8 Best Commercial Golf Simulators – 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

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There are many businesses and individuals that are interested in generating revenue by investing in commercial golf simulators.

For example, golf courses and pro shops can invest in simulators so that during the winter months or periods of bad weather, their members can still play and improve their game.

Indoor golf businesses need quality simulators for their customers. Bars and restaurants can benefit greatly from installing one or more golf simulators at their locations. Golf simulators are also valuable assets for coaches and club fitters.

Whatever your reasons are for wanting a commercial golf simulator, there are plenty of affordable solutions out there, thanks to the advancement of golf simulator technology. There are also many options for top-of-the-line simulators that cost $30,000 or more.

So, what are we talking about when we talk about commercial golf simulators? We’re talking about advanced setups with large enclosures, large screens, precise tracking and accuracy, and flexible software, among other things.

These setups typically have little to no portability, but they’re the best that the golfing industry has to offer.

In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best commercial golf simulators over a wide range of different budgets.

We have tested all of these golf simulator setups. Some offer less features than others, but they all give a very high-quality experience for the cost.


Our Top Picks For Commercial Golf Simulators

The following are our top selections based on our own testing, research, and experience:

  1. TruGolf Vista 12 Golf Simulator
  2. HD Golf Ultimate Training Simulator Package
  3. Uneekor QED SwingBay Simulator Package
  4. Uneekor EYE XO SIG12 Golf Simulator Package
  5. Foresight Sports GCHawk SIG12 Golf Simulator
  6. GOLFZON VISION Golf Simulator
  7. Full Swing Sport Series Golf Simulator
  8. TruGolf Vista 8 Golf Simulator

1. TruGolf Vista 12 Golf Simulator

TruGolf Vista 12 Golf Simulator - Base Setup

If your business has a mid-high budget and you want a quality simulator that has some portability, the TruGolf Vista 12 is what you should look at.

The Vista 12 is the upper entry in TruGolf’s affordable Vista Series, and the all-in-one, plug-and-play system makes it a great commercial option. It’s defined by high-definition image quality, a cutting-edge tension system, enhanced swing analysis capabilities, and portability with easy installation.

The Vista simulators can be easily adapted to various environments, and they can also be taken down relatively easily if need be.

TruGolf is a reputable maker of simulators, and their team of developers and golf pros are highly respected. Their simulators are commonly purchased by bars and restaurants, country clubs, and pro shops.

Features

The Vista 12 is a beast, with the largest enclosure and most upgraded components in the Vista Simulator Series. It comes with:

  • an HD 720p projector with screen
  • a 16:10 widescreen enclosure
  • a 21″ Touch Screen Monitor & TruGolf Level 1 Computer
  • the TruTrack2 tracking system
  • a 1-year subscription to E6 CONNECT, which is a simulation software that allows you to practice, play with friends, and compete with golfers around the world
  • premium, upgraded fairway turf
  • a 1-year limited warranty

The TruTrack 2 is a completely unique tracking system which captures important shot data using multiple optical sensors.

The Vista 12 is offered in Base and Pro versions. The Base version includes the above items, while the Pro version includes a Level 2 Computer, portable speaker, 1080p projector, a frame storage duffel, side nets, and an expanded 2-year subscription to E6 CONNECT.

Many customers are amazed at how massive the enclosure actually is when they get it. You should prepare to be blown away just the same!

The minimum space requirements are 10 ft high x 15 ft wide x 20 ft deep. For more details about what the Vista 12 is capable of, specs, software features, etc., go to this page.


2. HD Golf Ultimate Training Simulator Package

HD Golf Ultimate Training Simulator Package

Looking for that one powerhouse of a simulator that customers can do anything with? This package gives you the best simulator technology that money can buy.

The HD Golf Ultimate Training Simulator Package can do pretty much anything imaginable. With detailed club and ball data, real-time visual feedback, weight transfer and balance data, robust software and more, it’s sure to impress anyone who uses it.

HD Golf has also been used by some of the best players in the world. This includes PGA Tour pro Bubba Watson, who finds it to be the most realistic simulator he has ever seen.

And through an exclusive offer from The Indoor Golf Shop, you get an additional dedicated project manager that will help set up the system according to your vision.

Features

First watch this video to get a good idea of what you’re dealing with:

The HD Golf Ultimate Simulator uses Computer Vision Technology and a high-speed camera system to provide detailed and highly accurate measurements. Parameters include distance, ball speed, club head speed, launch angle, smash factor, swing path, impact angle, ball position, apex, angle of attack, tempo, load factor, and more.

Many of these data parameters are quite unique and difficult to find in any other simulator system. In addition, you get automated swing capture at 120-240 frames per second, with powerful video analysis and editing tools.

Another unique part of the HD Golf Ultimate Simulator is the special HD Golf Pressure Mat. This mat contains sensors that indicate key pressure points and produce a series of balance measurements including weight transfer, tempo, and center of gravity. Such information can be used by instructors and club fitters.

Software

For their exclusive simulator software, HD Golf is the only simulator maker to combine satellite data, high-resolution digital images, and geophysical data into 3D models. This results in the most realistic, accurate and detailed recreations of real golf courses around the world.

The HD Golf software allows you to select from a range of world-famous golf courses including the Old Course at St. Andrews, Bethpage Black, Torrey Pines, Pebble Beach, and much more. The graphics are truly unique and make you feel like you’re actually at the golf course.

In addition to full course play, the software offers practice facilities, competitions, games, club fitting features, and more.

Additional Info

One thing about the HD Golf Ultimate Simulator that is just terrific is the fact that you get assigned a dedicated team of experts that walk you through planning, installation, and training on how to use the simulator. The team will travel to your commercial location and basically take care of everything for you.

Similarly, post-setup support is top-notch. You can easily download new content and software updates through the included HP computer business workstation.

This simulator certainly costs a good chunk of change, but trust us, it’s worth it.


3. Uneekor QED SwingBay Simulator Package

Uneekor QED SwingBay Golf Simulator 3

The Uneekor QED is a relatively new simulator technology to hit the market, and the reception it has gotten from golfers is extremely positive. It can certainly hold its own as a commercial-quality simulator system, better than the SkyTrak and on par with professional systems at a fraction of the price.

What makes the QED especially good for commercial use is the fact that it’s mounted on the ceiling a few feet behind the golfer, making it more difficult for a sky ball or bad shot to strike the unit.

The QED simulator system delivers high precision on shots from 10 cm to 435 yards. The package gives you everything you need to set up a fantastic studio including Rain Or Shine Golf’s unique SwingBay enclosure and a gaming laptop optimized for golf simulation.

The included software, QED Ignite, enables your patrons to play various game modes, practice modes, and skills challenges.

What Is Included

The Uneekor QED SwingBay Simulator includes the QED system along with:

  • a SwingBay simulator screen & enclosure
  • an Optoma 1080p Short Throw Projector
  • a projector ceiling mount or floor mount enclosure (your choice)
  • landing pad turf (optional)
  • side barrier netting
  • a SwingTurf hitting mat (4’x9′ or 5’x5′)
  • a gaming laptop optimized for golf simulation (optional)
  • The Golf Club 2019 software (access to over 150,000 courses)
  • BirTees and other accessories

The QED bar, mounted on the ceiling, houses two high-speed cameras that can record at over 3000 fps, providing real-time club and ball data.

The included SwingTurf hitting mat was designed by Rain or Shine Golf to provide an optimal balance between realistic fairway feel and forgiveness.

QED Ignite software features a photographic video playback technology called QED OPTIX, a 3D driving range, fitting data, and a swing motion analysis tool. Upgrades are available that allow to you access additional features within the Ignite software.

Minimum room dimensions of 8 ft high x 11 ft wide x 16 ft deep are required.

Practically everyone who gets the Uneekor QED system ends up very happy with it. It is compatible with E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, Creative Golf 3D and GSPro software, so customers can potentially have plenty of options to have fun with.


4. Uneekor EYE XO SIG12 Golf Simulator Package

Uneekor EYE XO SIG12 Golf Simulator Layout V2

Uneekor’s other simulator system, the EYE XO, is also one of the best options for commercial use.

Being mounted on the ceiling means it’s out of the way, hand switching is seamless, and there are plenty of options for customers to capture video of their swing from any angle they choose.

Unlike the QED, the EYE XO does not require specially marked balls. It also offers more powerful camera features and additional data parameters.

This particular simulator package uses The Indoor Golf Shop’s massive SIG12 enclosure, which is twelve feet wide.

What Is Included

The Uneekor EYE XO SIG12 Simulator package was put together by The Indoor Golf Shop and includes:

  • the EYE XO bar tracking system with high-speed cameras
  • a SIG12 simulator screen & enclosure
  • side barrier netting
  • a Panasonic PT-VZ580U WUXGA projector
  • a ceiling projector mount
  • your choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′) or full flooring

The high-speed cameras can track club path, spin, and ball impact at over 3000 fps.

The choices for hitting mat are the Fairway Series 5’x5′ (provides realistic feel), SIGPRO 4’x7′ (easy on the joints, allows level unit placement), and SIGPRO 4’x10′ (center hitting strip ideal for left/right hand switching).

You can also install SIG12 Simulator Flooring — a full flooring option that consists of a hitting strip surrounded by a putting green. But because putting is so good on the EYE XO, we don’t really think it’s worth it.

The included View software has its own cool features such as a swing motion analysis tool and videos of your club impact and ball spin. Upgrades are available to access additional features.

The EYE XO can integrate with all of the same softwares as the QED. For commercial use, we recommend TGC 2019 because it has a massive selection of courses for customers to choose from.

Space dimensions of at least 10 ft high x 14 ft wide x 20 ft deep are recommended. For more details about what comes with the package, optional add-ons, pricing, and setup instructions, visit this page.


5. Foresight Sports GCHawk SIG12 Golf Simulator

Foresight Sports GCHawk SIG12 Golf Simulator V2

The GCHawk is the only professional-grade launch monitor in the Foresight Sports lineup that is mounted on the ceiling, which makes it an excellent commercial option. This package pairs the GCHawk with The Indoor Golf Shop’s awesome SIG12 enclosure system.

You could argue that the GCHawk is the absolute best ceiling-mounted system; it edges out the Uneekor EYE XO in terms of performance, but the unit itself plus the required FSX software license are very expensive.

Nonetheless, the GCHawk is often referred to as the “world’s most advanced launch monitor”, and if you’re willing to make the investment, you can charge a good chunk of change for its use.

What Is Included

The GCHawk SIG12 simulator package features the overhead-mounted GCHawk Launch Monitor.

The GCHawk provides the same Tour-level accuracy for ball and club data that is offered by the GCQuad, but a unique added benefit is multisport functionality — particularly soccer simulation.

Also included are:

  • a SIG12 simulator screen & enclosure
  • side barrier netting & landing pad turf
  • a Panasonic PT-VZ580U WUXGA projector
  • two different ceiling mounts
  • your choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′) or full flooring
  • a FSX 2020 software license
  • various accessories such as a remote control and alignment wand

The Panasonic PT-VZ580U is a premium standard throw projector (1:09-1.77:1) that puts out 5000 lumens and can project at 1920×1200 resolution. The image is designed to fill 100% of the SIG12’s tight-knit polyester impact screen.

Two add-ons are available with the GCHawk: Skill Drill (for soccer simulation) and club data. The included FSX 2020 software features practice ranges, full course play, skills challenges, competitions, and more, while FSX Play, E6 CONNECT and Creative Golf 3D can be accessed with separate purchases.

Room dimensions of at least 10 ft high x 14 ft wide x 20 ft deep are required. This is a truly premium setup: the “Rolls-Royce” of golf simulators, if you will, and your customers will pay top dollar to use it.


6. GOLFZON VISION Golf Simulator

GOLFZON VISION Standard Golf Simulator Setup

Many indoor golf centers, club fitters and other entities install GOLFZON VISION simulators, which have been named the #1 golf simulator in the world by Golf Digest four years in a row.

Two different VISION simulators are offered: Standard and Premium.

The Standard version features a large hitting bay with floor-mounted T2 sensors, a 6000 lumens full-HD projector, kiosk with touch screen, swing replay camera, moving swing plate, and ball retrieval system.

The upgraded Premium version uses ceiling-mounted T1 cameras and features a multi-surface hitting mat, among other things.

How It Works

The GOLFZON VISION simulators utilize T1 and T2 ultra high-speed camera systems, mounted on the floor or ceiling and easily installable indoors or outdoors.

The VISION Standard simulator screen is approximately 4 meters wide by 3.2 meters high. A very bright projector, touch screen kiosk, pedal buttons, membership card and card reader, grass mat and auto tee-up make this one of the best simulator experiences currently available.

One really great feature that sets apart this simulator from others is its moving swing plate, which lifts and tilts to simulate downhill and sidehill lies. The VISION Premium’s multi-surface hitting mat has surfaces for the fairway, rough and bunkers.

The simulator is built and prepared according to a thorough ordering process that includes consultation, interior design and construction, shipment and installation. You can be sure that you’ll achieve the custom setup you need for your business.

The VISION Standard also uses GOLFZON’s exclusive VISION software. This software uses a tri-layer course mapping process to render over 190 world-famous golf courses in high definition.


7. Full Swing Sport Series Golf Simulator

Full Swing Sport Series Simulator Setup

Want to take things to the next level but the HD Golf simulator is just too much? Then check out the Sports Series Simulator by Full Swing.

It’s not only officially licensed by the PGA Tour, but it’s also the simulator that Golf Channel features on-air in their studio (you may have seen it in action!). Many top Tour pros use Full Swing simulators including Jordan Spieth and Gary Woodland.

How It Works

This simulator has the best in-class camera-based technology on the market.

Using special high-speed cameras and Ion3 technology, it measures the club at impact and measures the ball mid-flight to produce precise and reliable shot data. You can also view HD playback of your impact with the ball.

Some of the data points available are carry, clubhead speed, club path, backspin, launch angle, and ball speed, and there are quite a few more.

While the ball is in flight and before it hits the screen, high-speed linescan cameras measure launch angle, ball speed, and direction in real time.

What Is Included

The Full Swing Sport Series Simulator comes with:

  • high-speed linescan cameras
  • an Ion3 high-speed camera
  • a solid wood enclosure
  • a cinema-quality projector
  • a energy-absorbing diffuser screen
  • an industrial-grade hitting mat and carpet

The simulator comes in over 60 different size configurations, ensuring that you’ll be able to get the perfect size for your space. Generally speaking, the simulator comes in standard and widescreen models; the widescreen can reach over 16 feet wide.


8. TruGolf Vista 8 Golf Simulator

TruGolf Vista 8 Golf Simulator

We’ve already reviewed a TruGolf Vista simulator on this page. The Vista 8, as the most compact and affordable simulator in the Vista Series, is for those who want a quality studio setup on a budget.

It features the same HD image quality, tension system, and swing analysis system as the other Vista simulators, but it has the smallest screen, is the most portable, and is the easiest to install.

It’s a great option for bars, restaurants, and pro shops.

What Is Included

The Vista 8 simulator comes with:

  • an HD Vista projector and screen
  • the TruTrack2 system, which captures important shot data using multiple optical sensors
  • a 1-year subscription to E6 CONNECT
  • a 1-year limited warranty

Unlike the Vista 10 and 12, the base version of the Vista 8 doesn’t come with the TruGolf Computer, Touchscreen Monitor or fairway turf, but it’s also over $4,900 less. The Pro version comes with these upgrades as well as side barriers, a containment brim, and a few other things.

The Vista 8 is offered in Base and Pro versions. The Base version includes the above items, while the Pro version includes numerous additional features including a touch screen monitor, TruGolf computer, fairway turf, protective side nets, and more.

The minimum space requirements are 10 ft high x 14 ft wide x 16 ft deep. For more details about what comes with the Vista 8, visit this page.


Buying Guide

Investing in one or more golf simulators for commercial purposes is a major step, especially if you’re going for top-of-the-line models that cost $25,000 or more.

Because of this, it’s important to consider all the factors that will affect the experience and match it with what your goals and limitations are.

Here are the most important factors you need to consider when figuring out what golf simulator will be best for your establishment:

1. Size

White Measuring Tape

In most cases, size is an essential factor in golf simulators. You need to have a clear understanding of the space you intend to use in your location to contain the simulators, and what its dimensions are.

Measure the width, length and height of your space and compare it to the minimum space requirements of every golf simulator you look at.

In general, commercial golf simulator setups can require at least 14 feet of space in all directions, and depth requirements can be 20 feet or more. Your floor space should be able to accommodate this.

2. Ground Vs. Ceiling Tracking

This is quite an important consideration when it comes to commercial golf simulators.

Regardless of whether or not the person who comes to use your simulator is skilled, can make good contact with the ball, or is a hack beginner, there is always risk of accidents happening.

One example is if your customer hits a sky ball and the ball strikes a ceiling-mounted system like the Uneekor EYE XO. Another example is accidentally striking a launch monitor that sits on the ground with the ball or the club.

In general, we don’t recommend ground-based launch monitors like the SkyTrak or GCQuad for commercial units because they are at a much higher risk of being struck and damaged, and also because they need to be repositioned and adjusted for left-handed customers. In fact, none of the simulators featured on this page are of this type.

Whether the system is on the ground, runs under the ground, or is overhead will determine any steps or precautions you need to take to minimize the risk of damage.

3. Portability

Figure pushing a cog

Another thing you should think about is how easy it will be to pack up and transport your golf simulator setup. Do you plan to have a dedicated space where the simulator will be located, or will there be times when you need to move it?

Portability likely won’t be a concern for simulator businesses, but other businesses like bars and restaurants that are using simulators as an additional revenue stream may want to move their setup periodically.

Many of the expensive simulator models like the HD Golf Ultimate Package are more or less fixed and not meant to be moved around. Other models like the TruGolf Vista 8 and 12 have some portability.

If portability would be particularly useful for you, consider more compact screens and enclosures. Portable golf simulators tend to naturally be less expensive.

4. Quality

Writing the word quality

How good do you want your simulator to be? More expensive simulators typically come with:

  • better image quality
  • larger/wider screens
  • fuller enclosures
  • more advanced and precise tracking systems
  • technologies like high-speed cameras and playback
  • more ball data measurements

The best simulators certainly cost a lot of money, but it also makes them more attractive to your members and customers. It also allows you to charge a higher hourly rate to recoup your cost faster. Hourly rates can be $25-$80 or more.

At the same time, less expensive simulators can still give a great experience, which customers will be happy to pay decent money for.

5. Software

You should also consider what kinds of features, games and activities you want to be available on your simulator.

There are many possible software options. For example, The TruGolf Vista simulators reviewed above come with a minimum of a 1-year subscription to E6 CONNECT.

E6 Golf Logo

E6 is a high-quality software option that is highly customizable. It offers various course simulations, minigames, training ads, tournaments, and more.

Uneekor offers its own in-house software for the QED and EYE XO — Ignite and View, respectively. Uneekor systems are also compatible with E6 CONNECT.

HD Golf uses 3D modeling in their exclusive simulator software and is the only simulator company to use real course data. GOLFZON uses tri-layer course mapping for a meticulous HD recreation of over 190 world-famous golf courses.

If you’re looking for a more affordable simulator system, there’s the SkyTrak. SkyTrak software comes in three membership levels:

  • Basic Plan: offers a practice driving range.
  • Game-Improvement Plan: offers minigames, numeric display, and many other advanced features.
  • Play & Improve Plan: offers all features of other plans plus full integration with WGT (World Golf Tour).

Other software options include Creative Golf 3D, Jack Nicklaus Perfect Golf, GSPro, and Fitness Golf.

We recommend getting in touch with support here to discuss the possible software options that come with whatever simulator you’re interested in.

6. Budget

Money bag

Of course, your budget is very important when shopping for a golf simulator. Not every business can afford simulator units that cost $30,000+, and fortunately, there are options that cost well below this amount.

With that said, it’s important to realize that the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get in terms of equipment, software and size.

In this guide, we’ve tried to include quality golf simulators over a wide range of budgets that businesses might have. But the great thing is that you don’t have to drop the full cost of a simulator at once.

One of our recommended golf simulator sources here provides easy financing options that allow you to pay for your golf simulator over the course of a year or longer. Don’t forget about this option.


Conclusion

Golf simulators have become a lot more affordable and accessible over the past decade, and this means that more golfers and businesses than ever before have been able to get in the game.

A quality, reliable commercial golf simulator can be a huge asset to your business and generate a lot of revenue. Finding a simulator package that can meet your needs is certainly possible with some research.

Each of the simulator options reviewed above offer excellent value for the cost. We’ve given you the information you need to make a decision; now it’s up to you to go the rest of the way.

While it’s likely that no golf simulator setup will tick every one of your boxes, some will come pretty close to doing so.

We highly recommend reading consumer and professional reviews of golf simulators, if possible, to acquire useful insights as to how they actually perform. This will help you a lot in the decision-making process.


Thanks for reading this guide. What golf simulator are you considering for your commercial needs? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

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