Space Needed for a Golf Simulator

Golf simulators can be fitted in most spaces, but anyone considering one should be aware of the space needed to swing a club as this really defines the size of the simulator space. Scratch players may swing tight and therefore require less space behind and above the player. However, in commercial applications, all playing abilities need to be considered. For example - if a golf simulator is to be installed for home use, then you could reduce the width if you only intend to use the system right handed. Moreover, you could reduce the height and depth if you do not intend to use a driver. However, in commercial installations, players will be using drivers, space is needed behind the player for safety reasons and height and width needs to be sufficient to allow for left handed and right handed players, who may also be tall and have a high angled swing.

So, what are the correct dimensions? Well, considering that a driver at full extension on the back swing can take up about 1.80m, and a similar distance for follow through, the shortest depth would be 3.60m. But, although possible, would that really allow for a comfortable game if players are nearly touching the projection screen during their swing? Cowlens Golf recommends that the simulator space is 6.00m deep to allow for 2.00m back swing, 2.00m follow through and a reasonable distance for ball flight. The height of the simulator can range between 2.85m and 3.00m, which will be sufficient for all types of swing. The simulator would need to be 4.50m wide to cater for left handed and right handed players so that the club does not come into contact with the framework.

Okay, some spaces do not allow for these dimensions. In which case, lets have a look at the smallest spaces possible. A right handed only system for example, can be as narrow as 3.0m and the player would stand to the right of the bay. Height wise, the absolute minimum would be 2.65m - however, this will compromise driver shots and clubs would need to be shortened by about 10cm. As stated earlier in this post, the shortest depth would be 3.60m.