A golf simulator at home sounds like a project for a five-figure budget. For a long time it was, because the most expensive part was the launch monitor: a radar or camera system that measures every shot. Today a smartphone can do that job. That turns a simulator in the basement, garage or living room into a question of space, net and light.
Here is what you really need, how much room it takes and where you can save money.
The parts at a glance
| Part | What for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Launch monitor | measures every shot | a phone with the DeepSwing launch monitor |
| Tripod | keeps the phone still | 1 to 1.5 metres high, stable |
| Hitting mat | protects floor and joints | good mats forgive heavy strikes |
| Net or screen | catches the ball | with distance to the wall |
| Light | sharp frames at 1/8000 s | bright and even |
| Display | shows flight and numbers | iPad, Mac, TV, Google TV or projector |
| optional: PC with GSPro | simulator software | GSPro's own licence |
How much space does a golf simulator need?
As a rule of thumb, around 2.7 to 3 metres of ceiling height so the driver swings freely, about 3.5 to 4 metres of width and 4.5 to 5 metres of depth. What decides it is your own swing: before you buy anything, make a slow practice swing with your longest club and look up.
The phone launch monitor adds one thing. The tripod stands opposite you, on the other side of the ball, about 1.5 metres from it. So plan the width to leave room beside you, the ball and the tripod. Right- and left-handed golfers are both supported; if several people play, find a tripod spot that works for both.
The ball should have several metres of flight before the net. That's good for safety and also for the measurement: the launch monitor only needs the first frames after impact, but a ball that bounces straight back quickly lands in the measuring zone again.
Light: the underrated part
Camera-based measurement needs light. DeepSwing films at 240 frames per second with an exposure time of 1/8000 of a second so that the ball stays a sharp dot in every frame. With such a short exposure, a single ceiling lamp in the basement isn't enough. Two bright LED floodlights that light the mat evenly from the front at an angle work well. Avoid hard shadows right above the ball.
Setting up the phone
- Put the tripod opposite you, about 1.5 metres from the ball.
- Mount the phone in landscape, 1 to 1.5 metres high and tilted slightly down.
- Lay a club on the ground pointing at the target and turn the tripod until the yellow line in the app runs along it.
- Place the ball in the marked zone. Once the circle turns green, you're ready.
A second phone can film your swing at the same time. That way you see not only the numbers after each shot but also the movement behind them.
Screen or projector?
The phone measures; the display is a second device: iPad, Mac, TV or projector, and on Android Google TV as well. A projector on an impact screen is the classic simulator feel. A TV next to the net is cheaper, brighter and perfectly fine to start with.
What does a golf simulator with a phone cost?
Net, mat, light and display come in very different price ranges, and you may already own some of it. The biggest difference is the launch monitor:
- Your own radar unit: from about 600 dollars, plus a subscription depending on the model.
- DeepSwing launch monitor: five free shots a week, then €8.99 a month, €89.99 a year or €169.99 once. It measures with the phone you already have.
Compared with the Rapsodo MLM2 PRO, DeepSwing's carry is within 0 to 2 percent depending on the club. Spin is estimated by the app rather than measured. More on the technology in How an iPhone measures ball flight without radar.
What you can play in the simulator
- Driving range with targets and shot statistics per club, exportable as PDF.
- Daily challenge and mini games for up to four players.
- Putting on the green.
- More than 12,000 real courses with terrain from elevation data.
- GSPro on the PC if you want to play its courses. How to connect is in How to connect GSPro to your phone.
Typical setup mistakes
- Not enough light. The ball isn't found reliably or shots go missing.
- A wobbly tripod. If it moves, the app searches for the ball again. A heavy tripod or a weight on the centre column helps.
- Crooked alignment. If every ball starts far to one side, the tripod is at an angle to the target line. The app tells you.
- Two balls in the zone. One ball is measured; place the next one only after the shot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum space for a golf simulator?
As a rule of thumb, about 2.7 to 3 metres of ceiling height, 3.5 to 4 metres of width and 4.5 to 5 metres of depth. What matters is a free practice swing with the driver.
Do I need a PC for the simulator?
No. DeepSwing shows the range, games and courses directly on iPad, Mac, TV or projector. You only need a PC if you want to use GSPro.
Does the simulator work with Android?
Yes, DeepSwing with the launch monitor is on Google Play too. A tablet or Google TV becomes the big screen.
Can I do it in the living room?
If the ceiling is high enough for the driver and net and light fit, yes. Many people start with irons and wedges, which need less height.
Start with the phone you already have: the DeepSwing launch monitor.