Spornia Golf Simulator 7-Step Buying Guide & Set-Up Ideas

 

 

See Our Related Articles:

Garmin Approach R10: Portable Launch Monitor Set-up Tips 

Until now you needed a permanent, dedicated space in your 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 Pebble Beach and then pack it away in even less time.

This level of convenience means you don’t need a dedicated space for set-up - although of course you can leave it set-up permanently if that's your preference.


The total cost for your Spornia Simulator set-up will be around $2k to $5k (with the higher end mainly depending on how much you spend on a projector), compared to anywhere from $5k to $100k for alternatives.



Checklist - What You Need:

1. Net & Space Requirements

2. Driving Range Mat

3. Launch Monitor & Simulator

4. Display Device - Projector?

5. Target Sheet (optional: only if you're using a projector)

6. Simulator Software

7. 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 quite a bit more expensive. The original SPG-7 Spornia net is also a great option. 

Space Requirements:

Ceiling height

  • Ideal ceiling height (to allow for Driver swing) is 3.0m (10 feet), but depending on the height of the player/s and clubs used, you may be able to get away with 2.7m (9 feet) ceilings. 
  • Lower ceilings such as 2.4m (8 feet) will mean you probably won’t be able to use a driver and will be restricted to iron play - 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 feet)
  • With both Spornia nets, the target sheet and backing net are angled from front to back, with the main impact area in the middle of the net. The base of the back of the net can be hard up against the back wall, without the ball impacting.
  • For the SPG-7, if you add the 1.5m x 1.5m driving range mat and 1m for driver swing behind the mat, that's 2m + 1.5m + 1.0m = 4.5m in length.
  • For the SPG-8, you just need to add another 0.4m to the above measurements = 4.9m in length.
  •  If you add the Garmin Approach R-10 to your set-up, it should be 1.8m - 2.4m (6-8 feet) back from the ball. Assuming the ball is in the middle of your mat, for the Spornia SPG-7 you need 2m + 0.75m + 2.4m = 5.15, and for the Spornia SPG-8 add another 0.4m - 5.55m.

2. The Mat

 



Once you're fully set-up with your golf simulator you're going to be using it a lot, so you'll need 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 Commercial Academy 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 $1k for a couple of years running, but competitors have been actively developing other products, so 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 great 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 and rank 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 of these options is that you'll need to look across to them after you've hit your shot to see results. 

If you want the ultimate golf simulator experience, you'll need projector and a Spornia White Target Sheet. For projector recommendations and resources, check out our Golf Simulator Projector Buying Guide

 

 5. Target sheet

If you’re using a projector, you can project directly onto a Spornia White Target Sheet hanging from your net for a much more realistic experience - hitting shots directly onto the course or range, seeing the ball flight, and seeing your shots land (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, the majority of projectors have an aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9. You will need to adjust your projector and/or source settings to capture the 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 different options, including:

Of these, our #1 recommendation based on feedback from our customers and users is Awesome Golf. It’s a video game type of simulator, with fun graphics and some very cool games, and a particularly awesome Coaching Mode - if your focus is game improvement and getting the most our of the Garmin Approach R10 this is a great, and relatively affordable option.

But note that Awesome Golf doesn't include any renditions of real-life courses - instead it offers 4 different fictional or virtual courses to play. So if you want more realistic imagery we would recommend other options such as GSPro v2, or if you want to play top 100 courses such as Pebble Beach, Royal Melbourne or Spyglass Hill, 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 is unusual. After the 14 day free trial (which we recommend to try before you buy), you have the option of paying Monthly (one up-front payment of $399.99, then $14.99 per month) or Lifetime (one-off payment of AU$549.99) - which means that after 10 months of Monthly, you'd be much better off paying Lifetime.

Here's why David Maxfield recommends Awesome Golf:

 

If you'd like to explore simulator software options further, see below for some more detailed articles with rankings and recommendations:

Yardstick Golf: Get the Best Golf Simulator Software

Hitting The Golf Ball: The 9 Best Golf Simulator Software

And the below YouTube video review from Joe Lagowski Golf provides a great summary of the pros and cons of the different simulator software options for the Garmin Approach R10, including GSPro, E6 Connect, Awesome Golf and the Garmin Golf App:

 

 

7. Safety netting (optional)

Using safety netting in conjunction with your practice net can provide some additional peace of mind. 

Golf practice nets are designed to catch and retain golf balls, but there's always a chance of shanks or balls flying off in unintended directions, especially with less experience players. By adding a pair of Spornia side extension nets you create an extra layer of protection.

If you want to add a complete layer of protection - which may be worth considering in some cases, such as where you have a brick or concrete wall behind your simulator set-up, or breakables which need protection - we would recommend purchasing and hanging a large piece of sports netting across the back wall. This doesn't need to be heavy duty netting as it should only capture the occasional stray shot. Suppliers such as Haverford in Sydney offer a wide range of sports netting which can be purchased either by the metre or in ready-made sizes and styles.

Putting it all together

Ok, if you've survived information overload and understand what you need to set-up your Spornia home golf simulator, you'll need some inspiration. 





 

VIDEO: David Maxfield: Garmin R10 Lounge Room INDOOR Golf Simulator Set-up

VIDEO: David Maxfield: Garmin R10 - You Need This Golf Net ASAP!!

VIDEO: David Maxfield: Garmin R10 - Best Home SIM Under $2k FOR EVERYTHING!!

 

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





Aussie Customer Reviews

Based on 417 reviews
95%
(396)
2%
(9)
1%
(3)
1%
(5)
1%
(4)
Pop-Up Golf Chipping & Pitching Net **5 Stars**

Fast delivery and excellent customer service from Andi! Fantastic product for practicing chipping at home. Highly recommend for fun and game improvement.

Great package!

The Spornia bundle is excellent. The net is very simple to put up and works great. The mat is first class and really good to hit from. The Garmin Approach R10 is easy to set up and works well. Alignment can be a little tricky as the alignment line is small so a straight reference point is needed. Overall, a great package.

Portia side nets

Great addition to my earlier purchase of the Spornia net. Now I don’t have to worry about the odd SHANK!

Excellent

I was a bit worried about the size of it for ease of folding, but I shouldn’t have been. It is really easy to pop up and take down. Great product. Very good customer service and quick response time.

Very Happy!

Was on the fence for a while, bought the set and so so happy with it. The hitting mate is EXCELLENT quality. The net is easy to set up and perfect for my garage set up.

SPG-8 bundle

Great quality and easy to set up/ pack away. Kids live it too.

So simple

The design on these Spornia nets is so good that set up and pack down takes mere minutes and can be completed by one person. You can literally be swinging within 3 minutes!
At first I wasn't sure if it would be sizable enough as I am a complete beginner and worried about slicing but the SPG-7 is definitely wide enough (even without the additional side netting) so long as I swing close to it.

Great to hear it Chad and thanks for the review, it means a lot to us!

Happy golfing!
The Spornia Team

Great investment

Product researched very well and lives up to the reviews. Had it up in minutes and working on all irons. Thanks for the prompt delivery and great communication.

Hi Russell, thanks for taking the time to write a review, it means a lot to us. Great to hear you're finding it easy to set up and hope you're hitting them well!

Cheers!
The Spornia Team

Do not hesitate great net

Delivered in perfect order. Set was easy have setup in the shed, Going to use this as golf simulator for the future. Great quality net.

Love the set up! Thanks for sending the pic Craig and so pleased to hear you're happy :)

Enjoy!
The Spornia Team

Fantastic

Great quality thick base and nice feel looks great as well
I’m stoked

Great to heat it Mark! Thanks for taking the time to write a review, we really appreciate it.

Happy golfing!
The Spornia Team

Works absolutely as shown, gives you the ability to train on your game away from the course!! Its a must have for every serious golfer

Net is fantastic, customer service is even better

I recently purchased the SPG7 net and then added the academy mat. The net is amazing, taking full shots with no worry and allowing me to practice multiple times per week from the shelter of my own home.

One thing I have to say is the customer service from Andi at Spornia was absolutely amazing. I emailed prior to purchase and got a response instantly on a Sunday. She emphasized customer service and customer satisfaction on all aspects and worked with me to answer all my questions prior to purchase. I can't fault the product or the team at Spornia one bit. Awesome experience, awesome product and awesome team. W

Thanks so much for the great review Jack, we really appreciate it. And so pleased so hear you're happy with the Net. Hope you're hitting them well.

Enjoy!
The Spornia Team

Great until it fell apart

I’ve only had it just over a week now, it was great until the actual netting came apart from the back strapping. Now after every 6-10 shots the ball has to be retrieved from the back netting. This shouldn’t be happening at all let alone 1 week into it! NOT HAPPY!

Great net

Had this net now for a couple of weeks and it is a great piece of kit. Easy to set up and takes shots from driver through to lob wedge with ease. The actual net you hit into looks like it should take a fair beating. Hopefully the practise will translate into a better golf game.

Great product

Great product, package well in transit! Looks the goods, don’t let your wife find it in the box or it will be wrapped for your birthday in 8 weeks time …….

So far so good

No issues here, I’ve purchased the side nets too and fortunately they haven't come into play, definitely recommend this product, so great being able to set it up out the back and hit balls, takes longer for me to get the Garmin R10 lined up than it does to set the net up

S
Spornia SPG-7 Bundle #3: SPG-7 Net + 2D Driving Range Mat
Stuart Pollack
Best Golf Net!

The SPG-7 is the best golf practice net going around, pair it with one of there premium practice matts, you’ll see your handicap go down in no time!

Fantastic thanks Stuart! So pleased to hear you're loving your SPG-7 :)

Enjoy!
The Spornia Team

Best service ever!

Great company and great people to deal with. Fast delivery. Goods arrived safely and correct. And a great product!!

Thanks for the awesome review Craig, we really appreciate it! Love our happy customers :)

Enjoy!
The Spornia Team

D
3x Black Rubber Tees
Deano G FRANKLIN
Awesome golf net and swing mat

Exactly what I was hoping for. Good quality net and May, ball return works really well.

Thanks so much for the review Deano and great to hear your set up is excatly what you needed - love it!

Happy Golfing!
The Spornia Team

What a net !!

What are great product very easy to set up and so easy to start hitting practice balls. This has saved me so much money from going to the range and lets me spend more time at home with my family yet still get the practice I need to maintain a good skill level. Highly recommend

Instagram @Maddiejames_Golf

Thanks so much for your review Maddie! Great to hear you're getting the practise in and loving the set up at home :)

Enjoy !
The Spornia Team

M
Spornia SPG-7 Pro Bundle #4: SPG-7 Net + 3D Pro Turf Teaching Mat
Michael Susskind
Amazing Indoor practice net

Great indoor net for full shots & chipping. Havn't been to the driving range since purchasing it.

Hi Michael, thanks so much for your review. Great to hear you're enjoying your set up and getting plenty of practise in :)

Happy golfing!
The Spornia Team

Great quality

Very impressed with this net, quality is solid, set up was easy and have full confidence to hit any club into it. Delivery time was also much quicker than expected.

Thanks Graham and great to hear you're happy with your net and enjoying hitting some balls.

Cheers!
The Spornia Team

P
Spornia SPG-7 Bundle #3: SPG-7 Net + 2D Driving Range Mat
Phil
totally exceeded my expectations

Recently purchased the SPG7 Bundle and its been great....totally exceeded my expectations. High quality, fit for purpose, packs away easily, and I love the ball return with extra side netting. I've been obsessed with it....was up early this morning using it before work!!. After returning recently to golf after 20 years...its been great finding my rythym and feel with my new clubs.

Brilliant! Love that your Spornia set up has got you back in the swing Phil :) It does tend to be addictive !

Enjoy!
The Spornia Team

Excellent product and fast shipping