Have you always wondered what it would be like to have a golf simulator to play the home indoor golf driving range and improve your ability to play golf, but the price for a high end simulator you read about on Golf Digest seemed unimaginable? This type of golf equipment is now more affordable than ever, but you need to know the basics.
We hope this post answers some of the top items on your mind when you thinking about the best way to practice in your home with a simulator.
- What is the best home golf simulator?
- How much does the golf simulator cost for home?
- What is the most affordable golf simulator?
- Is a golf simulator worth the investment?
Buy a Golf Simulator: Improve Your Swing, Rain or Shine Golf
Well, to you golfers, thanks to the top 10 golf simulators in the business you can play indoor golf that will help you find the best options for golf simulator software to provide you with the best indoor golf experience. Players like Tony Finau use these when they can’t get out on the golf courses to practice. Why can’t you?
Whether it is your need to be playing like a professional when you venture out to the golf courses next, are teaching professionals, or simply looking for a cost effective way to put that unimaginable idea of having a golf simulator to the next page in your golf life.
High End Golf Simulator Technology: More Golf, Better Game
High end best home golf simulator
- Rain or shine golf
- Golf club data – distances, launch angle, smash factor
- Ball data – spin rates
- Launch monitor
- Screen reader
- Screen golf equipment
- Proper golf mat to hit from
- Home practice setting
- Play the game on famous courses
Basic Dimensions for Setting Up a Golf Simulator in Your Home
Below are some basic dimensions to think about when setting up your home simulator.
- Height – 9 feet (the frame of the screen bay should be 8 feet 2 inches minimum.
- Width – 12 feet
- Length – 16 feet. Ideally you have a net that encloses the ceiling, two-sides and back of your hitting bay.
Golf Simulators
Below are the best golf simulators technology (including launch monitors) on the market so golfers can improve their golf swing indoors -understand the cost, space requirements, and technology before you buy. These are on sale all the time and it’s about finding the right one for you.
But also it could be about finding the right one for you and your buddies, to enjoy a round of golf inside while the blistering harsh weather in which you may live continues outside. Put on your outfit, lace the shoes up and grab your beverage of choice as we shift our weight into the virtual world of indoor golf.
10. HD’s Best Home Golf Simulator
Cream of the crop. This is the ultimate entertainment package and one of the most expensive golf simulators on the market at $69,000. This is used by many of the PGA Tour professionals that we try to reimagine ourselves as on the golf course. It has features that are out of this world, from the feel of the turf to the visual and sound of the entire package you are truly getting the best golf experience however at the highest of prices.
Specs
- 16:10 Flat Standard System (10ft H x 15ft 6in W x 19ft L)
- Area Golf Turf in Green Turf (16ft x 22ft 6in) & Stance Mat
- Viewing and Hitting System Frame/Screen
- Computer Vision Club and Ball Tracking System
- Precision Spin Measurement Data Module
- HP Computer Business Workstation
- Sony Laser Projector Upgrade & Mounting Bracket
- 22in Wideview LCD Touchscreen Monitor
- Surround Sound Package Upgrade
- HD Golf Software Package (Deluxe Package – All Courses)
- HD Multi-Sport Software Package (ALL Sports)
- Multi-Sport Shooting and Hunting Accessory Package
- Rear Stereoscopic Cameras With Mount/Lens
- Drapery, Baffle, and Ceiling Track System
- Power Bar, Cables, Components, A/V Cabinet
- best golf simulators on the market Free Delivery & Installation
The HD Golf Simulator hits all the marks that you want in a full result and performance sim. However due to the cost and the fact we are not all PGA Tour players, affording this goes back to the unimaginable idea of having a simulator in your own house.
As you will see with most, the simulators can be put on a monthly payment to help subdue the one time payment of a simulator at this magnitude, however as you continue to read you will see how it is more than possible with cost effective simulators and still get everything out of it for your needs.
Bottom line: Best home golf simulator on the market, most expensive and most features
9. Uneekor’s Best Home Golf Simulator – EYE XO SwingBay
The Uneekor EYE XO SwingBay Golf Simulator has all of the bells and whistles at less than a quarter of the price for the top of the line simulators that are $30,000-$60,000. At $15,299 it gives you the full experience from game improvement to entertainment. It comes with the following.
Specs
- Uneekor EYE XO software
- Simulator screen and enclosure
- side barriers
- 1080p HD projector
- ceiling mount,
- swing turf hitting mat
For an additional $995 you can add The Golf 2019 package which has over 100,000 courses to choose from which ultimately is worth the price of admission. The minimum room space for this simulator is 15’ deep which is about 5’ longer than the average simulator, however it does hold to the average 10’ ceiling height at a minimum of 9’.
The best feature to this cost effective simulator, compared to others in its luxury line, is the EYE XO software that displays ball spin, club path and true impact, giving the user a real life experience in the virtual world of indoor golf.
Bottom line: Quarter of the price for a high end golf simulator and comes with an additional package for 100,000 golf courses to choose from. Not intended for smaller spaces.
8. Foresight Sports’s Best Home Golf Simulator – GC2 SwingBay
Want the feel of playing outside but can’t make it to the course? Or it’s night time and you have the itch to golf? Then the simulator by Foresight is the one for you. With the capability to be used indoor or outdoor it can’t be matched unless you want to stay indoors or content hitting in a practice net. At $13,799 you’ll be getting a simulator trusted by many PGA golf professionals.
Whether if they are on tour or an instructor Foresight has a variety of reviews due to their launch monitor and accurate results. The FSX software that is included in the order comes with 5 courses and skills challenges. Those include closest to the pin and long drive contests. Imagine throwing some bets out there with a group of buddies and playing these challenges right in the comfort of your backyard!
Specs
- Launch Monitor
- Full Simulator Setup
- Gaming-Optimized Desktop Computer
- FSX Play Simulation Software
- Golf Courses
Bottom line: Inside and outside playing ability and Foresight sports products used by many PGA golf teaching professionals, whether it’s on the driving range before a tournament or at their house.
7. Uneekor’s Best Home Golf Simulator – QED SwingBay
With a savings of $4,000 from the Uneekor EYE XO SwingBay Golf Simulator, you can’t beat it for improving your game! The difference from the two is in the launch monitor itself. That being said, you will see a difference in the advanced golf club data such as club path, loft and lie angles. Also, the QED system requires the use of marked golf balls which 24 of them come with the order. This is a branded golf ball with Bridgestone so you’ll still be hitting a quality golf ball.
For $11,299 you’re still in the ballpark of one of the best simulators on the market for the low handicap golfer. Multiple practice ranges are included as well as playing modes and skill challenges. Add “The Golf 2019 Package” for $995 and you’ll be playing all over the world in the middle of your garage or basement. Can’t beat that!
Specs
- QED Bar
- SwingBay Simulator Screen & Enclosure
- Optoma 1080p HD Short Throw Projector
- Choice of SwingTurf Golf Hitting Mat
- Ceiling Projector Mount
- 25′ 1080p HDMI Cable + 60′ 1080P HDMI Cable
- Side Barrier Netting
- 24 Bridgestone Specialty Marked Golf Balls
Bottom line: $4,00 less, more affordable but still over $10,000. Comes with “The Golf Package” which gives you access to courses all over the world.
6. TruGolf’s Best Home Golf Simulator – Vista 8 Golf Simulator w/ E6 Connect
TruGolf brings one of the best designed looks to golf simulator than you will see in the marketplace for under $10,000. Do you have limited space? Look no further than this simulator as it comes with the entire package to bring the virtual golf to life. Connect with golfers all over the world to play matches in real time using the E6 Connect software. Great options to work on your skills or battle against family and friends. With 4K compatibility you’re getting the same visual experience that matches those simulators of higher value.
The Turf with TruTrack2 comes built into the turf itself, giving you accurate and reliable shot performance to better your swing and most of all better your game on the golf course. With the real-feel golf mat, you won’t see much better in regards to hitting from an actual tee box or fairway.
Specs
- 1 Year Subscription E6Golf Connect – Basic
- HD Projector
- TruGolf Level 1 Computer (Only Available w/ Pro Version)
- 21” Touch Screen Monitor (Only Available w/ Pro Version)
- TruTrack2
- Deluxe Fairway Turf (Only Available w/ Pro Version)
- Protective Side Nets (Only Available w/ Pro Version)
- Containment Brim (Only Available w/ Pro Version)
- Frame Storage Duffel Carry Bag (Only Available w/ Pro Version)
- 1 Year Limited Warranty
Bottom line: Under $10,000 and it will fit into a limited space unlike other golf simulators. 4K compatibility to give the golfer a touch of reality in a virtual setting.
You might want to read Best Golf Simulator for Under $1000
5. SkyTrak’s Best Home Golf Simulator – SwingBay
Rated the “#1 Best Selling Golf Simulator Package of 2020” and it will not disappoint. The SkyTrak game improvement software included in this package gives you one of the most popular and high demand systems out there at a reasonable price. This package includes the launch monitor, projector, simulator screen and enclosure and hitting mat and comes at a price of $7,299.
Besides SkyTrak being one of the most popular golf simulator systems on the market for its affordable price, it is used all over from the retail golf stores to the home set up. SkyTrak is great for the serious golfer as well as for the non-golfer. The serious golfer is going to get the benefits from the game improvement features with feedback on distance, ball speed, club head speed, launch angle, spin of the ball and flight path. The non-golfer is going to enjoy this as one of the best and affordable entertainment simulators with the variety of playing modes and challenges.
Specs
1st Year Subscription to Game Improvement Plan Includes:
- PC & Ipad Compatibility
- Longest Drive Competition
- Closest to the Pin Contests
- Target Practice
- Skills Assessments
- Custom weather and course condition settings
- Bag Mapping for Club Fitting
- Track Progress, Charts & Graphs via SkyGolf Mobile App
Bottom line: Great price and all the features you would get in a high end golf simulator. Pay attention to indoor golf space requirements to take advantage of all the features in the set up. Some set ups require a frame.
4. SkyTrak’s Best Home Golf Simulator – HomeBay Golf Simulator
The people at Rain or Shine Golf put together a package with the SkyTrak golf simulator system at a price of $5,199. This is just over $2,000 in savings to get nearly the same set up as the SkyTrak SwingBay. The use of this package is for garages and smaller areas inside. The main difference in the set up is in the side barriers as it doesn’t come with the blackout curtains which allows the projection of the screen and graphics to stand out more. For a savings of $2,000, this is a great option to save even more money on that home golf simulator!
Bottom line: $2,000 savings for nearly all the same features as the SwingBay to get indoor golf going. Less set up if you don’t have the space or frame.
You might want to read Best Golf Simulator for Under $1000
3. SkyTrak’s Best Home Golf Simulator – SwingNet Golf Simulator
Tabbed as the “honorable mention” of golf simulators, the SkyTrak SwingNet is exactly what you’re getting in the SkyTrak SwingBay and the SkyTrak HomeBay minus the projector and the screen enclosure. This a budget friendly option to those who still want the SkyTrack game improvement system. Simply put, you’ll be hitting into a net with results carrying immediately over to the laptop it is connected with. This is not much different than most golf shops you may have visited once or twice to try out new equipment.
Add on “The Golf Club” package for $995 and you’re still under $4,000 for a great set up with either a small or large space. The SkyTrak game improvement software is no different to the other packages it is offered in and comes with accurate results on distance and ball flight.
Bottom line: Under $5,000 without the setup of the SwingBay or HomeBay. If you don’t mind hitting into the net only and want all the features of SkyTrak then this is the one for you!
2. OptiShot2’s Best Home Golf Simulator – Practice Golf Simulator Package
The world’s #1 golf simulator belongs to the OptiShot2. For under $1,500 you can have the FULL package of a home golf simulator. As much as this simulator is about lowering the cost and saving you money, it is also about the system and technology itself. The swing pad comes with 32 sensors to track your swing speed and face club angle. It comes pre-installed with 15 courses replicated to Torrey Pines, Bethpage Black, Whistling Straits and more. For an additional $30 per course you can play the all-time tracks of Pebble Beach, TPC Sawgrass and the Old Course. It is compatible with Windows and Mac and comes with a USB cord and HDMI cord to connect to your TV or projector.
At $1,199 you can get the entire package that includes the Net Return Home Series Golf Net, the hitting mat with an optional cut out for the swing pad and lastly the swing pad itself. The swing pad is connected by USB to your computer and in minutes you’ll be hitting the driving range or playing on a sunny day in San Diego at Torrey Pines.
Bottom line: Most affordable golf simulator on the market! If you want to get swings in this winter and have feedback on your club speed, swing path and club face contact then don’t look elsewhere, OptiShot2 is for you.
You might want to read Best Golf Simulator for Under $1000
1. OptiShot2’s Best Home Golf Simulator – Golf In A Box Simulator Package
Best Golf Simulator for Under $1000
Only $800 for this golf simulator. Yes, that is correct. The total cost of the OptiShot2 Golf in a Box is $800. With all of the same features as the OptiShot2 Practice Golf Simulator Package, you’re getting a home golf simulator for all of your golf needs less than $1,000. Whether you’re looking to practice during those harsh winter months or have a fun activity to do with family and friends then OptiShot is the best and most affordable golf simulator you can buy.
In similarity to the SkyTrak SwingNet, the OptiShot2 Golf in a Box comes with.
- A hitting net and results carrying immediately over to the computer connected to the swing pad.
- In addition, as many reviews and customers have stated, you will want to upgrade the swingpad top for $50.
- The gorilla turf top will give you a more realistic feel and preserve the sensors from those “mulligan” type shots.
- In some cases there is a training bundle for you to purchase.
Best Golf Simulator for Under $1000
Bottom line: this is the best golf simulator for under $1000. OptiShot2 provides every golfer a chance to own their own golf simulator. Most importantly, it provides the opportunity to keep that swing crisp during the off-season!
Final Thoughts on Best Golf Simulator
Top Areas to Think About Before You Build an At Home Experience
- Review of Best Golf Simulators
- Your Own Golf Experiences to Date – Are You Ready for the Commitment
- The Difference Between Launch Monitors and a Golf Simulator
- Indoor Golf – Golf Simulator Software
- Space Requirements – Golf Simulator Enclosure
- Accessories
- Overall Golf simulation Experience
As it is with all of these simulators, make sure you measure your golf simulator enclosure space before you start the installation process – take the time to measure it, determine where the projection screen is going to go, secure the golf net, and make home setup of your simulator space the best experience and performance for your practice tool.
You might want to read Best Golf Simulator for Under $1000
Doing this will help eliminate some of the golf simulator setup challenges listed in this article and make for a better golf simulator experience.
Also keep in mind with all a golf simulator you can get creative with your golf simulation and simulator space in your home. Use other sources to find the best golf simulator products and simulation software such as Amazon or your local stores who are in the golf business to buy technology and help keep prices lower and playing experience using simulation software high for the best indoor golf space to play golf.
When it comes to next spring and it is your first time on the golf courses in months, don’t let the excuses of not swinging the clubs be the topic of discussion because now you know it is more than possible and affordable to buy a home golf simulator!