Optishot Golf Simulator Home Made Garage Set Up

This post is an overview of my setup of the OS golf simulator.  The pictures and descriptions are based on a two car garage with a 10’ ceiling.  Select older post at end of current listings to view complet details.

OptiShot Golf Simulator Detail Information

The simulator sends data regarding club head speed, face of club contact, swing path,  and distance of shot.  The selection of data can be displayed in a practice mode format that can be used to average many shots using a selected club and compiles the data.  The statistics are also displayed in the simulated game section.  Visit the site for a complete description.  Price is $399.00

http://www.dancindogg.com/

Club Rack Overview

I built the golf club rack based on display racks in stores that show new club sets.  The only difference is I added a top shelf that will accommodate a 13 inch TV, a notebook computer with a 17” screen, and a mouse pad.  Materials consist of a a couple of 2x4’s and a half sheet of ¾ inch plywood and #2 pine.  The bottom shelf supports the clubs, extension cord and the simulator when not in use. 

4 coaster ball type rollers are attached  to the base for easy mobility and storage. 

 A multiple 6 outlet strip is attached to the the left side to connect all various devices.  I added a radiant heater to the right side with a metal  bracket and a plywood shelf.   I can practice or play with a a sweatshirt and jacket without gloves when outside temperature get into the mid 30’s. There is a top mounted extension shelf mounted to the left side to accomadate a computer projector behind the TV.  The adjustable fluorescent lights were made from a inexpensive pedestal lamp.  I removed the base drilled a couple of holes and insured that I had proper lighting. Another inexpensive addition was the temperature gauge attached to the right side.  I don’t play on days below 30*.

Hitting Mat Details

Hitting pad was made to match the height of the Optishot input simulator that is attached to a Notebook computer.  It is made from 2 2’x4’ pieces of HDFB purchased at a local lumber yard.  I attached them with biscuit joints so they can be pulled apart by taller players or reachers.  I used carpet padding, and old carpet to match the height of the similulator..

http://www.dancindogg.com/

9'x7' Hitting Net

Hard to see net but it is there. The net is made from broken 9’x7’ oval practice net and an order of fish net from online site.  For an economical  choice,  and a little bit of ingenuity you could hang this in a typical garage.  The brown board is used as a deflector to prevent top shot from hitting the curb.

http://www.dwquailgolf.com/training/net_practicenet.html

Special Tees

Highly recommended replacement Tee kit best used for longest life with brush type tees.  You can use the large practice range type tee for drivers, but replacing it for me is a hassle.  I suggest the tee kit because it has a knob at the end that stay put for repeatitive shots but easily removed for iron play.

http://store.dancindogg.com/ddstore/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DG&Category_Code=ACC

http://store.dancindogg.com/ddstore/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DG&Category_Code=ACC

Almost Golf Golf Balls

I do not use real golf balls although you can.  I occasionally get wild and top, pull or shank some shots.  This could cause damage to the garage and me.  I highly recommend Almost Golf Golf Balls.  They have a nice touch to them and are safe to use.  You can use them for around the neighborhood  for training kids.  Buy the 24 ball tube for easy pick up and then the 36 pack which should easily get you through 18 holes of play with Opti Shot simulator.

http://www.almostgolf.com/

Multi Outlet Power Strip

Close up view of 6 outlet extension strip for computer power source, flourescent lights, portable heater, extension cord and TV. Cable TV line run from basement and needs no power source. Included is the small shelf for projector to attach ball retriever.

Stored Position

This is the method used to roll the clubrack to its stored position.  The hitting mat, simulator and 2x4 ball catcher boards are positioned next to mat and are quite safe to drive vehicle over and park in the garage.

Deluxe Option Includes Video Hitting Screen and Projector

Optishot software $400. The Dancin Dogg site has a number of options you can use that are professional made to work with the system.  I would recommend visiting their site (if money is not a problem) instead of the cheaper options I used.  Purchase Tee Kit to use with your tees recommend brush type tees stay in special tee holder longer. 

OptiShot Software, swing pad and Cable $400

http://www.dancindogg.com/

All Sports Systems offers a complete package of everything you need excluding notebook computer for about $2,000.  Not including Almost Golf Balls.

http://www.allsportsystems.com/store_images/golfsimstore.htm.php

Club Set Specifications and Auto Caddie

Excellent site to help with calculated distances.  Estimate based on distance traveled of your 5 iron or any club you choose.  Enter the distance traveled by a club you normally hit and the club and program will calculate distances for the rest of the clubs in your bag.

http://www.csgnetwork.com/golfclubdistancecalce.html

The link below will further assist you in determining club specifications regarding length, loft angle, lie and other club head specifications.  These specifications are helpful when establishing player club sets.

http://www.clubmaker.net/

 The following link will assist you with detailed information regarding setting individual club sets and Auto Caddy inside the Optishot Simulator Program.

Please follow the link below to learn all about customizing club sets including the function of the Auto Caddie feature.

http://helpdesk.dancindogg.com/entries/20371168-customizing-clubsets

Projector and Screen

I tried a screen and projector to enlarge the image, but my eyesight is not that good to see the stats projected to a 5’ image.  I take a step to view the data on the 17” computer display which I can see clearly.

Golf Club Rack Multi View Drawing

You should be able to copy the drawing using a photo editor.  You can then print it to fit on a regular 8x11 printer page.  The club rack uses a scale of 1=12 and the dimensions and details are easy to read.

Any problems with the above procedure just contact me and I will email you the Club Rack Drawing.jpg or send you a copy through snail mail.

Bill of Materials

Part	# Pcs	Name	Thick	Width	Length	Material
		Materials Club Rack
A	1	Bottom	0.25	12	40	Ply
B	2	Front Frame Stile	0.75	1.25	40	Pine
C	2	Side Frame Rails	0.75	1.25	10.5	Pine
D	2	Side Support Upright	1.5	3.5	50	Fir Stud
E	2	Club Shaft Support	1.5	3.5	25	Fir Stud
F	1	Club Shaft Hole Sup	0.75	2.75	35.5	Pine
G	1	Top Rail	1.5	3.5	35.5	Fir Stud
H	2	Top Shelf Support	1.5	3.5	12	Fir Stud
I	1	Top Shelf	0.75	12	40.5	MDFB
J	1	Projector Shelf	0.5	6	6	Ply
k	1	Heater Shelf	0.5	10	11	Ply
		Not Shown
		Hitting Net
		Computer
		Heating Mat
		OptiShot Simulator
		Projector & Screen
		Golf Balls
		Ceramic Heater
		6 multi Recept Outlet
		Easy Roll Casters
		Old Carpet & Pad
		Scrap Wood Ball Catch