The Complete Guide To Home Golf Simulators

1. Every golfer has dreams of playing a round of golf launch monitor in the comfort of their own home. Having a home golf simulator is now within reach for many golfers due to advancements in technology and cost reductions. For a while, I’ve wanted to create a comprehensive guide for all of you. I finally got in touch with someone who is an expert in this landscape. Recently I spoke with Cory Gauvreau, who is the President of Par2Pro. They are one of the leading providers of home golf simulators in North America. After speaking with Cory for two hours, one thing became abundantly clear. There are endless combinations of materials you can use to build a home golf simulator. In his words, it’s an absolute jungle out there, which is why he has created a successful business helping golfers navigate that world. Also, I have spent hundreds of hours testing almost every single launch monitor on the market, consulted with multiple experts in the industry over the past six years, and will inject that experience into my recommendations in this guide. 1 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

2. You can spend anywhere from $500 all the way up to $70,000 for a home skytrak golf simulator. There isn’t one solution that fits all, and the purpose of this article is to give you an overview of the materials you need, the space required, and some options you will have at various price levels. Be aware that each home golf simulator has its nuanced features, and it will suit golfers’ needs separately. If you want to purchase supplies for your home setup, I recommend checking out Shop Indoor Golf. I have referred many Practical Golf readers to them over the years, and everyone has been more than satisfied with their customer service. I’ve broken up the article into several sections, which will go over some of the critical things you should know. skytrak golf You can easily navigate using the following table of contents: Also, here’s a short visual story you can watch with a brief summary of our top recommendations. Update (12/20/2020): I have made many adjustments to this article based on the latest technology available. Materials You Will Need To build a home golf simulator, you will need five items. In each category, you will find varying costs based on the quality and durability of each material. Be cautioned; you will get what you pay for. If you purchase an inexpensive golf mat, net, or projector, it will likely not last over time. Skytrack One thing to consider is if this is going to be a long-term fixture in your house. If this is just an experiment, and you will upgrade down the road, it might make sense to go with the less expensive options. Keep in mind that some of these suggestions are somewhat generic. Cory from Par2Pro does not necessarily stand behind some because he customizes each specific product to a customer’s needs. Mats The one thing Cory stressed is that mats are crucial. Hitting mats are very costly to manufacture because they are so heavy that shipping costs can quickly add up. There are some budget options available, like this one from Cimarron. 2 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

3. A quality turf mat will cost you a minimum of $300-$500 like this one. They can get as expensive as $800 if you want the best in performance and durability. My two favorite premium options are the SIGPRO Golf Mat (which I now use) and TrueStrike.skytrak launch monitorAfter having my home simulator setup for years, I can tell you that it’s worth investing in a premium mat. It will make the experience more enjoyable, will help prevent injury, and last longer. The reason I like the SIGPRO mat so much is it has a removable insert that is very forgiving and can be replaced (the turf is also very comfortable to stand on) You can also check out my guide to golf mats to find out some more options. Projector Projectors can be very tricky for many reasons. Each room will have its own needs based on light, size, and the resolution that the simulator software requires. launch monitor Not all projectors out there will appropriate for a home golf simulator. There are far less expensive projectors out there for as little as $100 that might entice you, but you will likely have many usabilities, quality, and longevity issues. You get what you pay for! Optoma is a brand that typically suits the needs of many home simulators. Their EH412ST model comes highly recommended. 3 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

4. Nets and Impact Screens To prevent doing any damage to your walls, you will need a net or impact screen. If you are using a projector, then you will need an impact screen. The price can vary between $250 to well over $1000, depending on the quality and design. Here is an excellent option if you are on a budget. outdoor golf simulator Depending on the room you are using, you should consider putting netting around the impact screen’s perimeter for any errant shots. 4 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

5. Another option is to use a net without a projector and run the simulator on a computer screen. You can even have it connected to a TV off to the side. This pop-up net from Spornia is a good option for the entry-level. best golf simulator If you want a more premium solution, then check out The Net Return. They are by far the best net, in my opinion.I’ve hit tens of thousands of shots into my Mini Pro Series over several years, and there is no noticeable wear. This is what my original SkyTrak setup looks like my Mini Pro Series Net (I have since upgraded to a TV and a better mat) My guide to golf nets explores a few other options as well. 5 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

6. Simulator This is the most crucial piece of the puzzle for your home golf simulator. The actual sensor system you choose will have an enormous impact on your experience. There are endless variables, and it can be confusing. Your decision depends on the kind of golfer you are, your budget, the size of your room, how important accuracy is to you, and a host of other factors. I will cover some basics when we get into different budget levels. Each system has its pros and cons, and there is no such thing as a perfect solution for everyone. Anyone who is a regular reader of Practical Golf knows that I have been a happy garmin r10 in stock SkyTrak user for years (here is my full review). I use it to practice, play simulated courses, and, more importantly, do testing for the site. I’ll go over more options later in this article. However, I still believe it’s the best overall option for most golfers when you combine its price, accuracy, and simulation software integrations. 6 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

7. Computer Almost every single simulator package is going to require a PC to run its software. Hardware is an added cost that many golfers will not consider. However, you may already have a laptop, tablet, or desktop option capable of running the software. Before you purchase any home simulator system, make sure you check the recommended system specs from the software you intend to use. If you want to take a deeper dive on this topic, check out our guide to computers for home golf simulators. Many of the major providers have recently added 4K graphics, and you’ll likely need a robust processor and graphics card. Purchasing a gaming computer is usually a smart decision. You want to make sure the computer will perform for future updates as well. I’ve played on simulators where the computer couldn’t keep up with the software, and you’ll experience delays and apps crashing. It’s not fun! For example, when I first purchased an iPad for my skytrak simulator four years ago (one of the few iOS integrations), it handled the software with no problem. But as updates became available, they required stronger processing power, so eventually, I needed to buy a more recent model because the app was too slow. Additionally, it’s also worth thinking about whether or not you want to have a dedicated computer. It can be annoying to bring a laptop in and out continually. Depending on your situation and the simulator you choose, you might need to figure an extra $500 – $2000 for this cost. This simulator computer bundle costs under $1800 and will give you a gaming laptop, an AV cart, and a wireless display adapter, which will allow you to stream HD 1080p to your projector without the need for more wires. 7 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

8. Space Required The amount of space you have in your home for a golf simulator is also another critical factor to consider. Cory stressed that you want to have enough space to swing a club comfortably. Many times he has seen clients squeeze simulators into small spaces. They may have seemed appropriate before installation, but the golfers found it very difficult to swing freely once the screen and net were set up. Here is a diagram detailing recommended dimensions from one of the more popular setups: There are three separate components here, and each of them is equally important – ceiling height, room width, and finally, depth. Ceiling Height A ceiling height of 10 feet is a “safe” distance that can accommodate most golfers’ height and swing type. Cory mentioned that he could build a simulator in a room with a ceiling of 8′2″. However, the couple was shorter than average and had very flat swings. It may be possible for you to swing clubs freely in a ceiling lower than 10 feet, golf launch monitor reviews depending on your height and how flat or vertical your swing is. 8 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

9. Don’t forget to consider other golfers who might be using the space if you plan on having friends or family members use it also. Room Width When thinking about the width of the room, there are two things to consider: Will the room only be for a right-handed golfer, or will lefties be playing as well? Sh*nks happen, do you have enough space to protect your walls? If you are going to have left and right-handed golfers, then 15 feet could be appropriate.launch monitor golf Some people have made it work in rooms that are 9 feet wide, but you might need two sensors or move them back and forth when switching players. Room Depth In Cory’s opinion, the minimum depth of the room you will need is about 15 feet. This includes 1 foot from the wall to the screen, 8 feet from the screen to the tee, and finally 6 feet of safe distance behind the golfer. However, if you are using a radar-based system like Trackman, you might require as much as 25 feet. Photometric systems like Skytrak, Uneekor, and Foresightmeasure from the ball’s side, and room depth is not as important. However, radar-based products like Trackman and FlightScope measure from 9 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

10. behind the golfer, and it needs to track the ball for a minimum of two revolutions to get an accurate reading. Overall, Cory recommends laying the room beforehand carefully and taking measurements. Swing all of your clubs in the space, but keep in mind that things might appear smaller once everything is set up due to stance, mats, ceiling, and wall protection. Another thing to consider is that any home golf simulators can function as a multi-purpose room. Many people will also use it as a home theater, a playroom for children, and even a place to serve Thanksgiving dinner (true story). Budget/DIY Setup – Under $1000 This is the level that I was most interested in. I know most of you reading this will not be able to invest $10,000 – $70,000 in a home golf simulator. If you are on a tight budget but want a full simulation experience, you can do it for under $1,000. But there will be some tradeoffs. At this price point, you are most likely looking at an skytrak OptiShot 2 simulator. It’s currently around $300, and this is entry-level. You can have plenty of fun with a product like this, but be aware that the accuracy is limited. Optishot only measures the speed, path, and face angle of your club. From there, it calculates where your ball is going but is not directly measuring the actual golf ball after impact. So you might not make great contact, but OptiShot would simulate a shot that was struck almost perfectly. It is essential to understand that the info provided could be misleading on individual shots, which could frustrate players. 10 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

11. The benefit of using a system like OptiShot is that you don’t need to use an actual golf ball. You can use a foam ball or a plastic one. This will allow you to save a ton of money because you don’t need to use a high impact projector screen or net. Cory has seen some people use a painter’s tarp or a bedsheet. Recently, I posted this review of Optishot 2 if you want to read more about its features. The popular “Golf In a Box” package for Optishot is available for under $1000. If you want to go with a higher quality mat, projector, and net, then you should take a look at the Silver Entertainment package from Shop Indoor Golf at around $3000. You can avoid the hassle of purchasing everything separately and get a better deal overall. However, if you do want the best experience, I’d suggest investing a little more money. The difference is enormous. Mid Range: $3,500 – $10,000 (Best Value) If you have a bigger budget, you can get a much more accurate simulator and increase all the materials you will use. For most golfers, I believe this is the “sweet spot” between money invested and performance. I’ll go over several popular options that are now available. SkyTrak – My #1 Overall Pick Several years ago, a launch monitor was released called SkyTrak that was geared towards consumers. It was a real game-changer for the home golf simulator market. It offers accuracy on ball data on par (no pun intended) with far more expensive systems. At $2,000, Skytrakgolf simulator for sale is an excellent option for golfers who demand more accuracy. As I mentioned earlier, this is the product I use, and I still believe it’s the best overall option. 11 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

12. Something to note about Skytrak is that it only gives ball data (spin, distance, etc.). It will not provide measurements on your actual swing. SkyTrak has many software integrations with companies like E6 Golf, World Golf Tour, Creative Golf, and The Golf Club. These will allow you to play thousands of different golf courses, and SkyTrak also has a tremendous native software package for practice. You should note that many of the software plans come with yearly fees, so that should be factored into your budget. If you have some more money to invest in a unit like SkyTrak, you will want to make sure the rest of the materials you use will last. If you want to purchase everything together, which I recommend, there are plenty of packages available. Here are three popular options for under $10,000: Training Package (Under $3500) SkyTrak SIG10 Package (Most Popular Package) SkyTrak SIG12 Package You can read my full review of SkyTrak here. TruGolf Simulators 12 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

13. Cory from Par2Pro also mentioned you could take a look at the Vista 8 system from TruGolf. This is a very nice integrated package that is just under golf simulator cost $10,000. You’ll get pretty much everything you need – a hitting enclosure, turf, projector, impact screen, and course software. TruGolf provides clubhead data (clubface angle and path) and integration with E6 Connect, one of the best software providers for home golf simulators. FlightScope Mevo Plus In late 2019, FlightScope announced their Mevo Plus launch monitor. At just under $2,000, it is a direct competitor to SkyTrak. Both products have very similar features and simulation options. The packages available are identical to SkyTrak. 13 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

14. That being said, there are some key differences you should understand. The FlightScope Mevo + uses radar technology to track ball flight (SkyTrak uses high-speed cameras). So if you plan on using the Mevo Plus for your home simulator setup, you will need significantly more space (pictured below). 14 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

15. Based on my testing, the SkyTrak is more accurate than the Mevo Plus when used indoors. If you choose between the two products and exclusively use them for a home simulator setup indoors, I would recommend SkyTrak. best projector for golf simulator If you want a more versatile product that can be used outside at the driving range as a launch monitor, then the FlightScope Mevo Plus would make more sense. High End: $10,000 and Beyond When your budget gets beyond $10,000, many more options open up for you regarding the accuracy, software, and quality. I’ll give you a few of my favorite options as well as “dream setups.” Uneekor – the New Contender Uneekor is an exciting new release that has gained popularity in the home golf simulator market. The Korean-based company has two models, the QED and EYEXO. Both launch monitors are mounted to the ceiling and use a mixture of high-speed cameras and infrared technology to capture club and ball data. As I mentioned earlier, I prefer camera-based systems for home simulators because they are generally more accurate. Still, more importantly, they don’t require as much space to see the golf ball. If you are looking to build a permanent fixture in your house and want features above and beyond SkyTrak, you should consider this system. Uneekor does require ceilings that are between 9 – 10.5 feet. What’s impressive about Uneekor is the wide range of data you receive. For example, their higher-end model, the EYEXO, will capture just about everything that happens around impact. Not only will you receive valuable golf ball data such as distance, launch angle, ball speed, and spin rates – but there is quite a bit of club data as well. This video gives a nice overview of its capabilities: 15 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

16. You’ll get to see impact location, face angle, club path, and dynamic loft. But what separates the Uneekor EYEXO is that it also shows slow-motion videos of your club at impact, skytrak sig10 golf simulator and you can also add additional cameras to capture different swing angles. 16 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

17. Here is a view of the enhanced visuals you’ll receive from Uneekor For some, that amount of information might be an overload, which is why the lower-priced QED bar might make sense ($6,000). You can see a comparison between the two models here. Overall, the QED has many great features, but if you want more data and accuracy, the EYEXO might be a better option. Here are several packages available for each model that will include everything you need: Uneekor QED SIG10 Package ($11,499) Uneekor EYEXO SIG10 Pacakage ($15,499) Uneekor also has powerful software options that test your abilities on a virtual driving range as well as a full simulation on golf courses. They will add between $1,000 to $2,000 to your purchase. Also, Uneekor integrates with popular 3rd-party providers such as TruGolf E6 and The Golf Club. If your budget is between $10,000 – $20,000, Uneekor is probably your best option for a permanent simulator build. The combination of features, accuracy, and software is hard to beat at this price level. Alternatively, TruGolf Simulators are another great choice at this budget level for those who want an integrated system that you can easily build. skytrak golf simulator review Foresight Sports GCQuad – Best Overall Premium Option If you want to take things a step further, have a budget of around $20,000, and beyond, then I believe Foresight Sports is your best option. I have spent a lot of time on their launch monitors over the past six years, and in my opinion, they are the best in the industry. Full disclosure, I am looking at upgrading from my SkyTrak to a GCQuad within the next year. 17 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

18. The Foresight GCQuad is a camera-based launch monitor that is the top pick of teaching pros, clubfitters, and professional golfers. It delivers every piece of data you’ll ever want about your golf swing and is incredibly versatile. best indoor golf simulator You can use it at the range with or without a smartphone or tablet (the battery lasts 6-8 hours). More importantly, its accuracy and FSX software for home golf simulation is top-notch. 18 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

19. I believe the GCQuad is the top choice for golfers who want the best of everything when it comes to accuracy and software and wants a versatile launch monitor that is portable and used in multiple scenarios outside of their home. You can create a permanent build and have the option to bring it elsewhere, which is a big difference compared to other premium options like Uneekor, TruGolf, and Full Swing Golf. However, be prepared to pay for it! The GCQuad starts at $11,000. Adding the FSX Software is another $3,000, and if you want full clubhead measurement, that adds $4,000. That’s all before purchasing everything else you need to create a home simulator. Here are some popular packages and their costs: Foresight GCQuad SIG10 Package ($19,999) Foresight GCQuad SIG12 Package ($20,399) Thoughts on Trackman Over the past decade, Trackman has established itself as one of the premier brand names in all of golf. Their radar-based launch monitor is another top choice for home simulator setups. 19 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

20. Trackman’s Virtual Golf 2 software delivers one of the best simulator experiences money can buy. However, Trackman does have limitations that golfers should be aware of. Because Trackman uses radar to track the golf ball, it does require significant space. As you can see in the image below, Trackman recommends up to 9 feet behind the ball and 15 feet in front of the golfer for a total of 24 feet. For many golfers, this is a deal-breaker. The overall suggested room size is 15 x 25 feet, which is massive! I have used Trackman indoors quite a bit, and I can tell you from personal experience that accuracy will suffer if you have less space. Specifically, I’ve noticed that my spin rates can be off by as much as 1,000 – 2,000 RPMs, which will affect your simulated ball trajectory and distance numbers. Trackman’s latest model costs just shy of $20,000. When you add software costs, you can expect to spend upwards of $30,000 to $50,000 (and beyond) on a full simulator system. 20 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

21. Trackman can also be used outside of your simulator setup and the range in the same way as the Foresight GCQuad. But in my opinion, based on my experience with both products and speaking with multiple experts in the industry, I believe the GCQuad is a better choice between the two if your primary use is for simulation. golf simulator priceDon’t get me wrong – Trackman is an excellent product, but if you don’t have the maximum space requirements, you will have spent a lot of money on a product that will not give you the best accuracy when used indoors. The Ultimate Simulator Builds – HD Golf & Full Swing Golf Would you like to have the same home golf simulator setup as Tiger Woods or other top PGA Tour players? Who wouldn’t? If you have a massive budget, a huge space, and want someone to come to your home and build you the best simulator setup money can buy, then you can check out HD Golf or Full Swing Golf. The HD Golf Ultimate Training Packagehas it all. For the price tag of $56,400, you’ll get everything you can imagine. A team will show up at your house and build a simulator that will make your buddies drool. 21 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

22. You’ll have multiple cameras recording your swing and ball flight. A pressure mat to track your weight transfer and balance. The best turf, projector, impact screen, and software that money can buy. The other top option in the “ultra-premium” category is Full Swing Golf. This is for the golfer who wants to spare no expense and doesn’t want to lift a finger when having it built out. Their systems start at around $40,000 to $55,000, but you can expect to spend much more. Want to play in style like Tiger? Interestingly, Full Swing Golf recently announced a lower-priced launch monitor. The Full Swing Kit has an impressive list of features (built to Tiger’s specs)and simulator capabilities for $3,999. You can reserve access for the Summer 2021 release here. Which Home Golf Simulator Is Right for You? If you have made it to the end of this article, then your head might be spinning. If you are in the market for a home golf simulator, there are options at every price level, and hopefully, you understand what 22 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

23. you will get for your money now. A great resource to purchase items and have your questions answered is Shop Indoor Golf. I have watched the market evolve over the past five years, and the technology keeps improving. There will be more options in the coming years that will service buyers at every price point. It’s an exciting time to be a golfer who wants to keep playing in the comfort of their own home. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me here. Also, I will continue to update this guide as things evolve. ===================================================================================== Best Golf Simulators: Our Top Picks For 2022 + Complete Buying Guide For our 2022 picks, we considered 9 golf simulators from 5 manufacturers, and once again Foresight’s GCQuad came out on top. Find out why we picked the GCQuad as the best golf simulator this year, and check out 3 other recommended simulators below, with options to fit all budgets. Which golf simulator is right for you? A quick summary 23 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

24. Before diving into the detail, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: Your choice of golf simulator is going to be driven in a big way by your budget. And at the more affordable end of the scale (i.e. well under $1K for everything you need), there’s really only one choice: the OptiShot 2. It’s a solid simulator, if lacking in some of the pro level feedback you’ll get from the higher end golf simulators. I really wouldn’t recommend going any cheaper. While there are a few options available, I’d call them “golf games” rather than actual simulators. Sure they’ll simulate ball flight on a screen to some degree, but accuracy is not going to be there, and you’ll be getting false feedback. Which is not going to help your game. So at the budget end, it’s OptiShot 2 all the way. And I’d recommend going for the “golf in a box” package ($799 here) which includes a hitting net and mat designed specifically for the OptiShot sensor. We should point out that Flightscope’s Mevo is a comparably priced (and better) launch monitor. But for a full simulator Mevo setup, you’re going to be looking at $3-4K, which puts it into competition with the Skytrak (below). 24 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

25. In the mid range, we’ve got the ever popular SkyTrak system. This is going to set you back anywhere from $2K for just the launch monitor, to mid 4 figures for a full setup including hitting cage, mat, projector etc. It’s expensive, sure, but SkyTrak is close to pro (and in fact “pro enough” for 99% of golfers), and is coming in at least 50% cheaper than the high end sims (which I’ll get to in a moment). Which is why, I’d recommend SkyTrak to most golfers who have a reasonable budget and are looking for a true “at home” golfing experience. So how about if $ aren’t a concern? Well, you have two options at the “premium end”. First up, we have the TruGolf Vista range of golf simulators. There are several models, with prices ranging from just under $10K (TruGolf Vista 8), right up to $17K (TruGolf Vista 12). But whichever TruGolf sim you choose, these things are packed with data, insanely accurate, and the visuals are quite simply, stunning. It’s as close to simulating real golf as you’ll get. 25 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

26. And then, right at the top of the golf simulator tree we have Foresight’s GCQuad simulators. These are the sims you’ll see the top online golf instructors like Rick Shiels using in their videos. They’re the best golf simulators on the market, but the GCQuad launch monitor alone is $14K (with sim software), and for a full simulator setup you’ll be looking at around $20-$25K. So that’s your options. For many golfers, the OptiShot is going to be more than sufficient, and for those looking for more accurate feedback, SkyTrak is going to do the trick. But if you have cash to splash and want a true indoor golf experience, then it’s a toss up between TruGolf and GCQuad, with GCQuad for us just shading it as the best golf simulator in 2022. What about TrackMan? 26 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

27. While TrackMan continues to be the benchmark against which all other golf simulators are measured, we consider it to be for pro use, rather than a home setup. It’s going to set you back double the price of an all singing, all dancing GCQuad setup, and we feel that any gain in accuracy over the GCQuad is minimal enough to be a non-issue. Now let’s look at each of the simulators in a bit more detail. OptiShot 2 best golf simulator under $1,000 If you’re looking for an affordable golf simulator that will give you some valuable feedback on your swing, and just let you “play” golf at home, then the OptiShot 2 should be your choice. 27 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

28. It’s the world’s best selling affordable golf simulator, and it’s easy to see why. Their “golf in a box” package gives you everything you need to get started for under $800, which is ridiculously cheap when compared with the higher end golf sims. You’ll get 15, 3D rendered courses pre-loaded onto the OptiShot, with the option to add another 45 with a subscription. The courses have slightly different names to the ones they emulate (we assume for budget/licensing reasons), but it’s easy to figure out what’s what, and the emulations are pretty faithful. Bottom line: you’ll be playing PGA tour courses on your OptiShot 2. The OptiShot 2 tracks your club using sixteen precisely-tuned, high-speed 48MHz infrared sensors. And I say “your club” for a reason, as the OptiShot isn’t actually tracking your ball, it’s tracking the path of your clubface. Which means you can hit real golf balls, foam balls, or even no ball at all. Of course, while this is an advantage to some degree (you don’t even necessarily need a hitting net), the fact that the OptiShot is not actually tracking your ball means the stats should be taken with a healthy grain of salt. There’s no substitute for hitting real balls and observing true ball flight. And in terms of the stats, you’ll get club speed, club path, face angle, tempo, distance, and estimated contact location on the clubface. Club path is particularly useful if you’re looking to groove a more in to out swing/fix over the top. In summary The OptiShot is not a pro level golf simulator. But you’ll get some useful stats and can play a simulated round of golf at home for a wallet friendly price. Which is why the OptiShot 2 is our pick for the best affordable golf simulator this year. In fact, it’s the only full golf sim we considered in this category (Mevo is a launch monitor). If that’s what you’re after, then no need to read any further. Just go here and buy it. SkyTrak best golf simulator under $5000 Overall, SkyTrak would be our number one recommendation for most golfers who have a reasonable budget and are looking to accurately measure their stats and play golf at home. 28 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

29. Sure, it’s not got all the bells and whistles of the truly high end golf simulators. But it’s a big step up from the OptiShot 2 and is close enough to “pro” as most amateur golfers will need. Price wise, you’re looking at anywhere between $2K (for the SkyTrak system only) up to $7.5K for a full rig with high end hitting net, projector screen et al. But even at the top end, that’s still coming in cheaper than the most “affordable” TruGolf and GCQuad simulators. The main difference between the SkyTrak and the OptiShot 2 is that the SkyTrak is an actual golf launch monitor. It uses high speed cameras to track your ball flight immediately after impact. Which means it can accurately measure speed, spin, trajectory etc, and give you stats that are much more precise than the clubface tracking of the OptiShot. For each shot you’ll get: Ball Speed Launch Angle Back Spin Side Spin Side Angle Carry/Total Distance Distance Offline Roll Distance Flightpath Clubhead Speed 29 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

30. Angle of Descent Head to head studies have shown that SkyTrak’s stats are 98% as accurate as Trackman, which for many years has been considered to be the gold standard of golf simulator/launch monitor accuracy. And as a Trackman system will set you back somewhere between $25K and $50K, a 2% difference in accuracy seems more than acceptable. Game play on the SkyTrak is great, and unlike OptiShot you’ll get properly named PGA Tour courses. Playing “closest to the pin” at Pebble Beach is a great way to while away the hours, and teeing it up in front of the R&A headquarters at St. Andrews will give any golfer the chills —even if it’s only in pixel form. SkyTrak purchase options As mentioned above, the cost of a SkyTrak sim setup is going to vary depending on which accessories and add-ons you go for. But whichever option you choose you’re still going to be coming in a lot cheaper than the high end sims (TruGolf and Foresight) in this guide. We’ve included the 3 most popular options below, but if you want a really basic setup you can grab a SkyTrak with a Net Return Pro net and a hitting mat for just over $3.5K here. SkyTrak Bronze Golf Simulator Package ($5,399) This is coming in just over $5K ($5,399 at the time of publishing), but we think it’s worth forking out the extra to get yourself a SkyTrak setup with a projector and screen. With the training package (the $3.5K option we mentioned above) you can view the results of your shot on your iPad or laptop, but we much prefer the instant feedback of viewing your shot on the screen. It just feels more like real golf. With that being said, you could of course opt for the training package and purchase a screen and projector separately. But you’re not going to save much (if anything) and possibly giving yourself compatibility headaches. 30 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

31. For each shot you’ll get: Ball Speed Launch Angle Back Spin Side Spin Side Angle Carry/Total Distance Distance Offline Roll Distance Flightpath Clubhead Speed 31 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

32. Head to head studies have shown that SkyTrak’s stats are 98% as accurate as Trackman, which for many years has been considered to be the gold standard of golf simulator/launch monitor accuracy. And as a Trackman system will set you back somewhere between $25K and $50K, a 2% difference in accuracy seems more than acceptable. Game play on the SkyTrak is great, and unlike OptiShot you’ll get properly named PGA Tour courses. Playing “closest to the pin” at Pebble Beach is a great way to while away the hours, and teeing it up in front of the R&A headquarters at St. Andrews will give any golfer the chills —even if it’s only in pixel form. SkyTrak purchase options As mentioned above, the cost of a SkyTrak sim setup is going to vary depending on which accessories and add-ons you go for. But whichever option you choose you’re still going to be coming in a lot cheaper than the high end sims (TruGolf and Foresight) in this guide. We’ve included the 3 most popular options below, but if you want a really basic setup you can grab a SkyTrak with a Net Return Pro net and a hitting mat for just over $3.5K here. SkyTrak Bronze Golf Simulator Package ($5,399) This is coming in just over $5K ($5,399 at the time of publishing), but we think it’s worth forking out the extra to get yourself a SkyTrak setup with a projector and screen. With the training package (the $3.5K option we mentioned above) you can view the results of your shot on your iPad or laptop, but we much prefer the instant feedback of viewing your shot on the screen. It just feels more like real golf. With that being said, you could of course opt for the training package and purchase a screen and projector separately. But you’re not going to save much (if anything) and possibly giving yourself compatibility headaches. So here’s what you get with the Bronze SkyTrak package: SkyTrak Launch Monitor SkyTrak Play & Improve Software SkyTrak Metal Protective Case Net Return Home or Pro Series V2 Net & Frame Side Barriers & Golf Simulator Screen 1080p HD Short Throw Golf Simulator Projector Projector Shield (projector floor mount enclosure) 32 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

33. Net Return 6′ x 10′ Pro Turf Mat 15′ HDMI Cable & Lightning to HDMI Adapter Two Rubber Tee’s –1.75″ and 2.25″ It’s a decent little setup at an attractive price. It’s a decent little setup at an attractive price. Check it out here. SkyTrak SIG10 Golf Simulator Package ($7,999) 33 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

34. This is the most popular SkyTrak package, and currently comes in at just under $8K, with financing available from just $369.13 a month. The SIG10 package includes a full on, immersive golf sim enclosure, with a 10’ wide screen. Note that you’ll need a ceiling height of at least 9’ to accommodate it. And you’ll also be able to choose your hitting mat from a range of options. Here’s what’s included: SkyTrak Golf Launch Monitor Metal Protective Case Play & Improve Software SIG10 Golf Simulator Enclosure Side Barrier Netting Landing Pad Turf Choice of Golf Hitting Mat Golf Simulator Projector Ceiling Mount 15′ HDMI Cable and HDMI to Lightning Cable Micro-USB Charging Cable for SkyTrak SkyTrak User Manual & Quick Start Guide Check out the SIG10 SkyTrak package here. In summary Overall, SkyTrak is our top recommendation this year. It hits the right balance between affordability (relatively speaking) and pro level shot tracking. The competition here is a Flightscope Mevo sim setup, and we feel that overall, SkyTrak has the edge in accuracy, stats, and consistency. TruGolf Vista best graphics 34 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

35. Now we’re getting to the “big beasts” of the golf simulator world. Our first pick, TruGolf’s Vista sim, is going to set you back anywhere between $10K and $20K depending on the package you choose. There’s a step up in accuracy from the SkyTrak. And really here, you’re looking at Trackman levels of precision with regards to launch conditions. Not only are the cameras that little bit faster and sharper for capturing ball flight, TruGolf have invested a ton of time (and we assume money) researching the physics of golf impact, to get as close as you can to simulating how a real golf ball will fly based on that first foot or so of launch. If you hit it 5 yards offline in real life, you’ll hit it 5 yards offline on a TruGolf simulator. If you hit it 30 yards offline in real life… well you know what I’m going to say. But as much as the stat tracking is a level up, what really impresses us is the way the courses look. Quite simply they are stunning. And while SkyTrak has nice looking golf courses, there’s no doubt they have that digital look. You know you’re playing a game. TruGolf’s courses look about as real as you can get with modern tech. To put the difference in simple terms, it’s like comparing a PS5 (TruGolf) with a PS2 (SkyTrak). The speed of feedback is also impressive. As soon as you hit the ball you’ll be able to see your stats and ball flight on the screen. There’s literally no delay. In summary 35 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

36. Highly accurate launch and impact statistics, instant feedback, and stunning graphics (at up to 4K) make the TruGolf Vista a truly pro level golf simulator. Foresight GCQuad best all round golf simulator in 2022 Our final golf simulator, and the one we’d say is truly the “best” golf simulator this year, is the Foresight GCQuad. I’m not going to go big into features (we’ve got a full GCQuad review here). Suffice to say the GCQuad is insanely accurate. It’s trusted by PGA pros like Rickie Fowler and Francesco Molinari. You’ll see Martin Hall using it on the golf channel. You’ll see YouTube golf gurus using it to test clubs in their videos. If every mm and fraction of an angle matters. If you need an exact RPM for spin. If you need to know your distances to the yard for every club, then Foresight’s GCQuad golf simulator is what you need. What will it set you back? Anywhere between $14K (for the launch monitor and sim software) to $26K for a premium setup with all add-ons. If you really want the best golf simulator on the market (yes, again, we’re giving GCQuad the edge on SkyTrak), then that’s what it’s going to cost. Check out Foresight GCQuad packages here. 36 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

37. Golf Simulator FAQs answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about golf simulators What’s the difference between a golf simulator and a launch monitor? A launch monitor is part of a golf simulator setup and is the “brains” that measures what’s happening at impact, and how the golf ball will fly. These measurements (which include statistics such as club path, clubhead speed, spin, trajectory, distance) can be read in isolation on a stand alone launch monitor, or used to simulate ball flight on a screen as part of a simulator setup. What equipment do you need for a home golf simulator setup? For a basic home golf simulator setup you’ll need a launch monitor, a hitting mat, a hitting net, and a connected device (iPad, laptop, phone) for viewing the simulated ball flight. However to get the most out of your home golf simulator setup, it’s recommended to also purchase a projector and screen, rather than viewing ball flight on a small device. How much does a golf simulator cost? Golf simulator costs range from under $1,000 for a full setup at the lower end (OptiShot package) to over $20K for premium simulator setups such as TruGolf and GCQuad. Check out our full golf simulator cost guide here. What height of room is needed for a golf simulator? The minimum recommended room height for a golf simulator will vary depending on the exact setup, however, a good rule of thumb is that a simulator setup will require a room height of at least 8.5 feet. How much space is required for a golf simulator? The exact space required for a golf simulator will depend on the setup, however, most golf simulators will require a minimum space of 10’W x 10’L x 8.5’H. How accurate are golf simulators? The accuracy of a golf simulator will correlate roughly with the cost. A high end golf simulator such as GCQuad can simulate ball flight with an accuracy of around 95%. Ready to choose your new golf simulator? 37 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors

38. As I said at the start, a lot of what drives your choice here is going to be budget. If you’re just looking for some basic stats, and to play golf at home, then the OptiShot 2 will get you going. The SkyTrak systemtakes things up a level. And then at the top end you’re choosing between TruGolf and Foresight GCQuad. There are several other golf simulators on the market, but we wouldn’t look beyond these 4 when making your decision. Hopefully we’ve covered what you need to know. But if you have any questions, then just drop a comment below and we’ll get back to you asap. Looking for more ideas for practicing golf at home? Check out our guide to the best home golf drills here or our guide to this year’s best indoor putting greens. 38 Let’s make your golf shopping experience super cool @ Best Indoor Golf Simulator & Launch Monitors