Golf simulators are becoming increasingly popular for home use, as they offer a convenient and realistic way to practice and play golf year-round. One of the first decisions you must make is to hire a custom home golf simulator designer and installer or go the “Do It Yourself” route. If you are mechanically inclined or on a tight budget, DIY is the way to go. But with so many golf simulators on the market, knowing which one is right for you can be challenging.
If you have questions about golf simulators, Ace Indoor Golf has all the answers you need. As a leading manufacturer, retailer, designer, and installer of golf simulators in the United States, Ace has a wealth of experience in the industry. The company has designed and installed simulators for golf’s leading companies such as PGA Tour SuperStore, 5-Iron Golf, Edwin Watts, Worldwide Golf Shops, Foresight, Uneekor, and GolfTec, as well as for universities, golf instructors, and individual consumers. With their extensive and diverse clientele, Ace has proven to be a trusted provider of high-quality golf simulators for a wide range of uses and needs.
Trevor Faust, Ace Indoor Golf president, says, “When you are considering buying a golf simulator, be sure to get plenty of advice from simulator design professionals and retailers to avoid making a mistake. Do lots of research, and be sure to think through your space and simulator needs. Now is a great time to set up a home golf simulator. As the technology continues to improve, sim manufacturers are producing better launch monitors and racing to the bottom to offer competitive pricing.”
When choosing a golf simulator for home use, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Accuracy: The most important factor is to choose a golf simulator that provides accurate feedback on ball flight, club path, and other swing metrics. This will allow you to track your progress and make necessary adjustments to your game.
- Features: Golf simulators have various features, such as game modes (stroke play, scramble, etc), practice drills, and virtual courses. Consider which features will be most important to you and choose a simulator accordingly.
- Price: Golf simulators can range in price from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Choose a simulator that fits your budget and provides the features you need.
- Consider the size of your space: Golf simulators can be pretty large, so it is essential to make sure you have enough room in your home for you and your guests to swing a club and accommodate a simulator.
Here are a few of the best home golf simulators for 2024:
Rapsodo MLM2 Pro ($699) uses Doppler radar and two high-speed cameras to provide golfers with 13 ball metrics, of which six are measured, including spin rate and spin axis. The MLM2 Pro includes golf simulation software from E6 with 30,000 golf courses for free the 1st year and, after that, $199/year. Golfers can also compete in online tournaments and practice their swing in various game modes.
Bushnell Launch Pro ($1,999 - $3,999) is based on the Foresight GC3 and features three high-speed cameras to capture and analyze ball and club performance at impact and output 12 ball and club metrics, including club path. Foresight powers the golf simulation software Gold Subscription, including FSX Play, FSX Pro, and 25 courses. Golfers can save sessions, create players, record unlimited unique clubs, track rounds, play online gameplay and contests, watch 3D ball flight, and more. The device is region-locked. For sale and use in the US only.
FlightScope Mevo+ ($2,199) is a portable golf launch monitor that uses patented Fusion Tracking technology and 3D Doppler radar tracking with synchronized high-speed image processing to provide accurate data on 20+ key swing and ball flight metrics, including club face impact location and angle of attack. It has ten E6 connect golf courses (iOS and PC) and robust video capabilities. In addition, it is compatible with TGC 2019. Mevo+ is used extensively for teaching and is also a great golf simulator.
SkyTrak+ Plus ($2,995) is a portable launch monitor that combines photometric camera technology and dual Doppler radar to provide golfers with over 20 club and ball data metrics. It is one of the most popular launch monitors on the market. The SkyTrak+ also includes golf simulation software. This software gives you access to over 100,000 virtual golf courses, compete in online tournaments, and practice your swing in various game modes. Software gaming options include TGC 2019, E6, The Golf Club, and Creative Golf.
Full Swing Kit ($4,999) uses state-of-the-art infrared and radar technology to capture ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, club path, and more data. Endorsed by Tiger Woods, the Full Swing Kit allows for customizable club and ball settings, 3D ball flight simulations, and video playback, allowing players to analyze and fine-tune their swing mechanics. In addition, the Full Swing Kit offers virtual golf experiences using E6 Connect to replicate the look and feel of actual golf courses.
Foresight GC3 ($5,999) is one of the leading brands in golf simulator technology. The GC3 Ball-Enabled Launch Monitor comes with FSX Play, FSX 2020, FSX Pro golf simulation software, and 25 golf courses. The GC3 uses Triscopic imaging and is recognized as one of the most accurate and reliable launch monitors for the price. This device outputs more than ten metrics, including ball data and club data, when using stickers. Foresight offers an extensive library of golf courses, including many of the best golf courses in the world.
Uneekor Eye XO ($10,000) is a ceiling-mounted launch monitor, unlike all previously mentioned units. It offers advanced ball and club tracking data with the same reliability as a Trackman or Foresight GCQuad. The Eye XO has a sophisticated dual-camera system that monitors every aspect of the player's swing, from the clubhead's angle to the ball's speed at impact. The high-speed cameras capture up to 200 frames per second, providing a comprehensive view of the swing unmatched by any other golf simulation technology. The EYE XO can be used with E6, TGC 2019, GS Pro, Creative Golf, Uneekor Refine, and Uneekor Refine+ software.
The Foresight GCQuad launch monitor's ($14,000) Quadrascopic infrared camera technology is recognized as the most accurate in golf for indoor use. The four high-speed cameras capture images of the ball as it is struck, providing detailed information about the ball's launch angle, spin rate, trajectory, clubhead speed, face angle, and path. In addition, Foresight also offers a range of golf simulation software that provides golfers with a realistic and immersive experience, including the new true-to-life graphics of FSX Play.
TruGolf Vista 8 Golf Simulator ($13,995) is a high-end, everything-included golf simulator package known for its realistic E6 Connect graphics and gameplay. It features the TruTrack 2 launch monitor with 30 optical sensors that measure your club path and face angle during impact, along with ball and club data metrics. The space required for this complete simulator setup is 9' wide x 12' deep x 8' high. It includes E6 Connect software, a projector, TruTrack2 launch monitor, enclosure, premium fairway turf, TruGolf Level 1 computer, a 21" touch screen monitor, side nets, and a containment brim.
Golf Simulator Enclosure with Putting Green
You can make your own golf simulator package by adding a golf simulator enclosure. Consider adding one of the above launch monitors with an Ace Indoor Golf Medalist Enclosure Kit (12' wide x 6' deep x 8'6" tall), Pro Enclosure Kit (14'6" wide x 6' deep x 8'9" tall), or commercial Enterprise Enclosure (15' wide x 18' deep x 10' tall), along with a projector, computer, and a golf hitting or putting mat. According to Faust, “These two enclosures are preferred by home and commercial users alike. These ultra-premium golf simulator enclosures are built to withstand the rigors of regular use and feature a heavy-duty extruded aluminum frame.” They come equipped with an Ace HiQ 2-pc golf impact screen system, designed with a two-layer system that consists of a front screen that is Velcroed onto the rear screen, resulting in a no-wrinkle, clear and stunning image for customers. They also include protective frame pads, gap pads, and a shock cord and pocket, which minimize bounce back. Faust adds, “The enclosure's unique sound-muffling features further add to its appeal, making it the quietest enclosure in golf.”
Next add a projector, computer, and a stance mat and you have everything you need to play golf.
If you want to avoid building your own golf simulator, Ace will design, build, and install a custom or package simulator for you. Ace offers free 30-minute home golf simulator consultations just click the previous link and scroll to the bottom of the page and submit the form.