Golf Simulator Screen Guide

Golf Simulator Impact Screen

For those who want the full golf simulation experience in their house, using a projector with a golf screen is one of the best options. You are able to display your shots directly in front of you on a large surface that gives you an enhanced field of view. If you decide to use a projector, then getting a simulator screen that is capable of displaying graphics clearly is a necessity. When it comes to a screen there are certain considerations to take into account including but not limited to:

  • Screen size
  • Life span
  • Bounce back
  • Noise
  • Mounting - how you will mount your screen

This following guide reviews the screens we offer, and addresses how each one performs with respect to the above criteria.

Table of Contents

For more information about launch monitors, i.e. different types of launch monitors and examples of how a launch monitor can be used to improve your game, be sure to check out the Buyers Guide at the bottom of the page.

Screen Material

Screen material plays the biggest factor into the overall performance and price of a golf impact screen. Things including fabric type, thickness, how the material is woven, reinforcement, etc. all contribute in how well a simulator screen will function. Shop Indoor Golf offers two screen types: SIG™ Preferred, and SIG™ Premium. Our Preferred golf screen is our budget friendly option. It will suffice for home use, however we do not recommend it be used in commercial settings. Our SIG™ Premium option is our best selling golf hitting screen. It is a high end, heavy duty screen that that excels in all major categories. For a more detailed breakdown between both screens, please see the table below.

Product Comparison
Features and
Benefits		 SIGPRO™ Preferred SIGPRO™ Premium Leading Competitor
Premium
Cost $$ $$$ $$$
Screen Thickness 0.81mm 3.54mm 3.40mm
# of Layers Single Triple Triple
Product Warranty
Longest Lasting Screen
Lowest Bounce Back
Quietest Ball Impact
Residential Use
Commercial Use
Superior Image Quality
Tour Level Ball Speeds
DIY Recommended

Golf projector screen size

What size screen you obtain will primarily be dependent on:

  • how much space you have
  • desired aspect ratio

Typically golfers opt for the largest screen their their space will allow - the larger the screen the more immersive the experience. Today most projectors are capable of displaying an image in multiple aspect ratios, so getting an image to fit the screen is not an issue. That said it is beneficial to match (or exceed) the aspect ratio of your screen with that of your projector. This ensures that your projected image displays the most pixels per frame. When you downscale from a higher resolution to a lower resolution (i.e. 16:10 down to a 4:3) you are effectively dumbing down the image quality and losing valuable pixels. The following table provides you with the different golf impact screen sizes we offer (diagonal, length x width), grouped by aspect ratio.

Aspect ratio
1:1 4:3 16:10 16:9
122"
(7'x7')		 144"
(7.7'x10')		 163"
(7.7'x11.5')		 177"
(7.7'x13')
128"
(8'x8')		 151"
(8'x10.5')		 171"
(8'x12')		 185"
(8'x14')
139"
(8.5'x8.5')		 164"
(8.5'x11.5')		 185"
(8.5'x13')		 200"
(8.5'x15')
145"
(9'x9')		 171"
(9'x12')		 194"
(9'x14')		 210"
(9.5'x16')
154"
(9.5'x9.5')		 181"
(9.5'x12.5')		 204"
(9.5'x15')		 222"
(9.5x17')
163"
(10'x10')		 193"
(10'x13')		 218"
(10'x15.5')		 236"
(10'x18')

Raw vs. Finished Screen Material

There are two ways to purchase screen material: raw or finished with grommeted edges. Each has its benefits which we will touch on below.

Raw Screen Material

Raw golf impact screen material does not include a border around the perimeter of the screen.

Advantages of raw material include:

  • More usable screen material
  • Can buy larger size, and fold excess under frame
  • Don't have to be precise with cut size

Finished Screen Material

Finished golf simulator screens include 2.5" vinyl edges with grommets along the perimeter of the screen.

Advantages of finished edges include:

  • Easier to attach to a frame
  • Edges include hook and loop (loop side) which allow you to attach accessories such as netting or foam bumper borders

Mounting Your Screen

One of the main things that can be a challenge with an impact screen is how you will actually install it. There are plenty of DIY methods that someone who is handy can rig up on their own, and we will cover those in detail below.

* for those who don't want the headache of going the "do it yourself" route, choosing a ready made done-for-you system like our Golf Simulator Enclosures might be a better idea.

Step 1: build a frame

There are a couple of popular methods to build a DIY golf simulator enclosure or a standalone frame - several of which are listed below. If you go the DIY route, we recommend using aluminum or steel tube with fittings, it tends to be the simplest and most economical of the bunch.

  • 1" EMT with Tent Canopy Fittings
  • Strut Channels or Angle Iron
  • Wood 2" x 4"
  • 40mm or 45mm Aluminum Extrusions

Step 2: Attach screen to frame

How you physically attach the screen to your frame will depend on the screen material type (raw vs. finished edges) as well as what your frame is made out of (tube, wood, angle iron, etc). If building a frame out of wood or aluminum extrusions, you may require additional hardware (such as screw eye bolts in the case of a wood frame) to tether the screen to the structure.

  • Tarp Clips (for raw screen material)
  • Ball Bungees (best for finished screens)
  • Zip Ties
  • Shock Cord

Wrapping it up

If you're looking to go the DIY route for your golf simulator, then finding the right screen for your setup is an important decision. There are many options available and it is easy to get overwhelmed. If you don't know what to get, feel free to give us a call at 972-848-7491 or email us at sales@shopindoorgolf.com. Our friendly experts are knowledgeable and eager to help you find the right solution for your setup.


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