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Many businesses and individuals are interested in generating revenue with golf simulators.
For example, golf courses and pro shops may 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 facilities 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 quality solutions out there thanks to the advancement of golf simulator technology. Such systems can range in price from less than $20,000 to $50,000 or more.
So, what are we talking about when we talk about commercial golf simulators? We’re talking about spacious hitting bays 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.
Note: Golfstead has tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of the products featured in this guide. Our editorial process for these rankings takes into account a mix of many factors which may include performance, reliability, usability, value for money, cost, and the general consensus from other users of the product. The list that follows may be reassessed or updated over time.
Our Top Picks For Commercial Golf Simulators
The following are our top selections based on our own testing, research, and experience:
- Carl’s Place EYE XO Select Golf Simulator Package
- TruGolf Vista 12 Golf Simulator
- Uneekor QED SIG12 Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GCQuad SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
- HD Golf Ultimate Training Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GCHawk SIG12 Golf Simulator
- Golfzon TwoVision Golf Simulator
- Full Swing Sport Series Golf Simulator
- TruGolf Vista 8 Golf Simulator
1. Carl’s Place EYE XO Select Golf Simulator Package
In our opinion, the Uneekor EYE XO is one of the best golf simulator systems for commercial use of all time.
The reception it has gotten from golfers is overwhelmingly positive. It can certainly hold its own as a commercial-tier simulator, better than the SkyTrak and on par with professional systems at a fraction of the price.
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.
And one of the best simulator studio packages to pair with the EYE XO is undoubtedly the EYE XO Select Package by Carl’s Place. In business since 2006, Carl’s Place has grown to be one of the most trusted indoor golf destinations in the USA.
Not only does this package come with a massive commercial-grade enclosure system that mounts the launch monitor to its frame, but it also includes a top-of-the-line 4K projector and a license to GSPro which many consider to be the best simulator software available.
Plus, this simulator package can be customized to the nth degree through Carl’s BYOS tool, from the enclosure size to the projector mount, hitting mat and more, so you don’t have to settle for the default components.
What Is Included
The Carl’s Place EYE XO Select Package consists of:
- a 10’x15.5’x8′ Pro Golf C-Series Enclosure with Impact Screen
- a Uneekor EYE XO or EYE XO2 launch monitor (your choice)
- a TrueStrike Academy hitting mat (two sides with center hitting strip)
- a license to GSPro software
- a BenQ LK936ST 4K laser short throw projector
- a projector ceiling mount
- optional accessories including swing cameras, a tripod, and camera wall mounts
The simulator technology itself is contained in the EYE XO bar, which is mounted overhead. It houses two high-speed cameras that can record at over 3000 fps, providing real-time club and ball data with the help of advanced sensors.
You can optionally select the EYE XO2 launch monitor which is more expensive. The EYE XO2 adds an extra high-speed camera, and it provides a larger hitting area that can accommodate an (included) all-terrain Uneekor Trouble Mat.
The included Pro Golf Enclosure isn’t just any typical enclosure. This strong, high-quality, deep enclosure is designed for commercial applications or high-end home setups and allows for mounting the EYE XO and projector directly to the frame. In addition, the screen has a unique borderless bottom for a seamless look.
The EYE XO comes with View software which features a photographic video playback technology called OPTIX, a 3D driving range, fitting data, a swing motion analysis tool, and more.
Upgrades are available that enable access to additional features within the View software such as full course play. In addition, the EYE XO is compatible with third party solutions The Golf Club 2019, E6 CONNECT, Creative Golf, and GSPro.
Carl’s Place recommends you swing 10-12 feet from the screen and have at least 7 feet of space on every side of you. A minimum ceiling height of 10.5 feet is required for this very large enclosure.
This is an impressive simulator setup for commercial applications. And Carl’s Place is there to help you every step of the way with personalized support, resources, and installation guides. We strongly recommend getting a protective case for the EYE XO to protect it from wayward shots.
2. TruGolf Vista 12 Golf Simulator
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 its all-in-one, plug-and-play nature 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.
In addition, you can integrate the TruGolf Multisport Interactive Sports Camera with the Vista 12. This provides an array of world-class sports arcade games and is capable of tracking the movements of soccer balls, hockey pucks, baseballs, and more.
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.
3. Uneekor QED SIG12 Golf Simulator Package
Uneekor’s other simulator system, the QED, is also one of the best options for commercial use.
What makes the QED especially good is the fact that it’s mounted overhead 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. And this package gives you everything you need to put together a fantastic studio including The Indoor Golf Shop’s massive SIG12 enclosure, which is twelve feet wide.
Although the QED requires you to hit specially marked balls, it measures fewer parameters, and its features aren’t quite as powerful, it’s quite a bit more affordable than the EYE XO. The included software enables your guests to play various game modes, practice modes, and skills challenges.
What Is Included
The Uneekor QED SIG12 Simulator package was put together by The Indoor Golf Shop and includes:
- a QED tracking bar 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 QED bar, mounted overhead, houses two high-speed cameras that can record at over 3000 fps, providing real-time club and ball data.
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 QED, we don’t really think it’s needed.
The 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 software.
The QED is compatible with the same third-party software as the EYE XO, namely E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, Creative Golf and GSPro. Thus, there are plenty of features and modes that guests could potentially have fun with. For commercial use, we suggest TGC 2019 because it has a massive selection of courses for customers to choose from.
Space dimensions of at least 10 ft high x 13 ft wide x 16 ft deep are recommended.
Practically everyone who gets the Uneekor QED system ends up very happy with it. For more details about what comes with the package, optional add-ons, pricing, and setup instructions, visit this page.
4. Foresight Sports GCQuad SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
A floor unit is not something we would normally recommend in a commercial setting such as an indoor golf facility.
However, in our experience, a professional-grade launch monitor like the GCQuad tends to work really well for instructional and club fitting purposes.
The GCQuad can be considered the gold standard of camera-based portable launch monitors, used by top coaches and tour pros such as Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy.
It uses a quadrascopic (four) camera system which captures thousands of images per second and builds a complete 3D model of the club and ball at impact, allowing for measurements that are direct and not calculated.
This package was put together by Rain or Shine Golf and uses their full-screen SwingBay enclosure for the ultimate power setup.
What Is Included
The GCQuad SwingBay Simulator includes the GCQuad Launch Monitor along with:
- a SwingBay simulator screen & enclosure
- a full HD short throw projector with high lumens
- a ceiling or floor projector mount (your choice)
- landing pad turf (optional)
- side barrier netting
- a SwingTurf hitting mat (4’x9′ or 5’x5′)
Rain or Shine Golf’s SwingBay enclosure consists of a quality impact screen designed for 4:3 projection, commercial-grade blackout walls, and a bungee fastening system. Their SwingTurf hitting mat was designed to provide an optimal balance between realistic fairway feel and forgiveness.
This simulator is compatible with the full Foresight Sports software suite including FSX Pro, FSX 2020 and FSX Play. It also can integrate with third-party solutions E6 CONNECT, GSPro, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf.
The GCQuad has direct-to-screen output so you can view your numbers without any separate device or software. It offers the optional add-ons Essential Putting Analysis (gives you detailed insight into every aspect of your putting) and Clubhead Measurement (unlocks additional club head data).
Minimum room dimensions of 8.5 ft high x 11 ft wide x 16 ft deep are required for this simulator.
The GCQuad is considered the “Rolls-Royce” of golf launch monitors. It can be relied on without question to help students and clients understand their swing mechanics on a deep level and improve their game.
5. 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.
6. Foresight Sports GCHawk SIG12 Golf Simulator
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
- FSX 2020 and FSX Play software
- 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 software suite features practice ranges, full course play, skills challenges, competitions, and more, while third-party software like GSPro and E6 CONNECT 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, and your customers will pay top dollar to use it.
7. Golfzon TwoVision Golf Simulator
Golfzon is an award-winning golf simulator company with a presence in 60+ countries. There are over 3.2 million online Golfzon members worldwide, and over 65 million rounds are played on Golfzon simulators every year.
The TwoVision is Golfzon’s newest, greatest, most advanced simulator yet. It’s an all-in-one, plug-and-play system that is designed to provide the most immersive experience on the market.
Many indoor golf centers, club fitters and other entities install Golfzon simulators, which have been named the #1 golf simulator in the world by Golf Digest four years in a row.
How It Works
The Golfzon TwoVision simulator features a large hitting bay with:
- three or four high-speed T4 sensors
- a full HD projector
- a teeside kiosk with touch screen
- a 24-position swing plate
- an auto tee and ball retrieval system
- an LED green-read putting guide
- divot-sensing technology
- a virtual caddy
The T4 sensors are an upgrade from older sensors used in previous-generation Golfzon simulators. Providing detailed club and ball data, there are two on the ceiling, one built into the kiosk, and optionally one for left-handed players.
The sensors capture 400 frames per second at the moment of impact; the one built into the kiosk allows the system to collect even more detailed data including your divot patterns.
Perhaps the signature feature of the TwoVision is a hydraulic swing plate that not only emulates a range of different surfaces including fairway, first cut, rough, and bunker, but also can move into 24 different positions that recreate true course contours and uneven surfaces.
You also have access to a Virtual Caddy that offers tips and tricks, as well as an LED guide that helps you aim your putts. These are truly unique features that you won’t find anywhere else.
The TwoVision uses Golfzon’s exclusive TwoVision software. Said to be 130% crisper than previous software, it offers six different game modes, online network golf tournaments, and allows you to play over 200 accurately rendered golf courses from around the world.
This simulator may be installed in golf clubs, resorts, bars, lounges, academies, and driving ranges. Whatever your situation, Golfzon will work with you to achieve the perfect setup for your business.
The TwoVision system certainly isn’t cheap. To get more information and to learn how to purchase it, go here.
8. Full Swing Sport Series Golf Simulator
Want to take things to the next level, but the options above just aren’t doing it for you? 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 pros use Full Swing simulators such as Jordan Spieth and Gary Woodland.
How It Works
This simulator has some of 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.
9. 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
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 9 feet of ceiling height, ten feet of width, and twelve feet of depth. 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 floor units like the SkyTrak or GCQuad for indoor golf facilities that are open to the public. When anyone can walk in with their buddies and use a simulator, you just don’t know what could happen. In addition, these kinds of launch monitors need to be repositioned and adjusted for left-handed customers.
Floor units can, however, be a great option when doing one-on-one coaching or club fitting because it’s easier to monitor what’s going on and the risk is much lower.
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
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 dedicated simulator facilities, 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
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.
If you’re doing coaching or club fitting, you should strive for a top-of-the-line system as you want the absolute best in accuracy for your clients.
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 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.
GSPro is a highly realistic software with advanced ball physics and 4K graphics. It offers powerful community features including a course builder and the ability to participate in online virtual tours.
We recommend getting in touch with support here to discuss the possible software options that come with whatever simulator you’re interested in. Your operating costs for a particular simulator will depend on the ongoing costs of the software you’re using.
6. Budget
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. For more information, check out our pages on golf simulator profitability here and starting and growing a golf simulator business here.
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 critic 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.
Hi Paul. We run an indoor golf facility in AL and recently decided to expand. Based on your recommendations and our research, we installed a couple of Vista 12 simulators. They’ve been working great so far and our customers are pleased with them. Helpful guide, thanks!
Great to hear! The Vista 12 is awesome, especially if you can get 1080p with the Pro version.
Hi Mate
Have you heard any info on PGM Bravo simulator?
A little. It doesn’t seem to be a very well-known system, and not many people we know of have had any experience with it. That’s something you’ll have to look into.
What would be the best commercial simulator for a room that’s 13 wide
SwingBay (Rain or Shine Golf), SIG10 (Shop Indoor Golf), and PerfectBay (Top Shelf Golf) simulator packages will all work for that. You can click those links and find a system you like based on your budget. Thanks!
Hi Paul
Which one you recommended between GC Hawk and Vista 12 for a new indoor golf facility in Michigan. I am planning to start with 4 units and have 8000 sq ft of 18’ ceiling space available.
Hi Harry. In short, the GCHawk would probably be the better option. What I recommend you do is go here and get in touch by phone or email. I’ve talked to The Indoor Golf Shop and they will be more than happy to discuss your situation and help you get set up.
To answer your question in more detail, both of those are good commercial options, but I would go with the GCHawk SIG12 because the system is mounted on the ceiling which keeps it away from customers. The tracking system of the Vista 12 is also hands-free but because it runs under the floor, repeated club impacts may cause issues over time. The technology of the GCHawk is also more advanced than the Vista, and the GCHawk gives you access to more software options (FSX 2020, FSX Play, E6 CONNECT, Creative Golf 3D, etc.). The Vista is only usable with E6 CONNECT.
Having said that, the GCHawk is very expensive. I think a better alternative is the Uneekor EYE XO which also mounts on the ceiling away from customers. The EYE XO has similar data points, similar accuracy, and a wide range of software options, but is much more cost-effective than the GCHawk. I hope this helps, and please reach out through the link above to discuss further.
Hi Paul, have you done any further research on simulators into the end of 2022? I am doing a custom luxury home build and am looking to get the best of the best. I am not concerned about budget or room size limitations as we will be building the room to fit the simulator. I would like to use the simulator to improve my golf game but also play rounds of golf on in the winter. I seem to be getting pushed to a Trackman system with the new Titleist RCT balls, but also read some reviews that Trackman is not good indoors… Lots of conflicting information out there.
Thoughts?
Hi Mitch. The info on this page is still up-to-date at the time of writing this comment. I’ll assume you’re building a sim for personal and not commercial use. My top recommendation for you will depend on whether you prefer a launch monitor that sits on the floor or is mounted overhead. If it’s the former, I recommend either the GCQuad or FlightScope X3. If it’s the latter, I would look at the Uneekor EYE XO or GCHawk.
The reason the GCQuad and X3 aren’t included in this guide is because they sit on the floor and are at risk of accidental impacts from customers. I don’t recommend TrackMan; not only does it have a slight edge outdoors, but the GCQuad (camera-based) and X3 (radar-based) are just as good while costing much less. I know you said budget doesn’t matter, but it’s still good to get great value for money. With TrackMan, you’re paying a premium for the brand name. I’m not even sure TrackMan is compatible with much in the way of simulator software.
If you have any more specific questions, I can expand a lot more on this. You can learn more about the launch monitors I mentioned above (as well as enclosure options) at The Indoor Golf Shop.
Dear Paul,
A friend of mine and I are looking at starting a commercial indoor Golf simulator facility in lagos Nigeria and would like to know a few things considering purchasing and the required support as per the following:
1. Which would be the most rugged (reliable) commercial simulator and still have features that make it easy to maintain?
2. What would be the average typical maintenance cost per annum barring any unforeseen damage?
3. Which simulator and software would require the least support or have better international support outside the USA?
4. How many simulators would you recommend to start a business locally if i could buy up to 6 simulators?
Any other good tips you could give someone internationally.
Hi Francis,
1) Pretty much all of the sims featured on this page are reliable. When it comes to commercial use, you typically don’t want a launch monitor that sits on the ground because it can be struck by clubs. One of my top recommendations would be a Uneekor EYE XO ceiling-mounted system equipped with a protective case, which you can get here.
2) It’s difficult to say because it depends on how often the simulator is used and on the conditions of the local economy. The only things you may need to do are replace electronics (projector, launch monitor, computer, etc.) that may break down over time and replace worn-out hitting mats. There’s also the electricity cost for running the simulator. In any case, the cost should be very insignificant compared to the revenue brought in.
3) Golf simulator vendors Top Shelf Golf and Rain or Shine Golf have toll-free support numbers. Uneekor and Foresight Sports have international support lines. I am not aware of simulator support that is based in Nigeria specifically. As for software, I recommend The Golf Club 2019 if it’s compatible with the system.
4) There is obviously no hard rule here, but I suggest starting smaller with 3-5 and then adding more as the business grows. It will depend on your budget, the population density around your location, and the amount of people that come in. If you constantly have more people coming in than the simulator bays can accommodate, that’s a sign that you should add more simulators. Of course, the more simulators you have, the more revenue you’ll bring in. I also suggest supplementing simulator play with food & drinks which can bring in a lot of additional revenue.
I hope this helps!
Hey Paul,
I’m looking at starting a commercial business and have located a space that is 27′ wide. Is this enough room for the Golfzon 2-vision system, along with seating and walkway? All of the specs I’ve seen indicate up to 18′ is required for the bay. But I’m needing some simple seating arrangement as well as an egress route behind the bay too.
Thanks!
Hi Nick. It’s definitely enough width for the simulator, but in terms of seating and room layout, I can’t really comment without knowing more information. I highly recommend you get in touch with Golfzon sales as their local representative will walk you through everything. Good luck.
Paul,
Can any of these systems be Coin Op/Dollar/credit card at the unit/station? Only asking because if it has to be done via POS or cashier it requires another business license.
v/r
Dennis
Hi Dennis. You should be able to integrate a payment mechanism at the simulator bay itself, but this system would be separate from the actual simulator. I suggest looking at payment kiosk or pay timer providers as a start.