Your Essential Winter Checklist: Keeping Your Golf Simulator in Peak Condition

1. The Impact Screen & Enclosure

Your screen is the centerpiece of the visual experience. Dust, smudges, and ball marks can degrade image quality and, over time, the material itself. A clean screen ensures a crisp, bright picture.

• Weekly Dusting: Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove loose dust from the screen and enclosure fabric.
• Spot Cleaning: For ball marks or smudges, use a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water. Gently dab the area; avoid aggressive rubbing. For tougher stains, a mild soap solution can be used, but test it on an inconspicuous area first. Never use harsh chemical cleaners.
• Inspect for Tension & Wear: Check that the screen is properly tensioned. Sagging can cause premature wear and poor image quality. Look for any signs of fraying or damage, especially in high-impact zones. If your setup uses a Built-In Screen Kit, ensure all mounting points are secure.

If you’re comparing impact materials or noticing excessive wear, this guide on golf simulator screen vs. net options provides helpful insight.

2. Hitting Mats & Turf

The hitting surface is crucial for both realistic feel and injury prevention. Dirt and debris can become embedded, affecting performance and cleanliness.

• Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum your hitting mat and surrounding putting turf at least once a week to remove dirt, grass from cleats, and other debris.
• Rotate the Mat: If possible, rotate your hitting mat 180 degrees every month. This distributes wear evenly across the surface, extending its lifespan and ensuring a consistent feel.
• Deep Clean as Needed: For heavily soiled mats, a gentle scrub with a carpet cleaner or a mild soap and water solution can revitalize the surface. Ensure it is completely dry before use. Check for worn spots that could affect club performance or data readings. A high-quality Real Feel Hitting Mat is designed for durability but still benefits from proper care.

Premium options from Virtual Tee’s hitting mats and turf collection are engineered for durability but still benefit from routine care.

3. The Projector

A clear, bright projection is vital for immersion. Dust is the primary enemy of any projector, affecting both image quality and the unit's lifespan by causing overheating.

• Clean the Lens: With the projector off and cool, gently wipe the lens with a dedicated lens cloth or microfiber cloth to remove dust and smudges.
• Check and Clean Air Filters: Most projectors have a removable air filter. Check your manual for its location, remove it, and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually with a vacuum or compressed air. A clogged filter is a leading cause of overheating.
• Monitor Bulb Life: Check the projector's menu for the remaining lamp hours. Planning for a replacement bulb avoids unexpected downtime, especially if you're hosting guests for a holiday tournament. 

If you’re considering an upgrade or troubleshooting brightness issues, review this in-depth resource on choosing the perfect projector for your golf simulator.

4. The Launch Monitor

This is the heart of your simulator. Its cameras and sensors must be clean and calibrated to provide the accurate data you rely on for game improvement.

• Keep Lenses Clean: Whether you use a floor-based unit or an overhead one, its camera lenses must be spotless. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe them free of dust.
• Check for Firmware Updates: Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to improve accuracy and add features. Visit the manufacturer's website to ensure your launch monitor is running the latest version.
• Run Calibration: Periodically run the system’s calibration tool. This ensures the unit is correctly aligned with the hitting area and provides precise measurements of ball and club data. Refer to your user manual for the specific procedure.

5. Computer & Software

The engine running your simulation needs routine checks to prevent frustrating glitches or performance drops.

• Install Software Updates: Just like firmware, simulation software receives updates that can add courses, fix bugs, and improve performance. Check for updates before you start a session.
• Verify Cable Connections: Ensure all cables (HDMI, USB, Ethernet) are securely connected. A loose connection can cause intermittent issues that are difficult to diagnose.
• Restart and Refresh: Don't forget the basics. A simple restart of the computer and launch monitor before a long session can resolve many minor software conflicts and ensure a smooth experience.

How often should I clean my impact screen?

For optimal performance, a light dusting or vacuuming should be done weekly. Spot cleaning of ball marks should be done as they appear to prevent them from setting. A more thorough cleaning is recommended monthly, depending on usage.

My simulator is giving inaccurate readings. What's the first thing I should check?

First, ensure the launch monitor's lenses are perfectly clean. Second, check that there isn't any interfering light (like a new, bright lamp) or reflective material in the camera's view. Finally, run the device's calibration software. If the issue persists, check for firmware updates.

Can I use any golf balls with my simulator?

It's best to use clean, unmarked, premium golf balls. Scuffed, dirty, or heavily marked balls (especially with marker) can interfere with spin detection on camera-based systems and will also leave more marks on your screen. Using a dedicated set of balls just for the simulator is a great practice. Always play with clean clubs, so the player is not transferring dirt from the golf club grooves to the ball, to the screen.

When should I consider replacing my hitting mat?

Look for signs of deep wear, such as thinning in the primary hitting area or any tearing. If the mat becomes hard or overly compressed, it can affect shot data and cause joint strain. A high-quality mat can last for years with proper rotation and care, but once performance degrades, a replacement is a worthy investment.

Launch Monitor

A device that uses cameras, infrared sensors, or Doppler radar to measure ball and club data at the moment of impact.

Calibration

The process of aligning the launch monitor with the hitting area to ensure its measurements are geographically accurate and precise.

Firmware

Permanent software programmed into a hardware device (like a launch monitor) that controls its core functions.

Lumens

A measure of the total quantity of visible light emitted by a source per unit of time. For projectors, higher lumens mean a brighter image.

Doppler Radar

A technology that uses microwave signals to detect the velocity and trajectory of an object (the golf ball) by analyzing the frequency shift of the returning signal.