Customer Revisit: DJ's DIY Golf Simulator 1 Year Later

One key to helping the impact screen hold up strong through frequent usage is keeping it clean.

“(They’ve) held up really well,” DJ said. “You definitely want to make sure people are using quality balls … Make sure (your friends) clean their clubs and aren’t just smashing mud onto the ball and onto the screen … I clean my balls and clubs after every (outdoor) round.”

DJ added that using balls with a urethane cover will also help keep balls from launching higher with more spin off wedges, which can cause burn marks. Although there are a few burn marks on his screen, DJ said he has to really get close to see them, and they are not visible with the projector on.

GOLF GAME IMPROVEMENTS

When it comes to his physical golf game, DJ said there’s no doubt that it has helped him become a better player.

“My ability to shape the ball has improved drastically,” DJ said. “I also get to practice shots I typically can’t on the range, like putting myself behind a tree and learning how to hit low and under, or get the ball to curve around it.

“I also used to have one shot type for a certain yardage. Now, with sim practice, I have learned to use different clubs and shot types for the same distance.”

DJ added that he’s been taking advantage of recording his swing and sending it in via the TaylorMade+ Coach app to get instruction from a high level golf coach. The service costs $25 per month.

“The cost savings in lessons alone will pay for this sim over time,” DJ Said. “I pick what I want to improve on and just using my sim and iPhone, I send videos to the coach and he sends back drills and videos on what to practice.”

CARL’S TIP: Carl’s Place Swing Cameras are useful tools when wanting to record your swing for your own use, or to send in to a golf instructor. 

GOLF SIMULATOR ADVICE

A year older and wiser in the golf simulator world, DJ had some advice he would pass along to those who are looking to get their first golf simulator.

• Get a high end laptop or desktop. “I’m glad that I got an overkill laptop because it’s handling everything I can throw at it,” he said.

• Go for the budget friendly projector. Although he enjoys his Optoma GT1090HDR, he tested it next to the Optoma GT1080HDR and could not see enough of a difference to justify the extra cost.

• Turf on top of the puzzle gym mats is a great idea and “financially makes sense (because) some of the bigger mats are insanely priced.”

• Some launch monitors can be overkill. “I learned quickly that too much data is not a good thing. You really just need (basic data such as) launch angle, spin, carry and so on. Having D-Plane and dynamic loft and dynamic lie was way too much. I was overthinking the game.”

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

Have you had a golf simulator for multiple years? How is your setup holding up? What changes have you made and what does the future hold? Let us know in the comments!