Golf Simulator FAQs Expert Answers to Your Questions

Based on extensive community feedback, the ideal golf simulator space is approximately 4.3 metres wide, 5.5 metres deep, and 3 metres ceiling height (14' × 18' × 10' for our American friends).

However, many UK golfers successfully operate in smaller spaces. The absolute minimum is 3 metres wide, 3.7 metres deep, and 2.6 metres ceiling height (10' × 12' × 8.5'), though you may need to choke down on longer clubs.

For families with both left and right-handed players, we recommend 4.3m width to allow centred tee placement.

💡 Unsure about your space? Book a free space assessment - we'll help you maximize your available area and recommend the best configuration.

Source: Most asked question across all forums - appears in nearly every beginner thread

The community consensus is that 2.4 metres (8 feet) is the absolute minimum ceiling height, though this often causes anxiety about hitting the ceiling during your backswing.

2.6 metres (8.5 feet) is more comfortable, and 3 metres (10 feet) or higher is ideal. If you're over 183cm (6 feet) tall, aim for 3 metres minimum.

Many forum users report that the psychological fear of ceiling strikes affects their swing even if they have 'just enough' clearance.

Source: Second most asked question community-wide

This is a very common UK and US concern. Many golfers have successfully installed simulators in garages, but the garage door opener mechanism often interferes with the backswing.

Solutions include:

• Installing a wall-mounted garage door opener instead of ceiling-mounted
• Repositioning your tee area away from the door mechanism
• Raising the door rails if you have a pitched roof
• Installing protective padding on the rails

Some UK users report spending £300 on beam raising to create proper clearance.

💡 Planning a garage install? Get expert advice on garage door clearance and optimal layout configuration.

Source: Multiple dedicated forum threads on garage builds

If your simulator will be used by both left and right-handed golfers (common in families), you'll need approximately 4.3 metres (14 feet) of width to allow the tee area to be centred. This lets both players stand comfortably without being tight against a wall.

However, if everyone in your household swings the same way, you can manage with 3 metres (10 feet) width by positioning the setup on one side.

Source: Family setup concern, frequently mentioned in forum discussions

You should stand 2.4 to 3 metres (8 to 10 feet) away from your impact screen. This distance is critical for two reasons: safety (preventing golf balls from ricocheting back at you) and viewing experience (you want to see the projected image properly).

Going closer than 2.4m significantly increases injury risk, especially with a poorly tensioned screen. Most launch monitors also require specific distances to function properly, so check your device specifications.

Source: Safety concern raised repeatedly in setup threads

Based on extensive community feedback, here's realistic UK pricing including VAT:

💡 Need help planning your budget? Get a free consultation - we'll create a complete package within your budget with no hidden surprises.

Source: Most asked budget question by beginners - universal anxiety point

Budget launch monitors under £500 (like Garmin R10, R-motion, or PhiGolf) can provide useful swing path and face angle data, making them valuable practice tools.

However, the golf simulator community overwhelmingly advises: "Wait and save for a used SkyTrak or GC2." The consensus is that budget units often have:

• Accuracy issues
• Limited software compatibility
• Frustrating user experiences that lead to regret

If £500 is your absolute limit, consider a used higher-quality unit instead of new budget models.

Source: Highly debated topic - budget buyers often regret not waiting

UK golfers have several options for purchasing simulator equipment:

UK-Based Suppliers:

• Golf Bays UK - Screens and enclosures (£180-2,000)
• Golf Swing Systems - Mats and complete setups (£400+ for quality mats)
• Tekden.co.uk - Complete solutions and expert consultation
• Several UK retailers for launch monitors and projectors

Why UK Suppliers Matter:

No import duties, no voltage issues, local warranty support, easier returns, faster delivery, and support from someone in your timezone.

When comparing prices, always calculate: US price + 20% VAT + shipping (£200-500) + potential import duties = often 40-50% higher than listed US price.

💡 Want transparent UK pricing? Get a detailed quote with VAT included, no import surprises, and UK warranty coverage.

Source: UK users frequently ask for local supplier recommendations

This is a critical concern for UK buyers considering US equipment:

Voltage Issues:

US projectors operate on 110V, UK mains is 240V. You'll need a step-down transformer (£50-150) or risk destroying your projector. Some modern projectors have universal power supplies (110-240V)—always check specifications.

Launch Monitors:

Most modern launch monitors (SkyTrak, Mevo+, Garmin R10) use USB power or have universal power adapters, so they typically work fine.

Warranty Concerns:

US equipment warranties often don't cover UK use, and return shipping for repairs is prohibitively expensive.

Best Practice: Always verify voltage compatibility before purchasing US equipment, factor in transformer costs, and seriously consider whether UK alternatives exist.

Source: Common mistake made by UK buyers trying to save money on US purchases

UK buyers importing golf simulator equipment face substantial additional costs:

• VAT (Value Added Tax): 20% on the item value PLUS shipping cost. Unavoidable on imports over £135.
• Import Duty: 0-10% depending on product classification. Golf equipment sometimes zero-rated, electronics may incur duty.
• Courier Handling Fees: Royal Mail/DHL/FedEx charge £10-25 for processing customs paperwork.

Real Example:

£1,000 US purchase + £200 shipping = £1,200 × 20% VAT = £1,440 + potential £120 duty + £15 handling = £1,575 total

That's 57.5% more than the US price!

Source: Major frustration point for UK buyers - many caught by surprise

Launch monitor selection depends on budget and needs:

💡 Need help choosing? Contact our experts for personalized recommendations based on your space and budget.

Source: Most researched question - price vs performance constantly debated

Launch monitor accuracy varies significantly by price point:

• Professional Systems (1-3% variance): Trackman, Foresight GCQuad, Uneekor - trusted by tour pros
• Quality Home Systems (2-5% variance): SkyTrak, Mevo+, GC3 - more than accurate enough for game improvement
• Budget Systems (5-10% variance): Garmin R10, basic photometric - still useful for practice

Factors Affecting Accuracy:

Lighting conditions (critical!), calibration quality, ball quality, environmental settings (altitude, temperature)

💡 Accuracy questions? Talk to our experts about which launch monitor provides the accuracy you need for your game improvement goals.

Source: Accuracy concerns prevent many purchases - users want trustworthy data

This is the most debated software question in the community:

The Verdict: For home users, GSPro 'takes the cake' according to forums. For commercial installations, E6's support and features may justify the cost.

Gaming PC Requirements:

Both GSPro and E6 require a capable gaming PC. Tekden Gaming PCs optimized for simulator software:

• Tekden Flux - £1,155 - Entry-level, handles GSPro well
• Tekden Pulse - £1,825 - Mid-range, recommended for 4K
• Tekden Fusion - £2,370 - High performance
• Tekden Ultra - £2,999 - Premium, maxed settings

Source: Most debated software topic - clear community favourite emerged

The 'best' software depends on your priorities and budget:

• Best Overall Value: GSPro - £250/year, 280+ courses, 4K graphics, huge community
• Best for Beginners on Budget: TGC 2019 - One-time payment (no subscription), thousands of user-created courses
• Best Commercial/Professional: E6 Connect - £600/year, industry standard, extensive features
• Best Graphics: Creative Golf - Photorealistic courses, stunning visuals
• Best Free Option: GSA Golf - Completely free, limited courses

Compatibility Note: Always verify your launch monitor works with your chosen software—this is critical and often overlooked.

Need a Gaming PC?

All simulator software requires a capable gaming PC. Browse Tekden Gaming PCs (£1,155-2,999) pre-configured for golf simulator software.

💡 Software + PC questions? Get expert advice on the best software and hardware combination for your setup.

Source: Buyers want definitive recommendations - multiple options create confusion

Projector selection is critical for good visual experience:

Key Requirements:

• Short throw - Large image from short distance
• 3000-4000 lumens - Bright enough for ambient light
• 1080p resolution minimum - 4K is overkill
• Low input lag - <30ms for responsive feel

Popular Models at Tekden:

• Optoma X309ST - £540 - 3700 lumens, short throw, excellent value
• Optoma ZH350ST - £1,080 - Upgraded model, brighter output
• Optoma 4K400STX - £1,398 - 4K resolution, gaming-optimized
• Hisense C2 Ultra 4K - £2,299 - Premium laser projector

💡 Not sure which projector? Contact us for help calculating throw distance and brightness requirements for your space.

Source: Projector confusion is universal - users need specific recommendations

Impact screens are purpose-built for golf simulators—critical safety equipment:

Impact Screen Options at Tekden:

• SimSpace Impact Screen - £99.99 - 4K ready with bungee cords
• Pro Golf Impact Screen - From £140 - Professional grade material
• Tekden Single Layer Screen Kit - £1,500 - Complete mounting system
• Foresight Dual Layer Screen Kit - £2,160 - Premium with sound dampening

Complete Enclosure Systems:

• SimSpace Enclosures - From £1,299 - Full protection system
• The Nano - £8,365 - Compact 4.3m × 3.2m enclosure

⚠️ Regular Projector Screen (NOT SAFE):

• Will tear on first hard impact
• Dangerous ball bounce-back
• No impact absorption
• Never use regular screen for golf!

Installation Critical: Proper tension is as important as screen quality. Loose screen = dangerous bounce-back.

💡 Need installation? Professional installation available throughout the UK.

Source: Safety critical - beginners don't understand impact screen necessity

Hitting mat selection dramatically affects your experience and joint health:

Top Recommendations:

Quality Mats Available at Tekden:

• Tekden Black Range Strike Mat - £369.99 - Premium joint protection
• Tekden Quad Tech Range Mat - £296 - Excellent value

⚠️ Avoid:

Country Club Elite (CCE): Extremely durable but 'joint killer' - forum warns 'going to end up injuring you' with repeated use.

💡 Need mat advice? Contact us for recommendations based on your simulator setup and usage frequency.

Source: Joint pain from bad mats is serious concern - users warn each other

Joint pain from inferior hitting mats is one of the most discussed health concerns:

The Reality of 'Turf Shock':

• Cheap mats have no impact absorption
• Hard surfaces transmit shock to wrists/elbows/shoulders
• Cumulative damage over weeks/months
• Can prevent you from practising

Real User Experiences:

The Math:

Save £400 on mat, spend £500 on physiotherapy = bad economics. Quality mat protects your health and enjoyment.

Invest in Quality:

• Tekden Black Range Strike Mat - £369.99 - Protects your joints
• Tekden Quad Tech Range Mat - £296 - Excellent shock absorption

Source: Health concern that surprises beginners - serious issue in community

Shot tracking issues are the #1 technical complaint—usually solvable:

Lighting Issues (70% of problems):

• Too much ambient light or wrong type
• Camera-based units need consistent lighting
• Solutions: Close curtains/blinds, add dedicated simulator lighting, use soft diffused light

Other Common Issues:

• Calibration: Recalibrate launch monitor (monthly recommended)
• Physical Obstructions: Nothing blocking sensors, maintain proper distance
• Ball Issues: Wrong ball type, ball worn or dirty

💡 Still having issues? Contact our technical support - we provide remote troubleshooting and can arrange on-site visits if needed.

Source: #1 technical complaint - lighting almost always the culprit

Distance accuracy issues frustrate users and undermine confidence:

Environmental Settings:

Altitude setting incorrect (affects ball flight), temperature setting wrong (changes air density) - these can swing distances 20-30 yards! Check software settings match your location.

Ball Configuration:

• Wrong ball type selected in software
• Old or damaged balls fly shorter
• Practice balls vs premium balls (significant difference)

Other Factors:

• Launch monitors need regular recalibration (monthly for high use)
• Hitting mat before ball dramatically reduces distance
• Incorrect launch monitor position or angle

💡 Distance issues persist? Schedule a calibration session - we offer professional setup and calibration services to ensure maximum accuracy.

Source: Trust in data is critical - inaccuracy kills enjoyment