The Optishot setup seems simple but I am not a builder, in fact, I have never built anything in my life. Never played with legos as a kid, never built a fort and was never any good working with my hands. I am not handy around the house, so I have no idea what got into me to decide that I could be the Optishot setup guy. My expectations were low for my golf simulator room and some might say it lived up to it but for me it was so really really cool! I did it…I made something! My very own Optishot setup in my garage. Many of you will build a much better golf simulator rooms but in this post I am going to show how I did it without any handyman skills.
$1000 Optishot Setup
Optishot Simulator
I chose the Optishot Simulator after researching a few of them last November mainly because of the price and simplicity. At around $350 the Optishot is the most affordable simulator on the market and unless you are looking for an all-in-one kit, saves you about $1500. By getting this Optishot setup, I was able to add some upgrades that I would not have been able to with the higher end machines.
My Costs
Optishot: $350
Total Invested: $350
Turf
The first thing I did when I got my Optishot setup was to upgrade the turf. Even though its suppose to be an affordable simulator room, I do need good turf to hit off of everyday.
As you can see above, the turf is very thing and does not replicate real grass very well so I began researching an upgrade. The best and easiest option came from a website called “Slick Things“. These turf tops have a molded urethane base and resemble real grass. It fits right over the Optishot and attached via velcro strips.
I purchased the turf top on Ebay and but I also think you can buy it on the website. The cost of the turf is $55 plus shipping and is a must to buy. You can also get a thicker turf on Amazon.
Once I got the turf, I wanted a way so the Optishot would not move around after I hit on it. Since my simulator was out in my garage, I got some double-sided tape and some velcro strips. I put the double-sided tape on the garage floor and then attached the velcro strips to the bottom of the Optishot and the double-sided tape. It held in place nicely. You could technically begin swinging or hitting foam balls once you download the software onto a computer.
My Costs
Turf: $55
+
Tape & Velcro: $20
Total Invested: $425
Stance Mat
The stance mat is important to your simulator room because the Optishot setup with the new turf stands slightly off the ground. I needed something to even out where I stand and the top of the turf. What I did was found an old piece of plywood from a bed frame we were not using. I then nailed a small section of outdoor astroturf used for decks onto the top and taped the edges (in the picture you can see the black tape around the edges of the mat). I also used the astroturf to line the garage floor (I had to cut around the Optishot pad).
Then I placed the plywood on four 2 x 4’s found in my garage (this saved me a few bucks)
My Costs
Astroturf: $30
+
2 x 4’s & Plywood: $0
Total Invested: $455
Impact Screen
The impact screen is the most important item if you want to be able to hit real golf balls. To save money, I decided to start with a homemade impact screen from a tarp, white sheet and bed cover. This was really easy and affordable. I got a grommet kit and placed grommets on the top and sides of the sheet and the bed cover. Using industrial hooks and bungee cords to attach the screen to the ceiling (I actually have a hanging beam running across my garage) I made the screen taut. This system worked okay but the image on the sheet was not super clear but got me by at a very low-cost.
A Better Solution
Finally, as I saw how awesome having a golf simulator at home was I knew it was time to upgrade my impact screen. After doing a little research I chose the supertex seamless impact screen with sewn in straps. This was a huge upgrade as you can see below but did cost $180. I then attached the straps to the hooks and got some PVC pipe to make a frame on the sides to secure the straps of the impact screen. To make the frame, I bought four 10 foot PVC pipes 1 1/2 inches thick. I used 3 of them for the sides and the bottom and then made a T-shaped base at the corners to help it stand with the fourth PVC pipe. It is by no way perfect and does not look great but does a great job of holding my screen.
My Costs
Impact Screen: $180
+
PVC: $35
Total Invested: $670
Projector
Lesson #1: Get a Short Throw Projector
This was my biggest mistake. The short throw projector allows you to either mount it or place it close to the screen, preferably in front of the simulator. I did not get a short throw projector and now I have shadows on the screen because it is placed behind me. A good projector is a must even if you are building an affordable simulator room. The projector is next on my list to upgrade. I did some research and listed a few on my step by step simulator build page.
My Costs
Projector: $300
Total Invested: $970
Highly Recommended:
EZ Tee Personal Caddy Golf Ball Dispenser and Shag Tube $30
This device is awesome. Not only does it shag and pick up your golf balls but when you put the tube on the rack it then will load it onto your turf top. It saves tons of back pain picking up balls and allows me to be more efficient in my practice sessions.
Update…The EZ Tee is no longer available on Amazon. Below is a great alternative:
Callaway Pro Caddie Shag Bag
Protection Side Nets $40
These side nets are life savers. I use a couple of weights to tie them down and they work great. I broke the light switch to the garage before I got these side nets. A must have.
These side nets are life savers. I use a couple of weights to tie them down and they work great. I broke the light switch to the garage before I got these side nets. A must have.
Dual Track Putting Green $70
I felt I needed a putting green to improve my putting. I have a hard time practicing my putting using the Optishot setup i had so this was a needed addition.
My Costs
EZ Tee Caddy: $30
+
Protection Side Nets: $40
+
Dual Track Putting Green: $70
Total Invested: $1,110
So the total cost of my simulator room, not including my TV and Fire Stick comes to $1,110. Now if you compare this to other all-in-one simulator kits, I saved about anywhere from $2000 to $10,000 depending on the model you buy. I have little skill at building things but I am happy with my affordable simulator room and practice everyday on it.
Set Up Your Own Budget Golf Simulator Room With My Step By Step Guide – CLICK HERE