Choosing The Best Golf Simulator For You
Building the right golf simulator isn’t just about picking the most expensive launch monitor—it’s about choosing a setup that fits your space, your goals, and your budget.
Whether you're putting together a full enclosure in your garage or looking for something portable to use outdoors, the options can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down every piece of the puzzle so you can understand what matters most—and where to invest wisely.
Covered in this guide:
Room Requirements Choosing a Launch Monitor Simulator Software Enclosures & Hitting Bays Mats & Turf Systems Projectors & Mounting Best Packages by Budget Common Mistakes to Avoid Final Tips & Getting Help
Room Requirements
Start with your space. Before choosing gear or packages, make sure your room can handle full swings comfortably.
Most setups need at least 9' ceilings, 12' width, and 15' depth. If you’re short on one of these, don’t worry—there are workarounds like side-hitting, retractable nets, or compact packages.
If you're not sure whether your space is viable, take our golf simulator quiz or talk to our team to get a custom recommendation.
Choosing a Launch Monitor
Your simulator starts here. The launch monitor is the brain of your setup—it captures all your ball and club data.
The big decision? Radar (like Mevo+) vs camera-based (like GC3 or Eye Mini). Radar works great outdoors with more space. Cameras excel indoors with tighter tracking zones. Want club data? Make sure you’re not buying a ball-only unit.
Not sure what tech fits your style? Take the quiz or browse our launch monitor collection.
Simulator Software
Make your sim feel real. Software brings your shots to life with accurate ball flight, course play, and analytics.
GSPro is the top choice for realism and custom courses. E6 Connect offers great visuals and multiplayer. SkyTrak Play is perfect for plug-and-play fun with SkyTrak+.
Some software requires a PC. Others run on iPad. Double-check compatibility before committing.
Enclosures & Hitting Bays
Create your hitting environment. A good enclosure enhances realism, protects your surroundings, and improves projection quality.
Full enclosures like SwingBay offer a premium experience. Retractable setups like HomeCourse are great for shared spaces. Nets work if you're on a budget or need max portability.
Shop our enclosure collection to find the perfect fit.
Mats & Turf Systems
Don't skimp on the mat. This is where your club meets the ground—so it matters a lot more than people realize.
SwingTurf is our top recommendation for realistic feedback and injury prevention. Larger turf systems can blend hitting and landing areas for a seamless look.
Projectors & Mounting
Bring it all to life. A short-throw projector fills your screen with vivid course visuals—and keeps shadows out of the way.
Mounting distance depends on your screen size and projector model. Most setups use ceiling mounts and HDMI runs from 15–25 feet. We recommend laser projectors for brightness and low maintenance.
Need help choosing? Our team can recommend the perfect projector for your space.
Best Packages by Budget
Bundle it up. Here are our top simulator packages broken down by price tier.
Under $5K: SkyTrak+ with net or HomeCourse package
$5K–$10K: Mevo+ or Eye Mini with SwingBay enclosure
$10K+: GC3, Eye XO2, or R50 in a full simulator room build
Browse our simulator package collection or take the quiz to find your best match.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Save yourself the headache. These are the most common errors we see new buyers make.
Underestimating ceiling height
Buying a radar monitor without space
Ignoring software compatibility (iPad vs PC)
Choosing a cheap mat that wrecks your wrists
Final Tips & Getting Help
You don't have to figure this out alone. Our team has helped thousands of golfers build the perfect simulator room—on all budgets and in all kinds of spaces.
Still unsure where to start? Take the quiz, get expert advice, or jump into our best simulator packages.