The Cost of a Golf Simulator

If you’re an avid golfer, chances are you’ve dreamt of having your very own golf simulator at home. You could practice your swing in the middle of winter, impress your friends with crazy courses, and never have to worry about the weather again. 

But before you charge full speed ahead into the world of indoor golf, let’s break down the actual cost of a golf simulator, to get set up and get one that that suits your style and needs.

The Equipment You’ll Need

First up, let’s talk about the essential equipment you’ll need to get your home golf simulator up and swinging.

Launch Monitors

This is the backbone of your simulator. Prices can vary significantly based on accuracy, features, and brand. A decent launch monitor can cost anywhere from £1000 to £20,000. Models by brands like TrackMan, SkyTrak and FlightScope are popular choices.

Projector

A good quality projector is crucial for displaying the golf course or simulation on the screen. Expect to pay roughly £1000 to £5000 depending on resolution and brightness.

Look for projectors that are designed for sports; they’ll provide clearer images and handle ambient lighting better.

Impact Screen

You’ll need a screen to project onto since you'll be hitting balls into it! These screens can cost between £500 and £2000, depending on size and material. Make sure it’s durable enough to withstand your powerful drives!

Outtabouds Top Tip! Clean club are vital. It will save you time and money not having to clean or replace your screen.

Golf Mat

You can’t just hit balls off the floor. A good quality hitting mat will run you about £100 to £800. Look for something that mimics the feel of real turf to improve your practice sessions.

Gaming PC or Console

Usually, a decent gaming PC is recommended for a seamless experience, especially if you want realistic graphics and smoother gameplay. Depending on specs, you can expect to pay anywhere between £1000 and £3000. Consoles, if compatible with your software, can be cheaper but may offer less flexibility.

Space Requirements

Now that you know what equipment you'll need, it's time to consider where you’ll actually put your golf simulator. Ideally, you should have a dedicated space that meets the necessary dimensions.

Height, Width and Depth

A minimum ceiling height of around 8 to 10 feet (about 2.5 to 3 meters) is recommended. If you're 6 feet tall (around 1.8 meters) and you want to swing without worrying about club contact with the ceiling, extra height is definitely advisable.

For width, you’ll want at least 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4 meters) of space to allow for a comfortable swing. Depth-wise, having around 12 to 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 meters) gives you adequate room to stand and swing without feeling cramped.

If you're limited on space, there are also smaller simulator options available, but keep in mind that compromising on space can affect your swing and overall experience.

Planning Permission

In England and Wales, you usually do not need planning permission if you're installing a golf simulator in a garage or existing structure like a basement, as long as you're not making any significant changes.

However, if you're planning to build a separate structure or make alterations that change the external appearance of your property (like adding windows or substantial doors), you may need to check with your local authority. 

Installation Costs

So, once you’ve acquired all of your equipment and identified the perfect space, it’s installation time. If you’re the DIY type, you might be able to save some cash here, but getting professional help will guarantee everything is set up correctly and working smoothly.

Professional installation costs can vary widely based on where you are and how complex your setup is, but budgeting around £2000 is a good starting point. Complex installations, especially with custom-built setups, can easily reach £5,000 or more.

Additional Costs to Consider

Now, let's talk about a few extra costs that might sneak up on you, especially if you want to take your simulator experience to the next level.

Air Conditioning

If you’re turning a room into a simulator space, you may need air conditioning for comfort, especially during summer months. Installing a decent air conditioning unit can set you back about £2,500, depending on the type and installation complexity.

Bar Area

Feeling fancy? Why not add a little bar area for when friends come over to enjoy some cool drinks after swinging away in your simulator? Depending on your choices for drinks fridges, bar seats, and countertops, budget for an extra £500 to £2,000. It’s the perfect way to create an entertainment area that complements your golf zone!

Software

Don’t forget the software! You’ll need simulation software tailored to your preferences and style, with prices ranging from £100 to £1,000. Additionally, some simulators offer subscription plans for ongoing access which could be another recurring cost.

Total Estimate Putting this all together, if you were to invest in a complete golf simulator, including all necessary equipment, space modifications, and comforts, you would likely be looking at a total cost of anywhere from £5,000 on the low end (if you’re going basic) to over £30,000 for a top-of-the-line setup. That’s a significant investment, so ensure you really want to commit!

Conclusion

Investing in a golf simulator can be an amazing enhancement to your golf game and home, but it doesn’t come without costs. By carefully considering the equipment needed, space requirements, ongoing expenses, and potential installation costs, you can be prepared for the financial commitment that comes with this exciting project.

Whether for practice, fun, or both, a golf simulator could be a hole-in-one for your home! So, gather your resources, plan your space wisely, and get ready to swing away!

See our range of home golf simulators