DIY Golf Simulator Impact Screen: Fabric, Bungees and Tension

What an Impact Screen Has to Do

An impact screen has two jobs that pull in opposite directions:

Act as a smooth, flat surface for the projector image.
Stop a fast golf ball safely, without tearing and without sending it back at you.

Getting both right comes down to the fabric you buy and how you tension it.

Single Layer vs Multi Layer Fabric

	Single layer	Multi layer (for example Carl’s Premium)
Construction	One layer of impact polyester	Several layers of impact polyester (Carl’s Premium uses three)
Noise	Louder	Quieter, according to makers
Bounce back	More likely	Reduced, according to makers
Price	Lower	Higher (Carl’s Premium was $439.95 on 1 Oct 2026)

If the budget allows, a multi layer screen is the safer and quieter choice, especially in garages and basements close to living space.

4 Rules for Safe Screen Tension

1. Snug Top, Slack Bottom

Attach the top edge with ball bungees (Carl’s recommends their 6 or 9 inch ball bungees) so the screen hangs flat without sagging. Leave the bottom edge slack so it rests lightly on the floor or mat edge. A bottom edge pulled tight turns the screen into a trampoline for low shots.

2. Even Side Spacing

Space bungees evenly down both sides and use similar tension on each side so the screen stays centered and flat. Tight enough to remove wrinkles is enough. Drum tight increases bounce back.

3. Leave Space Behind the Screen

Never hang the screen flat against drywall or concrete. The fabric needs room to flex backward when the ball hits. Many builders leave around 12 inches or more. Test with a few half swings and check the back of the screen never touches the wall.

4. Pad Any Exposed Frame

Cover exposed metal or wood in the frame with foam pipe insulation or padding. A mishit into a bare pipe can send the ball straight back toward you.

Work out the frame pipe lengths and hardware list for your enclosure:

Open the DIY Enclosure Pipe Calculator

Sources

Carl’s Place Premium Golf Impact Screen: https://shop.carlofet.com/premium-golf-impact-screens

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reduce golf balls bouncing back off the screen?↓

Bounce back usually comes from a screen that is pulled too tight, especially at the bottom, or a screen that touches the wall behind it. Keep the bottom edge slack, avoid over tightening the side bungees, and leave clear space behind the fabric so it can give when the ball hits.

What is the difference between single layer and multi layer screens?↓

Single layer screens cost less but are usually louder and more prone to bounce back. Multi layer screens stack several layers of impact polyester, which makers say reduces noise and rebound while keeping a smooth projection surface. If your simulator is in a shared house or garage near neighbours, the quieter screen is usually worth it.

Can I use a bedsheet or a normal projector screen?↓

No. A golf ball off a driver can travel well over 100 mph. A bedsheet or a cinema screen is not designed for that and can tear, letting the ball through to the wall or anything behind it. Only use fabric sold as a golf impact screen.

How far should the screen be from the wall?↓

Leave open space between the screen and the wall so the fabric can flex backward without touching it. Many home builders leave around 12 inches or more. If your screen still touches the wall on hard shots, add space or reduce the tension.