Having one of the best golf simulator enclosures can bring the course to life at your home. Buying an enclosure greatly simplifies the process of setting up a golf simulator. We cover the top 3 choices in this review.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
The Best Brands For Golf Simulator Enclosures
We have spent hours researching this topic and are only including the top brands, the Indoor Golf Shop and Carl’s Place in this review.
They are very well-known in the industry and both offer the highest quality products & service.
Why We Only Include 2 Brands In This ReviewWe chose to simplify this down to what we believe are the two best options available based on performance, price, and customer service. Are there other brands? Yes. However, in our opinion, they are not the best.This review is to cut out any option that is not the best. So we are left with Carl's Place and the Indoor Golf Shop.There are other DIY options out there if you want to spend the hours researching and designing your own solution. For some golfers that is absolutely the right choice.This review is focused on golfers looking for the highest-quality enclosure that is easy to install.
The Indoor Golf Shop
The Indoor Golf Shop started in 2017 and is based in Texas. Even though Texas is known for its warm weather, wintertime can bring conditions that are not ideal. The owner went through the process of buying a golf simulator and could not find any stores dedicated to offering indoor golf equipment.
Thus The Indoor Golf Shop was created. Their goal is to only sell the highest-quality & most reliable products. They have their own line of products called “SIGPRO” which are premium level and very well-reviewed.
The company ships free to the lower 48 states and has great customer service and return policies. They are a great company and you can trust them for an indoor golf needs.
Carl’s Place
Carl’s Place has a very interesting beginning. In 2006 the owner (Carl) wanted to project a video game onto a larger screen. He decided to build one himself so he could use it on the side of a barn. Once he did this, he found there was a demand for high-quality screens for indoor (and outdoor) use.
The company is located in Milton, Wisconsin and focuses on all the equipment golfers need to create a luxury golfing simulator. Carl’s Place also sells home theater screens and accessories.
Carl’s Place sells premium & luxury products and has incredible service to go along with their products. If you want the luxury shopping experience, Carl’s Place will make that happen.
FYI: Carl’s Place is not in any way related to Carl’s Golfland
How To Determine Your Enclosure Size
In order to determine what size enclosure you should purchase, you need to figure out your measurements and requirements of your room and equipment.
If you already know what size enclosure you need, feel free to skip this section and head down to the enclosure packages.
Here is the outline for determining enclosure size:
- Room Size
- Launch Monitor Model
- Projector Model
- Aspect Ratio
See our post The Best Golf Impact Screen for a full guide on how to determine the best size screen for your room and equipment.
Below is a summary of the data in that guide.
Room Size
Room size is obviously the biggest determinant of how big of an impact screen you can use. When looking at your room size, you need to factor in 3 components:
- Width – How wide your room is with usable space
- Length – How long your room is with usable space
- Height – How tall the ceilings are
Also factor in any overhanging obstructions (such as garage door openers).
Garage door opener in the way? Many golfers install golf simulators in their garage if they don't have a basement or another suitable space. This typically works out really well. However, the garage door opener can sometimes block what would be a perfect space.There is a solution (although it is not cheap). You can replace your existing garage door opener with a Wall Mount Garage Door Opener.This unit attaches to a side wall (left or right of the actual door) and they only need about 8 inches wide and two feet long for install.Below is an example you can find on Amazon for about $450:Chamberlain Wall Mount Garage Door Opener
Buffer Zone
Behind your impact screen, you need a minimum of 12″ (16″-24′ is ideal). This is because the screen will flex backwards upon impact.
If you don’t leave this space, 1 (or both) of these things will happen:
- Your screen will wear out fast from friction with the wall behind it
- The ball will ricochet back towards you creating a dangerous situation
Understanding the usable space allows you to move on to the next step, which is your model of launch monitor.
Launch Monitor Model
This may be a big factor or no factor depending on your launch monitor.
Photometric Launch Monitors
These are camera-based launch monitors such as the Bushnell Launch Pro, GC3, GCQuad. These will have no impact on your impact screen as they are placed to the side of the ball.
Radar Launch Monitors
Radar-based launch monitors have very specific requirements which dictates how far behind the the screen the launch monitor sits and how far behind the hitting zone it sits.
For instance, the FlightScope X3 needs a minimum of 9′ behind the hitting zone and 13′ from the hitting zone to the target. The Mevo+ requires 8′ from the hitting zone to the impact screen.
Make sure you note the space requirements so you aren’t too close to the the screen or you end up buying a screen that is too small for how far away you are.
Projector Model
If you already have a projector, you can look up the throw ratio and screen size to see your ideal screen dimensions.
The “throw†of a projector determines how far away from the screen the projector can be. If you have a large space, you can get a long-throw projector.
For a smaller space, you need a short-throw projector. Each projector lists this in its specs.
If you don’t have a projector, you can use the calculator below to research options (or you can use it for a projector you own). Using your maximum available room size, you can figure out your ideal screen size.
Carl's Place has a great Screen Size Calculator you can use to calculate throw ratio and maximum screen size for almost any projector.
Coming out of this step, you should have a maximum screen size that you can use in your space, factoring in room size, launch monitor requirements, and projector limitations.
Aspect Ratio
The screen aspect ratio is the ratio of the width of a display screen to its height. It is usually expressed as two numbers separated by a colon, such as 16:9 or 4:3. The aspect ratio determines the shape of the display screen and the way that the displayed content will be cropped or stretched to fit the screen.
For example, a screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio is wider than it is tall, and is well-suited for displaying widescreen video content. A screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio is more square in shape, and is well-suited for displaying standard-definition video content
Why This Matters
You use Aspect Ratio to determine the ultimate size of your screen (4:3 screens require less space).
We highly recommend sticking to a 16:9 aspect ratio whenever possible. It just feels more immersive when playing courses on your simulator.
Summary
Once you have gone through all of these steps, you will be left with an ideal screen size. You can now move onto selecting the best enclosure with the right features for your space.
Golf Simulator Enclosure Types
There are essentially (3) types of enclosure types:
- 16:9 enclosures (widescreen)
- 4:3 enclosures (full screen)
- DIY enclosure kits (you choose all options)
Below is a summary view and then we are going to present the best option for each golf simulator enclosure type.
NOTE: The table looks best viewed in landscape mode on mobile devices
| ITEM | Carl’s Place Pro Enclosure | SIG12 Enclosure | Carl’s Place DIY Enclosure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Starts at $3,569 | Starts at $3,999 | Starts at $2,050 |
| Enclosure Size | 8’6″ x 14’6″ | 8’7″ x 11’5″ | Customer choice |
| Impact Screen | Premium | Premium | Customer choice |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 (widescreen) | 4:3 (full screen) | Customer choice |
| Picture Quality | Up to 4K | Up to 4K | Customer choice |
| Options (included) | -Smooth black knit enclosure -Impact screen -Shot-absorbing border cushions -Connector fittings (pipe extra fee) | -Nylon surround -Impact screen -Protective foam padding –Pipe framing kit –Side netting –Ball bungees | Customer choice |
| Options (available) | Safety baffle Pipe framing kit Projector frame mount | None | Customer choice |
Best 16:9 Golf Simulator Enclosure: Carl’s Place Pro
In our opinion, Carl’s Place offers the best widescreen enclosure available. Our recommendation is to always go widescreen if space permits. It feels more realistic with a widescreen view when playing rounds of golf.
You can adjust your projector so the image starts right at the floor, so there will not be any white space at the bottom of the screen.
Who should buy this?Carl's Place Pro Golf Enclosure is for the golfer that wants the best 16:9 (widescreen) enclosure available.
What’s Included
- Premium impact screen
- Top & side fabric panels
- Safety cushions
- Frame connectors
What’s Not Included
- 2″ EMT pipe to fit into the frame connectors (purchase as an add-on or buy it from a local hardware store and cut to fit)
Starting at $3,569 (16:9)
Carl’s Place Pro Enclosure Overview
Carl’s Pro Golf Enclosures allow for large bays, perfect for commercial golf simulators, golf lessons, and even high-end home setups.
Standard features include: smooth, solid black knit fabric enclosure, Premium triple-layer golf impact screen, shot-absorbing border cushions, connector fittings that fit 2″ EMT pipes (pipes sold separately).
This enclosure will make it feel like you are at the course!
Customizable CHoices
You also get to pick all of these options with the Pro Golf Enclosure:
- Size
- Enclosure Depth (5′ – 15′)
- Accessories (baffles, pipe kits, and more)
Carl’s Place Premium Golf Impact Screen
The Carl’s Place Premium golf impact screen is their top offering.
It features three layers of heavy-duty, tight-knit impact resistant polyester, noise dampening, and the best picture quality available.
The Carl’s Place Premium is their best impact screen.
Frame Connectors
Steel fittings and elbows to construct all frame joints and corners.
Construction
Top and Side Fabric Panels
Black knit ceiling panels well as the left and right black wall panels offer a high-end, ultra-smooth finish.
Safety Cushions
Four memory foam cushions that surround the screen to protect shots from striking the frame.
Add-Ons* (extra cost)
Pipe Framing Kit
This kit includes pre-cut and marked 2-inch EMT pipe in the exact lengths required for the Pro Golf Simulator Enclosure Kit.
Safety Baffles
Baffles hang down from the ceiling to help catch and knock down high-angle shots that might bounce off the golf simulator screen.
Launch Monitor Mount
Launch monitor mounts are for frame mounting launch monitors.
Starting at $3,569 (16:9)
Projector Mount
A professional-grade, universal projector mount compatible with your frame.
Best 4:3 Golf Simulator Enclosure: SIG12
If you have space/equipment limitations, or prefer full screen, The Indoor Golf Shop’s SIG12 Golf Simulator Enclosure is the best 4:3 option available.
The kit comes with everything you need to set it up including the pipe.
Who should buy this?The SIG12 Golf Enclosure is for the golfer that wants the best 4:3 (full screen) enclosure available.
What’s Included
- Premium impact screen
- Nylon surround
- Protective foam padding
- Push pin poles (aka pipe)
- Pole connectors
- 6″ ball bungees
What’s Not Included
- Everything to setup the enclosure is included
Starting at $3,999 (4:3)
SIG12 Enclosure Overview
The SIG12 Enclosure combines a SIGPRO Premium Screen with an easy to setup frame and enclosure.
The image fills in 100% of the screen (4:3), and is constructed of premium materials including the SIGPRO Premium impact screen.
This enclosure includes all the parts needed to set it up and is an incredible option!
Everything Included
With the SIG12, you do not need to purchase any additional parts as the everything is included–even the pipes!
SIGPRO Premium Golf Impact Screen
The SIGPRO Premium is The Indoor Golf Shop’s top impact screen offering.
It features multiple fasteners, triple layer constructions, sound dampening, and is 3.54″ in thickness.
The SIGPRO Premium is the best impact screen available.
Frame Connectors
Color-coded fittings and pipe are included in this kit–nothing else is needed!
Construction
Nylon Surround
Durable vinyl fits around the enclosure for a professional look.
Foam Padding
The SIG12 includes protective foam padding that attaches to the left, right, top, and bottom of your screen & protect the poles behind the screen and surround from errant shots.
Additional Features
Side Netting
This protects against errant shots and is anchored by sandbags.
Bungees
6″ ball bungees are included to attach the screen to the frame.
Starting at $3,999 (4:3)
Best DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure: Carl’s Place
If you would like to put together an enclosure yourself, or have custom needs, Carl’s can do almost anything you need.
Click on the link below to try the wizard out. It will show you options and pricing along each step of the way.
Carl’s Place has an incredible step-by-step wizard that allows you to completely customize your golf simulator enclosure.
It allows for custom sizes, screen material, enclosure depth, accessories, and more.
Summary
Buying a home golf simulator can be a daunting experience. Very few golfers understand what is needed to setup a screen and enclosure properly. That is where golf simulator enclosures come into play.
What Is A Golf Simulator Enclosure?
A golf simulator enclosure is a specialized, prebuilt structure designed to house an impact screen, side walls, top walls.
An enclosure is used in a dedicated space (basement, or other room) in which it won’t be moved.
Why Purchase A Pre-Built Golf Simulator Enclosure?
The impact screen and enclosure are the most time-consuming parts of installing a golf simulator. Luckily, the 2 best golf simulator companies offer pre-built solutions.
With a pre-built solution, you pick the correct size for your space and are sent a kit. At home, you assemble the kit (which includes an impact screen), and you are good-to-go!
I Want To DIY My Golf Simulator Enclosure
Some golfers love to build solutions themselves and there are two options you have, designing a DIY kit, or sourcing parts yourself.
This will be cheaper, but will require a ton of research to get it right. Remember, you are paying more for a pre-built enclosure for convenience and compatibility (aka hours saved researching and building).
However, I would never talk someone out of wanting to DIY a project because sometimes that is the best solution.
Design A DIY Solution Kit
Carl’s Place has an incredible wizard you can use to select all of your parts, sizes, options and then they send you the kit to build.
I HIGHLY recommend this option if you want to build the enclosure yourself. Carl’s Place sells premium products and you won’t find a better DIY kit on the market.
Source The Golf Simulator Enclosure Parts Yourself
Some of us golfers like to do things our way, and that can be a great attribute. Designing and sourcing all of the parts for a golf simulator enclosure is not one of those things I would recommend.
There are too many parts and details that it becomes a real burden. Plus, if you make the wrong calculations, it could end up costing you more than just buying a pre-built solution.
However, if you are intent on doing this, you absolutely can save money if you do it right. Quadruple the time you think it will take to build though. It requires a lot of research to understand what to get, and to make sure you purchase the correct parts. But it can be done!
If you are just installing a retractable screen, DIY can be a great option and that is an easier process (but still can be tricky).
Conclusion
We believe that The Indoor Golf Shop and Carl’s Place have the best enclosures on the market. You cannot go wrong with either choice as they sell a premium product.
Good luck and have fun golfing at home!
