Whether you’re envisioning a home golf simulator or you’re looking into golf simulator floor plan inspiration for a commercial facility, we’re here to help you take the next steps. We specialize in golf simulator design and are proud to have helped countless homeowners and businesses alike create the spaces of their dreams.

Working with us means you get detailed golf simulator room floor plan layouts alongside tailored equipment recommendations, so you can rest assured everything works together seamlessly in your exact room. Our experts can even handle the installation side of things if you wish.

But you might just be looking into ideas at this point, and that’s perfectly fine. Everyone starts here. Your golf simulator floor plan will consist of three main numbers:

• Ceiling height
• Room width
• Total depth

From here, you can get a better understanding of what enclosure fits, how far back you need to mount your projector, and whether or not it’s realistic for a golfer over 6’ tall to take full swings with a driver. 

So, follow along as we show you some possible golf simulator layouts you can replicate in your space - or get in touch for one-on-one support every step of the way!

Key Takeaways

• 12-15 feet wide x 20+ feet deep x 9-10 foot ceilings are the ideal dimensions for a simulator.
• You can get by with less space, but you’ll have to make compromises.
• Spare rooms, garages, basements, and sheds are the most popular places for a simulator.
• Retractable enclosures/screens allow you to continue using the space for its original purpose.
• Commercial golf simulator floor plan layouts need wider bay spacing, dedicated electrical circuits, and HVAC capacity.
• Indoor Golf Outlet specializes in golf simulator room floor plan design. 

Golf Simulator Floor Plan Inspiration

We’ve helped build so many golf simulators over the years, and are always eager to show off some of our work. Connect with our team for more personalized insights into what’s possible, and we’ll show you a golf simulator we’ve already built that is just like what you have in mind.

Over the years, though, we’ve found that golf simulator floor plan layouts tend to fall in one of four room types. We’ve included the ideal dimensions, enclosure style, and the gear you need to fill out each one below. 

You don’t have to match these setups exactly - this is just to give you a rough idea of the different directions you can take this project.

The Dedicated Room Build

Target dimensions: 12-15 feet wide, 18-20 feet deep, 9-10 feet of ceiling

This could be a spare bedroom, a bonus room, an unfinished basement - anywhere in your home that you have no qualms about permanently dedicating to playing golf indoors. This is ideal because you don’t have to worry about folding anything up between sessions or making compromises. It’s the way a golf simulator is best enjoyed, in our opinion.

You’ll want to go with a fixed golf simulator enclosure, such as the SportScreen Parlour Series. It features a 4040 aluminum frame with a lifetime warranty. The Parlour 11 needs at least 12 feet of width, 9 feet of height, and 17 feet of depth. The Parlour 13H bumps the width to 13 feet 4 inches and the height to 10 feet. You get impact screens, side panels, ceiling panels, and baffles for each. Plan on leaving 8-12 inches of clearance behind this enclosure from the back wall. 

You’ll mount your golf simulator projector to the ceiling between the hitting position and the screen. We recommend something like the BenQ AH500ST. It can fill a 200-inch screen from just a few feet away, helping you make the most of a shallower room. Then, you can decide if you want to put the launch monitor on the floor behind the ball or overhead.

The full component list looks like this:

• Fixed enclosure (SportScreen Parlour $2,399-$3,499, or SIG DIY kit)
• Impact screen (included with most enclosures, or standalone from $195)
• Short-throw projector ($1,999-$4,899 for BenQ models)
• Launch monitor (radar or photometric, varies by budget and data needs)
• Hitting mat and turf
• PC or laptop running simulator software

The Basement Build

Target dimensions: 10-15 feet wide, 18-25 feet deep, 8 feet 6 inches of ceiling minimum (9+ feet preferred for full driver swings)

Our favorite style to build because there’s so much space to work with and you can add a viewing area, a bar, and more to make it the ultimate hang-out spot. We have an entire guide dedicated to setting up a basement golf simulator.

There are just two problems you may encounter in the basement: ceiling height limitations and moisture. Both can be overcome if you’re crafty. Otherwise, you’ll just have to accept that your basement is only a place to swing irons and wedges. Nothing with a headcover. 

The average finished basement ceiling height is about 8 feet. Sometimes 8 feet 6 inches. But the minimum height for a golf simulator is 9 feet (for the average player - shorter players have more wiggle room).

We’ve worked with customers who were willing to make serious modifications to the garage in order to make a simulator work. Raising the roof isn’t always viable, but digging a deeper foundation might be. Just be honest with yourself about how much you’re willing to invest in construction work, or if you’d rather explore other options.

That said, width and depth are almost never a problem in the basement. You may have other obstacles to work around as well, though, like support columns and HVAC ductwork. 

The Carl's Place Built-In Golf Room Kit is probably your best bet since it’s a wall-to-wall screen that directly integrates into your existing framing. So, it can accommodate whatever ceiling height your basement already has. 

A couple other things to keep in mind: you’ll want a dehumidifier running around the clock in warmer months. You can’t afford to let your electronics and screens be exposed to prolonged moisture. You should look into putting padding on concrete walls as well to help with the echo.

Your basement simulator component list:

• Retractable or built-in enclosure (SportScreen Vanish LITE 9, or Carl's Place Built-In Kit $565-$3,995)
• Impact screen (included with built-in kits, or standalone)
• Short-throw projector ($1,999-$4,899 for BenQ models)
• Launch monitor (radar or photometric, varies by budget and data needs)
• Hitting mat and turf
• PC or laptop running simulator software
• Dehumidifier for moisture control
• Acoustic panels or wall padding for sound dampening

The Garage Conversion

Target dimensions: 10-12 feet wide (single car) or 18-24 feet wide (double car), 20 feet deep, 9-10 feet of ceiling

Even a single-car garage can work - but most homes these days have at least a double-car garage, which really opens up a world of possibilities. The only question is whether you have ample ceiling height for a golf simulator or not. And, you’ll also have to decide if you want to permanently park your car outside or still use the garage for parking.

Insulate the walls and ceiling for a permanent conversion, and invest in climate control so you can enjoy the space whether it’s the dead of winter or the peak of summer. You can then set the enclosure against the back wall, position the hitting area 10 feet from the screen, and still have 10 feet behind you for standing room and launch monitor placement.

You can consider a retractable golf simulator enclosure if you want to keep parking your car inside, too. The SportScreen Vanish 11 starts at $3,499.99 and only needs 11 feet 3 inches of width with 9 feet of ceiling height. It pulls the enclosure and screen out of the way when not in use. 

It’s worth investing in a better hitting mat for garage layouts since the concrete can take a toll on your joints (and your clubs). Get one with a foam underlayer or put interlocking foam tiles under the turf section first. You can explore more garage golf simulator ideas in our blog.

Here are the recommended components for this particular golf simulator floor plan:

• Fixed enclosure (permanent conversion) or retractable enclosure (SportScreen Vanish 11, $3,499.99+ for shared use)
• Impact screen (included with most enclosures, or standalone)
• Short-throw projector ($1,999-$4,899 for something from BenQ)
• Launch monitor (radar or photometric depending on your budget and the data you want)
• Hitting mat with foam underlayer or interlocking foam tiles
• PC or laptop running simulator software
• Climate control (mini-split recommended for permanent conversions)
• Wall and ceiling insulation (permanent conversions)

The Compact Layout

Target dimensions: 10 feet wide, 17 feet deep, 8 feet 6 inches of ceiling (absolute minimum for a functional setup)

Not every golfer has a spare room, a full garage, or a basement to dedicate to their simulator. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any golf simulator room floor plan ideas you can implement, though.

We’ve seen it all over the years. Carving out part of a home office, a guest room, or a corner of the basement. You just need a bare minimum of 10 feet wide, 17 feet deep, and 8 feet 6 inches tall to make this work. Anything less and your swing will be restricted, and the golf simulator screen will sit too close to the projector (yes, even an ultra-short throw projector).

Every inch counts at this size, so consider the Impact Sports Motorized Retractable Golf Impact Screen ($1,257 for the 9'2" wide model). It drops from the ceiling and then rolls back up when you’re done. It tucks out of sight, and only needs to be paired with a hitting mat and a floor-based launch monitor for the most basic of setups.

You don’t get a fully enclosed bay, but this just frees up part of your budget for a better launch monitor. Or, you can still get an enclosure that maximizes your limited space - like the Impact Sports Golf Cage. It’s essentially a freestanding steel frame at 9'10" x 9'10" x 9'10". It takes just 30 minutes to set up, and it breaks down just as easily.

The compact build has a really short component list:

• Retractable impact screen (Impact Sports Motorized, $1,257) or freestanding cage (Impact Sports Golf Cage, $647)
• Short-throw projector (critical in tight rooms with limited throw distance)
• Floor-based launch monitor
• Hitting mat and turf
• PC or laptop running simulator software

More Unique Golf Simulator Ideas You Can Consider

We feel confident saying there’s a way YOU can set up a golf simulator in your home or yard, even if none of the standard golf simulator floor plan layouts make sense for you. Here are some alternative options you might consider, along with some fun twists on traditional builds.

Shipping Container Golf Simulators

You can purchase or lease a shipping container and put it in your side yard or backyard, and make this your foundation. The average shipping container is around 9.5 feet tall so ceiling height shouldn’t be a problem unless you’re very tall. They’re plenty deep, too. 

The limitation is width. A lot of containers are only 8 feet wide or so. How does this golf simulator floor plan work, then? You just have to skew everything to one side. Line up the hitting area on the right side of the container if you’re a righty (or the left side if you’re left-handed). This means the space may not be as inclusive for playing with lefties and righties, but that’s maybe not a dealbreaker. Be honest - how many lefties do you know anyway?

You might want to pay a premium for an insulated/climate-controlled shipping container. These can get really hot in the summer, otherwise. You could just put a mini-split HVAC in the container if you have room. We’ve seen some really cool builds with windows cut out and a roll-up door at one end for ventilation. 

Shed Golf Simulators

Building a shed or detached outbuilding is another viable option if you have the acreage and are committed to setting up a permanent playing area. It doesn’t have to be anything bigger than 12x12 with 10 foot ceilings. That’s a legitimate golf simulator room floor plan.

The best part is you can make the shed whatever you want it to be. Build extra length for a full bar. Add windows wherever you want. You can make it DIY friendly or hire an expert to handle all the insulation and wiring for a better experience.

The two main considerations are the foundation and the electrical work. You need to make sure the pad is completely level. Gravel will work, but it can shift over time and create uneven flooring. You’ll need a subpanel or dedicated electrical run from the house. 

Putting a Full Bar Behind the Simulator

If we could make one suggestion to your golf simulator floor plan, it would be to create some sort of gallery seating behind it for friends and family to enjoy. After all, you’ll probably share the experience with others - and only one person can hit at a time. 

Instead of dead space you can create bar seating with a TV, so you can watch the game or put on YouTube golf while you play. Install some nice speakers, and voila - you’ve got a legit man cave.

Retractable/Inflatable Simulators For Multi-Use Spaces

There’s another option we haven’t even mentioned yet - you can quite literally turn your backyard into a golf simulator with an inflatable golf simulator enclosure. These feature an impact screen built in, so all you need to add is a hitting mat, a launch monitor, and a projector. 

You can blow up the enclosure in your backyard and set up everything in minutes. Then, deflate it and put everything back in storage when you’re done for the day. You could technically bring the same experience inside if you have room in your living room. Inflatable enclosures change the game for what’s possible. 

Looking For a Commercial Golf Simulator Floor Plan?

Most of the golf simulator floor plan ideas we’ve talked about today are specific to the homeowner who is trying to set up a DIY playing area. But we’ve also helped create golf simulator room floor plan layouts for many commercial facilities. The process is similar, but with a lot more nuances that need to be taken into account. The standards are just a lot higher.

Ceiling height is almost never the constraint in commercial spaces (most are 10-12 feet tall). The biggest hurdle is controlling noise between individual bays. This means investing in acoustic paneling or insulated partitions so one bay’s ball strikes don’t bother the next one over.

Standard commercial golf simulator room floor plan bay width is 12-14 feet per bay. Depth is more or less the same 17-20 foot minimum per bay. You’ll want to invest in state-of-the-art equipment so you can provide a better experience for your students or patrons. You’ll also want to make sure everything is installed perfectly, which is why it’s worth investing in a golf simulator installation service - like ours here at Indoor Golf Outlet.

Bring Your Golf Simulator Room Floor Plan to Life

Anyone can measure a room. But there are so many little intricacies that go into picking the right components for a space and making sure everything works together, from the projector and screen placement to the launch monitor you go with. We didn’t even get into stuff like throw distances, lighting, and all the other complexities of designing a golf simulator space.

Indoor Golf Outlet can take all the stress and uncertainty out of coming up with a golf simulator floor plan. We take your measurements and photos and provide you a 2D layout and 3D rendering, complete with a purchasing list. This is the best way to bring your golf simulator to life.

We also carry all the top brands and their latest-and-greatest models, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best equipment for your space. We offer nationwide installation, too, if you don’t want to lift a finger. 

Learn more about how it works today. Inquire about some of the many golf simulator floor plan layouts we’ve created and find out what’s possible for your space!

Frequently asked questions

How much floor space is needed for a golf simulator?

10 feet wide, 17 feet deep, and 9 feet tall is a comfortable “bare minimum.” The more wiggle room you have, though, the better. It gives you more flexibility in how you design the space, the equipment you choose, and who can enjoy the experience with you.

How much does it cost to build a golf simulator room?

Plan on at least $3,000-$5,000 for the most basic, bare-bones setup possible. We recommend setting a more comfortable budget of $8,000-$15,000 so you can get better equipment and a more immersive playing experience. 

Can I get help designing and building my golf simulator?

Absolutely. Connect with our designers today at Indoor Golf Outlet and we’ll work together to create your golf simulator floor plan layout.