Raising the Par: A Guide to Home Golf Simulators in NW Indiana
- Hendren Custom Home
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
For passionate golfers in Northwest Indiana, the season can feel frustratingly short and leave you longing for more. But what if you could play Pebble Beach on a Tuesday… in January? In your own home? Indoor golf simulators are booming, a unique feature that is rapidly becoming a must-have luxury in custom homes across Valparaiso and Porter County.
Golf simulators aren’t just a video game. It's a year-round training and entertainment hub that your whole family can enjoy. This guide will walk you through what it takes to build the perfect golf simulator room right into your new custom home.
Key Takeaways
It's a Year-Round Advantage: A home golf simulator allows you to practice and play with incredible accuracy, no matter what the Indiana weather is doing outside.
Space is Everything: The single most important factor for a great simulator experience is planning for enough space, especially ceiling height.
Trackman is the Gold Standard: While there are many options, Trackman's dual radar technology provides the most accurate and detailed data, making it the top choice for serious golfers.
A Growing Trend: The number of off-course golfers (using simulators and driving ranges) has officially surpassed the number of on-course golfers in the U.S., highlighting a massive shift in how people engage with the sport.
What is a Home Golf Simulator?
A home golf simulator is a high-tech system that allows you to practice golf indoors in a highly realistic, simulated environment. It consists of a launch monitor that tracks your swing and ball data, a projector and impact screen that display a virtual course, and software that brings it all to life. Hendren Custom Homes has installed these custom, interactive features in new home construction, renovations, and remodels for our customers.
How much space do I need for a golf simulator?
This is the most critical question, and answering it during the design phase of your custom home is key to avoiding costly mistakes.
What is the ideal room size for a golf simulator?
While it can vary slightly, the ideal and safest dimensions for a comfortable experience are:
Ceiling Height: 10 feet is the minimum safe height to allow for a full, unrestricted swing.
Room Width: 12 to 15 feet provides plenty of space to swing freely without feeling cramped.
Room Depth: At least 20 feet is needed to provide enough distance between the hitting area and the screen, and to house the projector.
Where can I put a golf simulator in my custom home?
The beauty of a new construction build is that Hendren Custom Homes can design this space anywhere you like. The most popular locations are:
A finished basement with high ceilings.
A large bonus room over the garage.
A dedicated room or outbuilding specifically designed as a "golf shed" or entertainment barn.
An ADU (accessory dwelling unit) that can double as multigenerational living quarters or a guest house for friends and family.
Why is Trackman the Top Choice for a Home Golf Simulator?
When clients ask us about building a home golf simulator in NW Indiana, the name Trackman always comes up. It's the system trusted by PGA Tour pros for a reason.
What makes Trackman so accurate?
Unlike camera-based systems, Trackman uses a patented dual radar technology. One radar tracks the club from impact through follow-through, while the second radar tracks the ball's entire flight. This provides incredibly precise data on everything from ball speed and launch angle to club path and face angle.
What can I do with a Trackman at home?
A Trackman simulator is an all-in-one entertainment and improvement system. You can:
Practice with purpose: Get tour-level data on every shot.
Play virtual courses: Play stunningly realistic versions of world-famous courses like St Andrews and Pebble Beach.
Entertain guests: Host simulator leagues or fun competitions for friends and family.
The Bottom Line: A Golf Simulator Designed for Perfection
Building a high-end home golf simulator in NW Indiana is about more than just buying the technology. It’s about creating a space that is designed from the ground up to deliver a flawless experience. As your custom home builder, Hendren Custom Homes manages the entire process, from framing a room with the perfect dimensions to handling the complex electrical, lighting, and acoustic needs.
Ready to build a home that includes your own private course? Contact Hendren Custom Homes today to discuss your vision.
Sources Cited:
National Golf Foundation. (2023). "Off-Course Golf Participation Exceeds On-Course for First Time." NGF.org.
Trackman. (n.d.). "Trackman Simulator Room Recommendations." Trackman.com.