The full guide: How to build a golf simulator at home
This is the budget golf simulator GSV built in 2024: the SIGPRO Golf Net with its impact screen on top, a SIGPRO Softy Lite 4 x 5 ft mat, a landing pad, a BenQ LH820ST projector, a Garmin R10 and an 11 in iPad Pro. It starts as a practice net and becomes a simulator when the screen and projector go on. Jay Lasco, host of Golf Simulator Videos, chose the parts one by one to keep the price down, set it up on camera and hit shots into it. Here is every part, how it goes from a net to a simulator, what stood out, and what the same parts cost today.
- $1,549The 2024 start: R10, net and mat, with GSVBUDGET
- 7 x 8.5 ftThe net frame, 9 ft deep with its side nets
- $249.99The screen and crossbar that turn the net into a simulator
- MinutesTo put the net up, by Shop Indoor Golf
GSV's code GSVBUDGET takes $50 off a net practice bundle at Shop Indoor Golf, and on a first order GSV5OFF takes 5% off, the SIGPRO Golf Net included.
The parts in this build, today
- Garmin Approach R105% off at Shop Indoor Golf with code GSV5OFF.First-time buyers only, one use. Not valid on a standalone Trackman, the Square Golf launch monitor or the ProTee VX.
- Golf hitting mats$20 off at Shop Indoor Golf with code GSVMAT. On a first order over $400, GSV5OFF takes more: 5% off.SIGPRO Softy, Super Softy, Softy Lite and Commercial Teeline mats.
- Golf simulator projectors5% off at Shop Indoor Golf with code GSV5OFF, first-time buyers.
- Complete golf simulator packages$250 off at Shop Indoor Golf with code GSV250. On a first order over $5,000, GSV5OFF takes more: 5% off.SIG8, SIG10 and SIG12 enclosures and studios, DIY and commercial enclosures, G-TRAK screens, SIGPRO flooring and complete simulator packages.
Will it fit? Check the Garmin R10 fits your room in the free GSV Sim Builder, in 3D.
Buying through GSV's links and codes helps support the channel: GSV earns a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you still get every saving available.
Every part in the build
| Part | What GSV used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Net | SIGPRO Golf Net | Snap-button frame, side barrier nets and sandbags |
| Screen | SIG impact screen and top crossbar | Added to the net to project on |
| Hitting mat | SIGPRO Softy Lite, 4 x 5 ft | With a SIGPRO landing pad |
| Projector | BenQ LH820ST | Short-throw laser |
| Launch monitor | Garmin R10 | Radar, behind the ball |
| Device | Apple 11 in iPad Pro | Runs the software |
From a net to a simulator
The SIGPRO Golf Net is a practice net first. Its snap-button frame goes together in minutes and stands 7 ft tall and 8 1/2 ft wide, 9 ft deep with the two side barrier nets, with 4 in ball bungees. Hit into it with a launch monitor and the shots show on a phone or a tablet. When the budget allows, Shop Indoor Golf's impact screen goes on the net's top crossbar, and with a projector the shot flies into the course instead. The launch monitor and the mat carry over unchanged, so nothing bought for the net is bought twice. The net vs impact screen guide covers the step up.
Shop Indoor Golf asks for a space 10 ft wide, 8 ft high and 12 ft deep for the net, and notes that a golfer may need more than an 8 ft ceiling to swing. The Garmin R10 sits behind the ball, so the room needs that depth as well.
The mat
The Softy Lite 4 x 5 ft is forgiving underfoot and does not move around, and it lifts off the floor so a car can pull back in when the session is over. The golf simulator hitting mat guide sets it beside the bigger SIGPRO, Carl's Place and Fiberbuilt mats.
What it costs
In 2024 the Garmin R10, the SIGPRO Golf Net and the Softy Lite mat came to as low as $1,549 with GSVBUDGET: parts chosen one by one, not one ready-made package. The screen and projector go on top of that. At the prices GSV last checked, in October 2026:
| Part | Today | Code |
|---|---|---|
| SIGPRO Golf Net | $399.99 | GSV5OFF on a first order |
| Screen and crossbar for it | $249.99 | GSV5OFF on a first order |
| SIGPRO Softy Lite 4 x 5 ft | $739.99 | GSVMAT, $20 off |
| Garmin R10 | $499.99 | GSV5OFF, 5% off at Shop Indoor Golf |
The budget golf simulator guide prices three budget builds from a net to a SIG8, and the cost calculator prices a build like this one part by part. The best golf net guide covers the other nets.
The next step up
When the net is outgrown, the launch monitor and the mat move into an enclosure, and the net is the part that gets replaced. A SIG8 enclosure, 8 ft 4 in square, is the next size up from Shop Indoor Golf, and GSV250 takes $250 off it. A launch monitor beside the ball, such as the Square Golf Home Edition at $699, frees up the depth a radar needs behind the golfer.
Open the next step in the Sim Builder
The GSV Sim Builder lays out a simulator in a room, in 3D, and checks the swing, the ceiling and the distances. The SIGPRO net is not in it, so this link opens the step up: a SIG8 enclosure with the same Garmin R10. Enter your own room to see what fits.
Open the next step in the Sim Builder
Get a package deal on a build like this
Want a simulator on a budget, with room to grow? Jay works with official partners: master builders he hand-picked, who get on a call quickly and make sure the net or enclosure, the launch monitor, the projector and the room work together before you buy anything. They offer package deals on the whole build, DIY packages, full installation, and more. The consultation is free.
Budget golf simulator build questions
How much did GSV's budget golf simulator cost?
In 2024 the Garmin R10, the SIGPRO Golf Net and the Softy Lite mat came to as low as $1,549 with GSVBUDGET, parts chosen one by one. The screen and projector go on top of that.
Can you turn a golf net into a simulator?
Yes, with a net built for it. Shop Indoor Golf's impact screen goes on the SIGPRO Golf Net's top crossbar, $249.99, and with a projector the shot flies into the course. The launch monitor and the mat carry over.
How big is the SIGPRO Golf Net?
It stands 7 ft tall and 8 1/2 ft wide, 9 ft deep with its two side barrier nets. Shop Indoor Golf asks for a space 10 ft wide, 8 ft high and 12 ft deep, and notes that a golfer may need more than an 8 ft ceiling.
What mat goes with a budget simulator?
This build used the SIGPRO Softy Lite 4 x 5 ft: forgiving underfoot, it does not move around, and it lifts off the floor so a car can pull back in. GSVMAT takes $20 off it.
What is the next step up from a net?
An enclosure, such as a SIG8, with the same launch monitor and mat. GSV250 takes $250 off SIG enclosures.
Is there free help planning a budget simulator?
Yes. Jay offers a free consultation with GSV's partner master builders, hand-picked by Jay, who check that the net or enclosure, the launch monitor, the projector and the room fit, and offer package deals, DIY packages and full installation.
More GSV builds
Build the rest of your sim
- Enclosure and screen$250 off at Shop Indoor GolfShop
- Carl's Place enclosure5% off, code sent by emailShopGet the code
- Hitting mat$20 off at Shop Indoor Golf. GSV5OFF is more on a first order over $400Shop
- Projector5% off at Shop Indoor Golf. First-time buyersShop
- Simulator computerSurfThing: $100 off applied automatically, no codeShop
- TouchscreenGSV code for TouchscreenGuruShop
- Complete package$250 off at Shop Indoor Golf. GSV5OFF is more on a first order over $5,000Shop
GSV earns a small commission on these links, at no extra cost to you. Shop Indoor Golf takes one code per order.
