Construct a DIY retractable golf impact screen by assembling a PVC frame and a roll-up projector screen. Attach the screen using hooks and nylon cord to make a winding mechanism. Create a portable practice space that’s easily stored when not in use. This is a space-saving and cost-effective solution for honing golf swings at home.
For many of us starting our indoor golf simulator journey in our car garage or anywhere with limited space, there are many things we need to deal with. One of them is the space for the impact screen. My 2-car garage has an 11-foot ceiling, so I already knew that whatever golf simulator setup I use must be removable to park my cars.
I thought of a retractable impact screen hung from the ceiling, so when I want to use it, I pull it down and pull another over that can be strung across the back. After extensive research, I realized little information is out there detailing how to DIY a retractable impact screen.
So I have created this article to walk you through the step-by-step process of making a retractable golf impact screen from scratch. As a bonus, I’ll also review a few ideal retractable screens you can consider if you are not confident in doing the work yourself.
Materials You Need For A DIY Retractable Golf Impact Screen
The first step to a successful installation is gathering the necessary materials. The approach I deploy here is the winding mechanism that allows us to manually roll down the impact screen when in use and retract it back when done playing. To make this happen, we need the following materials:
Image | Product | Detail | Price |
---|---|---|---|
PVC pipes and connectors (1-2 inches in diameter) |
| Buy For $18 | |
Connectors and T-joints for Pipe Fittings |
| Buy For $13 | |
Netting (Archery-W-Golf recommended) |
| Price | |
A roll-up projector screen (like the brand recommended) |
| Price | |
Product |
| Price |
DIY Retractable Golf Impact Screen: Step-by-Step Process
I already have some of these materials in my garage, so you may not have to buy every material. But with these at your disposal, you can follow these steps closely:
Step 1: Frame construction
Build a rectangular frame using PVC pipes and connectors. This will serve as the support structure for the screen. Use T-joints for corners and secure them with PVC cement for added stability.
P.S.: You may need a second ceiling rail at the back of the main one. The purpose of this one is for the netting, while the front has the impact screen.
Step 2: Attach end caps
Cap the open ends of the PVC frame with end caps. These caps will prevent the pipes from sliding out and give the structure a finished look.
Step 3: Mounting points
Attach eye screws to the frame’s top and bottom horizontal PVC pipes. These will serve as the anchor points for the nylon cord that will retract and extend the screen.
Step 4: Prepare the screen
Unroll the roll-up projector screen and cut it to fit the dimensions of the PVC frame. Make sure the screen is evenly tensioned across its width. Use hooks to secure the top edge of the screen to the eye screws-anchored nylon cord. Ensure the screen hangs straight and even.
Step 5: Nylon cord setup
Thread the nylon cord through the eye screws on the top horizontal PVC pipe. Run the line over a pulley mounted at the top end of the frame and down to the eye screws on the bottom horizontal PVC pipe. Tie the rope securely.
Step 6: Retractable Mechanism
Create a simple winding mechanism for the nylon cord using a handle or a crank. Attach the handle to one end of the bottom PVC pipe. This will allow you to retract and extend the screen manually.
Step 7: Test and make an adjustment
Test the retractable mechanism to ensure the screen rolls up and down smoothly without any snags or tangles. Make any necessary adjustments to the tension and alignment.
With that out, secure the frame to a stable structure, such as a wall. Now you have your DIY retractable golf impact screen! You can pull the screen down to practice your golf swing and retract it for storage when not in use.
Alternative: Buy an actual retractable golf screen.
If you’re not confident in doing the rough work, you can go the easy route by buying a retractable golf screen. They are like projector screens that you see in colleges.
The typical retractable golf screen will have a housing that can be installed vertically in your ceiling, and then it will roll out the screen material at the click of a button.
Fortunately, many options range from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the brand and model.
I recommend the Stealth Golf Impact Screen, available at GolfTechSystems. Look at how it works in the video below:
Retractable golf screens like this come with a mounting kit and instructions. From my experience, this kind of golf screen uses standard ceiling mounts.
You also need to be careful of the dimension specifications of these retractable golf screens because they require precision mounting.
For example, if you use models like the HomeCourse Pro Retractable Golf Simulator Screen, you must have a minimum of 6″ mounting distance from the ceiling and 8″ total height.
The HomeCourse Pro Retractable Golf Simulator Screen costs $2,299 on ShopIndoorGolf.
Wrapping up
Many DIY solutions I’ve seen online for retractable golf impact screens always point to hanging nets on the wall. But someone with too many items in a limited space may not have the accommodations.
If your screen must be hung from the ceiling and 4-5′ from the wall due to existing shelving, I recommend you go with the PVC frame and a roll-up projector screen combo approach.
However, if it’s too much work, you can use the standard retractable projector screen as long as you have the budget.
Don’t also forget that you need good netting behind your impact screen. So you can do two PVC frames and ceiling rails and have the back be the net and the front be the impact screen.
With a few bungee cords to stretch the net out when in use, you’re good to go.
Do you have any other ideas for a DIY retractable golf impact screen? Feel free to share in the comment section.