HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR Golf Simulator
Everything you need to know before investing in a Golf Simulator: space, budget, technology, installation. By the ADDON GOLF experts.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Golf Simulator?
The available space is the first factor to assess. It determines the type of cage, the compatible radar and your playing comfort.
Recommended minimum dimensions
| Configuration | Width | Depth | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute minimum | 3,5 m | 4,5 m | 2,50 m |
| Standard comfort | 4,0 m | 5,0 m | 2,70 m |
| Premium / Pro | 5,0 m | 6,0 m | 3,00 m |
Where should you install your simulator?
- Basement / Cellar: ideal, often quiet and secluded. Mind the ceiling height and humidity.
- Garage: a popular choice. Plan for thermal insulation and lighting.
- Outbuilding / Pool house: perfect if the dimensions are sufficient.
- Dedicated room: the ultimate luxury. Optimal architectural integration.
- Garden (cabin): ADDON GOLF offers bespoke outdoor cabins.
⚠️ Constraints to check
- Access for delivery (stairs, narrow corridors?)
- Sufficient power supply (220V socket, 16A minimum)
- Stable internet connection (RJ45 cable recommended)
- Ventilation / air conditioning depending on use
ADDON GOLF tip: We offer a free technical survey with on-site measurements and 3D modelling of . Get in touch to arrange a visit.
What Budget for a Golf Simulator?
The total budget for a golf simulator covers several elements: the radar/launch monitor, the cage/structure, the screen, the projector, the flooring and the installation.
2026 price ranges (installation included)
| Range | Budget | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | 12 000 - 20 000€ | SkyTrak/Garmin + Smart Cage + basic software |
| Mid-range | 25 000 - 45 000€ | ProTee/FlightScope + Fly/Elite Cage + refined finishes |
| Premium | 50 000 - 80 000€ | Foresight GCQuad + premium Elite Cage + furniture |
| Ultra premium | 80 000 - 150 000€ | TrackMan iO + complete bespoke fit-out |
Typical budget breakdown
- Radar / Launch monitor: 20-40% of the budget
- Cage / Structure: 15-25%
- Projection screen: 5-10%
- Video projector: 5-15%
- Flooring (turf, mat): 5-10%
- Installation / Cabling: 10-20%
- Finishes / Furniture: 5-15%
Recurring costs to plan for
- Software subscription: 0 to 200€/month depending on the solution
- Maintenance: 500-1000€/year (recommended)
- Projector replacement: every 5-7 years (~2000-5000€)
ADDON GOLF advice: Don't compromise on the quality of the structure to save money. A poorly designed cage generates vibration, noise and premature wear. Our bespoke approach optimises every euro invested.
Which Radar Technology Should You Choose?
The radar (or launch monitor) is the heart of the simulator. It measures the parameters of your swing and the ball, then translates them into the simulation software.
Two families of technology
Doppler radar (TrackMan, FlightScope)
Emits radar waves that bounce off the ball and club. Precisely measures speed, trajectory and spin. Works perfectly both indoors and outdoors.
High-speed cameras (Foresight, SkyTrak, ProTee)
Captures images at very high frequency to analyse the position of the ball and club at the moment of impact. Excellent accuracy on impact data, but sensitive to lighting conditions.
◆ Our selection by use
- Recreational play + family: SkyTrak, Garmin R10
- Serious practice: ProTee VX, FlightScope Mevo+
- Fitting / Coaching: Foresight GCQuad, Foresight GC3
- Pro performance: TrackMan iO, TrackMan 4
Which Simulation Software Should You Choose?
The simulation software turns the radar data into a visual playing experience. Several options exist, with varying levels of realism and features.
The main software options
TrackMan Range / Virtual Golf
Exclusive to TrackMan radars. Polished graphics, prestigious courses, a comprehensive practice mode. Subscription required (~100€/month).
FSX Play (Foresight)
Foresight's proprietary software. Excellent photorealistic graphics, numerous courses. Included with Foresight radars, with an optional subscription for more courses.
E6 Connect
Compatible with most radars. 90+ courses included, decent graphics, an intuitive interface. Very popular and great value for money.
TGC 2019 / TGC 2025
The largest catalogue of courses (200 000+). Community-created, with variable quality but some exceptional ones. One-off licence, no subscription.
Awesome Golf
A newcomer with impressive graphics and exclusive courses. Compatible with many radars. Monthly subscription.
Our advice
Favour your radar's native software for optimal compatibility, then add TGC 2019 or E6 Connect to vary the courses.
How to Install a Golf Simulator?
Installing a golf simulator calls for a range of technical skills: carpentry, electrics, network cabling, optical calibration and more.
► The stages of an ADDON GOLF installation
- Technical survey: on-site measurements, constraint checks, 3D modelling
- Bespoke design: detailed plans, choice of materials, client sign-off
- Manufacturing: production in our French workshops (4-8 weeks)
- Site preparation: electrics, networking, any preliminary works
- Delivery and assembly: installation of the structure (1-3 days)
- Technical integration: radar, projector, sound, lighting
- Calibration: fine-tuning for optimal accuracy
- Training: a hands-on walkthrough of the system with the client
⚠️ Why avoid a DIY installation?
- Risk of poor calibration = distorted data
- Vibration and noise if the structure is poorly sized
- A poorly tensioned screen = image distortion
- A poorly positioned projector = loss of quality
- No warranty on the installation
ADDON GOLF: We handle the entire installation, with warranty and after-sales service. Our technicians operate right across Europe.
The 7 Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating the ceiling height: a driver needs 2,70m minimum, 3m to be comfortable.
- Buying the radar before securing the space: some radars require a specific amount of clearance.
- Neglecting the lighting: cameras (Foresight, SkyTrak) are sensitive to light.
- Skimping on the screen: a low-end screen wears quickly and distorts the image.
- Forgetting the acoustics: impact noise can be a nuisance without treatment.
- Ignoring ventilation: an enclosed space heats up quickly after a few swings.
- Choosing a general installer: a golf simulator requires specialist expertise.
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