The short version: ceiling height decides everything. Width and depth are easy to fix. Ceiling height is not.
Ceiling height
A good rule of thumb is your height plus 3.5 feet for a full driver swing. A 6 foot golfer wants about 9.5 feet. Most garages are 8 to 10 feet, so taller golfers often end up hitting irons only or swinging flatter. Test it: take a slow driver swing in the spot where you will hit.
Width
About 11 feet works if only righties or only lefties hit and the tee sits centered. If both play, aim for 14 feet or more so each side has room without moving the mat.
Depth
Plan about 10 feet from the ball to the screen so the ball does not bounce back at you. Then add space behind you. Camera units that sit beside the ball need less, around 5 feet. Radar units that sit behind you need about 8 feet more.
What to buy first
- Measure and run the fit calculator.
- Pick the enclosure width your room allows.
- Match the impact screen to the enclosure.
- Spend real money on the mat. Your wrists will thank you.