How to build a golf simulator at home

I built my dream home simulator in my garage with a Full Swing KIT Studio. After buying a home two years ago, the moment I saw the detached 20’ x 20’ garage, I had my eyes set on this DIY project. Now I’m ready to share all the details to help your dream man cave become a reality.

Before I take you to the beginning, I want to get right into the good stuff. From now through Dec. 1, you can get up to $2,500 off a Full Swing KIT Studio. That takes what’s already an amazing price down to a don’t-miss-out-on-this-deal. See below for the holiday discount codes, available while they last!

1. KIT Studio with PC – $2,500 off with code CYBERPC

2. KIT Studio – $1,000 off with code CYBER25

3. KIT Bundle (free net, mat, shipping – $900 value) with code CYBER

Full Swing KIT Launch Monitor

Use code CYBER on a KIT Launch Monitor to get a free net, mat, and shipping (valid until Dec. 1)

Okay, let’s get back to my DIY man cave build now…

Step 1: Power

When I bought my house, it needed work… everywhere. The first thing I chose to do? Run power to the garage. That should tell you where my priorities were.

My dad and I teamed up to dig a four-foot-deep trench from my house to the garage, about 40 feet in length, to run power. I bought PVC Conduit and ran as straight a line as I could, with a few clean 90-degree turns along the way, to run the wiring.

I can’t stress the importance of working with an electrician enough. That’s a dangerous game to play for a novice (like me). Do the trench and conduit yourself. When it comes time to set up power throughout your space, leave that to a professional.

Tip: Set power and outlets everywhere you might need them down the road. Your space will never be as accessible as it is at the beginning of a project. Take advantage of that so you don’t need to go back into the walls later.

Step 2: Picking The Right Simulator

I had the luxury of working alongside the Full Swing Simulator team at the American Century Classic Long Drive Competition. It stuck with me just how easy it was to use the Full Swing KIT.

At the PGA Show in Orlando last year, I was able to see dozens of home simulator setups on display, and I tested them out. For me, Full Swing KIT Studio stood out. I found the Full Swing insightful and ready to answer any question, tiered price points for any budget, and a premium level of performance in the KIT launch monitor for all options. That total package was hard to come by.

Tip: No matter your budget, there is a launch monitor and/or simulator package to be found for you.

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Step 3: Full Swing Support

I knew I made the right choice from the moment communication began with the Full Swing team. We worked together to discuss how best to utilize my space with a Full Swing KIT Studio option that made the most sense for my space. They’ve seen and done it all, and it felt comforting to get their support and reassurance on decisions I made.

Tip: My design process started with the simulator, and I did everything else around that.

Step 4: Exterior Updates

Before I got to work with the fun stuff inside, there was exterior work to be done on my garage. The original wood siding was badly damaged, and the banged-up traditional garage doors.

I was able to find a match for the vinyl siding on my house to create cohesion. Before that went up, I had to change the garage doors. Since a simulator was being installed, I had to be careful with the windows. There was only one spot where a window was going to work and stay out of the danger zone. So, I decided to install a pair of French doors as the main garage entrance to allow more natural light and also create the aesthetic I wanted.

Tip: While it may feel weird initially, get doors that swing outwards. Preserve every inch of space available on the inside of your simulator room, if you’re tight on space like me, not to interfere with swings.

Step 5: Ceiling Height and Overhead Storage

The garage originally had 7.5-foot ceilings with storage above the entire 20-foot stretch. That wasn’t going to cut it to make full golf swings. I decided to chop out 12’ of my storage space above and leave that space completely open with nothing above to swing without fear. I didn’t want to eliminate all of my valuable storage space, and that’s why I kept those eight feet.

I ditched the old staircase and installed a pull-down model to get more everyday usable space below. That’s something I highly recommend because how often are you really going upstairs to the extra garage storage space?

When in doubt, have your tallest golf buddy swing a driver to ensure you have enough headspace for your simulator.

Tip: Please work with a contractor before doing work to anything load-bearing, or ask them if something is load-bearing. That’s something you need a professional to advise on and potentially work with.

Step 6: Wall and ceiling paneling

My initial dream was to have a barnwood garage. At the quotes I was getting for barnwood, that dream was quickly crushed. I’m working on a budget here after all.

I was walking around Lowe’s, as a new homeowner does frequently, and stumbled across T1-11 paneling. It was exactly what I was looking for at a fraction of the cost. My initial fear for a simulator setup was having walls that could be easily damaged. Sheetrock was a quick no, and most wall paneling is rather flimsy. Not T1-11. This paneling was perfect and cost a little over a dollar a square foot. Done!

On my same walk, I noticed a spray-painted sign advertising a sale. The sale isn’t what caught my eye, though. It was the spray-painted particle board. This is one of those pieces of wood you typically walk past without giving it any consideration for front-facing use in a home. But with some paint slapped on it, the texture and design of the particle board really popped. It’s a great complement to my T1-11 wall paneling to offer a contrasting look for the ceiling and overhead storage.

Tip: Use excess wood pieces for stain and paint samples.

Step 7: Heating/Cooling

I live in the Northeast, and our winters are quite cold. To keep myself and my Full Swing Simulator equipment warm, I need a heat supply. MrCool is great for a DIY project. This Mini split comes at a significantly lower price than household names and performs just as well. Even if you’re not up to installing it yourself, having a handyman help will still be a big cost-saver.

Tip: Get a unit with BTUs slightly more than you need so the machine isn’t pushing itself too hard. They work best and are more energy efficient when they can handle square footage easily.

Step 8: Flooring

Fortunately, I started with a clean, dry cement slab as my base. There were some cracks to fill in with cement repair tubes, but other than that, I had a great starting point.

To ensure I wouldn’t run into moisture and mold issues, I laid down a vapor barrier on top of the cement. It’s as simple as rolling out, cutting edges, and taping seams. You can lay whatever you want for flooring right on top of that if you want. I decided to put down rubber gym/playroom mats to help insulate the floor and provide another barrier between my floor and the cement slab.

I went back and forth for a while on the flooring I wanted to use. One cohesive turf floor rather than turf just where the simulator is – and I’m very happy I did.

The Full Swing Team, who once again were a big help throughout the process, recommended a company called GrassTex. After a consultation, they recommend their “MoneyPutt” model, and that’s what I went with to give me a beautiful turf floor that doubles as a one big putting green.

Tip: This is labor you should absolutely do yourself if you’re working with a tight budget. Laying the flooring down is pretty straightforward.

Step 9: Repurposing

Not everything needs to be new. Not by a long shot! I had a strong sense of guilt about some of the items we were discarding during our home renovation process. Then a lightbulb went off. Some of this can be repurposed!

The kitchen was due for an upgrade, but the cabinets were still in good shape. I put aside a lower and upper cabinet to use for storage in the garage. Same with a fridge found in the basement that just needed a good cleaning. If I bought these items new, it would have cost me well over $1,000.

Tip: Facebook Marketplace is your friend. You’ll be amazed to see the prices for “like new” items you have been considering buying new. I bought a Pottery Barn leather couch, listed for $2,500 new, and purchased it for $100 without a scratch to be found. Hand up, I bought it for my basement. I didn’t measure, and it didn’t fit through the door frame.

Plan B? I have an awesome garage couch now.

Step 10: Simulator Build

I was a little nervous about how my Full Swing KIT Studio would be shipped. This arrived on a well-packed pallet, and the delivery service even wheeled it up to my garage. All that worrying for nothing…

Full Swing provides detailed step-by-step instructions to install the simulator. You will need one or two sets of helping hands and a step ladder/ladder. It took my dad, my neighbor, and me about 90 minutes to finish putting everything together. Think of the process like installing a Lego set, but with a way more rewarding ending to play with.

While the package and supplies will look daunting at first glance, it’s remarkably easy to assemble and much, much stronger than I even expected the build to be.

Tip: Stock your garage fridge with adult beverages for your helpers.

Step 11: Décor advice

Where a dive bar meets The Bridge: That’s what went through my head as I started to decorate my man cave.

I wanted the comfort of walking into a dive bar, and décor similar to what’s found at The Bridge, a private club on the east end of Long Island. It’s one of the most unique clubhouses and properties I’ve ever visited. Think of it as the coolest art gallery you’ll ever visit, with a beautiful golf course outside its doors.

As I look around at the space today, I think I accomplished what I set out to do.

Tip: Be authentic to YOU. Find what makes you happy and get it up on the walls.

Step 12: DIY fun

There’s a Facebook group I belong to called “DIY Man caves” that heavily inspired me before and throughout the process. I joined this group for fun years ago, and I found myself bookmarking posts, threads, and comments for years to refer to. I’m not a handy guy, and I learned that most people in the group weren’t either. They learned by trial and error, YouTube, and the advice of wise minds in the group.

I picked up on ideas like hanging old scorecards on the ceiling, creating a fun accent wall for my koozies using eye hooks, string, and clothes hanger clips, and they helped to solve an issue I had with my golf bags. Day after day, I would go out to the garage to the sight of my bags fallen like a line of dominoes. I really didn’t want to buy one of those cheesy bag racks. A member recommended that I use heavy-duty eye hooks on the wall and bungee cords around each bag. I now have a secure row of bags that don’t move an inch, while remaining easy to remove and put back at my leisure.

Tip: Join the “DIY Man Caves” Facebook Group

Step 13: Full Swing Benefits

There are 16 data points available through Full Swing’s KIT launch monitor. I am not a data nerd. Too many numbers going through my head before a shot isn’t helpful to me. There are, however, several data points that have been extremely helpful to me while using the driving range feature. All of this data is saved on my phone to help me practice with a purpose.

As a PGA Tour partner, it’s hard to beat the assortment of courses available to play using Full Swing software. Whether it’s Pebble Beach, The Old Course, or TPC Sawgrass, the selection is top-notch. The graphics are excellent, too.

If I want to go hit balls away from my simulator, I can take my Full Swing KIT with me on my go. It’s compact and lightweight for easy transportation. I can pack it up for a trip, the driving range, or to join me for a casual practice round. All the while, I will still be collecting useful data on my Full Swing app.

Tip: Use Full Swing data in a way that’s most helpful to you.

14: Do the research

Whether it’s finding the right simulator for you or running power throughout your space, take the time to speak with experts and people who have gone through similar processes. You’ll be amazed at how much you learn from every conversation. Don’t take one person at their word or buy the first thing you come across at the hardware store.

You don’t want to be ripping up a project freshly after finishing it.

Tip: You’ll never regret taking a little longer to buy something because you wanted to better inform yourself first.

15: Never grow up

Clint Eastwood once told Toby Keith, “Don’t let the old man in,” which is the mindset he uses to stay young at heart, and it inspired a song by Keith. Those same words should hold true when you’re building a man cave or simulator room of your dreams. These projects are meant to be fun and keep us feeling young.

Never forget that.

Tip: Whatever your dream “neverland” man cave is, do it.

Questions? The author welcomes your feedback and inquiries at Tim.Reilly@golf.com.

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