Garage Golf Simulator Build Complete

After a ton of planning and tweaking, my garage sim build is officially finished — and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

The Setup

• Launch Monitor: Foresight Sports GC3

• Projector: BenQ AK700ST

• Turf: 15’ x 14’ STI (Synthetic Turf International) NP-45

• Hitting Mat: SIGPRO Softy Lite from Indoor Golf Shop

• Gaming PC running 4K

• DIY enclosure + impact screen

Why I Went This Route

GC3

I debated ceiling-mounted but found a really good deal locally on a used GC3. Setup is simple, numbers are consistent, and I like being able to take it outside if I want.

AK700ST

Perfect for a garage build with under 10’ ceilings. Super bright, crisp image, and once you dial in the placement it looks incredible on the screen. I plan on using the setup for movie nights too, to help justify the total coat of the golf simulator.

Turf & Mat

The 15’ x 14’ STI NP-45 turf completely changed the feel of the space. It looks like a dedicated golf bay now instead of a mat on concrete. I put 3/4” foam gym tiles under the turf which makes it the exact height of the hitting mat. The SIGPRO Softy Lite has been awesome on the joints while still giving realistic feedback. No shock in the wrists and elbows, but you still know when you hit it heavy.

Garage Specs

• 10’ ceilings

• 20’ x 23’ 

• Retractable so I can still park if needed.  Side curtains slide against back wall and turf can be rolled up. 

Biggest Challenges:

• Getting the screen tension just right; used an archery net behind screen to lessen bounce back

• Sound dampening so it doesn’t sound like construction at night

Now I’m playing more than I ever did at the actual course. Canadian winter? Not a problem anymore.

If anyone’s building and considering a GC3 + AK700ST combo or has questions about the STI NP-45 / Softy Lite setup, happy to share what I learned.