Golf Simulator Cost

Whether you're building a dedicated golf room, setting up a retractable sim in your garage, or just exploring options for practice at home, the cost of a golf simulator can vary widely. This guide gives you a full breakdown so you can compare prices across every major component—launch monitors, enclosures, software, turf, and more.

We’ve built this guide for:

  • DIYers looking for affordable home golf simulator setups
  • Golfers who want to play or practice year-round indoors
  • Coaches and instructors designing indoor training bays
  • Families creating multipurpose sim spaces for fun and improvement
  • And anyone curious about what it really takes (and costs) to build a golf simulator at home

In short, we’re covering:

  • What each part of a simulator setup typically costs
  • What to expect at different budget levels
  • How to avoid the most common pricing traps
  • Realistic pricing for indoor golf simulators—from entry-level to pro-grade builds

Golf Simulator Cost Breakdown

Curious what it actually costs to build a golf simulator at home? Use the guide below to explore every category—from launch monitors to enclosures, software, turf, and complete package pricing.

Launch Monitor Cost Breakdown

The launch monitor is the engine of your simulator—nothing works without it. It’s what tracks the ball, powers your simulator software, and determines how realistic your numbers and ball flight feel.

Typical Price Ranges:

Need help choosing a monitor? Try our simulator quiz or explore our full launch monitor collection.

Launch monitor comparison: radar vs camera

Simulator Software Pricing

Simulator software comparison on PC

Golf simulator software is what brings your setup to life—whether you're playing iconic courses, analyzing swing data, or competing with friends. Some launch monitors include a basic driving range, but most full-feature simulator features require a third-party subscription.

Typical Software Costs:

  • Basic Practice Apps: Free – $200/year
  • Course Play Platforms: $300 – $1,200/year
  • One-Time Licenses (Rare): $1,000 – $2,500

Popular Third-Party Platforms:

  • GSPro: ~$250/year – Highly realistic graphics, tournament play, deep course library
  • E6 Connect: $300–$600/year or one-time license – Broad compatibility, family-friendly mini games
  • Awesome Golf: ~$200/year – Mobile-optimized and easy to use
  • TGC 2019: ~$950 one-time – Massive course database and multiplayer

Not all launch monitors support every platform. Make sure to verify compatibility based on what you’re using.

Cost of Enclosures, Screens & Hitting Bays

Golf simulator enclosure comparison

A proper enclosure does more than catch your ball—it completes the experience. From net-based setups to full blackout hitting bays, this category can drastically change both your budget and how immersive your sim feels.

Typical Pricing:

  • Basic Nets: $300–$1,500
  • Full Enclosures: $2,000–$5,000
  • Standalone Screens: $300–$900
  • Custom Installs: $5,000+

Factors That Impact Price:

  • Size of enclosure or screen
  • Materials used (ballistics-grade, blackout nylon, steel vs PVC framing)
  • Add-ons like projector mounts, netting extensions, and ceiling baffles
  • Kit vs DIY or contractor-built solutions

Turf & Mat Costs

Golf simulator hitting mat comparison

Your hitting surface is one of the most important investments in your simulator. It’s where every swing starts—and if you skimp here, your body (and your swing) will feel it.

Cost Breakdown:

  • DIY Hitting Strips or Budget Mats: ~$200
  • Premium Stance Mats: $500–$1,000

What Impacts Turf Cost and Performance:

  • Pile Height: Look for ~1" or more
  • Density: Too soft = unstable. Too firm = joint stress. Premium mats strike a balance
  • Backing Construction: Multi-layer backings improve durability and shock absorption
  • Turf Composition: Nylon is preferred over polypropylene

SwingTurf is highly recommended for daily use. It offers realistic feedback, injury protection, and lasting durability.

Projector & Display Costs

Golf simulator projector placement example

If you want a true “simulator” feel—not just data and numbers—you’re going to need a projector or display to visualize your shot.

Typical Pricing:

  • Entry-Level Projectors: $500–$1,000
  • Mid-Range Projectors: $1,000–$2,500
  • High-End Options: $2,500+

What Impacts Cost:

  • Brightness (Lumens)
  • Throw Ratio
  • Resolution
  • Input Lag

Other Display-Related Costs:

  • Projector Mount: ~$75–$150
  • HDMI Cabling (25 ft): ~$50
  • Optional Speakers/Soundbar

Simulator Package Costs

Complete golf simulator package example

Simulator packages bundle everything together—launch monitor, enclosure, mat, projector, and cables—into a turnkey solution.

Typical Package Pricing Tiers:

  • Entry-Level Packages: $2,000–$4,000
  • Mid-Tier Packages: $5,000–$10,000
  • Premium Packages: $10,000–$25,000+

Why Packages Make Sense:

  • No compatibility guesswork
  • Save hours of research and setup time
  • Curated value and performance for the money

Other Considerations: Ongoing Costs, Room Upfits & PC Requirements

Room upgrades and tech for golf simulators

Ongoing Simulator Costs

  • Software Subscriptions: $200–$1,200/year
  • Replacement Screens or Mats: Every 1–3 years
  • Accessories: Reflective balls, tees, and add-ons ($20–$100/year)
  • Warranties & Support: Optional, helpful for high-end setups

Room Upfit Costs

  • Electrical & Lighting: $200–$1,000
  • Wall Finishes & Flooring: $500–$2,000
  • Climate Control: Helpful for detached garages or all-season use

PC Hardware Requirements

If your simulator software requires a PC, you'll want one that meets or exceeds the performance needs of the platform you're running.

  • Entry-Level Use: Many budget apps can run on basic laptops
  • Premium Software (e.g., GSPro, E6 Connect):
    • Intel i5/i7 or Ryzen 5/7 processor
    • 16GB RAM minimum
    • NVIDIA GTX 1660 or better GPU
    • SSD drive, Windows 10 or 11

A better PC means smoother performance, better visuals, and fewer setup issues—especially with high-end software and launch monitors. Some packages offer plug-and-play PC options to simplify setup.

Final Thoughts on Golf Simulator Costs

Building a golf simulator isn’t just a big investment—it’s a smart one, if you do it right. The cost can range from a few thousand dollars to well over $20K, but it all comes down to how you prioritize your space, your goals, and your experience.

You don’t need the most expensive launch monitor on the market. And you don’t need a showroom-perfect hitting bay. But you do need a setup that works well together—and that’s where most people overspend or underbuild.

Here’s what we recommend:

  • Spend wisely on your hitting surface. Your joints will thank you.
  • Choose a launch monitor that fits your goals—not just your budget.
  • Don’t stress about the “perfect” setup on day one. You can always upgrade.
  • And if you want to skip the guesswork? Our packages are built to eliminate it.

Whether you’re swinging in a garage, basement, or bonus room—this guide should give you a clear picture of what to expect and how to plan your investment.

Still not sure where to start? Check out our Golf Simulators 101 Hub, our Golf Simulator Buyer's Guide, take the quiz, or contact our team—we’ll help you build it right the first time.