A home golf studio lets you practise, play virtual rounds and work on your swing whatever the weather is doing outside, which in Cornwall is a real advantage between October and April. More homeowners are now building a dedicated garden building for a launch monitor and simulator rather than trying to squeeze one into a garage. This guide covers the sizes that work, the planning and Building Regulations questions to ask, and what goes into a well-built golf studio.
How much space does a golf studio need?
The room has to fit a full swing with a driver, the hitting area, the screen and enough space behind the screen for the ball to stop safely. As general guidance, many golfers find these dimensions work:
Internal ceiling height of around 2.8 to 3 metres, so a driver clears the ceiling. Taller golfers or steep swings may need more.
Width of around 4 to 5 metres, which gives room to swing and lets left- and right-handed players use the same space.
Depth of around 5 to 6 metres or more, to allow distance between the hitting mat and the screen plus a viewing or seating area.
Simulator and launch monitor makers publish their own recommended room sizes, so it's worth choosing your equipment early and designing the building around it. Swing your longest club in a space with the ceiling height you're considering before anything is drawn.
Do you need planning permission for a golf studio?
Many garden buildings can be built under permitted development as an outbuilding, but the limits are specific and the height a golf studio needs often pushes against them. Points to check include:
Outbuildings within 2 metres of a boundary are limited to 2.5 metres in overall height under permitted development, which is usually too low for a full swing inside.
Further from the boundary, the height limit depends on the roof type, and the building must not be used as separate living accommodation.
Outbuildings can't sit forward of the principal elevation of the house, and together they mustn't cover more than half the garden.
In the Cornwall National Landscape (formerly the AONB), conservation areas and on listed properties, the rules are tighter and an application is more likely to be needed.
Some homeowners lower the floor slightly to gain internal height within the limits. Others simply apply for planning permission, which gives more freedom over height and design. Our guide to planning permission in Cornwall explains the process, and if you're unsure, Cornwall Council can advise on whether your plans need an application.
Building Regulations
Detached outbuildings under 15 square metres with no sleeping accommodation are generally exempt from Building Regulations. Between 15 and 30 square metres they may also be exempt if they're at least a metre from the boundary or built mainly of non-combustible materials. A golf studio is often larger than 30 square metres, in which case Building Regulations approval is likely to be needed. Electrical work, which every studio will have, needs to meet Part P either way. It's best to confirm the position for your design with Building Control before starting.
What goes into a good golf studio build
A golf studio has to deal with impact, noise and condensation as well as the Cornish weather. The key elements are:
A solid base. A concrete slab or well-designed timber or steel frame base, level and suited to the ground. Our groundworks and foundations team can prepare the site.
A clear-span structure. No posts or low beams in the hitting zone, which affects the roof design.
Insulation and ventilation. A well-insulated, ventilated building stays comfortable all year and protects the screen and electronics from damp.
Acoustic consideration. Golf strikes are loud. Insulated walls and good doors help keep the noise in, which neighbours will appreciate.
Power and data. Dedicated circuits for the projector, PC, heating and lighting, plus a reliable network connection for simulator software.
Impact-safe finishes. Padded or netted walls around the screen, and lighting fitted out of the ball's path.
Weatherproof exterior. Cladding, roofing and fixings chosen to cope with Cornish wind and rain.
What does a golf studio cost?
Costs vary widely depending on size, height, site access, the base, the level of finish and whether planning permission is needed. The simulator equipment itself is a separate budget and can range from an entry-level launch monitor to a high-end projector and enclosure package. The best way to get a realistic figure is a site visit and an itemised quote that separates the building from the fit-out, so you can see where the money goes.
Making the studio work harder
Many people use the building for more than golf. With the right layout it can double as a home gym or a garden office, as long as the space is planned around the swing zone. Plan storage for clubs and gym kit, and think about a small seating area so the studio can be enjoyed with friends.
Golf studio FAQs
What ceiling height do I need for a golf simulator?
As a general guide, around 2.8 to 3 metres internally, but it depends on your height, swing and club. Test your swing before you design the building.
Can I put a golf studio in my garage instead?
Sometimes, if the garage is tall and wide enough. Many garages are too low for a full driver swing, which is why a purpose-built garden studio is often the better option.
Will a golf studio need planning permission?
It depends on size, height, position and whether your property is in a protected area. The height needed for a golf swing often exceeds permitted development limits near boundaries, so check early.
Plan your golf studio with a local builder
Cornish Building Company designs and builds golf studios in Cornwall, along with other garden buildings. Call us on 01208 816991 or contact us to talk through your plans.
