Having your own golfing corner in your home is always a treat. The problems start rolling in when you’re trying to figure out the right dimensions, especially in houses with low ceilings.
So, how high should the ceiling be for an indoor golf simulator?
The minimum height requirement for an indoor golf simulator is 8.5 ft. Yet, most golfers scale up to 10 ft. to create a more comfortable setup. Too low ceilings restrict the swing range and cut out from the experience as a whole.
In this post, we’ll go over why this space is crucial, how to pick the best height, and what to do if your space is limited. Let’s jump right in!
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How High Should the Ceiling Be for an Indoor Golf Simulator?
Most golf simulators out there will require at least 8.5-9 ft. However, if you actually consider the average setup, you’ll find that it rarely drops under 10 ft.
In fact, some people even go to 11 x 15 x 15 ft. in height, width, and depth for a more premium setup.
Why Do You Need This Much Ceiling Space for an Indoor Golf Simulator?
The reason why it’s better to go for a 10-ft. ceiling in your indoor golf is not just purely aesthetic. Since you don’t have much clearance on top, you’ll have to compensate by restricting your swing range to avoid striking the ceiling with your club.
That’s the last thing you want, especially if you’re spending a lot on a high-end simulator. For one, it can reduce the range you get from any extra swing studio features you may have added to the setup, from the mirror to the additional cameras.
Plus, it can throw your aim off-center. If your ceiling is too close and you don’t have enough freedom to swing, you might need to side your aim to the left just to get a straight path and angle of attack.
While some people can live with this, other golfers find it to be a killjoy.
How to Pick the Ideal Height for an Indoor Golf Simulator
While we’d all like to go for as large of a setup as possible, we don’t always have the required space (or budget) for it. That’s why it’s more practical to find a balance that works for your simulator.
Unlike the width, the ceiling height doesn’t depend at all on whether the golfer is right or left-handed.
Instead, you’ll need to consider other factors to pick the perfect fit for you, from the club length to the golfer’s height.
Here are some factors to guide you:
Size up the Golfer’s Body Build and Club Length
If you’re under 6 ft. tall, the minimum height requirements are more likely to work for you. The taller you are, the higher you’ll need to go. After all, you want to be able to stand and stretch your body with a generous clearance above your head.
It’s not just that, either. Your height will also influence the adjustments and extensions to your golf equipment. Club lengths range from 18” to a maximum of 48”.
Ideally, someone around 6 ft. will use a standard length club. That’s a shaft measurement of 45 in. for men and 44 in. for women. Meanwhile, a golfer over 6 ft. and 6 in. has to add an extension of 1.5 in.
Consider the Swing Style
If you’ve got a deeper power crouch, you might not need a longer club, even if you’re relatively tall. This also means that you might be okay with a lower ceiling. That’s because your wrists end up being closer to the floor, and your swing won’t be as high as expected.
Remember that having a flat swing also makes it easier to strike in indoor spaces with less overhead clearance.
For instance, a 9-ft. ceiling height might be appropriate for 6-ft. golfers, provided that their swing is flat.
Make Room for Other Activities
Asides from the golfing requirements, you also need to ask yourself if you’ll be using the room for anything else.
People rarely keep a room exclusively for their indoor golf simulator, especially if it takes up a considerable space from their property.
So, if you’re planning on having the space double as a theater or a game room, you might give yourself even more clearance to make the most out of that 16:9 screen!
Try Out Practice Swings
If you already have your indoor golf simulator setup and you’re not sure if you missed the mark with your dimensions, it’s time to test it out.
We wouldn’t recommend going in with your regular swing at first go, though. Instead, you’ll want to go gradually from the shortest strike before you make your up.
Just be careful when you get to the longer swings. You don’t want to ruin your club (or room) with this trial. If it’s not working, don’t force it.
How to Make a Low-Ceiling Indoor Golf Simulator Work?
Not having enough overhead clearance doesn’t always mean that you need to give up on the indoor golf setup entirely.
You can opt for a hitting bay with net caging. Using the simulator software here is optional. It mostly just needs a projector and a regular screen if you don’t want to go fancy with the software. Plus, it’s a good fit for your garage.
It might not be the most luxurious setup, but it’s worth a shot if you’re short on space and willing to put in some elbow grease in a DIY project. As it happens, it’s also cheaper!
Final Thoughts
So, how high should the ceiling be for an indoor golf simulator?
You shouldn’t go lower than 8.5 ft. for your indoor golf simulator. It’s even better to scale it up to 10 ft.
To know how high you need to go, consider your golf club length and swinging style. Otherwise, you might end up striking your ceiling!
