If you want to save thousands on your own golf sim, a DIY enclosure kit or materials is a great choice. This guide will show you the best ways to build golf simulator enclosures or buy a kit with everything you need.
If you are a handyman, you can also build your own DIY golf simulator enclosure with only a day’s work.
If you have any of your own tips and tricks to share, we want you to comment below and let you know.
Related: Here are the best golf simulator kits you can buy.
Benefits of a DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure
A DIY golf simulator enclosure offers several benefits for golf lovers. First, it allows you to enjoy golfing year-round regardless of the weather conditions or where you live. Rain or shine, you can practice and play golf right from the comfort of your own home.
Secondly, a DIY golf simulator enclosure provides a dedicated space for your golf simulator, creating a private and safe area without being in the way of others. The enclosure surrounds your simulator with extra netting to catch shots that miss or bounce off the screen.
An enclosure is especially great if you have young kids at home because you don’t have to worry about someone getting hurt or causing damage to the equipment.
Lastly, a DIY golf simulator enclosure can be customized to your preferences, allowing you to create a personalized and professional-looking golf setup. You can add whatever you want to your DIY enclosure without worrying about what others think.
Necessary Materials and Tools to Build Your Own Golf Simulator Enclosure
Pipe Cutter
A pipe cutter is one of the main tools required when building your golf simulator enclosure. When creating the enclosure frame, you must use the pipe cutter to cut the metal piping to your desired lengths.
When you purchase metal piping from a store, it comes in standard sizes, usually about 10 ft or longer. A pipe cutter will be helpful when trimming these and will work much better than a saw.
Measuring Tape
A measuring tape is essential in your DIY golf enclosure build. It helps accurately measure your enclosure’s dimensions and ensures everything fits correctly. You can pick one up at your local hardware store if you don’t have a measuring tape.
Drill/Screwdriver
A drill and screwdriver are essential tools for building your golf simulator enclosure. A drill can create holes in the pipes for the corner fittings and secure the pipes to the wall or ground.
You will then need the screwdriver to tighten these corner fittings and secure the metal piping so it doesn’t move or cause damage.
Ladder
Depending on how high you make your enclosure frame, you may require a ladder to get everything set correctly. It will also ensure you aren’t picking up heavy metal piping and holding it above your head for an extended period.
Better to be safe than sorry!
Golf Simulator Enclosure Kits
Many websites are available online where you can purchase enclosure kits to help get you started. There are also many YouTube videos online that will be a helpful guide through building your golf enclosure kit.
The Indoor Golf Shop
The Indoor Golf Shop has a perfect DIY golf simulator enclosure kit available to purchase on their website. This kit is ideal for budget-minded people who can use their own tools to create the finished product. The following is included in their kit:
SIGPRO Premium Impact Screen
Black surround fabric
Side Barrier Netting
Sand Bags
1-inch EMT fittings
Foam Inserts
6-inch Ball Bungees
The only thing that should be included in their kit is the actual pipe frame. Here, you will need to head down to the store to purchase the correct EMT pipes that need to be cut down to the right size for the frame.
The Indoor Golf Shop offers two sizes for the enclosure, which will also change the screen size.
Carl’s Place
Another great DIY golf simulator enclosure kit comes from Carl’s Place. One of the great things about this kit is you can customize it however you want, which means you can spend as much or as little money on it as your budget calls for.
You can choose from different impact screen materials and many enclosure sizes. Each kit also comes with:
Choice of Golf Impact Screen Material
Steel corner fittings
Black Nylon Enclosure
Ball Bungees and Zip Ties
Again, the only thing that needs to be included is the emt pipes, which you must purchase from a local hardware store. Carl’s Place also offers many optional accessories to customize your DIY golf enclosure kit to your liking.
Big Moss Golf
If you want a complete enclosure kit with everything you need, look no further than Big Moss Golf. This kit has everything you need to set up your home golf simulator in hours.
Included in this kit are the following:
Complete enclosure with 1080p resolution Golf Impact Screen
Full pipe framing kit (pipes are pre-cut)
8-foot net extensions
Impact Safety Foam Baffle Kit
5×5 Hitting Area Mat
10×12 Putting Green
Big Moss Putting Transition & Ball Return Ramp
As you can see, this kit comes with the hitting aspect and the putting. This is one of the best fully loaded golf simulators on the market. It is quite a bit more expensive than the other options, but with everything included, you don’t have to worry about going to different places to grab these accessories.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Golf Simulator Enclosure?
The amount of space required to build a DIY golf simulator enclosure largely depends on the golfer’s size and equipment. It also depends on how big of a room you have.
Generally, 10 feet by 10 feet of space is recommended for an enclosure that allows comfortable swinging and movement. However, if you plan to use a full-sized golf mat or want more room for a larger swing, you may need up to 15 feet by 15 feet of space.
It is also essential to consider how high you want to build the enclosure. You want to ensure you can swing all your clubs easily without worrying about damaging the room or frame.
The great thing about a DIY enclosure size is that you can choose the dimensions of it to fit your golf swing and equipment perfectly.
How to Build Your Own Golf Simulator Frame
How much piping you need for the frame depends on which DIY golf enclosure kit you bought. It is best to have extra pipe if a cut or a measurement goes wrong during assembly.
Each kit will come with instructions on correctly setting up the enclosure size. You only have to measure and cut the piping with a pipe cutter or handsaw.
Once the pipe is cut to the correct size, use the included connectors to create the frame of the golf enclosure. The pipes must be tightened using either a ratchet or a screwdriver. Once the pipes are connected, your DIY golf enclosure frame should be completed to its actual frame dimensions and ready to go.
Adding the Netting and Screen Material
When the golf simulator enclosure frame is completed, you can add the netting, impact screen, and protection material around the outside. Each kit will come with this material.
The impact screen will hang up at the back of the frame using ball bungees around the piping. This ensures the screen is held tightly and can withstand the force of real golf balls and foam balls hitting it.
Ball bungees also hold the side setting and bounce fabric into Place. This ensures that errant shots and balls aren’t bouncing off the screen and causing damage in your golf simulator room.
How to Set Up Your Golf Simulator Enclosure and System
Once you have built your DIY golf simulator enclosure and added the protection, setting up your golf simulator involves a few key steps:
Install the Hitting Mat: Place the hitting mat near the golf screen or netting. Ensure it is securely positioned and provides a comfortable surface for swinging.
Install the Launch Monitor: Set up your launch monitor in a position that allows it to track your shots accurately. Most launch monitors can be placed on the ground near where you swing. Some will shine a laser or light on where to place the ball for the most accurate data on your shots. This will track your data like swing speed, ball flight, and more. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and calibration.
Connect the Launch Monitor to Software: Connect your launch monitor to your computer or iPad and install the golf simulation software. Follow the software’s instructions for setting up the connection and configuring the settings.
Position the Projector: If you use a projector, position it in a suitable location to project the simulation onto the screen. Ensure it is aligned properly for the best image quality and aspect ratio. We recommend mounting it on the roof or enclosure above you, as long as there is ample room for your golf swing without hitting it. If you don’t have the space, you can just put it on the ground, aligned with the screen. This ensures the projected image fits the entire screen for the best aspect ratio possible.
Test and Calibrate: Before starting your golf simulation session, calibrate the system to ensure accurate shot tracking and realistic gameplay.
Safety Measures to Consider
When building your own DIY golf simulator enclosure, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Here are some safety measures to consider:
Secure Structure: The number one safety measure is to ensure the structure is stable and securely anchored to the ground or wall. Use appropriate materials, such as metal piping, to withstand the force of golf swings.
Netting or Fabric: Choose a high-quality netting or blackout fabric that is strong enough to contain golf balls and prevent them from bouncing back toward the golfer or causing damage.
Height Clearance: Ensure the enclosure has sufficient height clearance to accommodate a driver or high-wedge shots. A minimum height of 8 feet is recommended to avoid any risk of hitting the ceiling.
Clear Surroundings: Clear the surrounding area of any valuable or breakable objects to prevent damage in case of errant shots.
Lighting: Ensure the enclosure is well-lit to provide good visibility during gameplay. Use suitable lighting fixtures and position them strategically to eliminate any shadows or blind spots.
Ventilation: Install proper ventilation to prevent the enclosure from becoming stuffy or overheated during use. This can be achieved by incorporating fans or vents into the design.
Electrical Safety: If you use electronic equipment, such as a golf simulator projector or screen, ensure that all electrical connections and wiring are done safely and per local electrical codes.
Clear Signage: Place clear warning signs or markers to indicate the presence of the enclosure and remind people to exercise caution when entering or passing by. You should also have a door leading to your enclosure. This is especially important if you have small children wandering around in the house.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect the enclosure for any signs of wear and tear, and promptly repair or replace any damaged parts to maintain a safe environment.
These safety measures will help ensure a secure and enjoyable golfing experience at home.
