The garage is the most popular home for a golf sim — and for good reason: it's out of the house, easy to seal off, and usually big enough. But there are two dimensions that make or break a garage build. Here's the honest, practical guide to getting it right the first time.
Aim for a space roughly 10 ft wide, 10 ft deep and at least 9 ft high (10 ft ceilings are ideal). Ceiling height is the make-or-break — measure your full swing with a club before you buy anything. Then: launch monitor first, enclosure and screen, mat, projector and PC.
The two dimensions that decide everything
Ceiling height (the big one)
You need to swing a driver freely. Most golfers want at least 9 ft, and 10 ft is comfortable. Under 9 ft, taller players may catch the ceiling — test it with your actual driver before spending a cent. If you're tight, a swing-tolerant setup or a shorter build helps.
Width and depth
Roughly 10 ft wide gives room for a right- and left-handed swing and the screen. 10–12 ft deep lets you stand back from the screen safely and gives radar monitors room to read. Photometric monitors are more forgiving on depth.
The gear you'll need
- Launch monitor — the brain; see our ranked guide.
- Enclosure + impact screen (or a hitting net for a starter build).
- A hitting mat — a good one saves your joints and your floor.
- A short-throw projector — to fill the screen from a tight garage.
- A PC or tablet — to run the software.
A Complete Garage Enclosure Kit
An all-in-one enclosure with impact screen sized for a garage takes the guesswork out of dimensions and safety. Pair it with your chosen launch monitor and a short-throw projector and you're most of the way to a finished room.
Check today's price →The build order (do it in this sequence)
- 1. Measure — confirm ceiling height with a full driver swing, then width and depth.
- 2. Launch monitor — pick it first; it sets the space and software you need.
- 3. Enclosure & screen — size it to your measurements; add side netting for safety.
- 4. Mat & projector — a quality mat and a short-throw projector positioned to avoid your swing.
- 5. PC & software — load your software and dial it in.
Plan your garage build in 60 seconds
Tell us your space, budget and game and we'll spec the exact garage setup — monitor, screen, projector and all.
Spec my build →Frequently asked questions
What ceiling height do I need for a golf simulator?
At least 9 ft for most golfers, with 10 ft ideal. Always test your full driver swing with your actual club — height, not floor space, is the usual dealbreaker.
Can I fit a golf simulator in a single-car garage?
Often yes — roughly 10 ft wide by 10–12 ft deep with a 9–10 ft ceiling works. Photometric launch monitors are more forgiving on depth than radar units.
Do I need to insulate or heat the garage?
For year-round comfort, some insulation and a small heater help a lot — and they protect your gear. It's optional but makes the room far nicer to use in winter.
General build guidance — always test your own swing clearance and follow product safety instructions. Contains affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.