We all know we’d play better golf if we practiced more, but life just seems to get in the way. Too much work, too many family obligations, or simply bad weather can reduce your practice time. Would it help if you had your own personal home golf simulator?
Do you really need two cars in your two-car garage? How about converting that man-cave into your own private Top Golf?
Could your spare bedroom be turned into a golf simulator for your home?
Sounds crazy, but it can be done. Just imagine the possibilities. Work on your swing any time you want, day or night. Invite your buddies over to play a famous course or see if you can generate that “Bryson DeChambeau” ball speed.
We can help you understand what it’d take to install a home golf simulator. How much space you need, how much it would cost, and what equipment and software you need to purchase.
We have even developed a list of our favorite home golf simulator products below.
What Is A Home Golf Simulator & How Does It Work?
A golf simulator for home leverages sensors to analyze the data when you hit a golf shot. It quickly ingests details about your shot into software that’ll graphically show you how far that shot would have travelled. Data points such as ball speed, spin rate, and launch angle allows the golf simulator to show you the shot you just hit.
Since a home simulator can show you the shot, you can also use one to play a famous golf course. Just imagine trying to hit a drive on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach.
Will you take the aggressive line and try to fly over a piece of the Pacific Ocean? With a home golf simulator, you can do just that. The software you purchase will allow you to play different courses by yourself or with your buddies.
Sounds great, but how can you make this happen in your home?
What Do You Need For A Home Golf Simulator?
First things first - you need the appropriate amount of space for your home golf simulator. You need to have room to hit a golf shot into a net or a projection screen. It’ll depend on the model you choose and your height, but 12 feet long, 15 feet wide and 9 feet high is a good estimate. Larger rooms will always be better for your home golf simulator.
You found the perfect spot, but what equipment do you need? You’ll need to purchase a launch monitor, golf simulation software, a golf mat, and a net or projector/screen. In many cases, you can find packages that include everything for one price.
Finally, you’ll need the budget to buy your new golf simulator. Be prepared, it’ll be an investment. You can spend anywhere from $1,000 to $70,000 on a home golf simulator. Don’t get sticker price shock. This should be a long term investment in your golf game and will provide you with hundreds of hours of entertainment.
10 Best Golf Simulators For Home
Now that we have covered the basics, let's talk about the best home golf simulators on the market.
1. SkyTrak Launch Monitor
SkyTrak is one of the top names on the home golf simulator market. They offer you the accuracy, reliability and authentic simulation of a professional-grade launch monitor in your home. They do offer some packages, but you will need to decide what accessories you would like with your SkyTrak Launch monitor.
Depending on the accessories you choose (protective case, net vs. studio, software, warranty, etc.) you can expect to spend from $15,000 - $20,000 for this home golf simulator.
2. TruGolf Vista 8 Pro
The TruGolf Vista 8 Pro model allows you to order everything you need at once and it comes ready to go. For ~$13,500 you will receive a launch monitor (TruTrack 2), computer, 21’ monitor, premium turf, E6 software with 27 courses, HD projector, side nets, and a 1-year warranty.
This is perfect for the golfer that wants a plug-n-play home golf simulator.
3. ForeSight GCQuad
The GCQuad by Foresite won the 2019 Golf Digest Editor’s Choice award as the best launch monitor available on the market. It quickly provides you with a full spectrum of real-time club and ball data after each swing. You will immediately know your clubhead speed, smash factor, ball speed, spin, carry distance, and angle of attack.
This is only the launch monitor, so you will need to buy additional equipment (net or screen, mat, software, etc.) to build out your golf simulator for home. This is perfect for the golfer that is focused on game improvement more than playing simulated courses with friends and family. The cost for this launch monitor is $10,000.
4. FlightScope Mevo Training Package
Are you interested in a simpler home golf simulator for a lower price? Take a look at the FlightScope Mevo Training Package.
For a little over $3,000 you will receive the Mevo+ Launch Monitor, E6 simulation software, golf net, turf mat, and a couple plastic tees. There is nothing wrong with simple. A great way to get your swing grooved regardless of weather or time of day.
5. Full Swing Pro Series
Are you looking for the best home golf simulator, regardless of the price? Do you want the golf simulator for home that’s used by Tiger Woods in his personal residence? Are you willing to spend $55,000+? If so, take a look at the Full Swing Pro Series.
The Full Swing home golf simulator combines infrared lightwave technology with high-speed cameras to show your real ball flight, with no delay, for the most complete experience. You will receive 84 golf courses to play, a solid wood enclosure, high-speed cameras & infrared tracks, an energy absorbing screen, cinema quality projector, and an industrial grade hitting mat.
6. UNEEKOR EYE XO SWINGBAY
Uneekor offers you a package that you can quickly set up in your home or garage. They provide you with everything you need from the equipment to the HDMI cables. For a little more than $15,000 you will receive the EYE XO Bar, a simulator screen & enclosure, HD projector, high-quality golf mat, ceiling projector mount, and all of the accessories needed to set up your golf simulator at home.
You’ll be able to quickly install and start playing!
7. OPITSHOT 2 Golf In A Box Simulator Package
If you don’t need all of the bells & whistles and simply want to be able to practice inside when the weather is bad, you may want to consider the Opitshot 2 golf in a box package. This is the best home golf simulator for the player on a tight budget.
For less than $1,000 you can quickly set up an area in your home to perfect your swing. This package includes golf simulation software, an infrared optical golf simulator swing pad, a net, a USB cable, and golf tees/practice balls.
8. GC2 Swing Bay Golf Simulator Package
The GC2 Swing Bag home golf simulator package is another great option for under $20,000 that will provide you with everything you need to quickly configure and start playing.
This package includes the launch monitor, golf simulation software, screen & enclosure, hitting mat, HD projector (including ceiling mount), and the necessary cables. Play some of your favorite courses or improve your ball-striking from the comfort of your home or garage.
9. SkyTrak Golf Simulator Flex Space Package
You like the idea of using a proven vendor in the home golf simulator arena, but want to save some money. SkyTrack offers the flex space package for $5,000. You’ll receive your personal launch monitor, game improvement software, a protective case, a retractable screen, a projector, and a pro turf mat.
This package is a great option if you want something that won’t take up as much space in your home, but still want a high-quality product.
10. OptiShot 2 Simulator Series Package
The OptiShot 2 is the cheapest full package option on the market. The main difference between this one and other full packages on our list is that you leverage an infrared swing pad instead of a true launch monitor. You’ll also receive simulation software, projector (including the mount), golf mat, and tees/practice balls. This golf simulator for home will cost you a little less than $4,000.
Invest In Your Game
If you have a spare room or space in your garage, you may want to seriously consider a hole golf simulator. Yes, it’ll be a significant investment in your game, but just think about the hours of practice and fun it can offer your friends and family.
A storm blows in and cancels your afternoon round? Invite your group over to the house to play Pebble Beach. Can’t sleep at 4 am? Walk to your new golf cave and smack some balls to relax.
If you love golf, you’ll be amazed by how often you use your home golf simulator and how it’ll help up your game.
Shop around. Check out our list and other golf content. Find the best home golf simulator for your budget, your game, and your home.
