.

Width

Ten feet is a practical minimum for a right- or left-handed swing. At twelve to thirteen feet you have room for a larger enclosure, a launch monitor beside the ball, and a friend standing nearby. If you play with family or guests, width matters more than you expect.

Depth

Depth is where launch monitor choice matters. In broad terms:

• Camera (photometric) units read the ball at impact and sit beside it. They are the most space-efficient, and a depth of around 10 ft is typical.
• Radar units sit behind the ball and track its flight, so they need more room, commonly between about 14 and 21 ft in total depending on the model.
• Overhead (ceiling-mounted) units sit above the hitting area and typically need around 14 to 18 ft, depending on the model and enclosure.

Our guide to launch monitors explains the differences in more detail.

Leave room for the screen and the hitting area

The screen should sit far enough in front of you that a mishit is not dangerous, and the hitting area needs a mat large enough for a full stance. Allow space for the projector, which also needs its own measurements: where it mounts, and how far it needs to be from the screen to fill it.

Measure it in five steps

1. Measure the lowest ceiling height over your hitting position.
2. Measure the usable width, ignoring anything that will be in the way.
3. Measure depth from the back wall to the front wall where the screen will hang.
4. Check swing clearance on both sides and above, with a club in hand.
5. Compare your numbers with the product page of the setup you like.

Not sure it will fit?

Send us your measurements before you order. Email hello@thegameshaus.com and we will tell you what we think will work.