Guide
Golf Simulator Sheds, Outdoor, Portable and Inflatable Setups
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No room inside for a golf simulator? You still have options. A golf simulator shed or garden building gives you a dedicated space, a covered patio or pergola can host an outdoor setup, and portable, foldable, pop-up and inflatable simulators set up when you need them and pack away when you don’t. Apartments are trickier, but not impossible.
This guide covers each option: what it costs, what to watch out for, and which kind of setup suits it. For the basics of any simulator setup, start with our at home golf simulator setup guide.
Key Takeaways
- Sheds and garden buildings need about 10 feet of clear inside height; a 12×16 to 16×20 foot footprint suits most setups.
- Outdoor setups need protection from rain and sun; bright daylight makes projectors hard to see.
- Portable, foldable and pop-up setups pair a portable launch monitor with a net or collapsible screen.
- Inflatable simulators are popular for events and parties.
- Apartments are limited by ceiling height, noise and lease rules.
- Check local permits and HOA rules before building any permanent structure.
Where to Put a Golf Simulator: Options Compared
| Space | Best for | Main challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Shed or garden building | A dedicated, permanent simulator | Cost, permits, power, insulation |
| Covered patio, pergola or backyard | Seasonal play, entertaining | Weather, daylight, security |
| Portable / foldable / pop-up | Small homes, renters, travel | Setup time, less protection |
| Inflatable | Events and parties | Needs space and power for blowers |
| Apartment | Putting, short swings, practice | Ceiling height, noise, lease |
| Storage unit | Rarely suitable | Usually against rental terms; no power |
If you do have a garage, basement or spare room, see how to set up a golf simulator in a garage or basement first.
Choosing where to put your golf simulator
- Measure every possible space: ceiling height, width and depth.
- Think about climate, power, internet and noise.
- Decide whether you need it permanent or able to pack away.
- Check permits, HOA rules or your lease.
- Match the launch monitor and enclosure to the space.
Need help with a tricky space? A local golf simulator installer can assess it.
Golf Simulator Shed
A shed or garden building gives you a simulator room without giving up space in the house.
Size and height
The inside matters, not the outside. Aim for about 10 feet of clear height where you swing (9 feet can work for many golfers), and a footprint of roughly 12×16 to 16×20 feet. With a pitched roof, put the hitting area under the highest point and check that roof beams don’t cut into your swing. See how high a ceiling you need and how much space you need.
How much does a golf simulator shed cost?
Costs vary hugely with size, materials and finish, and with local labour prices. As a rough guide:
| Type | Rough cost (building only) |
|---|---|
| Prefab shed kit with tall walls | About $5,000–$15,000 |
| Installed, insulated shed with power | About $15,000–$40,000 |
| Custom-built garden room | $40,000 and up |
Add the simulator itself on top; see golf simulator costs. Get local quotes, as foundations, electrical work and delivery can change the total a lot.
What a simulator shed needs
- A level, solid floor, such as a concrete pad or a well-built timber floor.
- Power, installed by a licensed electrician, for the projector, PC, lights and heating or cooling.
- Insulation and climate control to protect electronics and make it comfortable all year.
- Internet for software and updates; a mesh Wi-Fi point or cable usually solves this.
- Security, as the equipment is valuable.
Permits and HOA rules
Many US towns require a building permit for sheds over a certain size or with electrical work, and homeowners’ associations often have rules about outbuildings. Check with your local building department and HOA before you buy or build. See our golf simulator permit guide.
Prefab and shed kits
Prefab sheds and shed kits are the quickest route. Choose one with taller-than-standard walls or a high roof pitch, and confirm the clear inside height before ordering. Our DIY enclosure guide covers fitting out the inside.
Outdoor and Backyard Golf Simulators
Can golf simulators be outside? Yes. Many launch monitors work outdoors, and a covered patio, pergola or garden can host a simulator for the warmer months.
- Weather: rain and sun damage electronics and screens. Bring the launch monitor, projector and PC inside after play, or build a weatherproof cabinet.
- Daylight: projectors struggle in bright light. Play in the evening, add shade screens, or use a large TV or tablet during the day.
- Containment: use a large, deep net or enclosure with side netting so balls can’t leave your property.
- Launch monitor type: radar units such as the Garmin Approach R10 and FlightScope Mevo+ are designed to work outdoors as well as in.
Outdoor golf simulator ideas
A pergola with a retractable screen and outdoor TV, a covered patio with a pull-down screen for evening rounds, or a corner of the garden with a deep net and turf for practice. Shade sails and outdoor curtains reduce glare and add privacy.
Portable, Foldable and Pop-Up Golf Simulators
A portable golf simulator usually means a portable launch monitor plus a net or collapsible screen that sets up in minutes and folds away afterwards.
- Portable launch monitors: budget units such as the Garmin Approach R10 and Rapsodo MLM2PRO are small enough to carry in a golf bag.
- Pop-up and foldable nets: quick to set up for practice, with shots shown on a phone or tablet.
- Folding and retractable screens: roll up or fold away, so a garage or spare room can be used for other things.
How much is a portable golf simulator?
A portable launch monitor costs about $500–$700 at the budget end, and a pop-up net and mat add roughly $150–$500. A portable setup with a projector and folding screen costs more. See cheap golf simulators for budget options.
Reading portable golf simulator reviews
Check how quickly the net or screen sets up, how stable it is in wind (if used outside), how much it weighs, and how it packs away. Owner reviews often reveal problems that specs don’t, such as nets that sag or poles that break.
Inflatable and blow-up golf simulators
Inflatable golf simulator tents and blow-up enclosures inflate with a fan to form a ready-made hitting bay with a screen. They are popular for corporate events, golf days and parties, and some rental companies offer them with a launch monitor and staff. They need a flat area, power for the blower, and enough space around the tent. For a permanent home setup, a regular enclosure is usually more practical.
Apartments and Storage Units
Shared and rented spaces bring their own limits on noise, power and what the landlord allows.
Golf simulators in apartments
A full swing in an apartment is often limited by:
- Ceiling height: many apartments have 8-foot ceilings, which is tight for a full driver swing.
- Noise: balls hitting a screen or net make noise that carries to neighbours, especially through floors.
- Lease rules: check your lease before installing anything.
Options include putting simulators and practice greens, short-swing practice with a launch monitor and net, or booking time at a local venue for full swings. Find a golf simulator venue near you.
Can you put a golf simulator in a storage unit?
Usually not. Most storage facilities’ rental terms only allow storage, not using a unit as a workspace or play area, and units rarely have power. Check your facility’s rules; renting a garage, workshop or small commercial space is a more realistic alternative.
FAQ
Can you put a golf simulator in a shed?
Yes, if it has about 9–10 feet of clear inside height, a footprint of roughly 12×16 feet or more, power and climate control. Check permits and HOA rules first.
How much does a golf simulator shed cost?
Roughly $5,000–$15,000 for a prefab shed kit with tall walls, $15,000–$40,000 for an installed, insulated shed with power, and more for custom garden rooms, before the simulator itself.
Can golf simulators be used outside?
Yes. Many launch monitors work outdoors. Protect equipment from weather, use a large net or enclosure, and play in shade or in the evening if you use a projector.
What is a portable golf simulator?
A portable launch monitor paired with a pop-up net or folding screen, which sets up quickly and packs away. Shots are usually shown on a phone or tablet.
Can you have a golf simulator in an apartment?
Sometimes, but low ceilings, noise and lease rules often limit full swings. Putting simulators and short-swing practice are easier options.