Simulator FAQ's
A golf simulator can make a fantastic addition for any home or business. Whether you want to keep your golf game going year round, work on your stroke or install a feature that will provide hours of fun and entertainment, a golf simulator from Austad's could be just what you've been looking for. Our frequently asked questions is a great place to start and when you're ready to take the next step, book a simulator consultation and one of our experts will work with you to answer any additional questions you might have.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much space do I need for a golf simulator?
Height - The average golfer needs a ceiling height of 9-10’ feet to avoid coming into contact with the ceiling during your swing. Depending on your height, wingspan, and club length you might be comfortable in less. Our shortest enclosure is 7.7' tall, which fits an 8' ceiling height.
At shorter ceiling heights you will be limited to swinging your shorter irons only, which is better than nothing!
Width - The swing area to the left and right of the tee position is also important. If your simulator will need to accommodate both right and left handed golfers you will likely need more width than if you’re the only one that will be practicing there.
The general rule is to allow 9-10’ of space at minimum, but ultimately you’ll simply need to make sure that you have enough room to swing without hitting a wall on either side. Especially when accommodating both right and left handed users, 12’ total is recommended, and 15’ or more is ideal.
Depth - Easily one of the most debated considerations is the amount of depth required for a golf simulator. The ideal depth will include not only the space from the tee to the impact screen, but also buffer space behind the screen and room to safely swing.
To start, we recommend about 12-16” of space between the impact screen and any wall or hard surface behind it. Then, it's a best practice to place your tee 10-15' away from the impact screen. Finally, make sure you have enough room behind the tee to comfortably swing.
This results in an ideal golf simulator room depth of at least 15’ total.
Need more info? Schedule a consultation with Austad’s Simulator Experts and we’ll walk you through the process.
At shorter ceiling heights you will be limited to swinging your shorter irons only, which is better than nothing!
Width - The swing area to the left and right of the tee position is also important. If your simulator will need to accommodate both right and left handed golfers you will likely need more width than if you’re the only one that will be practicing there.
The general rule is to allow 9-10’ of space at minimum, but ultimately you’ll simply need to make sure that you have enough room to swing without hitting a wall on either side. Especially when accommodating both right and left handed users, 12’ total is recommended, and 15’ or more is ideal.
Depth - Easily one of the most debated considerations is the amount of depth required for a golf simulator. The ideal depth will include not only the space from the tee to the impact screen, but also buffer space behind the screen and room to safely swing.
To start, we recommend about 12-16” of space between the impact screen and any wall or hard surface behind it. Then, it's a best practice to place your tee 10-15' away from the impact screen. Finally, make sure you have enough room behind the tee to comfortably swing.
This results in an ideal golf simulator room depth of at least 15’ total.
Need more info? Schedule a consultation with Austad’s Simulator Experts and we’ll walk you through the process.
How long does a golf simulator take to assemble?
On average, a full simulator with the enclosure will take roughly 3-4 hours to set up. If you have multiple people working on the setup (which is ideal), it can go faster depending on the size of the enclosure.
Can I hire Austad’s to set up a simulator?
Yes! We’re happy to help and our team can help make sure you have your simulator set up so that it is safe, secure and ready for you to have some fun. At this time we only offer installation services within 50 miles of the following locations:
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Rapid City, South Dakota
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Saint Cloud, Minnesota
- Sioux City, Iowa
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Lincoln, Nebraska
What type of simulators and launch monitors are available?
There are quite a few different options when it comes to golf simulators and launch monitors and we have a few technology partners that provide exceptional products, service, and are fantastic to work with:
Need more info? Schedule a consultation with Austad’s Simulator Experts and we’ll walk you through the process.
- Skytrak – Portable, easy to use, fun and affordable. Skytrak is a great fit for those who want to improve their game with solid data feedback. The option to add games and entertainment makes this a perfect fit for those who want some entertainment options for their simulator as well. (Starts at $2,135)
- Uneekor – Uneekor launch monitors are ideal for those who really want to get into the nitty gritty of shot analysis. Data on club path, face angle, and the ability to analyze these in slow motion set this unit apart. The ceiling mount creates a very professional look and feel. (Starts at $7,000)
- Simulator Packages – These packages include your choice of launch monitor technology and everything you need for a full simulator setup. Screen, enclosure, hitting mat and more – it’s all included. Packages start at $8,500 and can be customized to suit your needs.
Need more info? Schedule a consultation with Austad’s Simulator Experts and we’ll walk you through the process.
Do I need a simulator package or just the launch monitor?
If you are purchasing a golf launch monitor with the intention of using it indoors, you will need an impact screen, enclosure and hitting mat. Our packages are designed to take the guesswork out of the process and include everything you need to set up your golf simulator
Custom options are available! Book a simulator consultation and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Custom options are available! Book a simulator consultation and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
How long does it take to receive my simulator?
If you are ordering an individual launch monitor without the enclosure, your order will generally ship within 5-7 business days.
Full simulator packages with the enclosure are built to order and can be customized down to the inch. Production times can vary but in general your simulator will be shipped within 2-4 weeks. Once your order is placed, our team will provide you with a specific ship date and keep you posted as we move through the production process.
Full simulator packages with the enclosure are built to order and can be customized down to the inch. Production times can vary but in general your simulator will be shipped within 2-4 weeks. Once your order is placed, our team will provide you with a specific ship date and keep you posted as we move through the production process.
Will the impact screen wear out?
All of our impact screens are “wearable” products. The style, ability, and frequency of the user will all contribute to the service life of a screen. However, all of our golf training aid materials and screens have been tested to withstand thousands of strikes at up to 250 miles per hour. Proper use and care will help extend the life of your simulator impact screen.
What happens if I need a replacement part?
Should you need a replacement part or need assistance, we are always available to help. Contact us at 1-800-444-1234 or at [email protected].
Are there any safety concerns?
Yes, there are safety concerns with any golf simulator and all users need to make sure they follow proper safety precautions. Some guidelines include keeping children, pets and spectators out of swing range. Take care to protect ceilings, walls, windows, cars and neighboring homes. Austad’s Golf is not responsible for damage to property and/or personal injury.
How far away should I stand from the screen?
For the safety of both the golfer and the screen, we recommend standing a distance of 12-15 feet or more away from the screen.
How far with the ball bounce back?
Factors that determine the amount of bounce back will be; how you have chosen to hang/install the screen, the distance you are standing from the screen, the strength you hit the ball and the club you are using. If the screen is draped loosely, and not stretched tight, you should experience minimal to no bounce back at all. Mount the screen in such a way that allows it to “give” enough to absorb the strike and it should almost stop the ball completely.
Caution: To decrease your risk of bounce back and greatly reduce the chances of getting hit with a golf ball do *not* stand closer than 10-11 feet away from the screen. Customers who stand closer will experience bounce back and increase the risk of injury. Our recommendation is to stand a minimum 12-15 feet away from the screen for safety.
Caution: To decrease your risk of bounce back and greatly reduce the chances of getting hit with a golf ball do *not* stand closer than 10-11 feet away from the screen. Customers who stand closer will experience bounce back and increase the risk of injury. Our recommendation is to stand a minimum 12-15 feet away from the screen for safety.
What type of golf balls can I use?
Any standard golf ball can be used with our golf simulators.
Can simulators be used outdoors?
It depends on the launch monitor you purchase. The Uneekor launch monitor is mounted to the ceiling and can only be used indoors with an impact screen and enclosure.
Skytrak launch monitors are portable and can be used outdoors. When using Skytrak indoors, you will need an impact screen and enclosure.
Other launch monitors like the Rapsodo, Garmin R10 and Sky Caddie units are designed to be portable and can be used outdoors.
Skytrak launch monitors are portable and can be used outdoors. When using Skytrak indoors, you will need an impact screen and enclosure.
Other launch monitors like the Rapsodo, Garmin R10 and Sky Caddie units are designed to be portable and can be used outdoors.
Do I need a golf hitting mat?
We strongly recommend that that you install a hitting mat with any golf simulator. Golf hitting mats help protect your joints from the impact of your swing. They also let you have a more realistic golf practice.
What size golf mat do I need?
A golf mat size of 4'x5' will let most golfers swing a driver with their heels comfortably on the edge of the mat. A larger size, up to 4.25' x 9.5', would be able to accommodate golfers swinging either rightie or leftie.
*Austad’s Simulator Packages include a hitting mat that will be fit to your simulator.
*Austad’s Simulator Packages include a hitting mat that will be fit to your simulator.
Can I get a custom size golf simulator?
We strongly recommend that that you install a hitting mat with any golf simulator. Golf hitting mats help protect your joints from the impact of your swing. They also let you have a more realistic golf practice.
What is the maximum size screen available?
We can make a custom screen of any width, but the maximum height is 120-inches. All impact screens are seamless.
Do you offer financing?
Yes! We have partnered with Affirm to offer a variety of payment options. Learn more about financing your simulator purchase here.
