What does a home golf simulator cost? This will vary depending on the components you purchase. This includes the type of launch monitor you choose, the features you want, and whether or not you need to purchase any additional equipment.
Let’s take a look in this overview of the costs involved with a home golf simulator.
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Pricing for a Home Golf Simulator
Love golf but don’t have the time to hit the course as often as you’d like? Or maybe you live in an area with long winters and are looking for a way to stay sharp until spring arrives. If so, then you might be thinking about purchasing a home golf simulator. But what does a home golf simulator cost?
Below will give you a rough idea of how much a home golf simulator will cost in total.
Golf Simulator Cost (TOTAL)
- Entry $1,500
- Intermediate $5,000-$8,000
- Professional $15,000
- Elite $25,000+
There are big price ranges depending on which components you select. The biggest cost is the launch monitor, and it is also the most important. But you have choices to make with each component.
Let’s move on and look at an overview of a home golf simulator cost.
Components of a Golf Simulator
In the following sections, I will give more details on the components that make up this cost. But at a high level, here is what you need:
- Launch Monitor – to track your shots and calculate metrics
- PC or Laptop – hooked up to the launch monitor and runs simulator software
- Simulator Software – special software that allows you to play real courses with your launch monitor (typically requires a PC)
- Projector – hooked up to the PC and displays the simulator software
- Impact Screen – used to hit the balls into and the projector displays the image on the screen
- Enclosure – typically consists of panels or netting to keep mishits from damaging anything
- Mat – used to hit golf balls from into the impact screen
- Golf Balls – you need to have new, unmarked golf balls to use with your simulator
There are links for each of the components in the sections below. These links will take you to the actual product sites so you can view more info or purchase
Launch Monitor
Launch Monitor Wizard
The Launch Monitor Wizard will walk you through a series of questions designed to find the best launch monitors for your unique purpose. It will then provide a list of the best golf launch monitors that fit your requirements and price range.
The Wizard can be restarted at any time if you make an incorrect selection.
A launch monitor is the core component of a golf simulator. It is the most important piece of equipment and you will see a wide range of prices and accuracy.
My advice after having tried out many of these is to get at least a mid-level launch monitor. The entry-level options will work if you just want to play for fun.
But if you are trying to improve & need accuracy, you will likely not be satisfied.
Entry-Level Launch Monitors ($500)
Recommended Models
The Garmin R10 is a compact, and portable radar-based launch monitor. It can connect to 3rd party simulation software to play rounds of golf, has great battery life, and a solid subscription program.
Lightweight and portable 3D Doppler radar launch monitor that includes 8 full swing performance data parameters with direct spin measurements.
The MLM2Pro is a golf launch monitor and simulator with dual cameras, Impact Vision, Shot Vision virtual driving ranges, and compatibility with E6 Connect and other golf simulation platforms. It also offers slow-motion replay, Combine practice, and more.
Mid-Level Launch Monitors ($2,000-$4,999)
Recommended Models
- SkyTrak Launch Monitor Review
- FlightScope Mevo+ Review
- Full Swing KIT Launch Monitor Review
- Bushnell Launch Pro Review
Professional-Grade Launch Monitors ($7,000-$10,000)
Recommended Models
- Foresight GC3 (see our GC3 review for more details)
- Uneekor QED (see our QED review for more details)
- Uneekor EYE XO (see our EYE XO review for more details)
Elite Launch Monitors ($10,000+)
Recommended Models
- Foresight GCQuad (see our GCQuad review)
- FlightScope X3 (see our FlightScope X3 review)
- Trackman (starts at $19k)
PC or Laptop
To use most home golf simulators, you’ll need a computer or laptop to run the software. If you don’t have one that’s powerful enough, then you may need to upgrade or buy a new one specifically for this purpose.
You can use a phone for seeing some metrics, but cannot use simulator software on a phone.
There is some simulator software that will work on an iPad, but you won’t get the most realistic experience without a PC or laptop with a dedicated video card.
PC or Laptop ($1,500)
Ideally, you want to use a PC as you get better overall performance. However, if you are using this in a garage (or want a dual-purpose machine) a laptop will work. Just make sure you hit the minimum requirements below.
Requirements
- CPU: Intel Core i7 @ 3.20GHz or equivalent
- RAM: 16GB
- Video Card: Minimum of an Nvidia GeForce 3060 or higher (RTX 3080 is the minimum for 4K)
Perfect specs for playing simulator golf.
MSI Katana 15 15.6" 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop: 13th Gen Intel Core i7, RTX 4070, 16GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD, USB-Type C, Cooler Boost 5, Win11 Home
4K PC
If you want your simulator to be in 4K resolution, you need a dedicated PC to run the simulator software. This requires a dedicated graphics card that can handle 4K and we recommend a desktop PC.
Requirements
- CPU: Intel Core i7 @ 3.20GHz or equivalent
- RAM: 16GB
- Video Card: Minimum of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 or higher
Perfect for 4K Golf Simulators! AMD Ryzen 9 5900, GeForce RTX 3080 10GB GDDR6X, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD, Liquid Cooled, WiFi 6, HDMI, DP, Windows 11 Home.
Simulator software
There are many different types of software available ranging from free options to high-end paid ones. The software is what you run to play on a course using data from your launch monitor.
Below are a few popular options:
- The Golf Club 2019 ($900)
- GSPro ($550)
- World Golf Tour (iPad compatible) ($200)
Projector
Projector choices come down to 2 decisions. Whether you want 4K or 1080 and how much space you have.
You will want to get a projector with at least 1080p resolution. This will ensure that you get a clear image of the course. Many projectors in this price range also come with features like automatic keystone correction, which will make setup easier.
Projectorcentral.com is a great site for helping decide this. The “throw” of a projector determines how far away from the screen the projector can be. If you have a large space, you can get a long-throw projector.
For a smaller space, you need a short-throw projector. Each projector lists this in its specs.
1080 ($800)
BenQ is considered the top 1080p projector for simulator golf.
BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector | Gaming Mode for Intense Low Input Lag Action | 3000 Lumens for Lights On Entertainment | 3 Year Industry Leading Warranty
Excellent 1080p projector for simulator golf.
Enhanced Gaming Mode for 1080p 120Hz Gameplay at 8.4ms | 1080p and HDR support with 4K UHD input | Bright 3,800 Lumens for Day and Night Gaming | White
4K ($1,500-$2,000)
The BenQ TK700STi is a great choice for golf simulation. It handles 4K and HDR well, and it's notable for having perceptually pleasing color right out of the box, even when using its brightest mode. A great choice that offers a short throw with 4K.
Bright 4K UHD quality images, lightning-fast input lag as low as 4.2ms, and a high refresh rate of 240Hz. This stylish projector boasts High Dynamic Range (HDR) and HLG compatibility, Full 3D, 4000 lumens and two HDMI 2.0 ports.
Projector Mount
This height adjustable projector mount can accommodate almost any ceiling-mounted projector. Made of high-grade steel, extends projector from 15†to 23†from the ceiling surface & is fully adjustable with 15-degree tilt, 15-degree swivel, and 360-degree rotation, hitting all the right viewing angles.
Impact Screen
Basic screens do not last as long, and the projected images will show more grain. Premium impact screens are made with more layers and show a clearer image. Make sure to get one that’s big enough for your projector’s throw distance.
- Screen Only ($400-$900)
- Retractable Screen ($500)
Golf Simulator Enclosure
Instead of a standalone impact screen, you would purchase an enclosure that includes an impact screen, top walls, and side walls. Not only will an enclosure keep your equipment safe from damage, but it will also help contain errant golf balls!
Carl’s Place Pro Golf Simulator Enclosure (starting at $3,569)
Hitting Mat
A hitting mat is an essential piece of any home golf simulator setup. It will provide a realistic feel when hitting the ball and the premium mats will prevent wear on your joints.
Basic ($100 – $300)
Mid-range ($400-$800)
Premium ($900+)
Golf Balls
Many people make the mistake of thinking that golf balls don’t matter when using a golf simulator at home. However, it makes a huge difference. You need to play with new golf balls and the exact same type you play on the course.
The reason for this is twofold:
- Launch Monitors are so accurate that the spin rates and metrics will be off and you won’t get helpful data that can translate to the course.
- Old or marked golf balls will damage your impact screen. Markings will transfer from the ball onto the screen and will eventually interfere with the projected image.
Remember to practice with the same golf that you play on the course. Otherwise your yardages and metrics will not be accurate. Do not use old golf balls with your simulator as they will mark up the impact screen.
Our top choices to replicate your on-course play:
A great option for launch monitors that require a logo (or marking) on the golf ball. Helps the launch monitor pickup the ball flight without leaving marks on your impact screen.
The #1 golf ball on Tour and for good reason. It offers an excellent blend of low spin off the tee to maximize fairways hit. Combined with high iron & wedge spin around the greens.
Conclusion
So there you have it—everything you need to know about the cost for a home golf simulator! Happy building (and swinging)!
More Info on Golf Simulators
Click on on Golf Simulators for more info including reviews, articles, how to information and everything else you need to know to enjoy your own home golf simulator.
