The first thing one needs to consider when creating their own golf simulator is the space in which they will be using. Obviously, there needs to be enough room to freely swing a golf club. Helpful hint...make sure to consider all clubs, particularly the Driver!

Most resources online recommend minimum dimensions of 12' wide x 9' high x 14' deep. This would be a fairy restrictive space. Tio's simulator room has the following dimensions:

• 14' wide - the hitting screen is 12' wide

• 11' high ceilings - hitting screen is 10' high

• 22' deep - 10' feet from middle of the hitting pad to the hitting screen

Overall, this space works quite well.  Ideally, the width would be a couple of feet wider. At 14', the placement of the ball for hitting must be offset to the side to ensure an uninhibited swing, particularly with the longer clubs.

Additional considerations for your hitting space includes:

• Lighting - you will need to balance the lighting so that the projection on the hitting screen is clear, but also has enough lighting to properly see the ball (both for the player and the launch monitor).

• Entertainment - how many people do you plan to entertain while playing a round on your simulator?

• Clubs, bags, misc. equipment - think about where you will keep your gear. Your clubs need to be easily accessible during play. 

Core to the golf simulator experience is the launch monitor. The launch monitor captures all details of a player's swing and translates it as a virtual representation of a shot. Launch monitors can range widely in cost and capabilities. Key factors to consider when purchasing a launch monitor include:

• Compatibility with course software - many launch monitors include their own software that provides a driving range and possibly some courses. Most rely on 3rd party software to provide course play. Research these 3rd party course software (ex. E6 Connect, The Golf Club, etc.) to ensure the launch monitor aligns with the course software you want to play.

• Statistics Captured - research the level of detail and statistics the launch monitor will capture. Common statistics include launch angle, ball speed, club speed, and spin. Position of the club face at contact may be another important piece of information desired. Some launch monitors can even capture video at the point of contact.

• Launch Monitor Positioning - positioning of the launch monitor will impact room configuration and the play experience. Many launch monitors must be placed next to the location of the ball, opposite the golfer. This type of positioning requires repositioning the launch monitor for left handed swings vs right handed swings. Other launch monitors can be positioned directly behind the hitting mat facing the screen. Yet others are mounted above the hitting pad.

• Indoor / Outdoor Use - do you intend to use your launch monitor both indoors in your simulator room and outdoors out on the driving range?

• Cost - launch monitors can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.

• Vendor Support - like any piece of hardware and software, your launch monitor may eventually malfunction and require vendor support. Research to ensure the launch monitor manufacturer provides the desired support experience.  

Tio's simulator room utilizes the SkyTrak+ launch monitor.

Another critical piece to an enjoyable experience is the computer driving the launch monitor and course software. Each launch monitor and course software will have minimum specifications for the computer. Most gaming desktops/laptops will meet these specifications. Appropriately sized CPU, along with dedicated graphics processors, will minimize delays from shot contact to the screen updates. Make sure the graphics card will accommodate the number and type of displays (ex. projector, monitor) you plan to utilize.

In addition to the computer's specifications, consider where you will be placing the computer. Ensure proper cooling and ventilation to avoid overheating the computer.

Tio's utilizes a gaming PC from https://www.ekfluidgaming.com/. The original simulator space in the metal building lacked sufficient cooling for an air-cooled system.

Projecting the course software and shot results onto the hitting screen, the projector is a critical piece of the room. Considerations when selecting your projector:

• Mounting Location - the projector can be mounted on the ceiling (if space allows) or on the floor. Each location will necessitate different mounting distances from the hitting screen. Either way, a short throw projector is likely needed.

• Display Size and Resolution - your hitting screen size and how much of the screen you desire to project upon will dictate the resolution needed. Ensure the projector you select supports the desired resolution.

This blog may be helpful in determining the right projector for your room. Tio's utilizes a BenQ TH671ST HD Short-throw projector.

The fun part! While your launch monitor may come with some software that may include a driving range and some courses, many launch monitors relay on 3rd party solutions for course play. The number of courses and cost (one-time vs annual subscription) are the biggest considerations. Each solution has their own nuances, so research both the good and bad of each to ensure alignment with the experience you seek.

Tio's has tried several different course software. His favorite is E6 Connect, but also occasionally plays The Golf Club 2019. SkyTrak recently released their own courses as well that played well.

The hitting screen is used both to project the computer and as an impact screen for the golf ball. There are many different ways to configure a screen, with many hitting enclosures available for purchase. You may also elect to make your own. Tension of the screen is critical. Too tight and balls will ricochet back. Too loose and the projection will be unclear.

An additional consideration is adding a black pad or carpet behind the screen. This will help dampen shots, soften the noise of the impact, and help provide a better image for the projection.

Tio's original simulator setup utilized a DIY hitting screen. The current simulator room uses a hitting screen made by Spectrum Golf.

Players will hit off of the hitting pad. Hitting pads vary greatly in size, thickness, and cost. A quality hitting pad is important to simulate a realistic feel, as well as protect against injuries.

Tio's Teebox's simulator room utilizes Swing Turf's 4' x 9' hitting mat.