I want to build a golf sim in my garage, my budget is around $10K, can I do it?
Want a high end golf simulator in your man cave?
Only have around $10K budget?
Challenge Accepted.
This is actually a pretty common conversation we have with our customers who are looking for the most economical way to set up a high quality golf sim.
In this article, I will go through how we would typically work with a customer with a $10K budget. By spending your hard earned cash where it really matters, you can put together a golf sim that will look, feel and function several times more expensive.
Got you interested? Let's go through how.
What do we mean by "high end"?
Before we start building out the golf simulator, let's just define what 'high end' means. In our view, a high end home golf simulator must have the following qualities. In no particular order:
- Ultra High Resolution graphics (4K) - although you can happily play sim golf with HD (1080P) graphics, having 4K Ultra-HD will take things to the next level, especially with market leading simulation software like GS Pro or E6 Apex. The ripples in the water, blades of grass swaying in the breeze and even grains of sand in the bunkers are visibly more vivid and realistic with 4K graphics.
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A Professional, Clean Look - a set up that screams QUALITY through premium quality products.
- Accuracy - your golf simulator needs to accurately measure and simulate your golf shot.
In short, the set up should match any top end commercial simulator golf venues.
Let's start with the base
When we work with a customer, we would initially start from a base set up that would meet the requirements listed above. We would then work through any required upgrades if the customer has any specific needs.
Using our Kaizen Golf Tour Champion Package as a template, our base 'top end' set up would consist of the following products.
- 4K Graphics through a 4K short-throw projector from Optoma with 4000 lumens, coupled with a powerful 4K gaming PC.
- Professional Look - through our high quality Kaizen Masters Golf Simulator Enclosure and Mats, which can be found in a number of commercial venues across Australia.
- Accuracy - through the Rapsodo MLM2Pro launch monitor which punches way above its weight (or price tag) in terms of accuracy and functionality, it also offers official integrations with a number of golf simulation software including GS Pro. The accuracy of the unit has been repeatedly tested against top end commercial launch monitors with impressive results.
And with a 10% package discount, the base 4k high-end set up would only cost just over $7K. You can either just finish here (and be very happy) or use the remaining budget on some upgrades according to your requirements and preferences.
Note: The only cost not included is the cost of simulation software. If we go with the example of GS Pro, that's an additional $450 per year ($250 USD).
Upgrade options
Budget allowing, here are a couple of upgrade options to make your set up even more impressive. You will still be able to keep to your $10K budget.
- Bigger enclosure - space allowing, the bigger the enclosure the safer, and more immersive the experience. Upgrading to a bigger Kaizen Masters Golf Simulator Enclosure will only set you back a couple of hundred dollars.
- Laser projector - although the lamp based GT2160 4K projector is more than enough for most home set ups, the laser AK700ST from BenQ with Golf Mode is the ultimate home golf simulator projector in our opinion. Upgrading from the GT2160 to the BenQ AK700ST will cost just over $2k.
- Swap the launch monitor - if you don't have enough depth in your space for a radar based launch monitor like the Rapsodo MLM2Pro or prefer not to use a 3rd Party software, then you can switch to the Skytrak+ launch monitor. This upgrade option will again cost just over $2K and will come with a year of course play subscription. Alternatively you can source your own preferred launch monitor.
And that's pretty much it, all you need to do is to put them together once you receive your package and start enjoying your high-end golf simulator!
Final thoughts
Yes, you can easily set up a high end home golf simulator for a $10K budget.
We hope that through this article we have demonstrated how it can be done.
If you are on the market for a 4K home golf simulator set up, we would love for you to check out our Kaizen Tour Champion Golf Sim Package. Just contact us and we would be more than happy to help you configure the right set up for you.