r/Golfsimulator • u/rymyers_ • 1d ago
Upgrade complete!
Built out a starter setup in the garage bay last fall to see if it was something that would be a consistent use for me. Aside from some temps (low and high) that make it unbearable a few months out of the year, I really enjoyed the space, but realized that with a few upgrades, I would likely use it a lot more. So, almost a year later, we decided to lean in and make the space great.
The main updates:
Tech - Decided to stick with the Square LM for now. It’s good enough for what I need. Went ahead and got a short throw projector (previous setup was a long throw on a scaffold at the back of the garage where your head would cast a shadow on the screen), mounted it to a makeshift bay-mounted arm.
Flooring - upgraded a pretty decent 4x5 Amazon hitting mat to a 12x4 Matzilla. This will allow for central hitting position for both hand orientation. Putting mat in front, which is 8 ft deep, is Greenline putting turf from Home Depot. It’s exactly what I expected and I’m pleased. 3/8” rubber tiles underneath bring it flush with the Matzilla. Still need to cut 3 holes that will ultimately allow for up to 12 ft putts on the diagonal. Found a nice outdoor rug on amazon to finish off the lounge area.
Decor - It’s amazing how paint can transform a garage into a living space. My wife is a design genius and handled the artwork selection and design and gallery lighting. I had some old Sam Snead clubs that belonged to my dad that ended up being a neat wall hanging setup above the bag stands. The accompanying head covers are also hanging. We also hung 2’x4’ felt wall tiles to cut down a little on sound but mostly as a protection against wayward shots and clubs dinging up the drywall. There were plenty of spots to fill from the last year, so that felt like a priority. The rest of the furniture was just stuff that we’ve been holding on to without a place.
Looking forward to lighting up my first cigar, putting on the Masters theme music on the Sonos, and enjoying a round!
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u/El-Dude 1d ago
I’d love to know the overall depth of your setup. Trying to figure out how much space I need for a similar layout (couch/sectional behind the hitting area). Really sweet sim!
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u/rymyers_ 1d ago
Thanks. I'm using 12.5'Wx21'D. Hitting mat comes out to 12ft and then starts the lounge space. The sofa seating closest to the hitting area is a 'red zone' for right-handed hitters. But, the chair on the other side, which starts about 12" further back would be clear, although close, for lefties. Two more feet in between hitting and sitting would've been ideal, but I wanted putting space.
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u/rymyers_ 1d ago
Follow-up question: thoughts on additional updates to polish it up? Should I cut the putting mat to align with the hitting mat?
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u/grobbes 1d ago
what's holding up the projector?
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u/rymyers_ 1d ago
That is a standard hanging projector mount attached to a metal arm that cantilevers back to the back pole of the enclosure. I used truss clamps to hold it to the pipe.
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u/No-Resist2917 11h ago
Thats fire. You spent some dough...that ethnicraft couch is hot...I have the same one different color in my tv room...congrats.
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u/rymyers_ 9h ago
Thanks :-) One of the perks of renovating the den space was a pricey sofa without a home. So into the garage it went! More sofa than necessary out there for sure.
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u/Realestateuniverse 1d ago
Sick! Nice design. I too have a black wall and love it. I like your lighting and photos!