At Pioneer Golf Co, we believe your ceiling shouldn’t cap your potential. If your basement doesn't have enough height for a full golf swing, excavation might be your ticket to creating the ultimate home golf simulator—even in tight quarters.
For golfers dreaming of hitting their driver indoors without restrictions, let’s talk about how to turn your low-ceiling basement into a fully functional, swing-friendly simulator bay.
Why Excavation?
Many basements have ceilings between 7' and 8', which limits your ability to swing a driver—or even a long iron—comfortably. While some setups work with lower ceilings, if you want the realistic experience of swinging every club in the bag, you're going to need at least 9' to 10’ of ceiling height.
Rather than settling for a limited setup, some homeowners are choosing to dig down and create more headroom. It’s a big project—but one that can pay off big time for golf lovers who want to practice year-round without compromise.
Step 1: Prepping Your Basement
Before bringing in the heavy equipment, here’s what you’ll need to take care of:
Clear the Area: Remove furniture, storage, or anything else that could get in the way.
Check Structural Integrity: A professional should inspect your foundation, floor slab, and walls to ensure they're safe to excavate around.
Review Utilities: Plumbing and electrical lines may run beneath your slab. These need to be mapped and possibly rerouted.
Get Permits: Depending on your city or state, excavation may require permits or inspections. Consult with local building authorities before moving forward.
Step 2: The Excavation Process
This isn’t a DIY task—you’ll need a contractor experienced in basement lowering or underpinning. The process generally looks like this:
Mark the Area: Define the footprint for your simulator bay, including space for your swing, equipment, and screen.
Break the Slab: The concrete floor will need to be cut and removed in sections.
Dig It Out: Soil is excavated to your target depth—typically 12-18 inches deeper.
Reinforce the Space: Footings may need to be added or extended, and walls may need reinforcement to support the rest of the home.
Pour a New Slab: Once everything is reinforced, a new concrete floor is poured and leveled.
This process may take a few weeks, but once complete, you’ll have the clearance needed for a high-end golf simulator build—even in a previously cramped space.
Step 3: Designing Your New Golfing Space
With your basement now prepped and leveled, you can begin transforming it into a golfing oasis. Here are a few expert tips:
Ceiling Height: You now have that golden 10'+ height. Perfect for a ceiling-mounted launch monitor like the Trackman iO, Uneekor EYE XO2, or Foresight Falcon- which all support dual-dexterity play.
Turf & Flooring: Install cushioned flooring under high-quality turf. Make sure your hitting mat is flush for a seamless experience.
Lighting: Overhead LED lighting will improve camera accuracy.
Soundproofing: Use acoustic panels + dense insulation to keep the simulator noise from echoing through your house.
Ventilation: Make sure there’s airflow to avoid humidity buildup—especially if you’re below grade.
Step 4: Safety and Final Touches
Before inviting friends over for a round at Pebble Beach, double-check these key items:
Swing Clearance: Keep furniture, lighting, and other obstructions far enough from the hitting area to prevent accidents.
Storage: Add built-in shelving or cabinets for clubs, balls, and gear.
Seating: A few stools or a couch make the space more comfortable for guests.
Tech Setup: Your launch monitor, projector, and computer should all be professionally installed for optimal calibration and performance.
Ready to Build?
Excavating your basement isn’t a small task, but it can unlock the full potential of your indoor golf setup. Whether you’re aiming to improve your handicap, host friends for a weekend match, or simply escape to your own golf haven—digging deeper might just be worth it.
Need help planning your custom build?
Pioneer Golf Co offers complete golf simulator design and installation services. From excavation consulting to full tech integration, we’ll bring your dream setup to life—no matter the starting point.
Reach out today to get started on your basement golf simulator transformation.