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:
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Net & Space Requirements
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Driving Range Mat
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Launch Monitor & Simulator
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Display Device - Projector?
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Target Sheet (optional: only if you're using a projector)
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Simulator Software
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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.
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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
Short and sweet! ! Brilliant net works perfect with the mlm2pro.
Super fast delivery, quality of products are very high, delighted with the service received. Would recommend this company to anyone
Such a great product, would have no hesitation in recommending this to my friends
Bought the SPG8 bundle for use in the garden. Debated over the #7 or #8 net but and delighted I went with the #8.
Very easy to assemble and one assembled very sturdy. Matt that came in the bundle is high quality and seems to be very durable.
Putting the net away is also simple as long as you follow the instructions. Great product, great service.
Wouldn’t want to use this net without these tbh, excellent addition
Great set up and easy to build up quality materials works with every club in the bag definitely great buy 👍
Absolutely perfick just need to add the RCT balls
Spornia Bundle #5 SPG-7 Golf Practice Net + Spornia Academy Commercial Mat
Very pleased withe the order, swift delivery and kind follow up emails to ensure everything was ok, order with confidence!
Great practice net & sides the whole set up is great. You just need to sell the titleist RCT golf balls for the garmin r10
Tried out the spornia net few days after receiving it, was very suprised how quickly the net sprung into life as soon as it left the bag, it’s been a great investment can use it on the move or keep a permanent set up at home, glad I got it
Spornia SPG-5 Golf Practice Net (Compact Edition)
The packaging was great,and arrived 2 days after my order.The net is very easy to assemble and was up first time in 5 minutes.The materials used seem to be top class and i have every confidence it will last many years of heavy duty use.only down side is I wish I had ordered the side nets because i hit the occasional hosel rocket. Absolutely delighted with it to be honest, thanks all at spornia UK.
An excellent value for money bundle. Loving both the mat and the SPG-7 net. Ideal for garden practice.
This really is a superb net. The spg-7 was the perfect size for me as I only have a small garden. I really can’t fault it in any way.
Spornia Bundle #2 SPG-7 Golf Practice Net + Tri Turf Mat + Side Extension Nets
Great practice net. Very good quality. Easy to set up and put away.
My net is superb, quick and easy to put up and down, takes less than 5 minutes. The net gives me confidence to truly hit shots into it without the fear of going through, which I’ve done with 2 other brands, great built quality.
