how to set up an indoor golf course

by Gabriella DuBuque PhD 8 min read

Hole 1: Create a ramp with a book leaning against musical chimes or a toy xylophone. If hit properly, the ball moves up the ramp and over the chimes to create a fun sound before it makes it to the hole. Hole 2: Use canned food or cereal boxes as obstacles and use your kitchen to create a fun food theme.

Part of a video titled AFFORDABLE (AND EASY) HOME GOLF SIMULATOR BUILD
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So here is where it's going to really vary depending on your setup. This is in a lot of ways youMoreSo here is where it's going to really vary depending on your setup. This is in a lot of ways you know it is golf in a box. But it is something that you can tweak to fit your needs.

Full Answer

How can I play golf indoors?

These clever devices allow you to play golf indoors by monitoring your swing or ball flight using powerful sensors. These sensors feed information back to a computer which quickly calculates the shape and distance of your shot before projecting onto a virtual golf course on a screen.

How much space do you need for an indoor golf course?

Watch Out for the Ceiling! One indoor golf manufacturer recommends minimum space requirements of 10' x 10' x 8.5' (ceiling) for an average-sized golfer. Another manufacturer suggests that 9.5' ceilings are closer to the mark. Only you know how much space you need.

What makes a successful indoor golf facility?

Most of the successful indoor golf facilities are not based around playing simulated golf, playing golf is just something you do while you’re there. The most successful facilities are normally the ones who offer decent food and an excellent beverage menu, while providing a comfortable social setting. Why is this?

How many golf simulators should my indoor golf facility have?

Unfortunately, there is no easy formula to apply for the number of simulators your facility should have. The size of your indoor golf facility can, and should be very flexible. There are successful facilities that have only one simulator and there are facilities with more than 20.

How do you set up an indoor golf range?

2:4611:46DIY Indoor Driving Range - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe mats that we use are just driving range mats these are actually ridiculously expensive they'reMoreThe mats that we use are just driving range mats these are actually ridiculously expensive they're so expensive because they're made for outdoor use with the UV light hitting them all the time.

Do indoor golf simulators make money?

The short answer is yes. There is a ton of profit to be made from these simulators if you do it right. Although there will be large upfront costs to enter the business, you can make hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue depending on how much you charge per hour of use and a few other factors.

How do you set up a golf simulator room?

How To Build a Golf SimulatorChoose your golf simulator space.Purchase a launch monitor.Pick your golf simulation software.Choose your golf mat.Decide if you want to use a projector and screen.

What do I need for an indoor golf simulator?

Typically, you will need a golf simulator and/or a launch monitor with golf simulation, golf mat, golf simulator screen, projector and computer or iPad to run the simulation software. A popular option to consider is removing the golf simulator screen and projector in favor of a golf net.

How much does it cost to run a golf simulator?

TruGolf: costs range from $30,000 – $70,000. Visual Sports: costs range from $35,000 – $100,000.

How much space do you need for a golf simulator?

The minimum space required to set up most golf simulators is 10'W x 10'L x 8.5'H. Things like player height and arm length can factor into how much space is required. If you are a shorter player, then you might be able to get away with a slightly shorter ceiling.

Can you use any projector for golf simulator?

So as a practical matter, you'll generally want to use a projector resolution that has a native 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio, and adjust the image to give you a 4:3 aspect ratio plus letterboxing. Depending on the computer and the golf simulator software, there are a variety of ways to make the adjustment.

Do you need an enclosure for golf simulator?

The best DIY golf simulator setups use a full golf enclosure kit where the impact screen is included. This is an easy and safe way to keep the golf ball from damaging walls and ceilings. We don't recommend hanging impact screens from ceilings. It can cause puckering and affect the image.

How do you make a golf enclosure?

2:264:14DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure Kit - How To Assemble Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInsert the loop side of the bungee into the grommet. Sending it through until the ball side stops itMoreInsert the loop side of the bungee into the grommet. Sending it through until the ball side stops it wrap the loop around the pipe and attach it to the ball side of the bungee.

How high does my ceiling need to be for a golf simulator?

10 feetIn a nutshell, at least 10 feet is the ideal ceiling height in a garage golf simulator. Although, you might get by with 9 feet. Several factors make a 10-foot ceiling height for your home golf simulator the best choice. First, most launch monitors with simulation require a minimum of 8.5-9 feet.

Is an indoor golf simulator worth it?

For the serious golfer who is willing to invest time and money to improve their golf game, owning a home golf simulator can certainly be worth the money. There are many options on the market, ranging in price from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

How much does a Trackman cost?

Trackman starts at $18,995. If you want to use Trackman outdoors the price jumps to $24,995. Although the price seems high when comparing it to SkyTrak, there are not many launch monitors that come close to the data and accuracy Trackman provides. With Trackman, you know that you are getting the best of the best.

What keeps golfers coming back?

Golfers enjoy many aspects of golf, but the element that always keeps them coming back is the entertainment value. Fortunately, this aspect can be delivered very effectively with a quality indoor golf center. Picking the right golf simulators and accessories can greatly impact the customer’s experience.

How much does a golfer pay for food?

This is where your food and beverage sales are essential. Each golfer paid (for example) $20 for a round of golf, but while they’re sitting around you can hit them for another $20-$40 in food and drinks. Offer your customers snacks, appetizers, drinks and entrees which are easy to eat but not messy.

Is a golf center open to the public?

Indoor golf centers are typically open to the public. Because of this, you will get golfers of all skill levels in your facility. The way that you present the theme of your golf facility can greatly influence the type of customer you attract.

Is it a good idea to add a golf pro to your facility?

Adding a golf professional to your facility can be a good idea, but not a must. Golf professionals can add a great deal of attention and value to your facility, but they can also take a lot away from your bottom line. Be careful of how you bring a golf pro into your facility.

Can golfers play outdoors in Texas?

The months where golfers can’t play outdoors are going to be your busiest season. This applies to both hot and cold environments. Texas in July is not a lot of fun, but a nice air conditioned facility where it is always 68 degrees is a nice option. The nastier it is outside the better it can be for your business.

Step 1

Check the space you are considering for your indoor driving range to make sure it is spacious enough, and more important, that your ceiling is high enough. Take a couple of slow practice swings while in the room. Check to see if there is sufficient clearance for your club during your backswing and follow-through.

Step 2

Research specific products for your indoor driving range. Golf nets and practice mats come in several varieties. Golf mats might be equipped with one or all of the following: rough-length turf, fairway-length turf, a built-in tee (usually rubber), which come in different sizes.

Step 3

Pick out a golf net at a local supply store or buy one online. Golf nets come in a variety of sizes and might be equipped with a target or marker. For example, the Golf Galaxy Driving Cage Net measures at 8 feet by 10 feet, while Golf Galaxy's Giant Hit Net is 9 feet by 12 feet.

Step 4

Set up both your practice mat and net. Place the net relatively close to the met thus avoiding the possibility of missing it entirely and taking a chance of damaging the room that your driving range is in.

Step 5

Buy a pack of inexpensive balls. Take out your clubs and start practicing. Take advantage of the fact that you have an individualized setup that allows you to reuse your golf balls. Having a setup such as this will save you travel time to the range and the money spent on a bucket of balls.

How much does it cost to build an indoor golf practice facility?

Believe it or not, you can now do this from the comfort of your own home. For less than $700, you can create an indoor golf practice facility with the following items:

How much room do you need for a golf club?

One indoor golf manufacturer recommends minimum space requirements of 10' x 10' x 8.5' (ceiling) for an average-sized golfer. Another manufacturer suggests that 9.5' ceilings are closer to the mark. Only you know how much space you need. Find out by gently testing your swing with the longest club in the bag.

How high is a hitting mat?

You might think that this is a non-essential purchase but there are a number of reasons why a practice hitting mat is important to your home studio. Firstly, the Optishot unit is around 1.5 inches high. Without a mat or platform, you'd be hitting the ball from a position 1.5 inches above your feet.

How tall is the Optishot golf simulator?

The makers of the Optishot golf simulator recommend that a golfer of average height should use a room that measures no less than 10' x 10' with a minimum ceiling height of 8.5'. The simulator will require a laptop or personal computer, so make sure that you also have enough space for a small table to perch it on.

Why do you need a mat for indoor training?

Another important reason for getting a mat is that you can hit shots whenever you feel like it without having to set up the simulator.

Is a simulator good for training?

Professionals and teachers know how useful simulators are for practice and training sessions. But just as importantly, they are a lot of fun, too. Whether you're putting in a serious practice session or just having fun with friends, simulators are a great value for the money.

What is turn based golf?

This is turn-based play, creating a true head-to-head competition between simulator golfers, connecting golfers from around the world and bridging the gap between the real and virtual experience.

How many golfers are there in the US?

Statistics show there are over 28,800,000 golfers in the United States and they are always constantly looking for ...

Is indoor golf a simulation?

Most of the successful in door golf facilities are not based around playing simulated golf, playing golf is just something you do while you’re there. The most successful facilities are normally the ones who offer decent food and an excellent beverage menu, while providing a comfortable social setting.

Is E6 Connect a good golf software?

Simple Yet Effective Innovation. Yes, software is the reason for golfers to come and keep coming into your facility. Within E6 Connect, golfers have the ability to create a profile and save data to their profile, accessible from any computer or device.

Golf is a just a game

Golf is a game like other sports out there; it’s simple to learn and yet complex to master. It’s loved by all both young and old and remains to be a game. For a seasonal golfer, a round of play often entails a lot of aspects, but primarily, the element that looks out for most is the entertainment value.

Identify and Profile Your Customers

A business like an indoor golf center is open to the public mostly, though some will also have special memberships for the high-profile customers. As such, you can expect to receive golfers of different levels from novice to expert. So the way you package and present your golf facility can significantly influence the type of clients you attract.

Choosing Ideal Location for Your Facility

Location cannot be emphasized further as it will determine the success of your business. Spend some good time finding a location that is convenient, budget-friendly, and can accommodate your theme as well as your equipment.

Clever Pricing is Key

The next step is to determine the price for your services and this is a question that many people looking to open an indoor facility ask. There two ways about this: Charge an hourly fee or as a set. Sports bars commonly use the hourly rate where other activities are happening also apart from golfing.

Ample Space

Depending on the number of simulators you want, finding a spacious facility is key to keeping things flexible and make space feel less stuffy and crowded. The size of your indoor golf facility should allow free movements and encourage safe use of the machine.

How many square feet are there in a miniature golf course?

The footprint for an indoor miniature golf course can be as small as 3,500 square feet for an 18-hole layout, or 2,000 square feet for a 9-hole design. Plus, with a little extra space, you can add additional features to enhance the overall look of the course. Here are just a few of the reasons why ...

What are the advantages of modular golf?

A big advantage of our indoor modular course over a wooden course is that the holes are not flat. They have undulations and banks which make our indoor holes fun and challenging to play. Rocks or obstacles (like the play through log in the picture on the right) come on 9-holes when an 18-hole course is ordered.

What is a business structure for miniature golf?

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your miniature golf course is sued.

What is a CO for mini golf?

Miniature Golf Courses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

Can I start an LLC myself?

You can start an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee. Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services.

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