Golf Simulator Shed: How to Build Your Own Backyard Setup
Golf simulator sheds make it possible to practice your swing at home and play virtual championship courses without ever leaving your property. With a golf simulator in your own backyard, you can skip the drive to your local course, avoid membership fees at golf simulator clubs, and never worry about getting rained out again.
The best part? You don’t need to make a massive investment or have a custom-built shed to bring your golf simulator setup to life.
Continue reading to learn how to convert an existing shed into a golf simulator space that fits your property and your budget.
What is a Golf Simulator?
A golf simulator is a system that allows you to practice your swing and virtually play rounds of golf indoors. Using specialized equipment, it tracks your swing, ball speed, launch angle, and other important metrics to recreate the experience of playing on a real golf course.
In recent years, golf simulators have exploded in popularity. What was once primarily found in commercial facilities, such as golf stores or professional training centers, is now becoming increasingly common in homes and even backyard sheds
With the right equipment and a properly sized shed, just about anyone can create their very own practice facility at home.
Why Invest in Your Own Golf Simulator Shed?
There are many advantages to having your own golf simulator shed.
Play Around Your Schedule: You can finally stop worrying about booking tee times in advance. With your own golf simulator shed, you can practice whenever you want, even if you only have 10 minutes to spare.
Avoid Facility Membership Fees: Local golf simulator facilities often charge expensive monthly membership fees or hourly rental rates that add up quickly. Owning your own simulator eliminates those fees.
Play Year-Round: If you live in an area with extreme seasons, a golf simulator allows you to keep playing year-round. With a properly insulated shed, you can enjoy a round of golf regardless of the weather.
Improve Your Game: Having a golf simulator just steps from your back door makes it easier to practice consistently. You can finally put in the extra time to improve your swing.
Entertain Friends and Family: A backyard golf simulator is also a great place to entertain. Invite friends and family over for a virtual round of golf or host your own tournament right from home.
Building Around Your Budget
As you plan your golf simulator shed, one of the biggest misconceptions is that you need to invest in an expensive, custom-built structure.
In reality, you can start with a basic storage shed and convert the interior yourself. Or, you can work with a shed builder like Alpine Buildings, where we offer a variety of customizable sheds at different price points.
If you don't want to pay for the entire building upfront, we offer rent-to-own options on qualifying sheds, allowing you to spread out the cost of your building over time.
The bottom line: building your own backyard golf simulator doesn't have to break the bank. With a little planning, you can create a golf simulator shed that fits your budget.
Personalizing Your Own Backyard Golf Haven
When you build your own backyard golf simulator shed, you have full control over the finished design.
Maybe you want a simple setup; maybe you have a vision for a backyard “mancave” filled with comfortable seating and entertaining space.
No matter your plans, here are a few things to consider:
What Size Shed Do You Need?
First and foremost, choosing the right size shed is key. You will want enough room to comfortably swing your driver, while still having a safe distance between all the surrounding walls and the ceiling.
At Alpine Buildings, we recommend a minimum of 12 feet wide by 16 feet long with 10-foot ceilings. For larger setups, 14x24 feet is spacious, allowing just enough space for seating.
It’s important to keep in mind that your shed ceiling has roof trusses, lighting, and overhead features that will be factors reducing your swing clearance, so plan accordingly as you select your shed.
How to Convert a Standard Shed
We wouldn’t convert it into a golf simulator! We will build the shell and possibly finish the inside, but not install the golf simulator. That might change in the future, though, so we can keep that in mind.
Step 1: Choose the Right Shed
Begin your golf simulator shed buildout by choosing the right shed. You'll need enough room to take a full golf swing, allow the ball to travel toward the impact screen, and safely accommodate your equipment.
Most golf simulator setups require approximately 12 feet of width, 16 feet of length, and 10 feet of interior height.
Additionally, make sure your shed can accommodate electricity to power your simulator, proper ventilation, and climate control options like air conditioning or a mini-split.
Step 2: Install Electricity
You will need electricity to power your golf simulator. Depending on the system you choose, you will need enough electricity to power:
Launch monitors and ball tracking equipment
A projector
A computer system
Interior lighting
TVs & speakers
Heating and AC
We recommend contacting a licensed electrician to help you wire your shed properly and meet local codes.
Step 3: Insulate and Finish the Interior
Assuming you plan to use your simulator year-round, you will want to insulate the shed to support its climate control. This will take place after the shed is wired for electricity.
You can complete this step yourself or work with a professional team such as ours at Alpine Buildings. Upon completion, you must install interior walls and flooring.
Step 4: Install the Simulator
Once your shed buildout is complete, it’s time to install your simulator. The exact layout of your system will vary, so we suggest purchasing your simulator before finalizing which shed you purchase and its size. This will help ensure you have enough room for all your equipment.
Step 5: Add Personal Touches
Have some wiggle room in your budget? Consider adding some personal touches to finish off your golf simulator shed.
Features such as wall-mounted TVs, comfortable seating, custom storage for your clubs and equipment, additional lighting or sound equipment, and even a bar or beverage area can help make the space your own.
Whether you’re tackling the project on your own or working with a team like Alpine Buildings, there are plenty of customization options to explore.
The Best Shed for Your Golf Simulator
At Alpine Buildings, we offer a variety of customizable sheds that can serve as the foundation for your future golf simulator shed. Here are three models worth considering, each offering different price points, styles, and customization options:
Each model offers its own unique features and can be customized to meet your golf simulator’s space and clearance requirements. The High Country model features 7'9.5" walls, while the Haven Loft 2-story A-frame offers a similar clearance height on the bottom story, making both excellent choices.
Additionally, a Barn-style shed with the Highwall option added is another great route to consider. You’ll find options ranging from modern exterior designs to insulated windows, lofted ceilings, and other upgrades to help create your ideal setup.
How Much a Golf Simulator Shed Will Cost
The cost of your golf simulator shed will vary greatly based on the size of your shed and how much you intend to customize.
For reference, the most basic storage sheds start around $3,000, while entry-level golf simulator equipment starts around $750. However, you’ll likely need a larger shed than a basic storage shed to accommodate your golf simulator, so it’s smart to anticipate a higher overall cost.
Additional costs you may incur when building your golf simulator shed include:
The cost to prepare the shed site, such as leveling the ground for a foundation
The cost to install electricity
The cost to install insulation and a climate control system
Any personal preferences for upgrades, features, and finishes
The good news is that Alpine Buildings offers rent-to-own options on select sheds. This allows you to spread out the cost of your shed rather than paying for it all upfront.
Build A Golf Simulator Shed with Alpine Buildings
Your golf simulator shed is within reach, and we’re here to help you bring it to life. Whether you’re looking for a basic shed or want a more customized structure with personalized features, Alpine Buildings can help you find the right fit for your budget.
Please note that at Alpine Buildings, we build the structure itself. Any interior conversions and golf simulator installations are the customer's responsibility. However, we're happy to connect you with contractors who can help.
Ready to see what's possible? Explore our customizable sheds using our online 3D shed builder, or reach out to our team to discuss your project.
