How Much Space Do You Really Need for a Golf Simulator Club?
One of the most common questions we get from potential Neighborhood National Club Pros is: “How much space do I really need to start a golf simulator club?” The good news is, our space requirements are more flexible than you might think. Most spaces have limits, but the goal is to provide a fun and functional experience without worrying about how high-end the space might appear—so long as it's still got a high-quality launch monitor.
Ideal Space for a Golf Simulator Club
At NN, we’re all about practicality. While we don’t have a rigid “one size fits all” rule for the space, we do recommend aiming for at least 15 feet wide, 15 feet deep, and 9 feet high if you can. This size offers enough room for 2-3 players to comfortably play together, and maybe a 4th if you don’t mind a tighter squeeze.
For extra comfort, aiming for a range of 16–18 feet wide, 20–25 feet deep, and 10 feet high is ideal. This setup mirrors the size of more traditional commercial spaces. But remember, you don’t need to go all out on space to create an awesome experience.
Real-World Examples of NN Clubs Making It Work
Our clubs come in all shapes and sizes, and what we’ve learned is that you don’t need a huge, fancy space to get started. Many of our best-performing clubs operate in non-traditional spaces—converted rooms and garages—that still deliver a top-tier golf experience for their members. Here are a couple of examples:
- Converted Home Office (15x15x9) – One of our clubs operates out of a converted home office with a vaulted ceiling just over 9 feet high at the hitting area. This setup is the perfect example of how you can make the most of what you have. The space is ideal for practicing on your own or playing alongside a couple of others, making it a great option for any club pro looking to start small and build.
- Detached Garage (13x18x8.5) – Another club operates in a detached garage with dimensions of 13 feet by 18 feet and a ceiling height of 8.5 feet. While ceiling height is a limiting factor here (taller players may be restricted with longer clubs), we price this option accordingly at $50/month. Still, there’s plenty of space for a couple of friends to hang and play together, taking advantage of top-tier tech at an incredibly affordable price.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Space
While every space is different, here are the main factors you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure your setup is both functional and enjoyable for your members:
- Ceiling Height: A higher ceiling (9 feet or more) is ideal to ensure that players have enough room to swing freely. On average, a 9-foot ceiling should accommodate about 70–80% of players comfortably. A 10-foot ceiling will get you closer to 95%, and an 11-foot ceiling will work for everyone.
- Width: Ideally, you’ll want 15 feet in width to maximize comfort and tech options. Slightly more narrow spaces can work, particularly if you’ve got a higher ceiling, as ceiling height tends to be the bottleneck in swing comfort. Anything less than 15 feet in width will limit your tech options, requiring a ground launch monitor instead of an overhead monitor (side note: most NN clubs use ground monitors).
- Depth: For solid guest seating comfort, we suggest aiming for 20+ feet in depth. With 20 feet, you can accommodate high-top seating behind the hitting area, and with 25 feet, you can offer something larger. Spaces of 15–20 feet will likely fit a couple of stools off to the side—perfect for a neighborhood vibe.
Bottom Line: Flexibility and Functionality Are Key
What’s great about the NN model is that space is flexible. Whether you’re working with a converted home office, a garage, or a larger space, you can make it work. The goal is to have enough room for at least two players to comfortably enjoy the simulator, which is easier than you might think.
Most of our clubs are running in spaces others would consider unconventional and still deliver an great experience for members—all without the high costs of traditional commercial setups.
Ready to Find the Right Space for Your NN Club?
If you're unsure about the space you have or how to optimize it for a golf simulator, reach out to us. We’re happy to help guide you through the process and help you set up a fun, community-driven space that works for you and your members.
Honestly, we're happy to help even if you're not interested in NN too.
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