Setup Your Golf Sim in MINUTES! ⏰

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😎 Sim Steals and Deals

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Portable Golf Sim Setup: Ready in Minutes!

We chatted with Lee from London to learn how a simple pergola at his home became the foundation for his adaptable golf simulator. Equipped with a Spornia net and a Tee Turf mat, Lee's approach prioritizes ease of use and quick storage, allowing him to make the most of limited time and space for practice. Let’s dive in to learn more from Lee!


What advice would you give someone looking to create a portable, budget-friendly golf simulator like yours?

If you’re going to create a portable sim set up, it's important to consider aspects of the launch monitor and device that may not apply to a more permanent setup: how heavy is it, how quick is it to set up/calibrate and compatibility across devices. This thinking pushed me away from using a gaming PC, and instead, I started with an iPad. When SkyTrak launched their software on the Mac that became another viable option for me.

How has your portable setup changed the way you practice or play golf at home?

It’s been an absolute game changer. Before, my only option was a half-hour drive to the driving range. Now, I can set it up in just five minutes each morning and use it for quick practice sessions whenever I have spare time, even for just 15 minutes between meetings while working from home. It has also encouraged my three children to practice more often.

Were there any challenges in building your portable simulator? How did you overcome them?

My biggest worry was not being very good at golf and potentially hitting wayward shots towards my neighbors. Until I installed a secondary net, I used foam balls from AboutGolf, which unfortunately weren’t realistic or helpful. As for the simulator unit, I experimented with various types of clips to neatly manage the cabling and keep it out of the way.

How has using a touch screen monitor enhanced your overall experience? Would you recommend it for similar setups?

The touch screen has been great, although it’s all I’ve known given that I started with an iPad on a stand. It's perfectly positioned right in front of you. Despite hearing that Apple Macs don’t work well with touch screens, I've found it ideal. My touch screen is 21 inches, which feels massive compared to a 13-inch iPad, and the SkyTrak software seems well-suited for touch screen use.

What made you choose the SkyTrak+ for your setup, and how has it performed for you so far?

There were a few things that pushed me towards a SkyTrak+. I wanted a certain amount of accuracy so that I could improve my game, and I wanted to be able to connect to an iPad. I almost chose the Mevo Plus, but read a lot about how putting it in the right location could be a problem which put me off, given I would have to do this every time. I’ve found the SkyTrak to be great, but there is a bug in the current software where badly hit shots can have ridiculous roll outs—I expect this to get fixed in the next update. I did have some issues with connections until I made some changes to my wifi set up, and I found that having the SkyTrak on the hitting mat would cause problems.

Do you have any plans to add new features or upgrade components in your current setup? If so, what’s next on your list?

I’ve bought a couple of long poles to make the additional net more like curtains, allowing them to be fully retracted. It’s started getting cold in the UK so I’m also thinking about ways to use it in colder weather.

If budget wasn’t a factor, how would you design your dream golf simulator setup?

It would definitely be lovely to have a dedicated room, with an immersive screen to hit into. I’ve considered installing a garden room just for a proper simulator, but it is a bit expensive. Who wouldn’t love a GolfZon with its angled floors?

Thanks to Lee for letting us feature his setup!

Our Key Takeaways

• Evaluate Your Equipment's Portability: When choosing a launch monitor for a portable golf simulator, prioritize devices that are lightweight, easy to set up, and have quick calibration features. This will make it more feasible to use and store the setup efficiently, especially in multipurpose spaces.

• Plan for Expandability and Seasonal Adjustments: As you use your golf simulator, consider future enhancements that could improve its functionality and comfort. For instance, think about ways to modify the setup for colder weather or how to make storage elements like nets more retractable, ensuring your setup remains effective and enjoyable year-round.

🎁 Last Minute Golf Gifts

Only 6 days left until Christmas and your shopping isn't done yet? No worries! We’ve curated some fantastic last-minute golf gifts that are a surefire hit for any golfer.

Our Top Golf Gift Picks of the Week:

Adidas Men's S2G Spikeless Leather 24 Golf Shoe
Need to upgrade their golf shoes? These Adidas leather spikeless shoes are the perfect blend of style and performance.

Sunday Golf Bag 
If your golfer doesn’t have a Sunday bag, they’re missing out. This lightweight bag is perfect for carrying just a few clubs to the range or for a quick round on a par three.

Pins & Aces Gloves
Are their golf gloves looking a bit rough? Upgrade their gear with a fun, stylish glove from Pins and Aces. 

Check out all of our gift guides!

Season's Greetings to all you golfers!

blairwheeler

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