The 9 Best Golf Simulators for Garage

Foresight Sports GCQuad Flex Space Package

You can’t go wrong with the GCQuad, Foresight Sports’ most technologically advanced launch monitor. It is a photometric device that relies on four integrated high-speed cameras (combined with Infrared sensors) to track all the details of your swing, golf club and ball and provide some of the most detailed and accurate instant feedback any monitor can offer. That’s why it’s trusted by many golf professionals, including Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson.

The Flex Space enclosure and screen are designed to fit in the smallest of spaces and include the HomeCourse Pro Retractable screen that deploys and retracts as needed in a matter of seconds (with the included remote). It is made of sturdy materials to guarantee durability, so you can swing as fast as you can and the screen will be able to withstand your shots.

The included hitting mat is the SIG Pro Turf Golf Mat; it is 10′ long (and 6′ wide) to ensure the ball returns back to you after hitting the screen. It also provides an incredible feel that mimics the real thing. Moreover, it is designed to be easily rolled (like a carpet) and stored to help save space.

The package features Foresight Sports’ own FSX2020 and FSX Play software, but it’s also compatible with Trugolf’s E6 Connect and Creative Golf 3D, just in case you prefer one of them. An interesting feature of the GCQuad is that you can get your metrics without hooking it to any other devices, something Foresight Sports calls “Direct-to-Screen-Output”.

What’s included

• GCQuad monitor, USB cable, power cable & adapter, alignment stick, club marker dispenser.
• FSX 2020 simulation software
• SIG Pro Turf Mat & HomeCourse Pro Retractable Screen
• 1080P short throw projector & floor mount enclosure
• HDMI cable (15′)
• Screen remote

Pros

• The most advanced photometric launch monitor to date
• Pinpoint accuracy
• Screen remote-controlled / Retracts in around 30 seconds
• Portable launch monitor

Cons

• Pricey (quality comes at a price)

The Foresight Sports GCQuad Flex Space package includes the best monitor that photometry has to offer and couples it with one of the easiest to install screens and enclosures. The remote control makes everything simpler and faster, as the screen retracts with the push of a button and the mat can be rolled and placed somewhere safe whenever you need to use your garage for any other purposes.

This is an expensive package, but if you can afford it, it is totally worth it.

The recommended space to install the package should be 12′ long, 12′ wide and 8’6″ high.

Skytrak Retractable Package

Next on our list is a system that uses the best value launch monitor and simulator – Skytrak – Voted best value monitor three years in a row by Golf Digest.

It is an extremely accurate yet affordable unit that tracks your ball and measures things like launch angle, ball speed and spin rate; these metrics are then used by the software to calculate other data points like the angle of descent, club head speed, carry and total distances, roll, offline, flight path, etc.

The package comes with the Skytrak app and Game Improvement software included in the price (upgradable to the Play & Improve plan, TGC2019 or other software options).

The HomeCourse Retractable Hitting Bay is fully retractable with the push of a button, making the package easy to store whenever not in use.

You also get to choose the size of your hitting mat, depending on your available space. You can choose between the 5′ x 5′ Swing Turf Hitting Mat & Landing Pad Turf or the larger 4′ x 9′ variant. You can also choose a ceiling mount or a floor enclosure for your simulator projector.

Optionally, you can include a gaming laptop and stand with your package so that you can run the simulation without any lag or stutter.

To set up the package in your garage, you will need a space that is at least 9′ High x 11′ Wide x 12′ Long. There is no need to dedicate that space to the system; everything can retract once you’re done playing.

What’s included

• Skytrak monitor & protective case, Skytrak app, Game Improvement software.
• HomeCourse retractable screen & ceiling mount kit
• Choice of hitting mat & landing pad turf
• Optoma 1080P projector (short-throw) + ceiling and floor mounts
• Ball tray
• Birtees pack
• Optional: Gaming laptop, sleeve, mouse pad, stand.

Pros

• Affordable package
• Great value for the money
• Portable launch monitor
• Retractable design & remote control
• Real-life like hitting mat feel

Cons

• If you plan to upgrade to the Play & Improve plan with WGT, remember that it’s only compatible with IOS; no PC support for now.
• Screen wall mount to be purchased separately (not included)

This Skytrak Retractable Golf Simulator doesn’t need dedicated space to be used and is fully retractable (perfect for a garage setup). You will get great value for your money by choosing this package.

The screen is remote-operated and its motors use a rechargeable battery (that lasts for a very long time). Also, there is a great variety of compatible simulation software to choose from.

Uneekor EYE XO SIG8

If you want to have a fixed setup that will fit perfectly in your garage and offers premium quality components, then the Uneekor EYE XO SIG8 package is the one for you.

The SIG8 is Shop Indoor Golf’s smallest enclosure, specially designed to fit in most compact spaces but still offers premium performance. The enclosure was made using sturdy materials like tight-knit polyester and powder-coated steel framing. The screen can withstand ball speeds of up to 250 MPH. The projected image will fit 80% of the screen and be crisp and clear thanks to the blacked upper and side walls.

The EYE XO is Uneekor’s high-end overhead launch monitor that was designed to be superior to its predecessor – the QED – in almost all performance aspects. The EYE XO uses their non-marking ball tracking technology, which allows the unit to track your ball and club without any kind of marking (something the QED requires). The dual camera tracking system provides accurate instant feedback in the form of useful metrics.

The package comes with the Uneekor View software but is compatible with many upgrades, including the View+ Refine (+1,000 dollars), the View+ Refine+ (+2,000 dollars), the View+ TGC 2019 (+950 dollars), and the View+ GSPro (+550 dollars). As usual, our top recommendation is the TGC 2019 plan, thanks to the great value that it offers.

Concerning the hitting mat, you can stick to the included 5′ x 5′ Fairway series or upgrade it to the SIGPro 4′ x 7′ mat (if you have the necessary space). Usually, we recommend the SIG8 flooring that covers the whole playing area (making the setup aesthetically appealing), but in the case of a garage setup, it may not be possible because the flooring requires a very large space (usually not available in garages).

The required amount of space for the package is 8’4″ W x 8’4″ H x 13’7″ L.

What’s included

• Uneekor EYE XO monitor, ceiling mount & choice of simulation software
• SIG8 enclosure & side nets
• Panasonic VMZ50U short-throw Projector & ceiling mount
• 15-foot HDMI cable
• Choice of hitting mat
• Landing pad turf

Pros

• Small size, easy to set up package
• Premium quality components
• Various software options to choose from
• Compatible with the Uneekor Swing Optix cameras and Swing Motion software

Cons

• Since this is a fixed setup, you need to ensure it’s protected from elements like heat, cold and humidity – explored in more detail later.

The Uneekor EYE XO SIG8 system is perfect for use in the garage as long as you have the space for it and can protect it from excessive heat and humidity. It takes very little space but offers a great visual experience and a lot of fun thanks to its multitude of software features. If you have some more space, you can add the Uneekor Swing Optix camera (s) to the mix and have your full golf studio with slow-motion replay of your shots. This can help you improve really fast, and the overhead setup helps save some floor space.

Trugolf Vista 10

The Vista series of golf simulators by Trugolf offer a great deal of portability despite their massive enclosures. These all-in-one packages include hardware and software components that are all made by the same company, which will guarantee there will be no conflicts or compatibility issues between those components. Also, they are made of lightweight materials and are a breeze to set up, which makes them perfect for use in your garage.

The Vista 10 golf simulator package fits right in the middle of the series, which also includes the Vista 12 (the high-end model) and the Vista 8 (the smaller, more affordable option). It is a plug-and-play system, meaning that all you need to do is hook all the components together and turn the system on to immediately enjoy your virtual round of golf. No software installation or fiddling around is required, as the software comes pre-installed on the included Trugolf Vista Computer!

The package comes in two versions: the base and the pro. The Pro version includes more playable famous courses on the company’s in-house E6 Connect and a more powerful computer (Level 2) to run the software, among other things (that we will be listing below).

The innovative Trutrack 2 detection and tracking system is integrated into the 3.5″ thick hitting golf mat and tracks things like club path, ball speed, face angle, deviation, distance, etc. and the E6 COnnect offers plenty of features to keep you busy while playing virtual golf.

The actual dimensions of the package are 10′ W x 15′ D x 8′ H with a 136” diagonal screen size. But you will need a minimum available space of 15′ W x 20′ D x 10′ H to house the beast. As you can see, the Vista 10 does require larger space compared to other systems on our list, meaning that it will fit in garages that are spacious enough. However, the main reason it is included here is its lightweight (300 pounds for all the components) and ease of setup and disassembly. You can move it around the house easily if need be.

What’s included

• Complete enclosure and frame with Fairway premium mat system (4’L x 9’W / 3.5″ thick).
• Trutrack 2 system
• Impact screen (136 inches diagonal size & 4:3 aspect ratio)
• 720P HD simulator projector
• 21″ Touchscreen Display 
• Trugolf Level 1 computer with E6 Connect basic subscription (1 year / 27 courses). Level 2 computer for the Pro model
• 1 year limited warranty
• Overhead light bar
• Side walls, side nets and audio system (only with the pro model)

Pros

• Lightweight system (300 lbs for all components combined)
• Easy to set up and disassemble (can be used during the off-season and stored when not used)
• Large enough library of playable courses
• Plug-and-play design; we especially love the Trutrack 2 system embedded into the golf mat. 

Cons

• Size may be an issue for some; a large space is required in your garage.

The Trugolf Vista 10 system is perfect for those of us who don’t like fiddling around and fixing things because it is plug-and-play; even the software comes pre-installed for more convenience. The package is easy to install in a short time, and the whole thing can also be easily disassembled if you need to remove it from the garage and place it elsewhere else.

Depending on your available garage space (larger or smaller), you can also get one of the Vista 10’s two siblings.

Uneekor QED Swingbay Golf Simulator Package

The Uneekor QED launch monitor is a more affordable alternative to the EYE XO that we reviewed earlier, mainly because the unit requires marked golf balls for detection. Other than that, the QED is a decent option that will provide accurate data through a combination of infrared and dual-camera systems recording videos at around 3000 FPS. 

The package is sold with the View software that allows for video recording, playback and analysis through the company’s Optix software. You also get club fitting and golf swing analysis tools that are upgradable to offer more features. This specific package offers the option to include The Golf Club 2019 simulation software with a huge course library. 

The Swingbay enclosure is a premium product made from sturdy materials to offer the longest durability. It was built following customers’ feedback and offers great performance and visual quality despite its relatively smaller size (with blacked walls combined with a 4,000-lumen projector).

The included SwingTurf mat offers unparalleled comfort and feel to help the experience be more realistic. You can choose from two different sizes (5′ x 5′ or 4′ x 9′).

The recommended space requirements are 9’H x 12’W x 16’D, but if you don’t have that much space, the minimum requirements are 8’H x 10′ 6″W x 16’D.

What’s included

• Uneekor QED overhead launch monitor & ceiling mount
• Swingbay hitting enclosure & side netting
• Uneekor View & TGC2019 software
• Full HD 1080P projector with the SwingShield floor enclosure
• 2 x landing pad turf (5’x10’7″)
• Birtees
• Optoma Full HD projector, floor enclosure and 25′ HDMI cable
• Optional: Gaming laptop with stand, sleeve and mousepad.

Pros

• Premium enclosure with outstanding performance and quality
• Overhead launch monitor helps with seamless hand switching
• 4,000-lumen projector for a crispy clear image quality
• You can save a few thousand dollars over the EYE XO and still get an amazing experience

Cons

• Marked balls are required.

The QED Swingbay Package includes a better value launch monitor that still provides an excellent performance (compared to the EYE XO). It is coupled with a premium enclosure that considerably raises the price tag but helps you get a better visual quality, feel and overall simulator experience.

If you want to squeeze even more value out of the QED, you can always get the Uneekor QED Flex Space Package. 

FlightScope Mevo Plus Retractable Package

This is the first radar-based system on our list, which is also the cheapest so far. This is a budget-friendly package that offers a great bang for the buck.

The Mevo Plus launch monitor is a decent unit that provides 16 metrics of your golf club and balls; these include ball speed, clubhead speed, roll and total distance, smash factor, carry distance, side spin, spin axis, back spin, spin loft, launch angle (vertical & horizontal), angle of descent, and lateral landing.

Also, the monitor can record videos and offer playback with data overlay, and its built-in battery allows you to take it outdoors and use it for up to 5 hours; it also can recharge your other devices (your phone, for instance) in case the battery dies out.

The package comes with a basic subscription to the E6 Connect, with 5 playable courses; you can optionally choose an Ipad Pro or get a gaming laptop to run your simulator software and TGC2019 bundle instead (with the latter being our recommendation).

The unit is also compatible with multiple simulation software, such as Creative Golf 3D, GSPro, Awesome Golf, and even FlightScope’s free golf software FS Golf, which provides challenges, session saving, real-time performance monitoring, etc., just in case you are only interested in getting accurate data of your shots.

The HomeCourse Retractable Enclosure includes a fully retractable screen and side nets if you need the space for other purposes when not playing. The screen and netting are designed to withstand your fastest balls, so durability is guaranteed.

Since the Mevo + is a radar Doppler unit, you can expect it to require more room depth, compared to photometric systems. Ideally, the launch monitor must be placed 8 feet behind the tee and have at least 8 feet of ball flight for the detection to be accurate. The minimum required space for the package is 9′ High x 11′ Wide x 17′ Long. The larger the room, the better.

What’s included

• Mevo Plus portable launch monitor, carrying case & FlightScope App
• Choice of software: E6 Connect or TGC2019
• HomeCourse Retractable Screen + ceiling and wall mount kits
• 2 x landing pad turf + choice of hitting mat
• 1080P Optoma short-throw projector & floor enclosure
• 25′ HDMI cable
• Birtees pack & ball tray
• Optional: Ipad Pro or gaming laptop + stand, Sleeve and mousepad (for laptop)

Pros

• Great value for money
• Retractable design to save space
• The SwingTurf hitting golf mat offers a life-like feel
• Excellent accuracy & plenty of metrics provided by the monitor

Cons

• Radar Doppler technology requirement: 17 feet of room depth

The Mevo Plus launch monitor is a direct competitor to Skytrak, and they both are on par in terms of price range, accuracy and performance. It is an overall excellent product that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

We highly recommend this package for anyone wishing to squeeze every last bit of value out of their investment.

Garmin Approach R10 Bronze Package

Another budget-friendly radar Doppler system makes it to our list. The included Approach R10 launch monitor is the only monitor today that can track golf club and ball metrics and offer simulation possibilities for a mere 600 dollars price tag (for the monitor only). It is highly portable and its battery can last up to 10 hours.

In addition, the R10 provides 14 metrics like the angle of attack, smash factor, face to path, club path, total distance, swing tempo, etc. It is worth noting, however, that all the data points are derived (calculated) from four main metrics that are directly measured, namely ball speed, clubhead speed, launch angle, and launch direction. The data is surprisingly very accurate, given the device’s compact size.

The unit can also record, save and share videos through the Garmin app, using your phone’s camera to capture the videos. It comes with a basic subscription to E6 Connect with 5 free playable courses. If you subscribe to Garmin Golf ($9.99/mo or $99.99/yr), you get plenty of additional features, online tournaments and plenty of famous courses to play.

The Bronze Package also includes the Net Return V2 Golf Net, side barriers and simulator screen; you get to pick between the Home (7’H x 7’W x 3’6″ D) and Pro (7’6″H x 8’W x 3’6″ D) versions. These are capable of returning the ball to your feet after it hits the screen, which is actually very practical. They can also stop your fastest balls without problems.

The SIG Pro golf turf mat completes the package and allows for continuous, uninterrupted ball return; it also provides a great feel to improve the experience and can be folded and stored once you finish playing.

What’s included

• Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor, phone mount, carry case, tripod stand, and Micro USB cable.
• Trial to the Garmin App membership (you can pay for full access if you like it)
• Net Return V2 net (home or pro), frame, side barriers, and screen
• 1080P sim projector & floor mount enclosure
• 15-foot HDMI cable & Lightning adapter (for IOS devices)
• 6′ x 10′ Pro Turf Mat (SIG Pro)

Pros

• Excellent value for the money
• Accurate readings of club and ball data
• Affordable package & excellent performance
• The Automatic Video Recording is a truly interesting feature

Cons

• Mobile device (IOS / Android) needed to take full advantage of the R10

Given its price, the Approach R10 Bronze Sim Package is a great deal in terms of performance and accuracy. You get data usually offered by Skytrak, Mevo+ and up.

The whole package requires a recommended space that is 10′ wide x 15′ deep x 8’6″ high. Bearing in mind that this is a radar system, requiring 15 feet or less of room depth is in itself a good thing to allow for setup in smaller spaces, like a garage!

The Uneekor EYE MINI + Carl’s Place DIY Kit & Screen

Uneekor’s very first portable launch monitor- the EYE MINI sounds like an EYE XO that you can take with you anywhere you go and use on the driving range or the course.
The EYE MINI uses the same dual camera system coupled with infrared sensors as the EYE EXO. The Ultra-high-speed cameras allow you to track all the details of your shots, including the most important metrics related to your club and ball. For the best possible accuracy, club stickers are provided to help the unit better track the club head.
With a weight of around 7 pounds and a battery life of 6 to 7 hours, the EYE MINI is highly portable, and can be used indoors, in the garage, or outdoors. The strategically-placed display is very practical for showing the most important metrics (11 points), and if you connect the device to the View software on your smart device or computer, you will get more data points, 18 in total.
In addition to the View software, the EYE MINI is also compatible with GSPro, TGC2019 and E6 Connect software options (with additional costs).

For the enclosure to couple with the EYE MINI monitor, we suggest going for Carl’s Place DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure Kit with impact screen.

This allows you to customize your enclosure and choose everything you need, from the materials to dimensions, the type of mounting kit, and the option to include their 4′ x 5′ hitting mat (or choose another one from here).

The only thing left to choose will be the simulator projector and mounting solutions, and Carlofet has a wide selection you can choose from over here. All the components are customizable to fit in your dedicated space.

Of course, this is only a suggestion, something I’d personally opt for because of the great quality that Carl’s Place offers. Still, there are plenty of other enclosure options you can choose from. You can choose from Shop Indoor Golf, Rain Or Shine Golf or Top Shelf Golf. All of these vendors make some of the best quality enclosures on the market, so you can confidently buy from the one you prefer without any concerns.

What’s included

• Trugolf’s EYE MINI launch monitor & accessories (carrying case & strap, software, club markers, CAT6 Ethernet Cable, power cable & adapter)
• Customizable enclosure & components (we recommend the ones from Carl’s Place)

Pros

• Portable photometric unit from Trugolf
• No lag time
• Great performance and accuracy
• Many simulation software options supported
• Customizable components for the fiddler inside us

Cons

• Projector not included with the DIY enclosure
• Android devices not supported

We always try to take care of the golfers who like building and customizing things themselves to have unique packages, and that’s why we included this review. The end result won’t be the cheapest, but you can be sure that it will be pretty awesome and unique. This is for all those DIY setup lovers out there wishing to have their own touch on everything they own.

Foresight Sports GC3 Home Golf Simulator Package

If you only want a reliable launch monitor to track your shots and swings with a hitting net to stop the balls, and don’t feel like you need a screen, projector or virtual content, then this package from the guys at Top Shelf Golf is the right one for you. 

The GC3 launch monitor is a very accurate professional-grade unit that is trusted by professional instructors, coaches and club fitters worldwide. The manufacturer had to cut some corners to keep the cost (much) lower than their flagship options (GCQuad, GCHawk), but the end result is almost as good as the GCQuad while costing nearly half its price. 

The GC3 uses a triple-camera system to accurately track your balls and club and provide crucial metrics that you can see on the perfectly positioned display screen or through your smart device (using Wi-Fi connectivity). This will be perfect if you have a small space in the garage, as despite this package not being retractable, it’s extremely lightweight and can be moved around easily. The built-in battery of the GC3 will keep it running up to 7 continuous hours, and with a weight of 5 lbs (2.3 kgs), you can take it with you anywhere you go.

Even though simulation is not our main concern here since we are not using a screen / projector combo, the package still comprises simulation software (FSX2020 & FSX Play) that provides multiple useful features and a number of playable courses, just in case you decide to start using a projector one day. 

The package includes the Net Return V2 Pro hitting net and the Net Return Pro Golf Turf, both upgradable to the larger variants of the same net ( up to 10′ W x 8′ H) and the Fiberbuilt Golf Mats with sizes of up to 10′ W x 12′ L, respectively. Just make sure you have the required space for any upgrade before you decide to get it.  

What’s included

• Foresight Sports GC3 monitor
• Foresight Sports FSX 2020 + FSX Play simulation software
• The Net Return Home V2 Golf Net (Upgradable to larger versions)
• The Net Return Pro Turf (Upgradable to larger Fiberbuilt mats)

Pros

• Professional-grade performance
• Lightweight package that’s easy to move around
• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• The GC3 provides high portability, accuracy and plenty of great features
• Simulation software already included if you ever change your mind

Cons

• No Bluetooth connectivity

The Foresight Sports GC3 Home Simulation Package is a relatively affordable and straightforward package that provides the basics you need to practice and improve without using a projector or screen. It is intended more for those who are mainly interested in seeing their numbers and working hard to improve them. The included GC3 launch monitor will be your practice companion, be it indoors, at the range or at the actual course.