What Do I Actually Need for a Golf Simulator? (And What Else to Consider)
A lot of people come to us with the same request: "Just tell me what I need."
Fair enough. Most sim gear lists assume you already know what a foam wedge is and why you'd want one. Here's the complete picture, including the bits that aren't in the box.
Quick answer: Every golf simulator needs the same five things:
- Something to hit into (enclosure and impact screen)
- Something to hit off (hitting mat)
- Something to measure the ball and club (launch monitor)
- Something to run the software (gaming PC, iPad or phone)
- Something to show the picture (projector and mount)
Get all five and you've got a working sim. Everything else is comfort, protection and polish.
Heads up: This guide covers a standard single-bay home setup using an out-of-the-box enclosure like our RooBox. Custom builds, commercial sim centres, multi-bay venues and more complex setups (think overhead launch monitors, custom framing or integrated fit-outs) will need extra gear and planning not listed here. Get in touch and we'll put together a spec that suits your build.
In this guide: The 5 parts · What's in the RooBox · Essential vs recommended · Choosing a device · Accessories · Build order · FAQ
The 5 Parts of Every Golf Simulator
From a backyard shed build to a commercial bay, every golf simulator comes down to the same five things:
| # | You need something to... | The gear |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hit into | Enclosure and impact screen |
| 2 | Hit off | Hitting mat |
| 3 | Measure the ball and club | Launch monitor |
| 4 | Run the software | Gaming PC, iPad or phone |
| 5 | Show the picture | Projector and mount |
Got all five? You've got a working sim. Missing one? You've got a very expensive room divider.
What's Included in the RooBox Enclosure
Our out-of-the-box RooBox Enclosure comes with:
| Included | What it does |
|---|---|
| Heavy duty aluminium framing kit | The structure holding it all together |
| Heavy duty powder coated steel corner pieces | Keeps the frame together, strong and square |
| Premium impact screen | Takes the hit and displays the image |
| Black surround canopy | Contains stray shots and frames the screen |
| Light blocking back canopy | Keeps light off the back of the screen for a sharper picture |
| Foam padding | Extra protection on the frame |
| Bungee cords | Attaches and tensions the screen |
Bonus: buy a projector as part of a package and you also get a free universal projector mount and a free 5m HDMI cable. All technology comes with its required power and charging cables.
Golf Simulator Checklist: Essential vs Recommended
| Item | Priority | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure or impact screen | Essential | Catches the ball and displays the image. An impact screen on its own works if you've built your own frame. |
| Hitting mat | Essential | You can't hit a ball indoors without one. The enclosure doesn't include one, so add it to your order. |
| Launch monitor | Essential | Reads the ball and club data that powers the simulation |
| Device to run the software | Essential | See the options below |
| Projector | Essential | Puts the image from your PC or iPad onto the screen |
| Foam wedges | Recommended | Protects against thin shots, rolls the ball back and creates a seamless slope from screen to turf |
| Turf and/or foam mat flooring | Recommended | Covers the drop zone and gives the sim a real course feel |
| Side netting | Recommended | Shank protection. We don't judge, but your walls might. |
| Launch monitor protective case | Recommended (if applicable) | Protects your most valuable piece of kit |
Weighing up which launch monitor and screen to go with? Our launch monitor buyer's guide and impact screen buyer's guide break down the options.
Choosing a Device to Run Your Golf Sim Software
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Phone | Getting started on a budget and building up slowly (if your launch monitor supports it, e.g. Rapsodo MLM2PRO) |
| iPad | A great budget option if your launch monitor supports it |
| Golf simulator gaming PC | Full simulation, the best graphics and the most software options |
Going the PC route? The resolution your PC can drive decides how much projector you actually need, so it's worth reading our 4K vs HD projector guide before you buy either.
Tech Accessories You Might Forget
| Accessory | Notes |
|---|---|
| Desktop monitor | Needed if you're running a gaming PC |
| Keyboard and mouse | Needed to operate the PC |
| Longer HDMI cable | The free cable is 5m. If your projector is more than 5m from the PC, grab the 10m cable. Measure the actual cable run, not the straight line, because it has to go up and along the ceiling. |
The Right Order to Build Your Golf Simulator
- Confirm your space and dimensions with us (see our golf simulator room size guide)
- Build the enclosure and screen
- Add the hitting mat, foam wedges, turf and drop zone matting
- Add the side netting
- Set up the launch monitor
- Install the gaming PC, spec'd to match your projector resolution
- Mount the projector and run the cable (our throw ratio and keystone guide covers placement)
Want the full walkthrough with tips at each stage? See our golf simulator setup guide.
Golf Simulator FAQs
What equipment do I need for a golf simulator?
Five things: an enclosure and impact screen, a hitting mat, a launch monitor, a device to run the software (PC, iPad or phone) and a projector with a mount.
Does a golf simulator enclosure come with a hitting mat?
No. The RooBox Enclosure doesn't include a hitting mat, so make sure you add one to your order.
Can I run a golf simulator on an iPad?
Yes. An iPad is a great budget option, but a dedicated golf simulator gaming PC gives you full simulation and better graphics.
Do I need foam wedges for a golf simulator?
They're not essential, but we recommend them for thin shot protection, ball roll back and a seamless look from screen to turf.
Not Sure Which Golf Simulator Package Fits Your Space?
Send through your room width, height and depth and we'll confirm what fits before you order. We also do free frame drawings and 3D models on builds, so you can see the whole setup laid out to scale in your actual room before spending a cent.
Explore our golf simulators at Aussie Golf Sims, or get in touch with your measurements and we'll sort the rest.
Happy golfing!