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My husband, Tom, aka The Handsome Hunk, is a golf lover. He got into the sport a few years ago and it has taken hold of his thoughts, daydreams, and weekends. So, I knew when his birthday came around I wanted to help him spend more time on something he loved so much, and keep him home a couple more days per month.
I ended up turning our garage into a low budget home golf simulator with the Net Return and Garmin R10.
Our Home Golf Simulator Setup:
Net Return Mini
Garmin R10 Simulator
iPad Pro
Garmin Golf App
Awesome Golf App
So, let’s talk cost. As far as home golf simulator setups go, this is the budget version. But, not any less fun! So let’s take a look at cost breakdown…
Net Return Mini Package $1150
Garmin R10 Simulator $600
iPad Pro $800
Garmin Golf App $100/annually or $10/month
Awesome Golf App $350 lifetime access or $10/month
So, for $3,000 you can get an amazing setup. I wouldn’t call a few thousand dollars cheap, but considering other simulators can range from $10,000-$50,000 this is a great price point. Especially for the experience you get and get to be the envy of all your friends. A note on the Net Return Package, get the package. You want the turf and you really want the side barriers. Trust us on the side barriers.
I’ll be honest though, this wasn’t a gift purely for Tom. I love it too! It makes for a great date night at home. It’s a fun hobby we can do together, and with the Awesome Golf app, we can play Top Golf type games.
We love it so much that one day, when the military stops threatening to move us every few years and we can settle down in a permanent home, we plan to keep the current setup or upgrade to a net with a screen and move it out of the garage and into a permanent indoor space.
Sandi says
I love the idea of turning one spouse’s hobby into a date night activity. That’s a win-win for sure!
Scott says
Curious, how far is net from R10? Is it providing accurate readings? I picked up the R10 but hear it may not be as accurate with a net.
Tom says
Hi Scott, I’m happy with the setup and the accuracy. It’s about 6 feet behind the ball. There need to be about 6 feet at least between the ball and net as well for a good reading.