By this point, if you’re into golf, you probably know someone or at least know of someone who has a golf simulator in their home.
The idea of a home golf simulator used to be the stuff of science fiction. Now, it’s becoming an increasingly common reality for more and more golfers.
Why?
First, it’s because today’s golf launch monitors are incredibly accurate and capable of producing shot data so good that it can be used to play very realistic simulator golf.
And second, it’s because the affordability of these products has gotten to the point where you now have multiple options for legitimately great golf launch monitors that start at less than $1,000.
That wasn’t true even just four years ago.
So, if you’re like most golfers, you’ve probably started to dream about your own simulator setup.
But if you have, you may have become overwhelmed by all of the variables involved. There are a lot of questions that go into it. Things like:
- How much space do I need?
- How much do I need to spend on a golf launch monitor?
- What kind of enclosure or hitting bay do I need?
- Do I need a projector?
- What kind of screen do I need?
- What kind of hitting mat do I need?
- Do I need a dedicated computer for my golf simulator setup?
- How hard is it to set up a golf simulator?
- How much will all of this cost?
It’s a lot to consider. And if you start poking around the internet, you’re likely to confuse yourself even further.
But I’m going to show you that there’s a turnkey solution that addresses just about everything and takes all of the guesswork out of planning your dream simulator setup.
That’s what we’re breaking down today. I’m going to show you how you can get almost everything you need for a home golf simulator with just one click. And I’m even going to give you my recommendations for best golf simulator setups by price. I’ll also discuss what’s not included in these turnkey solutions.
Before we go any further, the main thing I want to impress upon you is this: You can have a golf simulator in your home. All you need is the budget and the space.
I know that it may seem like there’s a ton that goes into this. But that’s the beauty of this post. I’m going to show you how you can do all of this without pulling your hair out in frustration and confusion. And I’m going to give you options for all kinds of budgets.
If that sounds helpful, read on!
What Is A Golf Simulator?
As you likely already know or assume, a golf simulator is a setup that allows you to simulate an actual round of golf.
You use real clubs to hit real golf balls.
You can even play on simulated versions of real golf courses that include all of the yardages, hazards, green undulations, and elevation changes of the real-life location. You can hit shots on a variety of virtual driving ranges or play different games and challenges and even compete online with other sim golfers.
Let’s walk through the core components that make up a golf simulator.
What Do I Need for a Golf Simulator Studio?
The main component of a golf simulator is a golf launch monitor. This is the device that reads the golf shots to capture data like how far the ball carried and rolled out and in which direction it was traveling and curving. Different golf launch monitors are capable of recording different data metrics, and some are more accurate than others. Think of the golf launch monitor as the brains of your simulator setup.
Then you have your simulator software. This works in tandem with the golf launch monitor. In essence, the golf launch monitor talks to the simulator software, telling it everything it knows about the golf shot that you just hit. The software then interprets that data and overlays it onto a simulated image of whatever environment you’re playing in.
Say you are playing a simulated version of Pebble Beach’s iconic Par 3 number 7. You would hit your approximately 100-yard tee shot, and the golf launch monitor would read your swing and contact to determine where the ball was headed. With that information, the simulator software would show your ball flying through the air towards the Pacific Ocean and (hopefully) landing on the green before rolling out towards the hole.
In order to run your simulator software, you of course need some kind of computer. Some golf launch monitors and sim software packages work with mobile devices like a phone or tablet. Others require a more robust computer with a powerful processor.
Remember when I said that the turnkey solutions I’m going to share include almost everything you need to achieve a simulator setup? Well, the one main thing that’s missing from these packages is the computer.
You may already own a computer that will work for your simulator setup. Or you may choose a golf launch monitor and software package that works perfectly fine with the cell phone you’re already using. Some software is going to require the horsepower of a dedicated gaming computer.
For these reasons, we’re going to stay away from recommending any specific computers in this post. Once you choose your sim studio package, you’ll get a better understanding of what you need for a computer.
But for what it’s worth, I personally use:
- Acer Predator Helios 300
- 16GB Ram
- 1TB SSD.
- Intel Core i7
- GeForce RTX 3070
This is the model I have, with a little bit more RAM – and is a pretty good deal for around $1k.
So we’ve talked about the golf launch monitor, the simulator software, and the computer. Now, if you want a dream simulator setup that allows you to watch your golf shots flying in front of you just like out on the actual golf course, you’ll need a projector and a screen. Your computer and software will send a signal to the projector. And it will in turn cast an image of your simulated experience onto the same surface into which you’re hitting the golf ball. Both the projector and screen are included in the packages I’ll recommend.
Then you’re going to need some kind of enclosure to corral the golf ball after it hits the screen and to protect your surroundings from wayward shots. All of that is also included in the below turnkey simulator packages.
And of course, you’re going to need a hitting mat off of which you’ll hit your shots. You guessed it. That’s also included.
You also have the more affordable option of building a sim studio without a projector, impact screen or enclosure. You could instead pair a golf launch monitor with a hitting net. You won’t see the ball flying in front of you for the ultimate realistic simulator golf experience, but you can instead watch that action on a computer, tablet, or phone set to the side. If you go this route, you’ve got the chance to play simulator golf at home for just $1,000.
How Much Space Do I Need for an Indoor Golf Simulator Setup?
To hit golf shots indoors with complete comfort and confidence and to be able to accommodate both left- and right-handed golfers as well as tall golfers all with one setup, we recommend a space that is at least:
- 10 feet high
- 15 feet wide (if you’re playing with both righties and lefties)
- 16 feet deep (camera-based golf launch monitor requires less room)
Now, you certainly can get away with less room than this. Camera-based golf launch monitors, for example, sit next to the golfer rather than behind them the way that radar-based units do. That means that if you choose a camera-based device like the SkyTrak+, you don’t need a full 16 feet of room depth.
Then there’s the matter of golfer height and swing plane. A tall golfer with a steep swing is going to need higher ceilings than a shorter golfer with a shallower swing. A lot of golfers have put together successful indoor simulator setups with 9-foot-or-even-shorter ceilings. It really depends on your situation.
Just be careful not to put a hole in your ceiling – I speak from experience here.
Those space recommendations are by no means set in stone. Depending on your individual variables and which package you choose, you may very well be able to have a perfectly functional simulator setup with considerably less space.
Alright, are you ready to find your turnkey golf simulator solution? Let’s do this!
8 Great Turnkey Golf Simulator Studios Starting at $1,000
So we’ve walked through all that goes into building a golf simulator studio. And if it sounds like a lot, it’s because it is.
But PlayBetter.com — my go-to for my golf tech and equipment needs and the place that I recommend because of their competitive pricing and unparalleled customer service — has made all of this super simple. They’ve created turnkey packages that bundle different golf launch monitors with everything you need (except the computer) to assemble a home golf simulator studio.
When you buy one of these packages, you’ll receive a few boxes along with the instructions for assembly. As for how long it will take you to put together, that of course depends on your handiness as well as the package that you choose. Many users have reported being up and running in less than one hour after unboxing. Others have said it’s taken two people the better part of a day. But in almost every case, this is something you can expect to accomplish with one solid day’s effort at the most.
Like I said, if you’ve got the space and the budget, having a home golf simulator studio isn’t nearly as difficult as you may fear.
As you’ll see, there are a lot of ways to customize your simulator studio setup. You can mix and match most any golf launch monitor with different sized enclosures and impact screens or with setups that include just a hitting net. While the below recommendations are some of my favorite combinations, PlayBetter has a package that includes just about every mix-and-match option you can dream up.
Affiliate Disclosure: This is the point of the article where I need to make it clear that I’m an affiliate of Play Better. If you buy one of the packages included in this post, I’ll get a commission.
That said, I only work with brands I truly love and trust – and I’ve had a wonderful experience with them. More importantly, my allegiance is to you, the golfer. All I care about is helping you find the right product for your needs, so if you have any questions – definitely drop a comment.
Best Golf Simulator for $1,000: Garmin Approach R10 with Net Return Home Series V2 (Net Only)
You could play simulator golf at your house with the Garmin Approach R10 and Net Return Home Series V2 hitting net for only $1,094.99.
Budget is no longer the biggest limiting factor when it comes to home golf simulators.
The biggest component that holds back most golfers from their dream sim setup is ceiling height.
But even if you don’t have room indoors, you can play simulator golf outdoors at home using a hitting net. And if you do get a hitting net, Net Return is the way to go. The ball automatically returns to your feet after each shot, which is obviously super convenient.
The Net Return Home Series net, at 7’ X 7’ X 3’6”, is 6 inches shorter and a foot narrower than the top-line Pro Series net from Net Return. But this net will definitely get the job done, especially for a quick backyard setup.
And considering that you can play sim golf with an R10 without massive computing power using an iPhone or device you already own, there’s not much extra you’ll need to spend.
Sure, using a hitting net isn’t quite as perfect a setup as having an impact screen and projected image, but you know what? It’s definitely not bad. It’s pretty cool to think you could practice or play whenever you felt like it with this kind of simulator setup for just $1,000.
Especially considering the free E6 Connect package that comes with the R10 includes Bandon Dunes as one of the courses you can play.
The Garmin Approach R10 is the golf launch monitor that started the whole affordable, under-$1,000 golf simulator craze. The device is tiny, incredibly accurate for its price, and unbelievably simple to set up. It’s perfect for an affordable backyard golf simulator setup.
PlayBetter SimStudio Options with the Garmin Approach R10:
- Garmin Approach R10 w/ Net Return Home Series V2 (net only) = $1,094.99 (Breaking Eighty Recommended)
While just over $1k, if you're looking to be able to play simulator golf at home for as little money as possible? The Garmin R10 with Net Return Pro is my best recommendation for doing it.
Best Golf Simulator Under $2,000: Rapsodo MLM2PRO with Net Return Pro Series V2 Package
The great thing about hitting nets is that they work really well indoors too if you’ve got the space to comfortably swing a golf club. Especially the automatic return nets by Net Return.
So if you want to bring your sim game indoors but still not go to the level of a projector and impact screen, this is a great package for $1,798.99.
The Rapsodo MLM2PRO is our pick for the most accurate golf launch monitor under $1,000. It’s an incredible device capable of producing a ton of game-improving information, and it’s a great option to use for simulator golf. And again, you’ve got the option to run sim software using a phone, tablet or laptop.
The Net Return Pro Series V2 Package is a big step up in that you get a larger net that’s 7’6” X 8’ X 3’6”, but you also get hitting turf, side barriers, and sand bags. It’s a turnkey solution.
This is the beginning of a really legitimate indoor setup. You’ve got a great golf launch monitor and everything you need to play sim golf.
And you can always upgrade your setup to include a projector and impact screen when the time comes.
PlayBetter SimStudio Options with the Rapsodo MLM2PRO
- Rapsodo MLM2PRO w/ Net Return Pro Series V2 Package = $1,798.99 (Breaking Eighty Recommended)
Looking for a fantastic entry-level simulator option? The Rapsodo MLM2Pro is about as good as it gets for under $1k. You could pair it with a more expensive Studio, and it'll be fantastic. But on a budget, the Net Return Pro is great.
Best Golf Simulator Under $6,000: FlightScope Mevo+ with PlayBetter SimStudio10
Things ratchet up in price pretty quickly once we introduce a projector, impact screen, and enclosure to the equation. In other words, once we get into the deep end of a real, bonafide dream golf simulator setup.
Now you certainly can choose a less-expensive golf launch monitor to use with a PlayBetter SimStudio, and of course you can save a lot of money by going the hitting net route.
But if I were planning a full-time, permanent golf simulator studio, this is where I’d start.
The FlightScope Mevo+ is a significant cut above all of the golf launch monitors mentioned so far. Right out of the box, you’ve got 20 data metrics with the option to add even more with the Mevo+ Pro Package and Face Impact Location software.
You can also currently get the FlightScope Mevo Plus Limited Edition which has both of those built in.
The Mevo+ has consistently been my pick for “best overall launch monitor” as it’s the best of the best when it comes to features and value. The downside is it still takes up a fair amount of space compared to some of the other options on this list – so if that’s a concern, keep reading.
And maybe best of all, the Mevo Plus is one of the very rare golf launch monitors that does not include an ongoing subscription cost.
As for the SimStudio, this is the smallest enclosure at 10’ W X 8.5’ H X 5.3’ D. In addition to the enclosure, this package also includes a Mevo+ alignment stand (super useful for nailing the oh-so-important Mevo Plus setup), an impact screen, side barriers, a hitting mat, putting mat, a ball tray, and an Optoma GT2000HDR 3500 lumens projector and projector mount.
Welcome to the big time!
PlayBetter SimStudio Options with the FlightScope Mevo Plus
- FlightScope Mevo+ w/ SimStudio10 = $5,979.09 (Breaking Eighty Recommended)
If you truly want a Sim Studio in a box, this is one of the absolute best ways you can go as long as you have the space for the Mevo Plus. This is getting to be a pro looking setup.
Best Golf Simulator for $7,000: SkyTrak+ with PlayBetter SimStudio10
Are you ready to have friends over?
Because the SkyTrak+ is as much fun to use as any golf simulator I’ve tested. So much fun that I promise you’re going to want to share the experience with your buddies.
What makes this golf launch monitor such a blast is the app experience. Everything is so intuitive, clean and modern and there are so many really fun games and challenges that make both practicing and playing a great time.
When you add in the PlayBetter SimStudio10 enclosure, nets, hitting mat, putting mat, ball tray, impact screen, Optoma GT2000HDR 3500 lumens projector and mount, you’ve got a party at the ready. Especially at PlayBetter’s $7,093.99 sale price.
PlayBetter SimStudio Options with the SkyTrak+
- SkyTrak+ w/ SimStudio10 = $7,093.99 (Breaking Eighty Recommended)
If space is a major concern for you, but you want a true golf simulator without totally breaking the bank, this is one of the best options out there.
Best Golf Simulator Under $8,000: Bushnell Launch Pro Ball & Club Data Model with PlayBetter SimStudio13 Deep
Now we’re really climbing up into the major leagues.
If I had a budget of under $8,000, or $7,899.98 to be precise, and wanted a simulator studio that I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about changing or updating for years to come, this is how I’d spend my money.
The Bushnell Launch Pro is the most accurate consumer-level golf launch monitor available. So much so that it could actually be considered “prosumer” as it’s the go-to choice of a lot of top-level players, instructors, and club fitters.
And when you bite the bullet and step up for the Ball and Club Data Launch Pro model, you’re getting reliable numbers on pretty much everything you could want to know about your golf game.
Beyond that, the Foresight Sports software ecosystem, where the Bushnell Launch Pro resides, makes for some absolutely fantastic simulator golf. The graphics on their newest FSX Play software are insane, and this it’s arguably been my favorite home simulator experience to date.
But what takes this setup to the next level is the PlayBetter SimStudio13 Deep package. This enclosure is 13’ W X 10’ H X 10’ D, meaning you’ll have as pro-looking and feeling of a studio as you can get. No worries about stray golf balls flying around. No concern about enough space to fit everything. No issues with hosting multiple people at a time. This is sim golf, luxury-style!
PlayBetter SimStudio Options with Bushnell Launch Pro
Ball Data Only Model
Ball and Club Data Model
- Bushnell Launch Pro w/ SimStudio13 Deep = $7,899.98 (Breaking Eighty Recommended)
The fact you're getting a professional-level launch monitor AND simulator for under $8k makes this one of the best buys on the list. As long as you're ok with the $500/year subscription for FSX software.
Best Golf Simulator for $10,000: Foresight Sports GC3 with SimStudio12
So I told you how incredible a golf launch monitor the Bushnell Launch Pro is.
But you know what I didn’t mention? If you want to play simulator golf with a Launch Pro, you’re going to have to pay a $499 annual subscription.
The way around that subscription cost is with the Foresight Sports GC3, which is the exact same launch monitor as the Bushnell Launch Pro. I know it’s confusing. Read this if you want the details.
The key difference is that the Foresight Sports GC3 is a one-time purchase. No keeping track of and continually paying subscriptions. You get everything you could want right out of the box.
Like the Launch Pro, the GC3 is also available as a Ball Only model or Ball and Club Data model.
Now I know I mentioned that the Ball and Club Data model gives you as much information as you could want, and it’s true. But for some people, that extra club data is overkill.
If that’s you, I’d opt for the Ball Only Data model and instead spend a little bit more on a larger enclosure. The PlayBetter SimStudio12, at 12’ W X 8.5’ H X 5.25’ D, is a good, safe enclosure dimension that gives you the luxury of more space without being so huge that it’s unreasonable for certain spaces.
So, if your budget is $10K, you don’t want every last detail when it comes to data, AND you hate paying subscriptions? I recommend putting a GC3 with a PlayBetter SimStudio12 and never looking back.
PlayBetter SimStudio Options with Foresight Sports GC3
Ball Data Only Model
- Foresight Sports GC3 w/ SimStudio12 = $10,098.99 (Breaking Eighty Recommended)
Ball and Club Data Model
There are ways to make the GC3 studio cheaper, but if you're looking to do it right? This is the package we recommend.
Best Golf Simulator for Around $20,000: Foresight Sports GCQuad with SimStudio13 Deep
If your budget allows for it and you truly want a dream setup that leaves nothing on the table when it comes to the most accurate golf launch monitor and most spacious and complete SimStudio, this is how you do it.
The Foresight Sports GCQuad is the trusted launch monitor of tour pros and top-end instructors, fitters and commercial outfits that want the absolute best.
While the Bushnell Launch Pro and Foresight Sports GC3 employ a three-camera photometric system, the GCQuad adds a fourth camera for even more complete and total precision.
And the SimStudio13 Deep is the Cadillac of sim setups. You’ll have all the space you need to play — and very likely entertain — in absolute style.
While you could put a GCQuad with a hitting net, my guess is if you’re stepping up to this class you want a full-blown indoor rig.
PlayBetter SimStudio Options with Foresight Sports GCQuad
Ball and Club Data Model
- Foresight Sports GCQuad w/ SimSudio13 Deep = $20,398.99 (Breaking Eighty Recommended)
Ball and Club + Putting Data Model
Even with the release of the Quad Max, the GCQuad is still one of the very best launch monitors in history. And if you can get it at a bit of a discount due to the new model coming out? All the better.
Best Golf Simulator for Under $30,000: Foresight Sports QuadMAX with SimStudio13 Deep
And, finally, we arrive at what I think really is the true dream golf simulator (without going for an overhead system that removes some of the flexibility of being able to take your launch monitor to the range).
If you want a done-and-done-right, once-and-for-all, crazy-good, mic-drop golf simulator setup, this is it.
Foresight Sports unveiled the QuadMAX at the 2024 PGA Show. It introduces the latest-and-greatest technologies in this lighting-fast evolution of golf launch monitors.
You get even more data and insight tools to help you improve. The QuadMAX includes a customized swing speed training feature, allowing you to build your own speed training plan. On the touchscreen readout, you can now choose what data you want displayed. And it has basically unlimited internal shot storage. Plus you have the option for putting data.
Now, of course, if you’re going top-of-the-line, you’ll likely want to nudge up to the best enclosure package as well. But you don’t have to. Your dream golf simulator is yours, and you’ve got options.
PlayBetter SimStudio Options with Foresight Sports QuadMAX
Ball and Club Data Model
Ball and Club + Putting Data Model
- Foresight Sports QuadMAX w/ SimStudio13 = $26,698.99
- Foresight Sports QuadMAX w/ SimStudio13 Deep = $26,898.99 (Breaking Eighty Recommended)
The Foresight Quad Max is the latest and greatest launch monitor out there. If you're looking for the ultimate home simulator, look no further.
Is 2024 the Year for Your Golf Simulator Studio?
I’m starting to look at it this way: If you’re really into golf and you have high enough ceilings, it’s not a matter of if you’ll get an indoor golf simulator, it’s only a matter of when.
The word is out. There’s a hell of a lot of fun to be had playing simulator golf.
And if you live somewhere with winters, you’re probably that much closer to making this the year you build your dream setup.
Look, the choices on this list aren’t the only ones. And you can always build your own simulator studio. But these are eight really solid options for turnkey sim golf solutions. The best part of these packages is that assembly is simple.
And don’t forget about the outdoor options with a hitting net. There’s more than one way to play simulator golf at your house, and you can always build towards the indoor setup you may fancy.
So, is 2024 going to be the year your simulator golf dreams come true?
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