Golf Sim Under $4K? Yes, Really.

👀 The Three-Putt: 3 Golf Picks You Can't Miss

📰 Must-Read: Rory’s on fire in 2025 between the TGL inaugural season and his recent Pebble win. Check out his WITB.

⛳ Must-Try: Get a sneak peek of PGA Tour 2K25—download and play now.

📽️ Must-See: Ever wondered how TGL keeps its hitting mats fresh? They replace them every week—pretty cool.

🔥 Affordable Golf Sim Setup? This Golfer Did It for $3.5K

We chatted with u/cbattung1016 about their $3.5K garage golf sim build—an affordable setup that balances performance, family fun, and smart budget choices.

What inspired you to install a golf simulator? and what made you choose the garage as its location?

My inspiration came when childhood memories of playing golf were brought up during a visit to Topgolf. I was impressed by the technology of their monitor system and how enjoyable the experience was, especially with friends and family. I chose the garage as the location since it provided a private, enclosed space, decreasing the risk of injury to others and damage to the neighbors’ property.

Could you describe what factors drove your decisions on enclosure, simulator software, etc…

The main factors I considered when planning and purchasing the essentials for my golf sim were price, launch monitor data, user-friendliness, space, size, and the time needed to set up or put away. We didn’t want to spend over $5,000 but also didn’t want to go too cheap. We also wanted to make sure we could still park both of our cars. We went with the SkyTrak (1st gen) since it was more affordable than most launch monitors, easily accessible on Amazon, and came with a protective metal case. It was a great starter launch monitor with the basic features we needed. After the 30-day trial for SkyTrak ended, we purchased GSPro, which is full of features and has a lot of courses to play.

Where did you spend the most money in your setup, and why?

I think we spent the most on the projector, the Optoma UHD35STx. We knew it would be used not just for the golf sim but also for other activities, especially for the kids. We could have gone with a cheaper option, but this one was on sale and was the perfect size for the garage and where it was mounted.

For those on a tight budget, where do you think it's most important to invest in a golf sim setup?

Spending on a hitting mat and launch monitor is essential. The hitting mat changes the feel when hitting balls and impacts footing, stance, and weight shifts. The launch monitor is subjective, but my next one will have club data, since SkyTrak’s software only estimates it from what I’ve read.

What is your favorite feature of your simulator setup and why?

I really like the data I get from GSPro, even though I don’t have club data due to SkyTrak. I can see improvements almost every time I play. Even my wife has gotten so much better.

You've mentioned that your family enjoys the simulator. Which games or features have been hits with everyone?

Right now, the whole family is enjoying the Candyland course. It’s not a hard course, and the kids have fun trying to hit the trees and candy. They love it!

What essential advice would you offer to someone beginning to plan their own garage golf simulator setup?

Planning is the most important part of the whole golf sim experience. Knowing your space and launch monitor requirements makes everything else flow more smoothly. I would start with those two, then focus on the enclosure, followed by the projector.

⛳ SimSpace Deluxe Golf Practice Net: Is It Worth It?

If you’re serious about improving your swing at home, a quality practice net is a must. I put the SimSpace Deluxe Practice Net & Impact Screen to the test, and here’s the quick rundown:

✅ Massive 8’ x 8’ size – Catches everything.
✅ Zero bounce-back – High-tension net absorbs impact effortlessly.
✅ Side panels included – Extra protection for errant shots.
✅ Simulator-ready – Impact screen compatible for a full indoor setup.

At $400 for the net and $519 with the impact screen, this setup delivers pro-level durability at a great price. 

Full review + Buy it here

P.S. Keep an eye out next week—we’ve got an exciting SimSpace announcement coming your way!

🏌️ TGL Recap

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Golf Club returned to TGL after a two-week break following their win over Jupiter Links. This time, they faced Boston Common Golf—fresh off Rory’s victory at Pebble. It was anyone’s game, but LAGC came through clutch again, securing the win with a 6-2 lead over Boston Common.

Best Shot
Keegan Bradley, hole 12. Nearly an ace, settled for birdie. A thing of beauty.

Funniest Moment
Colin Morikawa on the first tee. Drops one tight, then hits us with a “get loose, baby” and a shimmy. TGL needs more of this.

Best “Hot Mic” Moment 
Oh, the the hammer—the most confusing, highly coveted, and possibly pointless prop in sports. We enjoyed Keegan Bradley saying to Colin Morikawa: “We need that hammer. Throw it. Give it to us.” Otherwise, smack talk was pretty tame—step it up, fellas.

Most Awkward Moment
New category alert! TGL’s first ever mulligan came courtesy of a bad shot read, leaving Tommy Fleetwood with a do-over. Justin Rose humorously asked “Rory, what are you pulling?” In response. And the redo? Straight into the bunker. Brutal.

A Recap Review
Not a full recap, just some fixes for next year—TGL, take notes.

“Fixes for next year:

1. Simulator needs to harden up the greens. Everything just sticks where it lands.

2. Take out the crazy shelf in the green. It’s better with a flatter green where they can move the holes around.

3. Adjust the hammer so that you auto forfeit ownership of it if you don’t throw it within 3 holes”

Shoutout to U/CK16 on r/golf for their thoughts. 

‼️ Sim Steals & Golf Deals

My sim golf nightmare 😵‍💫

ziregolf

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