Depending on where you live and how much free time you have, it can be hard to get out and play rounds of golf. If you're an avid lover of the game, this can be extremely frustrating.
Thankfully, there is a solution: golf simulators! Nowadays, you can purchase a home golf simulator and play a round at your favorite course without ever leaving the house.
Golf simulators let you practice and play virtual golf whenever you want, regardless of how good or bad the weather outside is. Though there's still a major difference between hitting into a screen versus playing outside, the gap is ever-narrowing with better and better technology.
If you're thinking about buying a golf simulator, you'll want to make sure that you consider all your options and get the one best suited for you. This post will cover some of the best golf simulators available for purchase in 2022.
The Best Golf Simulators of 2022
Between the high-tech golf simulators that pro players consistently use and the affordable ones (for under $10,000), you're sure to find a simulator on this list that works for you.
SkyTrak Sig10 Golf Simulator Package
Offered by Shop Indoor Golf, the SkyTrak Sig10 package is the perfect option if you're looking for a simulator that's effective, space-efficient, and affordable.
The package comes with a SkyTrak launch monitor that's commonly touted as being one of the best simulators on the market. Many comparisons show that SkyTrak is almost as accurate as Trackman while costing much less. You'll get accurate data on your ball flight, launch angle, and carry while being able to pair the SkyTrake with your phone.
On top of the actual simulator, you'll also receive a metal protective case for it, the SkyTrak play and improve software, an indoor Sig10 golf simulator enclosure, a golf simulator projector, a golf mat, and everything else you need to set up the simulator in your home.
At less than $10,000, the SkyTrak Sig10 package is one of the best budget golf simulator options on the market. If you're still looking for something more budget-friendly, feel free to check out the SkyTrak Bronze package, the SkyTrak training package, and the SkyTrak Golf Simulator Flex Space Package. These offer various software adjustments and space adjustments that make it easier for you to accomodate a simulator in your home (regardless of where you live).
Uneekor EYE XO Golf Simulator Package
If you're looking for a slightly more premium offering than SkyTrak, one of your best bets is the Eye XO Swingbay golf simulator package.
The Eye XO launch monitor is an overhead simulator that features game-changing technology without being overly complicated. One clear improvement over its predecessor is the non-marking technology that Eye XO now has. This means that you'll be able to practice and play with any ball you'd like without worrying about the accuracy of the data you're getting.
You'll also receive more advanced club data, new software to work with, enhanced resolution, and a high-quality camera and swing analysis system. Bonus: the Eye XO simulator is compatible with lots of different simulation software (including TGC, E6, and Creative Golf).
With most packages, you'll also receive a simulator enclosure, a projector, turf to hit on, and a landing pad area. Adding all of these products together puts this package at a reasonable $20,000.
Flightscope Mevo Plus
The Flightscope Mevo Plus is an upgrade from its predecessor, the Flightscope Mevo. It aims to provide golfers with accurate shot data at a fraction of the cost of bigger companies like Trackman and Foresight.
Don't let the fact that Flightscope isn't a “major player” deter you from their simulators. Major tour players like Bryson DeChambeau consistently use Flightscope to improve their games.
Bryson uses the Flightscope X3, which costs around $15,000, but the more budget-friendly alternative (the Flightscope Mevo Plus), only costs around $2,000.
With this small and compact simulator, you'll receive data on important metrics like ball speed, carry distance, club head speed, efficiency, spin rate, shot shape, and angle of attack. Furthermore, you'll get a customizable interface to help you navigate your shots, an internal camera to help you make sure you're setting up to the ball square every time, and an iOS simulation software so you can actually play rounds.
At only $2,000 and with an easy golf simulator setup, there's not much more you can ask for from an indoor home golf solution.
Foresight Sports GCQuad Launch Monitor
If you're looking for a high-end, professional-grade golf simulator that will provide precise data and bring your game to the next level, look no further than the Foresight GCQuad. It has won the Golf Digest Editors' Choice Award twice so far and continues to be one of the leading golf simulators on the market.
Building on its predecessor, the Foresight Sports GC2, the GCQuad uses a quadroscopic camera system to capture even more data than before. The GCQuad has a compact and ergonomic design that's pleasing to the eyes and powerful internal analysis systems to let it accurately capture ball and club data.
Setting up with the GCQuad is extremely easy, and it's super portable so you can take it with you wherever you go and practice on the fly.
The best part about the GCQuad is just how accurate its data is. Rivaling that of Trackman, the Foresight GCQuad has readings that are extremely close. In fact, when it comes to indoor readings, Foresight is noted to actually be better than Trackman. The only potential scenario in which you might run into some issues is if you swing the driver very fast and hit some low spin, high-launch type shots.
Along with the actual launch monitor, you'll also receive access to FSX 2020, Foresight's in-house simulation software. FSX includes 9 courses free of charge, and if you want a more expansive golf course library, you can pay to have it downloaded. Also, the software comes with three different modes (play, compete, and improve) so you can really hone in on your game and bring it to the next level.
With its accurate shot data and extra offerings, it's no surprise that the Foresight GCQuad is used as a commercial golf simulator in plenty of indoor practice facilities.
Trugolf Vista 12 Golf Simulator
The Trugolf Vista 12 is a golf simulator bundle that's designed to shave shots off your game at a friendly price point.
The Vista 12 differs from its predecessors with a new cutting-edge design, life-like video simulation, advanced software, and extreme portability. The setup employs TruTrak2 to give you instant club and ball data after every shot. The package also comes with a realistic hitting mat that gives you as authentic of a golfing experience as you can get indoors.
When you purchase the Vista 12, you'll also receive access to the E6 Golf Connect software, one of the highest-quality, most realistic simulation programs on the market today. With 4k graphics and expanded functionality, E6 Connect will make you forget that you're playing virtual golf!
SwingLogic SLX MicroSim Home Golf Simulator
At a super low price range of around $200, the SwingLogic SLX MicroSim is the best cheap golf simulator on the market today.
Despite its price, the MicroSim proves extremely useful in improving your game and providing you with decent shot data. Bonus: when you purchase the MicroSim, you also get access to the E6 Golf simulation software, so you can experience true golf simulation at the fraction of the price of bigger brand-name products.
The MicroSim works by using a lightweight sensor to measure shot data. This sensor is attached to an attached swing stick or to your very own golf club. All you have to do is register the device, install E6 Connect, establish a few connections, and start swinging your club!
Of course, you'll need to find a way to set up a hitting area in your house if you want to actually hit balls (like investing in a Net Return Pro), but the MicroSim can still be a great way to work on your swing when the weather outside isn't cooperating.
If you're looking for a fun little training aid to help give you a few insights on your swing, definitely keep the MicroSim in mind!
Trackman 4
Used by more than 700 tour professionals, the Trackman 4 is arguably the best golf simulator on the market today.
The monitor offers dual radar technology, allowing it to zero in on both club and ball data during impact. Because of this, Trackman gives accurate insight on more data points than any other simulator available.
Of course, for a premium simulator like this, you can expect to pay more than you would for other launch monitors. The Trackman 4 costs upwards of $20,000 and is only recommended for high-level golfers or institutions who have a budget of $30,000 and up.
Aside from the intensely accurate data that Trackman provides, it also has an app that you can download that allows you to view shot data on your phone. The only disadvantage to the Trackman is that it needs to be calibrated to detect targets in an outdoor environment.
Also, the Trackman is a fantastic outdoor golf simulator but has some restrictions indoors. If you're deciding to get a Trackman for an indoor hitting space, make sure you have enough room between the hitting mat and the screen, or you could lose out on some of the data. For the best hitting experience, set it up in a minimum of 12 feet by 12 feet space.
Also, another thing to keep in mind is that the Trackman 4 weighs in at around six pounds. Though that's not exactly heavy, you probably won't want to be lugging that around in your golf bag along with your golf clubs. It's for this reason that Trackman is recommended as a good stationary simulator (either indoors or at the range).
Recap: The Best Golf Simulators and Home Golf Simulator Packages of 2023
If you're looking for an indoor golf simulator to take your game to the next level, you'll want to make sure that you've done as much research as possible before diving in.
Before buying a new golf simulator, it's wise to do some research on all the possible golf simulator solutions available. This post has covered seven of the best home golf simulators on the market today.
If you're thinking about making any purchase, it's recommended that you read some more golf simulator reviews and really hone in on a few factors:
- Whether the product includes an indoor launch monitor or an outdoor launch monitor
- Whether it's worth it to buy a new golf simulator or if you can get by with a used golf simulator
- Whether you want to set up an indoor home golf hitting area (in which case a package might make more sense) or whether you just need the launch monitor by itself
- Whether the simulator can handle full swing golf or if it's only good for chipping and wedge shots
Though a lot of the golf simulators available aren't cheap (to say the least), they can definitely work to improve your game. At the end of the day, it's up to you whether it's worth it to invest in a launch monitor golf experience or if you can get by playing limited outdoor golf.
This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Jeff is a current Harvard student and author of the blog Financial Pupil who is passionate about learning, living, and sharing all things personal finance-related. He has experience working in the financial industry and enjoys the pursuit of financial freedom. Outside of blogging, he loves to cook, read, and golf in his spare time.