Golf simulator for home allow you to practice and play a virtual round of golf on courses 24/7, in the comfort of your home, regardless of what the weather is doing outside. If you watch The Golf Channel or ESPN, it’s quite likely you’ve caught a glimpse of a PGA Tour Professional practicing at home on their indoor golf simulator. How much Golf simulator for home cost? Or how to do Golf simulator for home DIY?

What are the types of Golf Simulators?

There are three main types of golf simulators, each with there own pro’s and con’s. 

Photometric – photometric-based golf simulators, such as the SkyTrak and Foresight Sports GC2, are camera based systems that take high speed images of the ball immediately after impact. The images that are taken are then analyzed to obtain the measurements needed to render shot shape and distance. This type of golf simulator can be used both indoors and outdoors, providing added flexibility. One drawback is that these systems typically do not capture club data such as angle of attack, smash factor, etc. Data captured includes: speed, back spin, side spin, distance off center, and more.

Ball Speed

Measurement of golf ball’s velocity after impact. It is the main component in creating distance.  

Total Spin

Total spin is the amount of spin created around the tilt axis. Spin will determine the shape and lift of the shot.

Distance Off Center

The initial angle relative to the target line. Combined with side spin, determines the final position range relative to target.

Infrared – Infrared (IR) golf simulators, such as the Optishot, emit a light signal to capture the position of the clubhead through the swing.

Since they capture clubhead information to render shot results, it is not required to use a real ball. In our experience, these types of systems are not as reliable tracking as a Photometric or Radar based system. 

Radar (Doppler) – This type of golf simulator, such as the Voice Caddie SC300, uses doppler radar technology for tracking.

Doppler radar is also used by other industries to track objects, most famously aircraft and weather systems.

In a radar based simulator, a microwave signal is emitted from the unit and bounces back from the golf ball after impact.

Because it needs to be able to see it travel in flight post-impact, these types of simulators operate best outdoors. They can be used indoors as well, but results for tracking are always better outdoors.

What is the minimum Golf Simulator Space measurement?

One of the most common questions we receive from customers early on in the buying process is “how much space do I need”. Space requirements can vary from customer to customer based on their height & swing, as well as equipment used (screen, mat, projector, etc).

While there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, it is our experience that a typical simulator setup is able to fit into most spaces.  You will need a space with minimum dimensions of: 

• 12′ Width
• 12′ Length
• 9′ Height  

Golf simulator for home cost & DIY

This is the level that I was most interested in. I know most of you reading this are not going to be able to invest $10,000 – $70,000 in a home golf simulator.

Budget range

If you are on a tight budget but want a full simulation experience, you can do it for well under $5,000.

the mat and projector you use can significantly vary in quality. If you you to  you can purchase this mat for $70 (you will need to cut out a space for OptiShot in it), and get a projector as low as $65. Be aware that the durability and quality will be greatly sacrificed here.

Optishot – $300, Mat – $70, Projector – $65 = $435

Technically you could get yourself into a basic home golf simulator for around $500 (if you have a computer that can run the OptiShot software already). Be aware that accessory costs like projector mounts and cable could add about $50- $200 more to your cost.

Mid Range – Under $10,000

If you have a bigger budget then you can get a much more accurate simulator, and increase the quality of all the materials you will use.

If you have some more money to invest in a unit like SkyTrak, then you will want to make sure the rest of the materials you use are going to last. Here is a potential package you can use:

Mat – $350, Projector – $500, Impact Screen – $350, Skytrak – $2000, Software – $100-$200/yr =  $3400 (you also might require a computer or tablet to run the Skytrak software)

High End – $10,000 and beyond

When your budget gets beyond $10,000 a lot more options open up for you regarding accuracy, software, and the quality of your setup.

You can now purchase launch monitors from Foresight, Trackman, and Flightscope. Additionally, there are more premium packages from high-end home golf simulator companies like Full Swing Golf, SwingTrack and TRU GOLF. At these levels, you can expect to get much more accuracy concerning ball flight as well as your swing information. Additionally, the simulation software becomes much more robust.

What is the best Golf simulator for home?

1. SkyTrak Bronze Package – Best Cheap Golf Simulator for Under $5000

When we say “cheap” golf simulator, it is important to note that we are not referring to the quality of the simulator, rather we are referring to the simulator’s cost and how it is relatively affordable compared to other golf simulators.

At a price of $4799, the SkyTrak Bronze Package is a fun and affordable option for budget conscious golfers, and is our choice as the Best Affordable Golf Simulator For Under $5000.

This bundle comes with the SkyTrak launch monitor, a golf mat, a net, side barriers, projection screen, HD projector, Projector Shield enclosure, and all required cabling.

With so many features for under $5000, the SkyTrak Bronze Package is a great value, and our recommendation for Best Golf Simulator For The Money.

The software (one of the main features) is also included with purchase, and provides access to various game improvement modules such as bag mapping and wedge matrix, along with a virtual driving range and multiplayer closest to the pin and long drive challenges. 

2. SkyTrak SIG10 Golf Simulator – Best Indoor Golf Simulator for Home

This complete bundle is built around the highly reviewed SkyTrak Launch Monitor – voted Best Value Golf Simulator by Golf Digest three years running for its performance and accuracy.

The SkyTrak SIG10 Package is our most popular golf simulator package, delivering an accurate and realistic experience, and our selection for best indoor golf simulator for home use.

SkyTrak is a photometric based tracking system that captures ball data including: carry distance, total distance, backspin, side spin, distance off center, launch angle, and more.

In addition to the Skytrak, a metal protective case, and simulation software (allows you to play 12 famous golf courses), a 10’W golf simulator enclosure with impact screen & floor projector mount are included.

Starting at $7499.99, you simply will not find another golf simulator bundle at this price point that features everyitem you need as the SkyTrak SIG10 Simulator, which is why it is our choice as the Best Indoor Golf Simulator for home.

Your choice of upgraded mat and Optoma HD 1080p projector (with HDMI cable) round out the SkyTrak SIG10 Package.

3. SkyTrak Flex Space Package – Best Home Golf Simulator for a Flex Space

Priced at $5789.99, you will be hard pressed to find another setup that is designed specifically for flex spaces as the SkyTrak Flex Space Package, which is why it is our choice as the Best Home Golf Simulator for home flex room.

The SkyTrak Flex Space Package is ideal for those that will be using their unit in a shared room, and our selection for best home golf simulator for a flex room.

Whether your area is the garage, basement, or a media room you share with the family, this setup is perfect for those that need their room restored after each use. Everything in the SkyTrak Flex Space bundle is lightweight and portable, and can be setup or put away in minutes.

The bundle is built around the best launch monitor on the market, the SkyTrak Golf Launch Monitor – and also includes the metal protective case, and software.

What truly makes this ideal for a Flex Space is the HomeCourse Retractable screen. This screen mounts to the ceiling, extends down and out while in use, and with the push of a button the screen retracts returning your space back to its original form.

Also included is a 6′ x 10′ golf mat that can be rolled up and stored when not in use, an HD 1080P projector, and the ProjectorShield Projector Enclosure.

4. SkyTrak Training Package – Best Outdoor Golf Simulator

When looking for an outdoor golf simulator, you will want to explore options that are portable and can be setup and taken down easily and quickly.

The SkyTrak Training Package is a solid option. It offers one of our more portable options, and our selection for best outdoor golf simulator for sale.

The SkyTrak Training bundle includes the SkyTrak Launch Monitor, metal protective case, and the game improvement software.

For the golf net you have the choice between the Net Return Pro or Home Series Net. Side barriers are also included, letting you swing your golf club freely without fear of mis-hits.

Also included in the SkyTrak Training setup is the large mat from The Net Return. This golf mat is very portable, and one of the key features is that can be rolled up similar to a rug for storage. 

An optional item you may want to consider is this iPad stand to hold your iPad for tracking your stats while you use the simulator.

Starting at $3299.99, the SkyTrak Training bundle is one of the best portable simulators under $5000, and our top pick for best outdoor golf simulator.

5. Best Commercial Golf Simulator –Trugolf Vista 10

The Trugolf Vista 10 is our leading option for businesses, and our selection for best commercial golf simulator for sale.

This high end commercial grade simulator offers lots of features including stunning HD graphics, Trugolf’s proprietary TruTrack2 tracking system (calculates club data including launch angle), and the E6 connect simulation software.

PGA Tour Pros, teaching professionals and golf shops around the country love the recently added skills challenge feature to track performance and also use Trugolf simulators for club fitting and bag mapping. 

E6 Connect’s extensive golf course library (27 courses on basic plan), and Trugolf’s multiplayer capabilities – including peer to peer gaming, also makes this a top option with Commercial Indoor Golfing Centers and residential golfers. 

Priced at $15995, the Trugolf Vista 10 delivers a realistic experience that has plenty of options which work great for commercial applications, and is our choice as the Best Commercial Golf Simulator.

Upgrade to the Vista 10 Pro version and receive everything in the Vista 10 PLUS an upgraded computer, audio speaker, and side nets and walls for a more premium golf experience.

6. Best Expensive Golf Simulator – HD Golf Simulator

Our HD Golf Simulator is the ultimate entertainment package, and with a cost of $69,035 is easily the most expensive golf simulator we offer.

This top of the line offering is jam packed with features to deliver the perfect mix of entertainment and accuracy, and includes HD Golf’s Multi-Sport software package.

Multi-Sport includes access to 11 sports (baseball, football, soccer, etc) and supports multiplayer functionality.

Golf simulation is equally as impressive. HD Golf combines high resolution images with geophysical and satellite data to create a high definition, 3D photo realistic reproduction that is so crystal clear, you’ll think you’re at the golf course. 

Golf course play supports simultaneous multiplayer.

Other premium golf simulator

Golfzon’s Vision Premium

At the premium price level is Golfzon’s Vision Premium. The system’s sensors capture your swing, impact and spin, not only displaying your ball flight but recording key data points, which are stored via the cloud on various electronic devices. While most simulators have a stationary, one-surface mat, Vision Premium boasts a moving platform, which provides uphill, sidehill, downhill lies along with three hitting surfaces (fairway, rough, sand). With 190 elegant courses and dozens of practice arcade games, boredom will not be an issue.

Premium: Golfzon Vision Premium, starting at $46,000
More Information

Foresight Sports

Foresight stands tall in the luxury position. The company’s “Sim-in-a-box” product comes with a screen, projector, hitting mat, computer cart and desktop, offering easy assembly. That ease belies the top-of-the-line experience. Foresight users can practice on the range or specific holes, compete with other users around the globe at St. Andrews, Merion and Pebble Beach, and save data from every session to mark their progress.

Luxury: Foresight Sports, starting at $10,150
More Information

Full Swing Golf

Full Swing Golf’s simulator offers 13 other sports, such as baseball, basketball, soccer and hockey. Similar to its golf configuration, you can use your equipment in these games and compete against your previous score. Perfect for golf addicts who need to appease their kids or merely want to diversify their workout routine.

Multisport: Full Swing Golf, starting at $39,900

SkyTrak

In the value section, SkyTrak has established itself as the industry standard. Rather than a permanent display, SkyTrak is a portable simulator, essentially a launch monitor that can be hooked up (wirelessly) to a smart tablet or personal computer. But don’t let the lack of bells and whistles fool you. SkyTrak is also compatible with The Golf Club Game, which offers 150,000 courses—like Bandon Dunes, Erin Hills and Chambers Bay, plus those created by users—and live tournaments for competition with friends or online challengers.

Value: SkyTrak, $1,999, plus $100 per year for software
More Information

Editor’s recommendations

• What is the best golf drivers of all time in 2020?
• 2020 PGA Tour Golf Putting Mat
• Golf simulator comparison chart 2020
• PhiGolf mobile and home smart golf game simulator 2020
• Are golf watches worth it?

The post Golf simulator for home cost, DIY and reviews appeared first on rizacademy.