Toying with the idea of creating a Home Simulator in a shed | garden room.

allybhoy

Long story here, so apologies in advance.

During the first lockdown to scratch the golfing itch and alleviate boredom, I set up a very very basic home simulator in a garage that was connected to the house, space was fairly limited but you could swing an iron very easily, driver not so much. I bought the Optishot 2 second hand and set up a driving net in front of a patch of Astro, with a white sheet in front and a projector overhead. Optishot 2 is very basic, but myself and the young lad (8) and a few mates spent a lot of hours hitting balls in the garage.

Roll on to lockdown lifting and being able to play proper golf again, i didnt think id miss the simulator so i disassembled the whole thing and ended up selling the Optishot, the wife talked me into converting the garage into a playroom for the kids.

However, the last 6-9 months or so, I have really missed just being able to nip in and hit a few balls and have spent hours looking at Simulator set ups online. I live roughly 20 minutes from the course \ range and do go to both at least once or twice a week but would really love to get something set up at home again. The wife has no issues with me buying either a shed or a garden room and setting up another simulator out the back garden.

So basically im looking for advise for anyone with a similar set up.

Am i mad??

If you have one, do you use it regularly? I have a good few mates living locally who would definitely call over and play and I have two sons who I think would also get a fair bit of use out of it... but for how long i dont know, maybe the novelty would wear off. I would also probably try and use it for a small home gym if possible, few weights, punch bag etc. But again, space permitting. So looking for advice from somebody who has a permanent set up, how many hours a week do you use it, do you do any online tournaments etc. Id probably stick a TV in there with sky

Has anyone done anything similar in their garden, and if so, what kind of shed | Garden room have you got? Size etc

I know i would need a fairly large room roughly 3metres high x 3 metres wide and nearly 5 metres long. Garden is quite large but its not massive at the same time. Finding a balance to have a decent size space to swing a club and not haiving it take up half the garden with it seems tricky. Are the sizes ive listed there acceptable to hit driver comfortably? The garage i had was very narrow and low and was a pain to not be able to hit woods \ driver.

How much did you pay for the shed | room?

Prices for anything that size seem to vary from 15k to 35k and anywhere in between. Multiple options around insulation, foundations, finish windows etc if anyone had any advise id appreciate it. For example would just a basic steeltech shed do or would it be freezing in the winter etc. Electrics wise, should i look at getting it properly socketed up, or just have power with an extension lead. From a budget perspective, ideally if i could get it installed and fitted all in for about 15-18k, but from early research it looks like that might be optimistic. Something like this would be the dream but once you spec that out you are looking at 30k which is outside the budget ... https://gardenhouse24.ie/golf-simulator-room-caddie-44-a-7-4-x-5-9m-24-3-x-19-4.html

What system are you using?

I want something that doesnt require a huge amount of space behind the ball for obvious reasons , has a fairly decent virtual golf set up, doesnt cost a bomb either up front or in yearly subscriptions and is reasonably accurate but doesnt have to be GC Quad accurate. From what ive seen online, the Bushnell Pro is probably the best option but i think the gold package for that is roughly 700 dollars per year which is fairly expensive. If i could get a system to suit my requirements for 2k or so that would be ideal.

I actually put an order in last week for a swing caddie 4 , plan for the moment is to just use that on the range and out the back with the kids using a driving net connected to either a laptop or tablet. So if we do get the use of it then ill commit to looking at getting a more permanent solution.

benny79

I looked into this during Covid and still love the idea.. Just money is the problem and my back garden is small but I dont really use it for anything.

I was doing a shed for about €5000. Concrete base and wooden frame. It needs to be 16ft x 14ft at a minimum and 10 ft high to swing driver. You can get plasterboard with insulating attached and screw it to walls. Loads of different ideas on you tube.

Software I would get is Skytrak they actually have a new model in the pipe line (the current one is that good hasn't changed in years & only about €2000). Then a projector + laptop. loads of great videos on you tube on how to built one and you already sound like you have a good idea. Shed is the easy part imo.

You can then turn it into a home cinema with projector etc or gym at back end. Id say all in for €7000.

Seve OB

I built a shed last year in back garden. I was hoping to use it as a SIM room, but it just wasn't an option with the size of my garden and the fact that I actually needed a shed, so to make it double purpose it would of had to have been massive!

But I can tell you, putting in the proper foundation is the most important. Insulate it, it doesn't add much to the price if you are doing it yourself but it does mean a bit more digging. (get a digger)

Whether you go for something like a Steeltech shed, a concrete build or a timber frame, I'd recommend you insulate it if you can, but you can always do it down the road. I'm not sure if retrofitting is something possible with the pre fab options, so you could check them out to see if they are modular.

WIRE IT PROPERLY FOR ELECTRIC.

I have an R10. I don't use it much over the 2 years since I got it. But I recently deviated from the Garmin software to the free version of E6 that comes with it. (it wasn't free the last time I had looked, but it seems that have now partnered up and offer about 6 courses. you can add more on at a price) I also have go with the free trial of Awesome Golf. Both are far superior to the Garmin own software, but that does have it's merits.

E6 looks the business, but it's €2.5k I believe for the full version so I'll stick with the free version (you might be able to get an annual sub either). I only got to use Awesome Golf the once during trial, but I will most likely upgrade it. I think it's about €400 for lifetime licence.

The only think about both is that I'm using at a range so on mobile and small screen. I've nearly got my garden cleaned up and levelled now so I hope to get some sort of net & impact screen which I can use at home. Only problem is the garden is small so it will have to be something I can take up/down easy enough. Once i get that set up, I'll link them up through laptop and put them at least on a tele but ultimately a projector would be best I guess but probably not really practical for me.

So you could get an R10 setup for about a grand I guess with Awesome golf and I've no doubt you already have some sort of laptop/PC you can use along with an old TV for output. I've seen really decent nets for about €500, but you can buy cheaper and spend more. Probably another €300ish for decent mat to hit off. But if you are spending decent money on a mat, have a look on web, especially US. We were are a show last year in Florida and they have mats which have all sorts of different textures to play and practice from. IE, fairway, semi rough, deep rough, even sand. I'll try link it if I can find it, but it wasn't cheap 😁

Enjoy

Seve OB

https://www.golfzongolf.com/global/user/technology/plates.do

think this was it. $80k for the full setup.... that's after you build your room 😎

PurpleMonkeyDishwasher_

Having built these before, I recommend the following. Clear area and lay 100mm harcode and aim to finish at 150mm above ground level. Pour concrete base over radon membrane and put in any pop ups needed for water waste, eg sinks or toilet if you have room. Run this to existing aj.

I would use 6x2, for walls, then plyed, then tyvek, then 2x2 battens and then finish in chosen material. Eg charred timber

Run in a 6square cable from your existing board under the slab along with a water feed if needed. Insulate between studs with wool, run an airtight membrane over the inside walls and ceiling and screw on a 62mm insulated board. Plaster and paint, job done 👍🏻 will save alot doing it yourself

Innish_Rebel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058308741/toying-with-the-idea-of-creating-a-home-simulator-in-a-shed-garden-room

What system are you using?

I built a setup in my garage using the Skytrak system. It is very popular. I'm very happy with it. I paired it up with TGC2019 software which allows playing thousands of different designed courses. If you are looking for a trage off between performance of say GC quad and costs - this is not a bad option (In my slightly biased opinion) & I do know they've released an updated hardware that is now actually measuring some club data rather than just estimating based on ball flight previously.

allybhoy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121012162#Comment_121012162

I have seen videos of Skytrak working with TGC2019, looks very impressive, very like EA Tiger Woods golf. With that system, have you got it connected to a laptop, or gaming PC? Have you ever used E6 connect?

Innish_Rebel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121015198#Comment_121015198

I went the gaming PC route. On E6 no I didn't try it. When I was deciding I was a bit up in the air but after a lot of reading online I went with the TGC option. But it was very 50/50, also looked at Mevo option but I didn't have the room behind my setup.

I've only every had positive experience with the system - very happy with it. There are horror stories online from people having issues but in general I've found once you set it up correctly and follow the best use tips online I cannot think of any misreads (i.e. I hit a shot that feels like a slice but machine says straight/pull) other than maybe a shank or freak shot by me confusing the system. In terms of missed reads (different from misreads) they do happen the odd time but not to a level that has ever had a negative impact on my view of the system.

bamayang

I’d love to do this with a room outside and combine with a work from home office.

Does anyone know what footprint/space is needed from the screen back? I think I’ve seen suggestions of up to 15’, which seems a lot!

allybhoy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121024306#Comment_121024306

So from the research ive done, you need at least 7 feet from ball to screen, but ideally 8 -9 ft to ensure shots register correctly and you dont get bounceback. Bear in mind, the screen wont sit flush with the wall, you would need at least 1-2 feet from wall to screen. So lets say 10-11 feet from ball to screen. Then you would need at least another 3-4 feet behind the ball to stop you hitting the wall on your backswing. The below article is worth a read.

https://mygolfsimulator.com/tee-to-screen-distance/#Whats_the_Minimum_Distance_from_Screen_to_Hitting_Area

It also depends on the type of launch monitor you go with. If you go with a radar based system such as FlightScope, R10, Swing Caddy etc. These generally need to sit 5-6 feet behind the ball, otherwise you will get a lot of shots that wont register. However you can go with something like the Bushnell Launch Pro or the SkyTrack, these sit in front of the ball and dont require as much space behind the ball, but you still need to factor in your backswing.

The cost for launch monitors and software can vary wildly... you can spend anywhere from 5-700 euro for something like the R10 | SC4 up to like 20k for a GCQuad system and anywhere in between. This youtube channel is worth a watch as he reviews most of the big brand systems https://www.youtube.com/@breakingeighty

For what its worth i am looking at getting quotes for something outside and the dimensions i settled on were 4.8 metres (16ft) depth, 2.9 metres (9.5ft) wide and 2.9 metres (9.5ft) high.

bamayang

Do you think you will have much use(s) for the building outside of the simulator? I would think strongly about it, but I Dont know could I justify it for golf purposes only.

For example, Is it realistic to hope to plan to use the projector and screen as a “cinema” room for kids as well?

Seve OB

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121026141#Comment_121026141

Don’t listen to this. Golf is always worth it and that’s all you need to consider. If you have enough room, just build it 😁

allybhoy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121026141#Comment_121026141

You could, but its not what i would be using it for. For that you would probably need room for a couch at the back which would mean increasing the dimensions again. Suppose you could throw a few big bean bags in and move them to the side when not in use, my kids already have a big playroom with a couch for movies. You would just need to ensure it was well really well insulated and had sufficient heating for the winter but an electric rad or two would solve that. The only thing i would possibly use it for is for outside of golf is possibly a small gym. Few free weights, possibly a punch bag and\or an exercise bike that you could push up against the walls when not in use.

bamayang

I’m going gung ho for it now. Have marked out a space in the garage for it. Planning on building a separating wall to split current garage into gym and golf on the right and small workshop on left.

Looking at sky track, a Spornia net return to hit into and and iPad and TV on the wall. Casting iPad to TV. And a good hitting mat to save the wrists.

Planning to go without the projector to start, as it adds another €1-1.5k for screen and high end projector.

Ceiling height in garage is 8, but it can be easily raised to 3.3m, I’m hoping this is fine for driver (6,4 tall).

Anyone see anything that won’t work with my plan, dimensions etc?

allybhoy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121120118#Comment_121120118

Fair play to you... looks the business. Dimensions wise, with skytrack you are fine length and width wise, the only thing you will need to change i think is the height..you will definitely require more than 8" if you want to hit driver. Even 3.3 metres would be tight... although im sure you can easily test this yourself. One small change I would make is I would probably move the TV to the opposite wall if you are a RHG. Otherwise you will have to turn around every time you hit your shot to see the screen. If that isnt possible then put the net at the opposite end of the room.

You will probably want to get a projector and impact screen long term to enhance the experience but if budget isnt there you are right to remove it in the short term. You could look at cheaper alternatives, you can get impact screens on AliExpress.. i actually bought one a few years ago but never used it, quality seems decent though. You could also pick up a second hand projector on donedeal etc so could potentially get both for less than 1k but i generally go by the motto buy cheap buy twice.

One last thing... Not sure if putting or chipping is a priority but one idea ive seen is to have a large piece of fine astro turf that would be similar to the length of grass on a putting green.. then either have a hitting mat from a driving range or a square of higher grade thicker astro on top of this with the fine astro sticking out underneath where the skytrack goes. Gives you the option to putt and chip off of a tight lie by simply moving the skytrack back a foot.

I called up to these guys a few years ago and they gave me some large off cuts of both that they had at a very reasonable price, they were sound aswell. The longer grass they gave me is absolutely perfect for hitting irons and woods off if without needing a tee etc. Its like playing from a lush fairway.

https://www.sanctuarysynthetics.ie/

bamayang

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121125013#Comment_121125013

Cheers for that, lots of good advise. Yes i had thought about the TV facing me, thankfully I'm a big awkward leftie, so should be able to look up and see the shot.

I am going to put together an excel of items and costs this week and see what the difference between a hitting net and projector will be. If its not that bad, maybe I'll go whole hog from the start.

I would have thought 3.3M, or 10'9Inches would be plenty for driver, but will need to do a few tests to figure it out. Dont expect to have issues with any other club.

Seve OB

Think 10 foot height is the recommendation

bamayang

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121139141#Comment_121139141

It’s really quite awkward to measure on your own. Standing under a hedge trying to tell which branch the driver hit.

bamayang

Anyone know a way of calculating any duties that might be due from a purchase from the UK?

There’s a good sale on new Skytraks on golfswingsystems site, but wondering will there be a sting when it comes through Dublin?

spacecoyote

Some UK sites cover the duty as part of the purchase so maybe worth checking that out?

coillcam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121205786#Comment_121205786

I would guess by looking at the website that the company doesn't have themselves setup properly to pay Irish or any eu vat. Likewise Id expect they won't ship the product ex VAT (20% UK rate) - so you'd only the pay Irish VAT and whatever the applicable duty is. I'd expect you'd end up paying UK VAT and the Irish VAT+DUTY.

Nonetheless it's always best to give them a call to see if they can ship to Ireland and take care of tax etc.

If the deal is that good and you're about to drop €3-4k.... You could consider flying over/back same day through Heathrow/Gatwick and stick the device in your bag.

Motivator

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121207153#Comment_121207153

A pal of mine has done this a few times. Either flown over or driven over if an item is too big. He made a couple of days out of the trip and either played golf over there or gone to a soccer match or race meeting.

Rover365

I got stung for the VAT buying from golfbays (who i think are the same as golfswingsystems) even though they it said on the website taxes included. I wouldnt go that route again. Id look at buying a used skytrak from the usa if you knew someone living there. can pick them up for under $1k used now.

Rover365

Also on some of your other queries, 10ft ceiling is fine for driver. i raised my ceiling and no issues now. keep an eye on adverts / boards for projectors. I picked up an optoma gt1080 short throw projector for €150 on adverts. For the screen i got the close knit baffle from golfbays which I find fine and fixed to ceiling / side timber shelves (need to get some foam padding fo the gaps)

For the matt I used artificial putting grass on a double layer of foam tiles and cut in 2 hitting matts using strips of tee turf.

Infoseeker1975

This was always a pipedream of mine though finances meant it was not an option; recently I was left some money & rather than do the boring thing & clear off some loans, I am going to go ahead with this....have told the wife that life is too short plus it could be a way to get the kids into golf:)

I am a decent golfer but I am useless with DIY and I mean useless!!

From reading above, I know there are loads of good suggestions to reduce costs especially if you do some of the setup yourself.

I am wondering if anyone used the services of someone to complete this from start to finish, just looking if there are any companies or individuals who do this that people on here have used before & would recommend.

Seve OB

Having built a decent shed in my back garden recently (along with a couple of patios over the years) I can tell you the hardest part and probably most expensive part is the ground works.

however it can be fun and save a proper few quid if you get yourself a mini digger for a long weekend (or even a week) to do the clearing and digging of trenches for the foundations. It’s not that labour intensive with a mini digger, especially if If you have a decent plot of land (unfortunately I don’t) and you have room to pile the dirt up rather than having to wheelbarrow it down a side passage into a skip like I did (that was proper hard work).

what I would suggest to anyone, no matter what you are building, make sure that you do the ground work properly……. And insulate it. 100mm under your concrete slab. It will be worth the extra bit of labour in the long run

higster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121219424#Comment_121219424

Something similar here...useless (should see the one shelf I put up, never asked again to do it), zero interest (gadgets yeah but DIY oh gawd) and very confident that I would make a balls of it. Anyone know anyone that does this for a living?

PARlance

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121219424#Comment_121219424

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121250326#Comment_121250326

https://www.simulatedsports.ie/

I know the owner well, so I won't oversell his services, but he's a great guy, and you can check out the reviews, etc, for yourself. He's Dublin based, but does installs around the country.

allybhoy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121205786#Comment_121205786

How did you get on Bamayang with your set up? did you go with skytrak? Did you set up your impact screen yourself?

I took the plunge and ordered a large garden pod from mycabin last week. Dimensions are 5m x 5m with 3.4m ceilings. Will take 8 weeks for delivery. Im probably going to order this bundle just because its a lot easier than setting up the screen myself, SkyTrak+ with SimBox Enclosure. Eventually plan to use GS Pro once everything is up and running.

https://golfbays.co.uk/collections/golf-simulator-room-bundles/products/skytrak-home-golf-simulator-bundle

higster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121964934#Comment_121964934

Could you share link of the mycabin pod, damned if i can find 5x5x3.4 pod on their webpage

allybhoy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121968762#Comment_121968762

You wont find it on their site, you will need to call into them or ring them. Think the style with mine was Longford, they raised the height based upon my requirements, was no issues just a bit extra, from speaking with them they have built a good few for Golf Sim purposes. I got quotes from a number of places, Watters Garden Sheds were also decent to deal with and competitive, but ultimately went with mycabin as I know a few people who have used them previously and the feedback was excellent.