Ceiling Height for a Golf Simulator | How to Avoid an Expensive Mistake in 2024

Trying to figure out if you have the right ceiling height for a golf simulator? You’re in the right place.

A huge error to make when measuring up your space for a simulator is just focusing on the height of your ceiling. As we will explain: width, depth and positioning are just as, if not more important than height.

Conventional wisdom is that if you can swing a driver in your space, then you can have a golf simulator. To some extent this is true, but it is crucial that you are able to do it at the center point of the simulator.

Let’s get into the details. The objective of this article is to provide honest, but easy to digest advice.

We love to ensure readers get the best experience possible from our content. If you are new to simulators, launch monitors and the various elements involved, then refer to FAQs at the end. We break down all the key terms so it all makes sense!

Ceiling height for golf simulator: What is the ideal height?

The ideal golf simulator ceiling height or minimum ceiling height for golf simulator is 10 feet (approx 305cm). In addition to the height it is crucial to measure the width and depth you have available.

Why?

Generally, simulators perform best when they scan down the center of a space. This yields best results when the ball is struck, hits your screen and enters the virtual golf course.

This means that if you want lefties and right handed players to be able to use your simulator, then there should be a clearance of 7.5 feet (229cm) either side of the center point.

In reality, most golfers have a swing plane of 45 degrees, meaning the clearance horizontally is just the same as it is vertically. In a nutshell, room width is just as important as ceiling height.

The final dimension to consider is depth. You need to allow enough room for the simulator to fit in length ways, to install a projector and have adequate striking distance to the screen. The ideal length of a room for an indoor golf simulator is 25 feet (762cm).

Thus, the ideal dimensions for a golf simulator room are 10 x 15 x 25 feet (305 x 458 x 762 cm).

Do not panic if the garage space or room you had in your mind is smaller. These are ideal measurements to give yourself the most amount of options if you are, say, doing a new build.

Many of the market leading simulators go into smaller spaces. We round up our best picks for different dimensions below.

Why you need to check your ceiling height and room width before you buy a golf simulator

Golf simulators vary wildly in price. Some can be picked up for under $1000, while top of the line models can set you back $70k. Regardless of your budget– wishful thinking about the space you actually have could be an expensive mistake.

If there is not room for you to comfortably swing your golf club you will find yourself in a scenario where it is not only unenjoyable but you will constantly be one over-extended swing away from hitting the ceiling and damaging your equipment and clubs.

Moreover, if you do not have enough space between you and your simulator screen, bounce back is a very real danger.

I have heard of instances where expensive simulators have been purchased and incurred even more cost after the owner was forced to adjust the height of their ceiling.

These kinds of circumstances occur more than you would think. Make sure you ask yourself the following questions:

• Can a left or right handed player swing comfortably from the center of your striking mat?
• Are you over 6 feet tall? If so add extra space in every direction.
• Is there enough sound-proofing to ensure you do not drive your loved ones crazy
• Is there a space margin for friends that are taller or have different swing shapes
• Are you willing to accept some damage in the golf simulator room (accidents do happen)
• Equally, is your ceiling too tall? Some launch monitors need to be mounted to the ceiling and this can impact accuracy
• Can you allow a 6 to 8 feet gap between your striking spot and screen to avoid bounce back?
• Would you be happy with a portable set-up if you need to share the space e.g. car in a garage.

If you have been through this list and you are confident that you can accommodate a golf simulator for home ceiling height then great. Let’s look at the options you have.

What is the best golf simulator if you have low ceilings?

SkyTrak Golf Simulator Flex Space Package

Who is it best for?

The golfer that wants the best garage golf simulator on the market, but has limited space.

We think the SkyTrak SIG 10 Golf Simulator package is the best on the market. The issue is that it requires a room with fairly large dimensions.

In an ideal world, it is preferable to have a dedicated space for a golf simulator. Given the number of components and the configuration required, setting it up each time you wish to use it is likely to be time consuming.

If you just do not have the space however, then SkyTrak offers a solution.

You get pretty much the same set up as our #1 pick (SkyTrak SIG 10 package) but with a fully retractable screen. One click of a button and the screen retracts back and space is made for whatever normally lives in your garage– car etc.

What do we like about it?

It has all the same benefits as the SkyTrak SIG10, the only compromise is that the screen is not quite the same quality. This makes sense, given that the flex space package is essentially portable.

Snapshot: SkyTrak Golf Simulator Flex Space Package

Dimensions

The SkyTrak Flex Package is able to fit into most space, below are the recommended room dimensions.

Width: 12′

Height: 8’6”

Depth: 12’

You are realistically going to sacrifice comfort if you try to work a simulator into a smaller space than this.

Pros

• Ultimate flexibility and space saving
• Game improvement
• Helps understand distances
• Great price point
• Easy to set up with golf simulator packages

Cons

• Screen quality not as good as permanent package
• Great value versus competition, but still a lot of money
• Extra software costs if you want to get the most out of it

Bottom line: if space is a factor or your family isn’t mad about sacrificing room in your garage for a simulator, then this is your best bet, simply for the flexibility it offers

Got more space and want something more permanent?

As we already referenced, we think the SkyTrak SIG 10 Golf Simulator package is the best on the market. For this golf simulator setup you will need the following space:

Width: 12 feet

Height: 9 feet

Depth: 18 feet

If you can accommodate this, then there is a good level in quality difference between the screen you get in this package and the one you get in the flex package.

Key considerations for successfully installing a golf simulator with low ceiling height

If you can swing a club and have adequate room on both sides, then you are ready to install your simulator.

First you need to have all the equipment.

But what exactly do you need? It is not as simple as buying a simulator and plugging it into a wall.

We could give you some high level vanity pointers, but the truth is that purchasing a golf simulator is rather complex.

Firstly, there are a lot of components required, which is why we recommend purchasing a simulator package. These are where retailers put together all of the major components.

Taking it to the next level

Still, even when you purchase a package, there are often add-ons or different types of software required to get the most out of your simulator.

While none of us ever want extra screen time, if you are serious about a golf simulator then please read our in depth review of the SkyTrak SIG 10 Simulator Package. We have done all the research so you have all the information and are able to get the right simulator setup for you, with the absolute minimum hassle.

Alternatives

As we mention above, we think the SkyTrak flex package is the best simulator for those with limited space. Perhaps you have more than enough space, or budget stretches higher. Perhaps you just want more of an idea of what is on the market.

If your garage is the likely destination for your simulator, then you’re in luck. Our article rounds up the best golf simulators specifically for garages.

FAQ’s

What is a Golf Simulator?

A golf simulator is a combination of hardware and software that allows you to play golf in a simulated environment whilst indoors.

By combining launch monitors, screens, projectors and state of the art software, golfers are able to play some of the best courses in the world virtually, while tracking their shot data to improve over time.

Owners of a golf simulator can understand and improve vital components of their golf game such as spin, ball speed, launch angle and distances.

They are also a lot of fun, and mean you can play golf any time, without leaving the house.

What is a Launch Monitor?

This is the core of any simulator package and where the majority of the cost goes.

Most launch monitors are kept on the floor next to you while you swing and shine a laser to a spot directly in front of it. You hit your ball from this spot and radar tech captures and processes the launch angle, distance, spin etc and simulates your shot in a digital environment.

Some (more advanced and expensive) options can be mounted to the ceiling and use multiple cameras to capture data.

How much does it cost to get a Golf Simulator in your Garage?

It can vary greatly depending on the setup you have.

Our top choice starts at under 10k, but some of the top end set-ups can cost over 70k.

Is a golf simulator room worth It?

Yes, if you have the money and space it is a total game changer. The two main benefits are:

• Game improvement: if you go to the range, you tend to focus on connection, not accuracy and you rarely work on your short game or putting. For a lot of us, golf is also a seasonal game.By actually seeing the flight path of your shots, and where your ball would land on a course, it forces you to figure out what about your golf swing is causing mis-hits or undesirable results. In real life rounds we tend to play matches and do not want to take the risk of adjusting our swing.
• Fun: Let me set the scene for you. It’s a Thursday night, you and a buddy are sipping on ice cold beers in your newly decked out man-cave (complete with simulator).

It’s pouring with rain outside, but you are playing matchplay online at Pebble Beach against a random dude from Holland. A thin crust margarita pizza sits invitingly on the countertop.

You take out your driver to tee off on the 543 yard Par 5 18th hole. It’s all to play for. Digital waves are crashing. Dreams really can come true.

Wrapping up: ceiling height Needed for GOLF SIMULATOR

The annoying reality is that the minimum ceiling height you need to install a golf simulator ‘depends’.

Garages and basements are not always square boxes. Pillars, dodgy brickwork and floorspace can all play a major factor in whether you have the right space requirements.

Ensure you have measured your space properly, leave some margin for error, make sure you can swing your driver and you should be absolutely fine.