Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Golf Simulator Enclosures
You've invested in a quality launch monitor and projector, but without the right enclosure, you're only halfway there. The difference between a frustrating setup and a professional indoor golf experience often comes down to the enclosure.
Choosing the right enclosure involves more than picking a size that fits your room. You need to consider frame durability, screen compatibility, fabric quality, and whether a DIY build or turnkey solution makes sense for your space.
This guide breaks down the types of enclosures available, space requirements, material considerations, and customization options to help you make an informed decision.
Table of contents
Types of Golf Simulator Enclosures
Golf simulator enclosures come in four main categories, each designed for different budgets, skill levels, and performance expectations. Understanding these categories helps you match your investment to your actual usage patterns and avoid overspending on features you won't use or underspending and compromising your practice experience.
DIY Enclosures
DIY enclosures appeal to golfers who want to save money and don't mind assembly work. The package includes a premium impact screen, a protective surround, and canopy fittings. The only thing that is not included with DIY enclosures is the 1 inch EMT pipe framing [1]. You can save money by going to the hardware store and either buying or having the pipes cut yourself.
What You Gain vs What You Trade:
DIY Enclosures |
Turnkey Residential Systems |
| $800-$2,500 total investment |
$1,700-$8,000 total investment |
| 6-12 hours construction time |
2-4 hours assembly time |
| Custom sizing possible |
Standard sizes only |
| Frame may sag without reinforcement |
Powder-coated aluminum maintains tension |
DIY frames using EMT pipe can sag over time without proper bracing. If you're comfortable with these limitations and want to keep costs down, DIY builds offer a viable entry point. The DIY Golf Simulator Guide covers frame construction and material selection in detail.
Standard Residential Enclosures
Standard residential enclosures like the SIG8 and SIG10 models provide turnkey solutions for home golfers. These packages include powder-coated aluminum frames, enclosure fabric, impact screens rated for driver speeds, and all mounting hardware.
Residential enclosures range from $1,800 to $2,500 depending on size and screen quality. They're designed for straightforward assembly, typically taking 2-4 hours with two people. Most packages include everything you need except tools, eliminating the guesswork around component compatibility that DIY builders face.
Commercial-Grade Enclosures
Commercial enclosures like the SIGPRO line are built for high-traffic environments where durability matters. These systems feature heavy-duty 2" EMT frames, industrial-grade impact screens rated to 250 MPH, and reinforced attachment points that withstand thousands of shots.
Self-Assessment: Do You Need Commercial-Grade?
Expect 200+ shots daily from multiple users
Operating a business where downtime costs revenue
Need screens rated to 250+ MPH ball speeds
Want 5+ year lifespan without major component replacement
Require modular design for easier maintenance
Have budget of $3,000-$10,000 for enclosure alone
Pricing starts around $3,000 and extends past $7,000 for larger configurations. The investment makes sense for golf facilities, country clubs, sports bars, and training centers where multiple users hit hundreds of balls daily. The Commercial Golf Simulators for Businesses guide explains commercial-grade specifications.
Custom Enclosures + Custom Design & Installation
Custom enclosures address unique architectural challenges and aesthetic preferences. These projects integrate with home theater designs, work around structural obstacles like support columns, or match specific finish requirements.
The Custom Design & Installation process puts you in contact with our design team to fully render and design a golf simulator for you. The Custom Golf Simulator Design & Build service handles architectural integration and finish coordination.
Space and Installation Requirements
Space planning determines which enclosures fit your room and whether you can swing comfortably. Accurate measurements prevent costly mistakes like ordering an enclosure that won't fit through doorways or leaves insufficient clearance for your swing path.
Minimum Dimensions
Ceiling Height: 9-10 feet minimum | 10-11 feet recommended for taller golfers
Width: 12-15 feet for adequate swing clearance
Depth: 10-18 feet from screen to stance position
The minimum recommended space requirements ensure proper setup and use [2].
Measure your space with a tape measure, not estimates. Mark the proposed enclosure footprint on the floor with painter's tape to visualize the setup. Walk through your swing motion to confirm adequate clearance on all sides.
Choosing the Right Enclosure for Your Needs
Decision Framework:
Measure your space → Ceiling height (minimum 9-10 feet), width (12-15 feet), depth (10-18 feet)
Determine usage → Casual practice (residential) vs. multiple daily users (commercial)
Set your budget → Entry (>$1K-$2K), mid-range ($2K-$3K), premium ($3K+)
Select frame material → DIY pipe, residential aluminum, or commercial-grade reinforced
Select Impact Screen Material → Premium white or Premier Gray for increased contrast.
Budget Tiers
Entry-Level ($300-$2,500): Golf nets for indoor or outdoor usage, DIY builds or basic residential enclosures with standard impact screens. You'll compromise on frame quality and fabric light blocking, but you can still build a functional setup.
Mid-Range ($1,800-$3,000): Premium residential enclosures with commercial-grade screens, better fabric, and reinforced frames. This range offers the best value for serious home golfers who want reliability without custom pricing.
High-End ($3,000 - $10,000): Commercial-grade or custom enclosures with architectural integration, premium finishes, and advanced features. The Understanding Golf Simulator Cost guide breaks down budget allocation across components.
Materials and Build Quality
Frame Materials
EMT Pipe → $100-$200 | Low strength | Bends/rusts | Best for: Budget DIY builds
Aluminum → $300-$600 | High strength | Excellent durability | Best for: Residential setups
Commercial Aluminum → $800-$1,500 | Very high strength | 5+ year lifespan | Best for: High-traffic facilities
Aluminum tubing provides excellent strength and corrosion resistance while keeping weight manageable. Quality residential enclosures use powder-coated aluminum that won't rust or sag.
Screen and Fabric Selection
Recreational golfers (100-115 MPH swing speeds) need screens rated to 150-200 MPH for adequate protection. Competitive players (115-130 MPH) require commercial screens rated to 250+ MPH that handle high ball speeds without degradation.
Our SIGPRO Premium white and Premier gray golf simulator impact screens are MyGolfSpy tested to withstand 200,000 shots at 250 MPH. Match screen aspect ratio (4:3, 16:9, or 16:10) to your projector's native output for sharpest image quality. Premium blackout fabric eliminates 95%+ of external light for optimal projector contrast and justifies the $200-$400 premium in rooms with windows or overhead lighting.
Customization Options
Custom enclosures make sense for non-standard room dimensions, integration with home theaters, matching specific color schemes, or working around structural obstacles like columns and ductwork. They're also the right choice when the enclosure needs to serve dual purposes, such as functioning as a media room when not in use for golf practice.
You can request a custom golf simulator enclosure below!
Why Choose The Indoor Golf Shop
The Indoor Golf Shop carries enclosures across all price ranges and application types, from golf nets and DIY kits to commercial SIGPRO systems. Their selection includes proprietary products designed specifically for simulator applications.
Expert support helps match enclosures to your space requirements and usage patterns. The Golf Simulator Room Builder tool lets you visualize enclosure dimensions in your space before ordering.
For complete solutions, The Indoor Golf Shop offers packages that bundle enclosures with launch monitors and projectors. The Best Golf Simulator Packages of 2025 page shows current package configurations.
FAQs About Golf Simulator Enclosures
What size enclosure do I need for a golf simulator?
Our best selling enclosure measures 10'10" wide and 8'4" tall which fits in most rooms and gives golfers a premium golf simulator experience.
Can I build my own golf simulator enclosure?
Yes, DIY enclosures work if you have construction skills and access to tools. You'll need EMT pipe for the frame, fabric for sides and ceiling, and a separate impact screen. Plan for 8-12 hours of construction time and budget $800-$1,500 for materials.
What's the difference between residential and commercial enclosures?
Commercial enclosures use heavier frames and premium surround material and padding. They're built for high-traffic environments where hundreds of shots occur daily.
How much does a golf simulator enclosure cost?
Entry-level DIY enclosures cost $1,000-$2,000. Standard residential models range from $1,700-$2,500. Commercial-grade enclosures start around $3,000 and reach $10,000+.
Do I need blackout fabric for my enclosure?
Blackout fabric significantly improves image quality by eliminating ambient light that washes out projector contrast. If your simulator room has windows or overhead lighting, blackout fabric is worth the added cost.
How long does it take to install a golf simulator enclosure?
Residential enclosures typically take 2-4 hours with two people following manufacturer instructions. Commercial installations often require professional setup and can take a full day.
Can I use an enclosure with any golf simulator software?
Yes, enclosures are hardware components that work with all simulator software packages. They contain balls and block light but don't interface with software systems.
References & Citations
[1] shopindoorgolf.com. "Differences between DIY, SIG, and SIGPRO Commercial Enclosures." support.shopindoorgolf.com. https://support.shopindoorgolf.com/en-US/differences-between-diy-sig-and-sigpro-commercial-enclosures-1135958
[2] shopindoorgolf.com. "SIGPRO Simulator Enclosure Dimensions & Space Requirements." support.shopindoorgolf.com. https://support.shopindoorgolf.com/en-US/sigpro-simulator-enclosure-dimensions-and-space-requirements-1135673
[3] shopindoorgolf.com. "How to prevent wrinkles in your impact screen." support.shopindoorgolf.com. https://support.shopindoorgolf.com/en-US/how-to-prevent-wrinkles-in-your-impact-screen-1125434
