DIY Series Garmin Approach R50 Simulator Package

Affordable Golf Simulator Performance Starts Here

Austad’s DIY Series Golf Simulator Package with the Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor is built for golfers who want a premium, all-in-one home simulator experience without going the full custom-install route. Pairing the advanced Garmin Approach R50 with a quality enclosure, impact screen and simulator-ready setup, this package gives you the tools to practice, play and compete from home with serious feedback and immersive performance.

Whether you’re dialing in distances in the garage, playing a virtual round with friends or keeping your swing sharp year-round, the DIY Series with Garmin Approach R50 brings big-time simulator capability into a more accessible home setup. With its built-in 10” color touchscreen, three-camera tracking system and virtual course play options, the R50 makes it easy to turn your space into your own personal golf studio.

What's Included In This Package

The DIY Series Golf Simulator Package with Garmin Approach R50 delivers the perfect blend of affordability, performance and flexibility. Whether you're looking to sharpen your game, play more often or create a fun space for family and friends, this package makes simulator ownership more accessible than ever.

• Launch Monitor: Garmin Approach R50 Launch Monitor
• Simulator Enclosure: Carl's DIY Series Enclosure in choice of 2 sizes and 2 options for screen quality
  • Includes: Pipe framing kit, foam insert kit, safety baffle
• Hitting Mat: High quality Hot Shot Hitting Mat in choice of 2 sizes
  
• Projector: Choice of three high quality projectors

Optional Additions

• Fairway Flooring: Completes the look and feel of your space with green turf covering the entire simulator
• Technology Bundle: Simulator-optimized gaming computer with computer cart
• Professional Installation: Leave the setup to the professionals and focus on enjoying your new simulator.  Available within 100 miles of any Austad's Golf Store

Space Requirements

For the Garmin Approach R50, the launch monitor sits beside the hitting area rather than several feet behind the ball, making it a great fit for tighter indoor simulator spaces. Garmin recommends placing the R50 on the ground about 1–2 feet in front of the ball, positioned so the ball is between the golfer and the unit. Most golfers will still want roughly 8–10 feet from the ball to the screen for comfortable play, safer ball flight and a more realistic simulator experience.

Quick Notes

8' x 10.5' DIY Cage

• Great fit for tighter home spaces, garage bays or bonus rooms.
• The Garmin Approach R50 sits beside the hitting area, helping reduce the total room depth needed compared to rear-positioned radar launch monitors.
• Best for golfers who want a clean, efficient simulator setup without giving up premium launch monitor performance.
• Ideal for practice sessions, game improvement and year-round indoor golf in a more compact footprint.
• Works well for golfers with a controlled swing area and enough ceiling height for full swings.
• Recommended Room Size: 12' W x 16' D x 10' H

9' x 12' DIY Cage

• Best choice for golfers who want a larger, more immersive simulator experience.
• Offers more screen space, extra width and a roomier overall feel.
• Great for virtual rounds, practice sessions and playing with friends or family.
• Recommended for taller golfers or players with a bigger driver swing.
• Provides a more natural indoor golf setup when you have the extra room available.
• Recommended Room Size: 14' W x 16'–18' D x 10'–11' H

Austad's Sim Caddie Recommendation: For most golfers choosing the Garmin Approach R50, Austad’s Sim Caddie recommends going with the 9' x 12' DIY cage when the room allows. The R50 is a premium launch monitor with built-in simulator capability, so pairing it with the larger cage helps you get the most out of the experience. You’ll enjoy a bigger visual setup, more comfortable swing space and a more realistic feel for practice sessions, virtual rounds and year-round indoor golf. If space is tighter, the 8' x 10.5' DIY cage is still a strong choice—but if you have the extra room, go bigger.

How to Measure Your Space for a Golf Simulator

Before selecting a simulator package, take a few quick measurements to ensure your room can comfortably accommodate both the enclosure and your golf swing.

1. Measure Your Ceiling Height

• Measure from the floor to the lowest point of the ceiling.
• We recommend 10' ceilings or higher for the most comfortable experience.
• Many golfers can swing with 9' ceilings, but driver swings may feel restricted.
• Watch for garage door openers, light fixtures, ceiling fans, ductwork, and beams.

2. Measure Your Room Width

• Measure the usable width of the room from wall to wall.
• Add extra clearance for a comfortable driver swing.
• If both right- and left-handed golfers will use the simulator, additional width may be required.
• We typically recommend 12'–14' of room width for most setups.

3. Measure Your Room Depth

• Measure from the wall where the screen will be installed to the back wall.
• Remember to account for:
  • Distance from the screen to the hitting area
  • Space behind the golfer
  • Launch monitor placement (if applicable)
• Most simulator setups require 16'–20' of total room depth.

4. Check for Obstructions

• Look for anything that could interfere with your swing or installation:
  • Garage door tracks
  • Support beams
  • Windows
  • Electrical panels
  • Shelving
  • Light fixtures
  • Ceiling-mounted storage

5. Consider Your Hitting Position

• The golfer should be centered on the screen whenever possible.
• Ensure there is enough room to swing all clubs comfortably, especially the driver.
• If multiple golfers will use the simulator, make sure the hitting area accommodates both right- and left-handed players.

6. Take a Few Photos

• Snap photos from each corner of the room.
• Include any obstacles or unique features.
• Photos help our Sim Caddies recommend the best enclosure, launch monitor, and projector for your space.

Austad's Sim Caddie Tip

When in doubt, measure twice. A few extra inches can make a big difference in comfort and playability. If you're unsure whether your space will work, send us your room dimensions and photos, and we'll help you find the right simulator setup.

Launch Monitor Details

Why Golfers Love the Approach R50

Accurate data, powerful simulator software, and dual-camera feedback—without the premium price tag.

• Built-in 10” touchscreen display makes it easy to view shot data, navigate practice sessions and play simulator golf right from the unit.
• Three-camera tracking system captures ball and club data with the precision golfers need to understand what is actually happening at impact.
• Virtual golf built in lets golfers play simulator rounds directly through the R50, including access to more than 43,000 courses with a Garmin Golf membership.
• Great for indoor and outdoor practice thanks to a portable design that works in a home simulator, garage, basement or at the driving range.
• Detailed practice feedback gives golfers the numbers they need to dial in distances, compare clubs and track swing improvements over time.
• Ball impact videos help golfers see what happened at contact, making practice sessions more visual and easier to understand.
• Clean simulator setup because the R50 sits beside the hitting area instead of several feet behind the ball, helping save depth in tighter indoor spaces.
• Garmin ecosystem connection allows practice data and virtual round scorecards to upload to a Garmin Golf account when connected to Wi-Fi.
  

	Never Run out of Courses  With the Garmin Approach R50 and an active Garmin Golf membership, golfers can play more than 43,000 virtual courses through Home Tee Hero. From local favorites to bucket-list-style layouts, the R50 makes it easy to turn your home simulator into a full course-play experience whenever you’re ready to tee it up.
	Unlimited Range Sessions The Garmin Approach R50 makes practice sessions simple, focused and seriously useful. Golfers can hit balls on the virtual range, review key ball and club data, compare shots and use impact video to better understand what’s happening at contact. Whether you’re dialing in wedges, checking driver numbers or trying to tighten dispersion, the R50 gives you the feedback you need to practice with a purpose.
	Software Compatibility The Approach R50 keeps simulator software simple with practice sessions, shot data, impact videos and Home Tee Hero virtual rounds built right into the 10” touchscreen. It also connects to compatible third-party simulator platforms, giving golfers more ways to practice and play from home.

Metrics Tracked

What's Included

• Approach R50 premium golf launch monitor and simulator
• Carrying case
• AC adapter and power cord
• 250 club tracking stickers
• Documentation
  

Customer Reviews & Setups

From Empty Room to Dream Simulator

See how golfers across the Midwest transformed garages, basements, and bonus rooms into year-round golf spaces with Austad's DIY Series Simulator

★★★★★ "Exactly What I Was Looking For"

"I wanted a simulator setup that felt premium but didn’t require a full custom build or weeks of planning. The Garmin Approach R50 package checked every box. The touchscreen is easy to use, the shot data is right there in front of me, and the whole setup looks great in my garage. It feels like I finally have a real golf studio at home."
— Christina V., Council Bluffs, IA

Before	After

★★★★★ "It’s Actually Helping My Game"

"I bought this package because I wanted to practice more consistently, and it has made a huge difference. Being able to see my club and ball data after every shot has helped me understand my swing instead of just guessing. I’ve been working on carry distances, face angle and launch, and I’m already seeing more confidence on the course."
— Jim A., Sioux Falls, SD

★★★★★ "Everyone Uses It"

"This started as my golf project, but it quickly became something the whole family enjoys. I use it for practice during the week, my kids love playing virtual courses, and we’ve had friends over for simulator nights. The Garmin R50 is simple enough for everyone to use, but still gives me the serious data I wanted."
— Sadie E., Cedar Rapids, IA

Before	After

★★★★★  "Best DIY Project Yet!"

"I wanted a simulator I could build out myself without feeling like I needed to hire a contractor. This package made the process simple and straightforward. Once the cage and screen were set up, the Garmin Approach R50 was easy to position and start using. It was a fun weekend project, and now I’ve got a setup that feels way more professional than I expected."
— Greg P., Moorhead, MN