Start Here: The Order to Plan, Buy and Install a Home Golf Simulator

Updated 2026-11-12 · Built from manufacturer and retailer specs · We have not tested these products in person

Most expensive sim mistakes come from buying in the wrong order, like ordering a launch monitor before checking the room depth, or a projector before knowing the screen size. Here is the order that avoids them.

Plan (before buying anything)

1. Measure three numbers: the lowest point over the swing (beam, light, door track), wall-to-wall width, and depth from the screen wall to the back wall. Use the ceiling measuring tips.
2. Swing-test: take full swings with your longest club where the tee will be. Every maker we read says this (SIG, Carl's).
3. Tape it out: Carl's suggests taping the enclosure dimensions on the floor for a visual (Carl's).
4. Run the room-fit calculator to see which launch monitor types and enclosure sizes fit.

Choose, in this order

1. Launch monitor type, by depth. Behind-the-ball radar needs the longest room; side and ceiling units need less. See the comparison.
2. Enclosure size, by width and height. Frame width + 6 in and height + 3 in must fit (Carl's buffers).
3. Projector, by screen size and throw. The lens has to fill the screen from a spot where it won't get hit. See the projector guide.
4. Mat, by stance, handedness and thickness. See the mat guide.
5. Computer and software. Check what your launch monitor and sim software require. Uneekor's MINI LITE needs a Windows PC and Ethernet (Uneekor); SkyTrak's ST MAX connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi in network mode (SkyTrak).

Prep the space

• Power: outlets near the projector and the computer. A ceiling projector needs power at the ceiling. New circuits and hardwired heaters are electrician work.
• Network: run Ethernet if your launch monitor or PC needs it.
• Heat (garages): see the cold-garage guide for temperature ratings and CPSC heater rules.
• Light control: cover or block windows that hit the screen.

Install order

1. Clear the floor, and put down flooring or turf if you're using it.
2. Assemble the enclosure and set the screen gap from the wall (9–12 in per SIG; 12–16 in per Carl's).
3. Place the mat and mark the tee position.
4. Mount the projector last among the big pieces, once the screen position is fixed. Then focus and keystone it to the screen.
5. Place and align the launch monitor using the maker's steps. For the Garmin R10, line up the red alignment line with the tee and target; laying a club on the ground helps (Garmin manual).
6. Add side netting and padding, and check for anything a mishit could reach (lights, the heater, the projector).
7. Hit easy wedges first, then work up through the bag.

Common order mistakes

• Buying a behind-the-ball radar for a room under about 15 ft deep.
• Buying the projector before the screen size is fixed.
• Forgetting the mat's thickness on a 9 ft ceiling.
• Planning a garage sim with no heat plan for January.