As of: September 2026 · All prices incl. Austrian VAT
A golf simulator at home – a dream for many golfers. Train all year round, regardless of the weather, without green fees and without travelling. But anyone looking into the subject for the first time is quickly faced with an overwhelming choice: launch monitor, projection system, simulation software, net or screen – where do you start?
In this guide, you will learn what really matters when buying a golf simulator – so that you do not spend too much, overlook any important point and ultimately have a system that suits you and your four walls.
All systems and components mentioned here come from golfsimulator.shop, the indoor golf specialist business of GSC Trading GmbH and sister site of golfballs.at. Both are managed by a PGA golf professional with over 20 years of industry experience.
The requirements at a glance
| Criterion | Minimum | Recommended | What matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room height | Height + 80 cm | 280 – 300 cm | Ceiling-mounted systems require additional installation clearance |
| Room width | 350 cm | 400 – 500 cm | More width is needed when right- and left-handed players play |
| Total room depth | 500 cm | 700 – 1.000 cm | Including seating area and buffer behind the screen |
| Tee-to-screen distance | 250 cm | 300 cm | Too little distance distorts the measurement |
| Projector brightness | 2.500 lumens | 4.000 – 5.000 lumens | Plan for significantly more in daylight |
| Hitting mat | 40 mm pile | Fairway and Rough zone | Thin mats put strain on wrists and elbows |
1. Space requirements: This is often underestimated
Before you spend even a cent, measure the space available to you. This is the most common mistake when buying a golf simulator – and the most expensive one. A simulator that does not fit the space is worthless.
Ceiling height: height plus 80 cm
The simplest rule of thumb: your height plus 80 cm gives you the minimum height. If you are 180 cm tall, you need a ceiling height of at least 260 cm. 280 cm or more is ideal – this allows you to swing freely, regardless of your swing style. Floor-mounted systems such as SKYTRAK, Square Golf or Uneekor EYE MINI have no minimum installation height. Ceiling-mounted systems such as Uneekor EyeXO, ProTee VX or TrackMan iO require additional clearance from the ceiling – clarify this in advance.
Room width: 3.5 to 5 metres depending on use
For right- and left-handed players together, a width of 4 to 5 metres is recommended. This leaves enough buffer on the left and right for shanks and wide swing arcs. For right-handed use only, 3.5 metres is also possible, but tight.
Room depth: from 5 metres, comfortable from 7 metres
There should be at least 2.5 to 3 metres between the tee position and the screen so that the launch monitor can measure correctly. With a seating area in front and some buffer behind the screen, you quickly reach a total depth of 5 to 7 metres. For a comfortable Setup with a seating area, 7 to 10 metres is ideal.
Simple self-test: Take your Driver and swing it through the planned space – a full swing, not just a simulation. If it feels cramped, the room is too small. Basements and garages are often the best choice: high ceilings and no daylight to interfere with the projection.
2. The centrepiece: The launch monitor
The launch monitor is the most important component of your simulator. It measures what the ball does after the shot – speed, launch angle, spin, Carry distance. Without precise measurement, everything else is worthless. There are two basic technologies:
| Technology | How it works | Space required | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radar | Tracks the ball flight using Doppler radar | More depth required | Very accurate over a long flight distance, also suitable for outdoor use | Less accurate in short spaces |
| Camera | Photographs the ball and club at impact | Compact | Ideal for indoor spaces, provides club data | Sensitive to lighting and reflections |
In the entry-level segment, the Garmin Approach R10 and Square Golf are widespread; in the mid-range segment, the Flightscope Mevo Gen2, the SkyTrak ST MAX and the Uneekor EYE MINI LITE. In the professional segment, there are Uneekor EyeXO and TrackMan iO. The higher the budget, the more data points you get – and the more reliable they are. You can find a complete overview on our launch monitor page.
Indoor or outdoor: the most important difference
Not every launch monitor works equally well indoors and outdoors. Radar systems need flight distance for measurement and become less accurate in small spaces. Camera-based systems are usually the better choice for a home simulator. When buying, pay particular attention to indoor suitability and the minimum distance specified by the manufacturer.
3. Projection and screen
What good is the best measurement technology if the image is poor? Projection and the screen make a big difference to the playing experience.
Choose a short-throw projector
In a confined space, you need an ultra-short-throw projector (UST). Normal projectors require too much distance from the screen – and stand exactly where you swing.
Brightness: from 2,500 lumens, 4,000 is better
In a basement or with subdued lighting, 2,500 to 3,000 lumens are sufficient. In bright ambient light, you need 4,000 lumens or more so that the image does not wash out. You can find suitable devices and PC systems among the projectors and PCs.
Impact screen instead of a normal screen
Normal projection screens cannot withstand golf balls. A special impact screen is multi-layered, repairable and significantly dampens the impact. Three-layer fabrics are considered a good compromise between image quality, noise and durability.
4. Software and courses
The software determines which courses you play, how good the graphics are and which analysis tools are available to you. The most common packages:
| Software | Strengths | Licensing model |
|---|---|---|
| E6 CONNECT | Many courses, good graphics, widely used | Subscription or one-time purchase |
| GSPro | Highly realistic physics, community courses | Subscription |
| WGT Golf | Affordable, beginner-friendly | Free with premium option |
| TGC 2019 | Very large selection of courses, proven | One-time purchase |
Always check which software is compatible with your Launch Monitor – not every combination works smoothly, and some licenses are tied to a single device.
5. Hitting mat and surface
The mat is your daily point of contact – it should feel like real grass. Cheap mats distort your swing and place long-term strain on your joints because they do not simulate the resistance of a natural surface.
What to look for: at least 40 mm pile, a non-slip underside and ideally an integrated Rough area. High-quality mats have Fairway and Rough strips, allowing different lies to be simulated. Browse the selection: hitting mats.
How much does a Golf Simulator cost in total?
A common mistake: You buy an inexpensive Launch Monitor and overlook the fact that the screen, projector, mat, PC and software add considerably to the total cost. A realistic overview:
| Setup | Launch Monitor | Total cost | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Garmin Approach R10, Square Golf | € 800 – € 2.600 | Occasional players, compact spaces, first home setup |
| Mid-range | Flightscope Mevo Gen2, SkyTrak ST MAX, Uneekor EYE MINI | € 3.000 – € 8.000 | Ambitious golfers, regular practice, good data quality |
| Premium | Uneekor EyeXO, Trackman iO | € 10.000 – € 30.000 | Competitive players, pro shops, professional fitting |
Budget realistically
Plan your budget for the complete package from the outset, not just for the Launch Monitor. Many buyers start with an inexpensive device and then realize that the projector, screen, PC and software cost an additional € 1.500 to € 3.000. Those who factor this in make a more targeted purchase. Fully coordinated GSK ELITE complete systems start at € 7.200 and include all components.
Conclusion: How to find the right simulator
A Golf Simulator is an investment – but one that quickly pays off for passionate golfers. If you add up what green fees, Driving Range visits and travel costs amount to over a year, the purchase price is quickly put into perspective.
The essentials at a glance: Measure your space before you buy. Choose the Launch Monitor based on its suitability for indoor use, not on the length of its data sheet. Include the projector, screen, PC and software in your budget from the outset. And invest in a proper hitting mat – you stand on it every day.
Those who are unsure whether their own space is suitable do not have to guess: golfsimulator.shop plans, delivers and installs the systems and operates showrooms in Vienna and Münchendorf, where every Setup can be tested before purchase.
Frequently asked questions
How much space does a Golf Simulator need at home?
The minimum is considered to be approximately 350 cm in width, 500 cm in depth and a room height equal to your height plus 80 cm. It becomes comfortable from 400 to 500 cm in width, 700 cm in depth and 280 to 300 cm in height. There should be at least 250 cm between the hitting position and the screen.
What ceiling height do I need for a golf simulator?
The rule of thumb is your height plus 80 cm. At a height of 180 cm, this means at least 260 cm. 280 cm or more is ideal. Ceiling-mounted Launch Monitor such as Uneekor EyeXO, ProTee VX or Trackman iO require additional mounting clearance.
How much does a complete Golf Simulator cost?
A beginner Setup costs € 800 to € 2.600, the mid-range costs € 3.000 to € 8.000, and premium systems cost € 10.000 to € 30.000. The crucial point is to include the projector, screen, PC and software – they cost an additional € 1.500 to € 3.000. Coordinated complete systems start at € 7.200.
Is radar or camera better for indoor golf?
For indoor spaces, camera-based systems are usually the better choice because they capture the ball directly at Impact and require little space. Radar systems need a longer flight distance and show their strengths more in deep rooms or outdoors.
Which projector is suitable for a golf simulator?
An ultra-short-throw projector, because standard devices require too much distance and would stand in the swing area. In subdued light, 2.500 to 3.000 lumens are sufficient; in bright rooms, it should be 4.000 lumens or more.
Who plans and installs the systems?
golfsimulator.shop, the indoor golf brand of GSC Trading GmbH and sister site of golfballs.at. They provide room planning, on-site installation and service. Showrooms are available in Vienna and in Münchendorf near Vienna, by appointment.
Golf simulators at golfballs.at
A curated selection of golf simulators and indoor golf accessories – personally selected by Oliver, PGA Golf Professional from Austria.
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