Spornia Golf Simulator 7-Step Buying Guide & Set-Up Examples
See Our Related Articles:
Projector Buying Guide For Your Golf Simulator
Garmin Approach R10: Portable Launch Monitor Set-up Tips
Until now you needed a permanent, dedicated space at home for a simulator set-up - not to mention a deep wallet!
With your portable and affordable Spornia Golf Simulator, you can set-up in under five minutes, play 18 holes at the Old Course and then pack it away in even less time.
This level of convenience means you don’t need a dedicated space to set-up — although of course you can leave it up permanently if you prefer.
The total cost to set-up your Spornia Simulator will be around £1k to £2.5k (with the higher end mainly depending on how much you spend on a projector), compared to anywhere from £2.5k to £50k for alternatives.
Simulator Checklist - What You Need:
-
Net & Space Requirements
-
Driving Range Mat
-
Launch Monitor & Simulator
-
Display Device - Projector?
-
Target Sheet (optional: only if you're using a projector)
-
Simulator Software
-
Safety Netting (optional)
1. The Net - Spornia SPG-7 or SPG-8
Your choice of net will depend on your budget and the amount of space you have.
SPG-8 is bigger, stronger and heavier but more expensive. The original SPG-7 Spornia net is also a great option.
Space Requirements:
Ceiling height
- Ideal height is 3.0m (10 ft), but depending on the height of player/s and clubs, you may get away with 2.7m (9 ft).
- Lower ceilings such as 2.4m (8 ft) mean you probably won’t be able to use a driver (again, depending on the player's height).
Room width
- Minimums: 2m to 2.4m
- SPG-7 dimensions = 2m wide x 2m deep x 2.1m high
- SPG-8 dimensions = 2.4m wide x 2.4m deep x 2.5m high
Room length
- Minimums: around 5-6m (16-18 ft)
- SPG-7: 2m for the net, 1.5m for the driving mat, 1m for driver swing behind the mat = 4.5m.
- SPG-8: Add another 0.4m to the above measurements = 4.9m.
- If you add the Garmin Approach R-10 to your set-up, it should be 1.8m - 2.4m (6-8 ft) back from the ball. Assuming the ball is in the middle of your mat:
- For the SPG-7 you need 2m + 0.75m + 2.4m = 5.15m.
- For the SPG-8 add another 0.4m = 5.55m.
2. The Mat
Once you're set-up with your golf simulator you’ll be using it a lot, so get a practice mat that can take a beating and will last for years.
We recommend a full-sized, high quality driving range quality mat such as the Spornia Academy Commercial Mat.
3. Launch Monitor & Simulator
Spornia recommends and sells the Garmin Approach R10
The Garmin has been rated the #1 personal launch monitor (with golf simulation capabilities) under £500, but it's always worth doing your research.
Check out our article on Garmin Approach R10: Portable Launch Monitor Set-up Tips for more details.
Another good option is the Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor (MLM) 2 Pro.
If you're not sold on the Garmin Approach R10, here are a few articles which review the best portable launch monitors (*Note: not all products reviewed have golf simulation capabilities):
Golfstead: 8 Best Golf Launch Monitors Under $1000 – 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide
Breaking 80: Best Golf Launch Monitors of 2023: 8 Amazing Options
4. Display Device
Once you've got your launch monitor connected, you'll need a device to display your results. Options include:
- your mobile phone
- an iPad or tablet
- your laptop or computer
- a TV monitor screen
Using one of these is a great way to get started, but the disadvantage is that you'll need to look across to them after your shot to see results.
If you want the ultimate golf simulator experience, you'll need a projector and a Spornia White Target Sheet.
For projector recommendations and resources, check out our Golf Simulator Projector Buying Guide
5. Target sheet
Projecting directly onto a Spornia White Target Sheet hanging from your net is an immersive experience - hitting shots directly onto the course or range, seeing the ball in flight and landing (hopefully on the fairways and greens!) - then checking and correlating all of your shot data metrics.
*Note: While our White Target Sheets are square with a 1:1 aspect ratio, many projectors have an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9. You’ll need to adjust your projector and/or source settings to capture full simulator images on your white target sheet.
Refer to the 'aspect ratio' section of our Golf Simulator Projector Buying Guide for more details.
And here are our White Target Sheets.
6. Simulator Software
To turn your launch monitor into a simulator, you will need to subscribe to or purchase a simulator software program.
There are a number of options, including:
Garmin Golf App and Home Tee Hero (which both come pre-installed with the Garmin R10). You can check out Golf Magics detailed review here
- TruGolf's E6 Connect (a trial version comes pre-installed with the Garmin R10, including 6 courses)
- The Golf Club 2019
- GSPro v2
- Awesome Golf
Our #1 recommendation based on feedback from our customers is Awesome Golf. It’s a video game type of simulator, with fun graphics, cool games and an awesome Coaching Mode.
If your focus is game improvement and getting the most out of the Garmin Approach R10 this is a great, relatively affordable option. However, Awesome Golf doesn't include renditions of real-life courses - it offers 4 virtual courses to play.
If you want more realistic imagery we recommend other options such as GSPro v2, or for top 100 courses check out GSPro v2 or E6 Connect.
But for overall accuracy, pricing and enjoyment it's hard to beat Awesome Golf.
Awesome Golf’s pricing - After the 14 day free trial (which we recommend before you buy), you can pay £14.99 Monthly, £149.99 yearly or £349.99 for a Lifetime membership.
-
Safety netting (optional)
Adding a pair of Spornia side extension nets provides some additional peace of mind - there's always a chance of balls flying off in unintended directions.
If you have a brick or concrete wall behind your simulator set-up and want to add a complete layer of protection, we recommend purchasing a large piece of sports netting for the back wall. It doesn't need to be heavy duty netting as it should only capture the occasional stray shot.
Putting it all together
Well done - you’ve survived information overload! Now for some inspiration to set-up up your Spornia home golf simulator.
VIDEO: David Maxfield: Garmin R10 Lounge Room INDOOR Golf Simulator Set-up
VIDEO: David Maxfield: Garmin R10 - You Need This Golf Net ASAP!!
Spornia Golf Simulator Customer Photos:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What do I need to set up the simulator? Click here
How much space do I need?Click here
Can I run the simulator through my laptop? Click here
What type of projector do I need? Click here
What can I do on the Garmin R10? Click here
Customer Reviews
Managed to pick this up for £20 in the sale. Is so much better and quieter than my cheap sheet that came with (non spornia) 7x7 net. Thicker, and velcro attachments keep it steady in light wind
This must be the best net out there. So easy to set up , all materials used are top quality. The size suited my garage perfectly, , so I am 100% happy with my choice and the buying process from Spornia. If you looking for a net , save your time and get a Spornia now !
I'm over the moon with the Spornia SPG-8. It is brilliant and will take the fastest drives, barely flinching.
Excellent piece of kit for getting practice in. And easily stored when not in use
I did a lot of research before purchase and settled on SPG-7, struggled to find one so went for SPG-8, delighted with it, well constructed and robust. Highly recommended.
Solid, well designed construction and pretty easy to put up and down which was a big selling point for me (I’m a 60 yr old female). Definitely helping to improve my golf. Fast delivery.
Spornia SPG-8 Golf Practice Net - XL Edition - Final Clearance, Save 35%!
Excellent service ordered and received with a couple of days
Can’t believe the quality and ease of assembly, just remove from bag, unfold and it pops out, just insert carbon rods to hold in place, four pegs to hold it down if it’s windy, comes with a couple of securing straps, but only 4 pegs, a couple more would be useful. Overall very very impressed, bag yourself a deal while they are on offer
Exactly what I needed. Plus the bag they come in is significantly stronger than the original one if you've got an older net. Whoop.
The only issue I have and its a big one is that I just cannot fold it away as it is too large and strong for me. Subsequently it currently has to remain outside.
Great net with excellent t stability and perfect for the garden
The net is superior quality. The best I have ever used
Good, fast delivery. One happy grandson.
Saw this for half price and bought it on a whim. Recently decided to convert garage into golf simulator set up and luckily had this impact sheet lying around. Works a treat with my Square launch monitor + Wimius G1 + Quickplay 8x8 net
Excellent product
The SPG-8 is a perfect practice net for my back garden. Easy to put up and quickly take down. It is very well built and stable even when its windy outside. Very satisfied with my purchase.
Great piece of kit and customer service. Chipping basket arrived damaged, but Niki at Spornia immediately sent out a replacement. Highly recommended.
Very good net. Delivery was as expected
This net is absolutely fantastic. Literally takes 1 minute to put up and take down and folds up small. Absolutely perfect if you can’t leave the net up in your garden. Extremely well made and durable. I highly recommend this net for home use!
Spornia SPG-7 Golf Practice Net
Read the reviews and did research so i am confident that i have purchased a very good bundle of the SPG-8 Net and Training mat. However, although it was good that the net was delivered in a matter of day's. I am still awaiting the Training mat, this should have been communicated at the time of purchase. It was also very difficult to communicate with Spornia to chase the mat, the only telecom contact was a mobile number which was constantly on answerphone stating they were bsy out on the golf course. I also has to chase the offer of a free glove and lesson which was on the web site but not in the packaging that arrived. Finally, despite a discount code being offered on the web site, it would not work at check out so ended up paying full price which was disappointing.
John
Great product. I wanted something that was very quick to put up and down, but was tough enough to handle shots from any club, and could cope with the very breezy conditions we get here on the coast.
The Spornia SPG7 does all of this, though there is a knack to packing it away - watch the video!
The Spornie Net and white target sheet are excellent
Very pleased with product great quality net easy to put together, really nice training mat but a lot larger than expected at 1.5mtr x 1.5mtr, also can't fault the garmin r10 and being with this bundle works great.
