The Must-Have Accessories That Take a Golf Simulator from “Okay” to Outstanding

A home golf simulator can be anything from a simple net-and-mat setup to a fully immersive indoor course experience. But whichever route you take, the accessories you choose will decide how realistic it feels, how reliable your feedback is, and how often you actually use it. The goal isn’t to buy everything at once—it’s to build a setup that’s safe, repeatable, and enjoyable, so every session feels worthwhile.

Right near the start of your build, two upgrades tend to deliver the biggest leap in quality: durable, realistic golf mats that protect your joints and improve strike consistency, and accurate launch monitors that turn each shot into usable data you can train with.

1) Hitting surfaces that feel right and hold up to real practice

The hitting area is where everything begins. If the turf is too thin, too firm, or wears quickly, you’ll notice it in your ball striking—and you may feel it in your hands and elbows after longer sessions.

When comparing surfaces, think beyond “does it work?” and look for:

• Turf interaction that rewards good contact: Better fibres let the club move through the surface in a more natural way, instead of bouncing into the ball.
• A stable base: Wobble or flex under your feet makes distance and direction harder to trust.
• Long-term durability: A mat that looks great for two weeks isn’t a bargain if the strike zone collapses in the most-used spot.
• Replaceable hitting strips or panels: These are ideal if you practice often and want to refresh the impact area without replacing the whole system.
• Enough room for your stance: If you’re constantly adjusting your feet or feeling cramped, practice becomes frustrating fast.

A good mat doesn’t just protect the floor—it helps you repeat the same swing with the same setup every time, which is exactly what indoor training is for.

2) Accurate shot capture starts with smart placement

Once your hitting area is sorted, the next step is making sure your readings are consistent. Indoor environments can be tricky: lighting, limited space, and ball position all play a part in whether your device captures clean data.

A few simple habits make a big difference:

• Keep the ball position consistent: A repeatable spot reduces mis-reads and improves reliability.
• Maintain the recommended distances: Many issues come from being slightly too close or too far from the unit or screen/net.
• Control the lighting: Bright glare, deep shadows, or inconsistent indoor lighting can interfere with tracking.
• Stay level: If the floor slopes, a small wedge or levelling solution can help keep readings aligned.

When you dial in your placement, your practice becomes more meaningful—because the numbers actually reflect the shot you hit.

3) Screens, nets, and safety gear you shouldn’t skip

Even if you’re a solid ball striker, mishits happen—especially when you’re working on changes. Containing the ball safely is non-negotiable. The right protective accessories also make your space calmer and more enjoyable, because you can swing freely without worrying about the room.

Common options include:

• Impact screens: The go-to choice for full simulator builds with projection. Look for durability, reduced bounce-back, and a surface that still delivers a clear image.
• Practice nets: A great choice for simpler training setups, garages, or limited spaces.

Then layer in protection around your main stopping point:

• Side netting or curtains: Useful for toe strikes, heel strikes, and high-launch misses.
• Wall padding: Helps prevent marks and damage if you’re hitting in a tighter bay.
• Ceiling protection: Particularly valuable if ceiling height is limited or you hit a lot of wedges.

If you’re building for multiple players (especially beginners), side protection is often the accessory that saves the most headaches.

4) Teeing options and strike-zone upgrades

A lot of indoor setups fall short because they force awkward tee heights or inconsistent ball placement. If you want simulator results that translate outdoors, you need a clean, repeatable setup for driver and irons.

Helpful add-ons include:

• Rubber tees in multiple heights: So you can match your real-world tee preference.
• Integrated tee systems: Built into some mats for quick adjustments.
• Swap-in strike strips: Keeps the “hitting spot” fresh and consistent even after heavy use.
• Subtle alignment aids: Great for maintaining a square setup without distracting you mid-swing.

These small details often improve contact quality instantly—especially for drivers and fairway woods.

5) Projector and visual accessories for a more realistic feel

If you’re using a screen and projector, a few supporting accessories can massively improve the experience. A great simulator isn’t only about data—it’s about immersion, and visuals play a huge role.

Consider:

• A secure mount: Keeps your projector aligned and out of your swing path.
• Short-throw compatibility: Helps reduce shadows when space is tight.
• Light control: Curtains or blinds can make the image sharper and the “course” feel more lifelike.
• Cable management: Less clutter, fewer trip hazards, and fewer accidental disconnections.

The cleaner and clearer your visuals are, the more you’ll want to play full rounds—not just hit balls.

6) Comfort and convenience: the accessories that increase usage

The best simulator is the one you actually use. A few comfort and organisation upgrades can turn a good setup into a space you want to step into after work (and not just on weekends).

Popular upgrades include:

• Supportive flooring or underlay: Helps with long sessions and reduces fatigue.
• Storage for clubs and balls: Keeps the bay tidy, fast to set up, and easy to maintain.
• Sound: A speaker or soundbar adds atmosphere and makes sim rounds feel more “alive.”
• Airflow: Garages can get warm quickly—ventilation keeps sessions comfortable.

These upgrades don’t just add polish—they remove friction, which is what makes practice consistent.

7) Simple rules for building a setup that works

If you want everything to run smoothly, focus on repeatability and safety:

1. Measure first, buy second: Depth, width, and ceiling height should guide every accessory choice.
2. Prioritise protection: Screen/net quality and side coverage matter more than aesthetics.
3. Lock in your hitting zone: Same mat position, same ball spot, same routine.
4. Optimise for your space: Lighting, mounts, and cable layout all affect performance.
5. Leave room to grow: Start with core essentials and upgrade as you learn what you value most.

Final thoughts

Golf simulator accessories aren’t about overcomplicating your setup—they’re about making it realistic, reliable, and enjoyable. Get the fundamentals right (a dependable hitting area, safe ball containment, and consistent shot capture), then add visual and comfort upgrades that make you want to practice more often. Do that, and your simulator becomes more than entertainment—it becomes a genuine training tool that carries onto the course.