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There are many reasons why golfers might want a full golf simulator setup for their garage.
A garage is a common place to put a golf simulator. Many people just don’t have room in the house for it or don’t want to disturb other people living in the house.
Whatever the reasons are, many people can’t afford to invest in a simulator that costs tens thousands of dollars. Fortunately, as golf simulator technology has advanced, more affordable solutions have appeared in the market, so there are options that can accommodate a wide range of budgets.
In the case of a golf simulator for garage use, there are a few things you’ll need to give yourself a great experience: a launch monitor that records your shot data, a hitting net or screen, and optionally, a projector that displays your shot on a life-size screen.
Because keeping a simulator in a garage often comes with challenges such as humidity and sharing space with vehicles, you should also consider simulators that can be retracted and/or disassembled quickly and easily.
In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best garage 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 Golf Simulators For Garage Use
The following are our top selections based on our own testing, research, and experience:
- SkyTrak Plus Flex Space Golf Simulator Package
- Carl’s Place EYE MINI Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GCQuad PlayBetter SimStudio Package
- FlightScope Mevo Plus Training Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Plus SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
- TruGolf Vista 10 Golf Simulator
- Uneekor QED SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Home Series Golf Simulator Package
1. SkyTrak Plus Flex Space Golf Simulator Package
For our #1 pick, we combine the SkyTrak Plus Launch Monitor, an upgrade and modernization to the original SkyTrak, with a quality screen & enclosure that is ideal for garages.
This state-of-the-art HomeCourse screen can be fully retracted at the click of a button, allowing you to quickly create space if you need to pull a car into the garage. The package was put together by The Indoor Golf Shop, one of the best sources of golf simulator equipment out there today.
This package comes with everything you need to improve your game and have a blast with friends and family, whatever the weather conditions are outside.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak Plus Flex Space Simulator Package comes with:
- SkyTrak+ Launch Monitor with protective case
- SkyTrak Play & Improve software (upgrade from base)
- HomeCourse ProScreen 180 with ceiling mount kit
- short throw golf simulator projector
- SIGPRO landing turf (6 ft x 10 ft)
- your choice of hitting mat (4’x7′, 4’x10′ or 5’x5′)
- projector floor mount enclosure
The SkyTrak+ launch monitor allows you to practice on a virtual driving range, hit at simulated targets, play minigames and challenges, and play world-class courses. It’s faster and more accurate than the original model and now also measures club data thanks to a new dual Doppler radar.
With the included Play & Improve software, you get access to 15 world-class WGT (World Golf Tour) golf courses and 15 E6 CONNECT courses in addition to having all other SkyTrak software features. Various third party solutions can be integrated at extra cost.
The new and improved HomeCourse ProScreen 180 features side walls made of ballistic material. The Pro Arms can be optionally extended to create an ultra-wide 16:9 projectable area.
The retractable screen is wireless. The motor runs on a chargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for months at a time, and the motor can be controlled with an included wireless remote.
The screen can be mounted to the ceiling or wall (wall mount kit sold separately). If your ceiling is higher than nine feet, we recommend wall mounting.
Room dimensions of 8.5 ft high x 12 ft wide x 12 ft deep are recommended.
Customers love the straightforward installation and how painless taking down the simulator is. In addition to garages, it can also be used in many indoor spaces. For more details about what comes with the simulator, how exactly to set it up, and more, visit this page.
2. Carl’s Place EYE MINI Golf Simulator Package
You can think of the Uneekor EYE MINI as a portable EYE XO with an on-board display.
It may not be quite as powerful as the EYE XO in terms of features and data points, but it’s considerably more affordable and its accuracy is practically just as good. Plus, its portability means you can take it out of the garage whenever needed.
This package, put together by Carl’s Place, pairs the EYE MINI with Carl’s unique C-Series DIY Enclosure available in a range of different sizes to accommodate your garage space.
In spite of all you’re getting including a high-end launch monitor, swing cameras and a 4K UHD projector, this package remarkably manages to stay under $10,000 in cost. We recommend taking advantage while you still can!
What Is Included
The Carl’s Place EYE MINI simulator package includes:
- a Uneekor EYE MINI launch monitor
- a Carl’s Place C-Series DIY Enclosure with impact screen (six size options)
- a Carl’s HotShot 4’x9′ hitting mat (double-sided)
- a BenQ TK700STi 4K short throw projector
- a projector ceiling mount
- a Carl’s Swing Camera set with optional accessories
The EYE MINI is a portable launch monitor that contains two high-speed infrared cameras and measures an array of ball and club data. It boasts Club Optix technology which allows you to view slow-motion closeups of the club impacting the ball.
The included HotShot Mat — soft, high-quality and durable — has a pre-cut replaceable hitting strip that can be swapped out once sufficiently worn. Carl’s Place sells these hitting strips separately for your convenience.
In conjunction with the Uneekor View software, you can use the swing cameras to analyze your swing from a multitude of different angles. The BenQ projector can output at 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution, but because it’s non-laser, it’s relatively affordable.
The third-party softwares compatible with the EYE MINI are E6 CONNECT, TGC 2019, and GSPro.
To install the setup, you’ll need enough space to fit the enclosure size you choose, mount the projector, and swing your longest club (driver) unimpeded.
This fantastic golf simulator package gives you portability, a wide range of data points, reliability, accuracy, and plenty of features for game improvement and entertainment. For full details on what’s included, go here.
3. Foresight Sports GCQuad PlayBetter SimStudio Package
How would you like to benefit from the best camera-based portable launch monitor on the market used by top coaches and pro golfers like Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy?
That’s what this simulator package gives you. It comes with the powerful GCQuad Launch Monitor by Foresight Sports, which uses a quadrascopic camera system that is unbeatable in a quasi-indoor environment like a garage.
Put together by reputable sports vendor PlayBetter, it includes their popular full-screen SimStudio enclosure for the ultimate power setup. You can count on it being able to give you the most accurate ball flight data so you can dial in your game.
One thing we love about this package is that all the available SimStudio enclosure sizes cost the same, so you can go as big as you want as long as it can fit in your space.
What Is Included
The GCQuad PlayBetter SimStudio Package pairs the GCQuad Launch Monitor with:
- a PlayBetter SimStudio full hitting bay
- an Optoma GT1080HDR short throw projector
- a projector ceiling mount
- the FSX software suite including FSX 2020 and FSX Play
The SimStudio consists of a noise-dampening impact screen, full enclosure with blackout walls, 5’x5′ hitting mat, and landing pad turf that can double as a putting surface. We’re impressed with the quality of all of the components.
The GCQuad has direct-to-screen output so you can view your numbers without any separate device or software. It also integrates with the full Foresight Sports software suite including FSX 2020, FSX Play, FSX Pro, and Foresight Fairgrounds.
Room dimensions of at least 9 ft high x 12 ft wide x 16 ft deep are recommended.
This simulator is really affordable considering what you’re getting. The GCQuad itself is pricey, sure but it’s a fact that nobody who gets it regrets their purchase. It works great for a garage setup because it doesn’t require space behind you on the target line.
4. FlightScope Mevo Plus Training Golf Simulator Package
Maybe you’re looking for an alternative to the SkyTrak+ that’s also a little more affordable. In that case, you should consider this FlightScope Mevo Plus Training Simulator Package, put together by The Indoor Golf Shop.
The Mevo Plus (or Mevo+) launch monitor packs the latest cutting-edge technologies and performance features, giving you a large number of data points and plenty of apps and software.
What’s great about this package is that it uses a net instead of a projector/screen setup, saving you a significant amount of money. You can simply view your data and simulation on your PC or mobile device.
What Is Included
This package takes the Mevo Plus 2023 Edition launch monitor (with charger and carrying pouch) and pairs it with a high-quality SIGPRO golf net. Also included are:
- SIGPRO Turf (6 ft x 10 ft)
- side barrier netting with sandbags
- your choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′)
The affordable SIGPRO hitting net catches golf balls quietly and softly, is easy to assemble, and has a collapsible design. It can safely handle ball speeds of up to 225 mph. In addition, The Indoor Golf Shop designed the SIGPRO net to easily integrate with their SIG Preferred Impact Screen which attaches to a top crossbar (purchased as a separate add-on).
The Mevo+ integrates with E6 CONNECT software, in addition to free FlightScope apps. The simulator comes with a trimmed version of E6 for iOS or PC that includes ten courses and seventeen practice ranges.
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).
A space that is at least 8.5 ft high x 10 ft wide x 16 ft deep is recommended for this setup. For best results, the Mevo Plus should be placed 8 feet behind the ball on your target line, and a minimum of 8 feet of ball flight is needed to accurately record data.
Mevo Plus users love the value you get for the money: excellent accuracy, great software, convenience, and great customer support.
5. SkyTrak Plus SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
This simulator uses the next generation of the SkyTrak, the SkyTrak Plus (ST+) launch monitor.
The ST+ makes a number of improvements over the original SkyTrak including the addition of club data, a faster processor, greatly improved outdoor performance, and additional courses in the software. Best of all, no club or ball stickers are needed to measure any data points!
Put together by Rain or Shine Golf, this turnkey package features Rain or Shine Golf’s signature SwingBay studio and enclosure system suitable for those looking for a more permanent, full-size setup.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak+ SwingBay Simulator Package includes:
- SkyTrak+ launch monitor with protective case
- one free year of the Game Improvement software plan
- SwingBay enclosure & impact screen
- side barrier netting
- full HD short throw projector with high lumens
- SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x5′ or 9’x4′)
- ceiling or floor projector mount (your choice)
- gaming laptop with stand, sleeve & mousepad (optional)
- landing pad turf (optional)
The SkyTrak+ adds a new dual Doppler radar system which combines with an improved photometric camera system and machine-learning software to bring the ST+ to a new level of accuracy and comprehensive data measurement.
The SwingBay enclosure is designed for 4:3 projection and is built to withstand ball speeds up to 250 mph. It consists of a tightly-woven premium impact screen, commercial-grade blackout walls, and a bungee fastening system.
SkyTrak’s in-house software can be accessed through three subscription tiers. Additionally, the launch monitor is compatible with E6 CONNECT, TGC 2019, Creative Golf 3D, and other third-party solutions.
The included SwingTurf hitting mat was designed by Rain or Shine Golf to provide an optimal balance between realistic fairway feel and forgiveness.
An optional gaming laptop contains a fast processor and powerful graphics card, allowing golf simulator software to be run smoothly with no freezing or lagging.
The SkyTrak+ is impressive enough on its own, but when you pair it with a quality studio like this one, you win big.
6. TruGolf Vista 10 Golf Simulator
Perhaps you want an all-in-one “sim-in-a-box” without having to mix and match different components. In that case, you should look at the Vista 10, which is the middle entry in TruGolf’s Vista Series.
It’s a “plug-and-play” simulator 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 including garages, 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.
What Is Included
The Vista 10 simulator features a high-quality studio with fairway turf and a deep enclosure. Included is:
- an HD 720p Vista projector and screen
- a 21″ Touch Screen Monitor & TruGolf Level 1 Computer
- the TruTrack2 system, which captures important shot data using multiple optical sensors
- premium fairway turf
- a 1-year subscription to E6 CONNECT
- a 1-year limited warranty
The Vista 10 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, component rack, protective side nets, and a frame storage duffel bag.
In addition, you can integrate the TruGolf Multisport Interactive Sports Camera with the Vista 10. 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.
The minimum space requirements are 10 ft high x 15 ft wide x 20 ft deep.
The tracking system, in particular, is a unique system built by TruGolf. For more details about what comes with the simulator, specifications, etc, visit this page.
7. Uneekor QED SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
Many golfers opt for the Uneekor QED simulator system instead of the EYE XO because even though it requires marked balls and is less powerful, it’s several thousand dollars cheaper.
A ceiling-mounted system, the QED delivers high precision on shots from 10 cm to 435 yards. The included software allows you to play various game modes, practice modes, and skills challenges.
This particular package was put together by The Indoor Golf Shop and uses their compact SIG8 enclosure that is just over eight feet wide. For many people, the enclosure is plenty big enough to get a superb simulator experience.
What Is Included
The Uneekor QED SIG8 Simulator Package consists of the QED launch monitor (positioned above and back), a compact SIG8 enclosure, and:
- a Panasonic PT-VZ580U WUXGA projector
- 5’x5′, 4’x7′, or full flooring hitting mat (your choice)
- landing pad turf
- projector ceiling mount
- QED Ignite software
- side barrier netting
- 24 non-branded marked golf balls
The simulator technology itself is contained in the QED bar. It houses two high-speed cameras that can record at over 3000 fps, providing real-time club and ball data.
The Ignite software features a photographic video playback technology called QED OPTIX, a 3D driving range, fitting data, and a swing motion analysis tool. You can optionally upgrade to Refine, Refine+, TGC 2019, and other software.
Space dimensions of 9 ft high x 12 ft wide x 16 ft deep are recommended.
Practically everyone who gets the Uneekor QED system ends up very happy with it. Even if you don’t want to pay extra for separate software, the default Ignite software is superb and will allow you to get the quality practice you expect out of a premium simulator package.
8. SkyTrak Home Series Golf Simulator Package
If you have a limited amount of space in your garage but don’t want an enclosure or a retractable screen, the SkyTrak Home Series package may be just what you need.
Despite the release of the beastly new SkyTrak+, the original SkyTrak is still a very attractive launch monitor because it’s more affordable and the ball data it provides is all you need for an optimal simulator experience.
This is an affordable (less than $5000) simulator package that was put together by Top Shelf Golf, a great online source for golf simulator equipment that has some unique offers you can’t find anywhere else.
What makes this simulator great for a garage is the light weight and ease of assembly, so even though it’s not retractable, it can be put away or moved very easily.
What Is Included
Unlike the simulator packages with retractable enclosures, this budget package pairs the SkyTrak Launch Monitor with equipment from The Net Return including:
- The Net Return Home Series V2 net (or optional upgrade to Pro Series V2 net)
- The Net Return Pro Turf hitting mat (optional upgrades to Fiberbuilt mats)
The Home Series net is smaller than the Pro Series net, but both have a premium, quality construction and are very durable. They automatically return the ball back to you after each shot, and the Home Series can withstand ball speeds of up to 200 mph.
Minimum room dimensions are 8.5 ft high x 10 ft wide x 12 ft deep. If you tend to hit a lot of shanks or are concerned that the net may not catch all your shots, we suggest adding universal side barriers to your purchase.
People really love the quality and affordability, as well as the fact that it’s less complex to work with than a projector setup. It’s one of the best deals you can get for a SkyTrak setup that allows you to hit real balls at full speed.
For more details about what comes with the package and the optional add-ons available to you, visit this page.
Buying Guide
Investing in a quality golf simulator for your garage is a big step.
Because of this, it’s important to consider all the factors that will affect the experience and match it with what your goals and requirements are.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider when figuring out what golf simulator will be best for your garage:
1. Retractability
In many instances, the most important feature for a garage golf simulator is a retractable screen.
A retractable screen will allow you to make room for other things in a matter of seconds — for example, if you need pull your car into the garage or set up a temporary workshop for projects.
If you need to restore your space back to its original form on demand, we definitely recommend a simulator with retractable functionality.
These kinds of simulators can be used in other settings as well, but they tend to be especially useful in garages. This is why many of the simulator packages we review above have retractable screens.
2. Temperature & Humidity
This is a variable that is unique to garage simulators. Because most garages are not climate-controlled like the interior of a home, they are vulnerable to temperature and humidity changes outdoors. This means that if it gets really cold out (say, -5°C or below), gets really hot out, or the humidity rises, so will your garage.
Extreme temperatures can damage electronic components like projectors and simulator tracking systems, and in our experience, high humidity is even more dangerous to simulator components.
There are a few thing you can do in this regard.
If you want to avoid having to regulate the temperature or humidity of your garage, your best bet is to have a net setup along with a portable launch monitor like the SkyTrak+, Mevo+, EYE MINI, or GCQuad. Your net can be left where it is, and when you’re not playing, you can bring your launch monitor, laptop/tablet, and even your hitting mat inside, and set up again when the humidity is at an acceptable level.
Humidity is very important to watch out for. This is why, if your location is susceptible to high humidity, we recommend using a dehumidifier when playing in the garage, although this can introduce extra background noise.
Beyond this, you might consider installing a mini-split to heat and cool your garage as needed, or if you only experience high temperatures, you could set up an AC unit.
The bottom line is that dehumidifiers, AC units or heaters may be essential depending on where you live and whether or not you have a fixed setup like a QED or EYE XO.
3. Size
Size is obviously a critically important factor in golf simulators. You need to have a clear understanding of the space available in your garage to contain the simulator, 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.
If you’re using a projector, also consider how far away you’ll be mounting it from the screen to produce the image you want, and factor that into the depth of your space.
In general, full golf simulator setups tend to need about 9 feet of height, 12 feet of width and 15 feet of depth, but there are more compact options. Your garage space should be able to accommodate this.
4. Net Vs. Screen
As you probably know, there are generally two options when it comes to golf simulators:
- You can project your shots onto a life-size impact screen.
- You can hit into a net or screen without a projector, but still be able to view your shot data and see the ball flight on your connected computer or mobile device.
Most of the simulators reviewed on this page use a screen and projector. If you want to save money, you can opt for just a net.
Not only are net setups considerably cheaper, but nets are also very portable and can easily be moved out of the way to create more space in your garage.
If the full golf simulator experience is important to you and you want to feel like you’re playing a real-life simulation, then you’ll probably want to invest in a screen and projector setup.
On the other hand, if you’re satisfied with seeing your shot data and ball flight on a PC or mobile device, then you should go with a net.
5. Simulator Software
You should also consider what kinds of things you want to do, games you want to play, and activities you want to take part in on your golf simulator. There are many software options available.
Using the launch monitors on this page as examples, SkyTrak has software in three membership levels:
- Basic Plan: contains a practice driving range.
- Game-Improvement Plan: contains minigames, numeric display, and many other advanced features.
- Play & Improve Plan: contains all features of other plans plus some E6 CONNECT courses and full integration with WGT (World Golf Tour).
The Mevo+ is compatible with the highly customizable E6 CONNECT software, which offers various course simulations, training aids, minigames, tournaments, and more. It’s also compatible with The Golf Club 2019, which not only has your typical practice range, but also numerous multiplayer modes, online tournaments and events, and even the ability to design your own course!
Uneekor’s View software, with advanced features like Club Optix and a swing motion analysis tool, allows you to have information-rich practice sessions and view detailed club and ball data for each shot.
GSPro boasts ultra-realistic physics and graphics. Among other things, it offers practice, full course play, virtual online tours, and the ability to design your own course and make it available to the community as a free download.
Other software possibilities include FSX, TruGolf, Creative Golf 3D, Awesome Golf, and Fitness Golf.
What software features do you see yourself using most often? Do you just want to practice on the range, play world-class courses, or both? Consider what software options are available when looking at simulators, and make your decisions accordingly.
6. Budget
Of course, your budget is very important when shopping for a golf simulator. Not everyone can afford simulator packages that cost $10,000; 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, both in terms of equipment and software.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include quality golf simulators over a wide range of budgets that would work well in a garage. But the great thing is that you don’t have to drop the full cost of a simulator at once.
Our recommended golf simulator source 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 accessible and affordable over the past decade, and this means more golfers than ever before have been able to have their own garage setup.
Garages are popular places to house a golf simulator because they’re out of the way and keep noise out of the house, but a major drawback is having to deal with extreme temperatures and humidity.
A quality, reliable golf simulator can be a huge boon to your golf toolkit. Finding a simulator package that is suitable for your garage 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 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 garage? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
You’ve got to try TruGolf Simulators. I have a TruFlight 2 Camera system. It works flawlessly. Skytrak is terrible, same with optishot and the mevo. The only decent one is the gc2 or quad. I feel like you didn’t do your research. The size of room you need is not the dimensions you list. Minimum dimensions are 12’ wide 9’3” tall (even that might be tight) and 16’ deep (even that might be tight). The dimensions you listed would be for anyone under 5’0”.
If you were only talking about pure performance and accuracy without any consideration for cost, you might be right. In that case, you may as well just get the Full Swing Pro Series and call it a day. But cost is obviously a big deal for most people, so we have included great sims over a range of budgets. I don’t agree that the SkyTrak and Mevo+ are terrible; they are excellent given their affordable prices. We recommend the OptiShot system for entertainment rather than serious practice; the appeal there is the fact that full simulator systems with the OptiShot are relatively low-cost.
As for the dimensions, these are specifically what is given by the vendor. This is why we say that in addition to the size of the simulator, you should always make sure that you can swing your longest club unimpeded. It’s true that in many cases, you’ll need quite a bit more space than what is listed.
I also agree that TruGolf makes really great simulator studios, and we feature them (the Vista Series in particular) in many of our simulator buying guides. But we didn’t include any here because we wanted to focus on retractable screens and nets for garages.
Thanks for your comment!