Our 3 October birthday booking was meant to be in the backyard. It had been a wet week, so we kept a close eye on the forecast with the organiser from the start of it. On the morning, we assessed the conditions on site together and agreed it wasn't safe to play outside.
So the party moved to the garage. We checked the ceiling height and the room to swing, and we cleared some space, including the surfboards. As it was a surprise party, the setup stayed hidden until the reveal, and guests were pleasantly surprised at how good it looked in there. A few taller guests tapped the ceiling on their backswing, so they took shorter swings.
So, can you set up a backyard golf simulator at home? In most yards, yes. Here's what we look at before we confirm a booking.
How much space does a backyard golf simulator need?
Our smallest enclosure is 2.75 m high, 3.03 m wide and 5 m deep. We also have larger ones, up to about 4 m tall. The right size depends on your guest numbers and the space available.
When you enquire, it helps us to have:
Photos of the space. Phone photos are fine. They save us both a lot of back and forth.
A power outlet within 10–15 metres of where the enclosure will go.
This is how we plan every golf simulator hire. If you'd like the full picture of what happens after you enquire, see how booking works.
Paved yard or lawn: what changes?
This month we've been planning for two very different backyards. On 17 October, we set up on a paved yard for 12 guests. On 24 October, we're setting up on a lawn for up to 40 guests.
On paving, we mostly look at space and power. On a lawn, we also check the ground, because uneven ground is something we can't fix on the day. With larger groups, we also plan the layout around where guests will stand and wait for their turn, not just where the enclosure goes.
What can stop an outdoor golf simulator hire?
Three things can stop an outdoor setup: rain, wind and uneven ground.
Sun used to be a concern too, but since we upgraded our projector, it's no longer a serious problem for seeing the image.
For rain, wind and uneven ground, there isn't a simple workaround, so we make the call on the day. Gusts of around 45 km/h are about our upper limit, and we'd stop earlier if conditions felt unsafe. If the ground is too uneven to set up safely, we'll talk with you about moving the enclosure or the play area.
Have a wet weather plan
We ask every client to have a wet weather plan in place before the day. If the forecast is wet, we'll work with you to move play somewhere covered.
On 3 October that was a garage. If you're thinking of a garage or a spare room as your backup, check three things:
Ceiling height. We need at least 2.75 m for the smallest enclosure, measured to the lowest fixed object above the hitting area rather than to the ceiling itself.
Swing room. Tall guests will find the ceiling. Expect shorter swings.
Clearing space. Surfboards, bikes and boxes all have to go somewhere.
Not sure what you've got? Send a photo with your enquiry and our team can tell you.
Safety comes first
The forecast isn't the final word. On the day, we assess the site with you or the organiser, looking at the ground, the wind and the weather coming in. If it isn't safe to play outside, we don't play outside.
Backyard golf simulator FAQs
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In most yards, yes. We bring a mobile golf simulator enclosure to you, so you don't need to build anything. We check the space, power and ground first.
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Please have a wet weather plan, such as a garage or a spare room with enough ceiling height. If the forecast is wet, we'll work with you to move play there.
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Yes. A lawn just needs a closer look at the ground. Uneven ground is one of the things that can stop a setup, so we check it on the day.
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Yes. A power outlet within 10–15 metres of the enclosure.
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It's a judgement call on the day. Gusts of around 45 km/h are about our upper limit, and we'd stop earlier if conditions felt unsafe.
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Cost depends on duration, group size, location, space and extras. Our post on what shapes the cost explains it. The quickest way to get a number is to ask.
Planning a backyard event?
Tell us about your yard, your guest numbers and your wet weather plan, and we'll let you know what will work.
Prefer to talk? Call 1300 087 750 or book a planning call. You can also read the FAQs.
Planning a work party instead? Read our guide to golf simulator hire for work Christmas parties in Sydney.