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There are many reasons why people would be interested in a golf simulator for outdoor use.
Many people dream of having a golf simulator setup for their home so they can play whenever they want, but they may not want or be able to set up the simulator indoors.
Others want simulators for outdoor golfing events that are open to the public or a select group of people.
Whatever your reasons are, not everyone can afford to invest in a simulator that costs tens of 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 outdoor 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 and shot data on a life-size screen.
If you want a full enclosure with screen and projector, you should also have wall and ceiling supports that will protect the simulator from rain, wind, and other weather conditions.
In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best outdoor 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 an excellent experience for the cost.
Our Top Picks For Golf Simulators For Outdoor Use
The following are our top selections based on our own testing, research, and experience:
- FlightScope Mevo Plus Practice Golf Simulator Package
- Garmin Approach R10 Training Golf Simulator Package
- FlightScope X3 Training Golf Simulator Package
- FlightScope Mevo Plus Bronze Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GCQuad Training Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GC3 Home Golf Simulator Package
- FlightScope X3 Bronze Golf Simulator Package
1. FlightScope Mevo Plus Practice Golf Simulator Package
What makes the Mevo Plus Practice Package our #1 pick for outdoor simulator are the components and the affordability.
First, this simulator utilizes the Mevo Plus launch monitor, which is widely regarded as having the best outdoor performance in its price range.
Second, the package includes either the Rukket Sports Premium or GoSports hitting net, each of which have the versatility to accommodate outdoor use.
Whether you’re a skilled golfer or a high-handicapper that wants to get better, you can use this affordable simulator to hone your game outdoors while viewing precise Mevo+ shot simulation and data on a mobile device or laptop.
What Is Included
This package features FlightScope’s Mevo+ Launch Monitor. The Mevo+ uses radar technology which is not affected by sunlight, making its performance very reliable outdoors.
The hitting net is your choice of:
- GoSports Net: 7.5 ft x 7.5 ft, durable steel frame, automatic ball return, can handle shots up to 225 mph
- Rukket Sports Premium Net: 7 ft x 9 ft, easy assembly, more affordable, hanging hitting target included
Also included are:
- a carrying case for the Mevo+
- a choice of SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x4′ or 9’x4′)
- landing pad turf (optional)
- an iPad Pro or gaming laptop optimized for golf simulation (optional)
- accessories including a laptop stand and ball tray
The included SwingTurf hitting mat offers an optimal balance between realistic fairway-like feel and forgiveness.
The Mevo+ comes with a trimmed iOS version of E6 CONNECT that features practice ranges, a darts mini-game, and five golf courses. It can also be used with the free FS Golf app, giving you real-time performance data, session saving, skills challenges, and more.
Access to The Golf Club 2019, Creative Golf 3D, Awesome Golf, and GSPro is available at extra cost.
Minimum space dimensions of 9 ft high x 11 ft wide x 17 ft deep are required. Setup is pretty easy, and you can contact support anytime if you need help.
2. Garmin Approach R10 Training Golf Simulator
The Approach R10 by Garmin is a radar-based launch monitor that not only delivers very strong performance outdoors, but is also extremely affordable. The result here is a simulator setup that costs less than $2500!
The Approach R10 has already made big waves in the industry. Many people consider it to have revolutionized golf tech like the SkyTrak did back in 2014.
This package by The Indoor Golf Shop is similar to the one above, except it uses the Approach R10 and a different hitting net.
What Is Included
The Garmin Approach R10 Training Simulator Package comes with:
- an Approach R10 launch monitor with carry case
- a Garmin Golf Membership trial
- a SIGPRO Golf Net
- SIGPRO Turf (6 ft x 10 ft)
- side barrier netting
- your choice of a hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′)
The R10 rests on a tripod mount and is placed 6-8 feet behind the ball. It provides readings for well over 10 data parameters and integrates with E6 CONNECT, Awesome Golf, The Golf Club 2019, and Home Tee Hero.
Also, through the Garmin Golf companion app, you can do things like view club performance data, participate in weekly tournaments, and share your results. An included trial to the premium version adds green contours, Home Tee Hero access, and video clip cloud storage.
Space dimensions of 8 ft high x 10 ft wide x 15 ft deep are recommended.
For more details about what comes with this simulator package, how exactly to set it up, and more, visit this page.
3. FlightScope X3 Training Golf Simulator Package
If you’re looking for the absolute best data measurement and simulation experience possible outdoors, you can’t get much better than the X3.
The X3, like the Mevo+, is a radar-based launch monitor, but it’s on a whole other level, essentially matching the performance of the renowned TrackMan 4. It’s pricey, but if you can afford it, you’ll reap serious rewards.
This package pairs the X3 with the same robust SIGPRO net & mat system that is featured in the above package.
What Is Included
This package consists of the FlightScope X3 launch monitor along with (not limited to):
- a SIGPRO Golf Net
- SIGPRO Turf (6 ft x 10 ft)
- side barrier netting with sandbags
- cables, a backpack, and various accessories
- your choice of a hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′)
The SIGPRO Golf Net has an aluminum frame with a snap-button system. Able to withstand ball speeds of 225 mph, it’s easy to assemble, collapsible, and can even attach with a SIG Preferred impact screen for projector use.
The X3, which can track over 50 data parameters, is compatible with The Golf Club 2019, E6 CONNECT, Awesome Golf, and GSPro. A slew of additional features are unlocked through the FlightScope VX app, which you can download for free on iOS and Android devices.
Space dimensions of 10 ft wide x 8 ft high x 15 ft deep are recommended.
The X3 is a really powerful launch monitor, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can do with it. Just give it a try.
4. FlightScope Mevo Plus Bronze Golf Simulator Package
It can be challenging to achieve a full outdoor golf simulator setup with screen and projector, but it’s doable. One of the easiest ways to pull it off is with the SIGPRO Net, SIG Preferred Screen, and side barriers as part of The Indoor Golf Shop’s Bronze package.
It’s compact, portable, and doesn’t require an overhang because the projector is mounted on the floor, although having a ceiling support would certainly be beneficial.
This particular package uses the Mevo+ launch monitor which is ideal for outdoor use.
What Is Included
The Mevo+ Bronze package takes the Mevo+ launch monitor and combines it with the SIGPRO Golf Net and SIG Preferred impact screen. The screen is designed to hang directly over the net from a crossbar.
Also included are:
- an E6 CONNECT software plan with 5 courses & 17 practice ranges
- a 1080p HD short throw projector
- SIGPRO Turf (6 ft x 10 ft)
- a projector floor mount shield
- side barriers
- your choice of a hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′)
The length of the SIGPRO Turf allows for continuous ball return. The mat can be rolled up and stored like a carpet.
The projector is guaranteed to output at least 4000 lumens. This is generous, but results will be better if you can block out some light with dark curtains or wait until evening or night time.
The recommended space size is at least 8 ft high x 10 ft wide x 15 ft deep.
Mevo Plus users love the value you get for the money: excellent accuracy, great software, and convenience. Plus, The Indoor Golf Shop customer support is superb.
For more information about the package, and to discuss how you can make it work for your outdoor space, go here.
5. Foresight Sports GCQuad Training Golf Simulator Package
You may have figured out by now that we love recommending net setups for outdoor use since they are much more practical than enclosures and projectors.
This net package by The Indoor Golf Shop uses the GCQuad: a highly advanced and accurate launch monitor that uses a quadrascopic camera system and has been relied on for shot data by pro golfers like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson.
The GCQuad has the edge indoors when it comes to reliability, but it also works beautifully outdoors, even in direct sunlight. It is considered the “Rolls-Royce” of portable launch monitors.
What Is Included
This package consists of the Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor along with (not limited to):
- a SIGPRO Golf Net
- SIGPRO Turf (6 ft x 10 ft)
- side barrier netting with sandbags
- cables, an alignment stick, duffle bag, and other accessories
- your choice of a hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′)
The GCQuad measures five ball data parameters. The club data add-on unlocks an array of club data parameters, and the unit is also capable of measuring detailed putting data with the putting add-on.
The GCQuad is compatible with the full Foresight Sports software suite including FSX 2020, FSX Play, E6 CONNECT and Creative Golf 3D. It also has direct-to-screen output so you can view your numbers without any separate device or software.
Space dimensions of 10 ft wide x 8 ft high x 12 ft deep are recommended.
The versatility of the GCQuad allows you to use it at the range, in the backyard, or indoors as you please. It’s a fact that nobody who gets a GCQuad regrets their purchase.
6. Foresight Sports GC3 Home Golf Simulator Package
Another terrific outdoor simulator option is the GC3 by Foresight Sports. It’s more powerful than the Mevo+, yet it’s many thousands of dollars cheaper than the GCQuad.
The GC3 performs extremely well outdoors, with highly accurate readings and great software features. It uses a triscopic camera system and has a self-leveling accelerometer.
This package, put together by Top Shelf Golf, pairs the GC3 with the outdoor-friendly Net Return Home or Pro Series hitting net. What’s great is that you can opt out of non-essential components in order to save on cost.
What Is Included
The GC3 Home Golf Simulator Package consists of the GC3 launch monitor, The Net Return Home Series V2 Golf Net, and The Net Return Pro Turf. This is the base package.
The following optional upgrades are available:
- You can upgrade to the larger Pro Series V2 Net or even larger Pro V2 Large Net.
- You can add “No Fly Zone” extension netting above the net.
- You can add side barrier netting.
- You can upgrade to a Fiberbuilt single-hitting, center-hitting, or combo mat.
- You can upgrade to the Players Plus Bundle.
High-resolution, high-speed cameras in the GC3 capture thousands of images per second, building a complete 3D model of the club and ball at impact. The outdoor-readable display is touchscreen enabled, and the integrated barometric sensor adjusts data readings based on atmospheric conditions.
The Net Return Home Series Net has a high-quality, durable construction and returns the ball back to your feet after every shot.
The GC3 comes bundled with FSX 2020 and FSX Play software. An upgrade to the Players Plus Bundle adds 10 additional courses to FSX 2020, many of which are world-famous like Pebble Beach, the Old Course at St. Andrews, Carnoustie, and Spyglass Hill.
Because there is so much room to upgrade this package, golfers can find the optimal setup that works for them and that meets their budget. Minimum space dimensions of 10 ft wide x 8.5 ft high x 12 ft deep are required.
Top Shelf Golf has a proven track record with many happy customers.
7. FlightScope X3 Bronze Golf Simulator Package
If you’re interested in a screen and projector setup for outdoor use but you want a radar launch monitor more powerful than the Mevo+, check this out.
This package pairs the professional-tier X3 launch monitor with the SIGPRO Net, Turf and side barriers as part of The Indoor Golf Shop’s Bronze package.
One of the best environments for this kind of setup is a covered area with walls and a ceiling, such as a golf simulator shed.
What Is Included
The X3 Bronze package takes the X3 launch monitor and combines it with:
- a SIGPRO Golf Net
- SIGPRO Turf (6 ft x 10 ft)
- a 1080p HD short throw projector (model may vary)
- a projector floor mount enclosure
- your choice of a hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′)
- side barriers
- metallic stickers
The X3 measures over 50 data parameters, and in addition to the standard stuff, it gives you full short game analysis, wedge D-Plane data, putter face & path analysis, and more.
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).
The recommended size of space is at least 8 ft high x 10 ft wide x 15 ft deep. You can buy a projector ceiling mount here if you want to go that route.
Buying Guide
Investing in a golf simulator is a big deal. Because of this, it’s important to consider all the factors that will affect your experience and match it with what your goals are.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider when determining which golf simulator will best meet your outdoor needs:
1. Portability & Resilience
If you plan to use your golf simulator outdoors, we recommend you look at simpler, more mobile setups — namely, a hitting net and hitting mat.
Full enclosure setups with projectors are less portable and more difficult to pull off outdoors. On top of that, they may not be able to withstand weather conditions like low temperatures, wind, rain, snow, and even hail.
With a straightforward hitting net, hitting mat, and simulator system like the Mevo+, you can quickly and easily set up outdoors when weather permits, and pull it down when the weather is less than ideal. These portable setups can also be used indoors if desired.
There are exceptions. Full net enclosures like the Cimarron Masters are very sturdy, can withstand most weather, and can be left where they are year-round.
Consider how well your simulator can endure weather, and think about what you’ll need structurally to achieve the setup.
2. Technology
If the technology that powers your golf simulator isn’t suited for the outdoors, then it may not work properly in certain conditions. Technology may include infrared sensors, high-speed cameras, or radar.
For example, the SkyTrak is marketed as being suitable for use indoors and outdoors. In reality, it’s better indoors because its photometric camera-based system is sensitive to direct sunlight.
The Mevo+ and Approach R10, in contrast, use Doppler radar systems that have little to no issue outdoors.
With any simulator you look at, take note of the tracking system it uses and verify that it can perform optimally outdoors.
3. Size
Size is an essential factor in golf simulators, but perhaps less so if you’re using it outdoors.
Do you plan to have your simulator in a garage? In a shed? On your back patio? On your lawn? Depending on where you intend to put it, you may have plenty of room and not really have to worry about size.
Wherever the outdoor location is, make sure that they can accommodate the minimum space requirements of every golf simulator you look at. Also make sure you can make a full swing with your driver unimpeded.
Typical golf simulator setups tend to be about 8 feet high, 10 feet wide and 12 feet deep.
4. Projector Vs. No Projector
In addition to what we mentioned above, projectors are less effective outdoors because the daylight tends to wash out the picture. The picture will be bright and clear when it’s dark, but you may not be able to get outside during this time.
This is why, if you plan to use a projector outdoors, it should have a high lumens rating of at least 4000. The higher, the better.
Moreover, you need to figure out where you will mount the projector and how far away from the screen it should be to get the best picture.
It’s usually best to use a projector floor mount outdoors, but if you want to mount it on the ceiling, you’ll probably need some kind of awning, canopy, or other covered area.
All things considered, it can be a hassle to set up a screen and projector outdoors. If you want to do it, you’ll have to be prepared to take on the challenges that come with it. The ideal situation is having a completely covered area (even better with walls) that is mostly or entirely protected from the weather.
With just a net, there’s much less to worry about. You can just start hitting balls right away, and you’ll be able to view your shot data on your laptop or tablet.
An interesting fact is that more than 50% of all golf simulator owners use a net instead of a screen.
5. 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.
For example, The Mevo+ comes with a trimmed version of E6 CONNECT that allows you to play various courses and games, although you can purchase a full license to the software that unlocks all features.
The Mevo+ also integrates with The Golf Club 2019 which allows you to play over 150,000 courses, local multiplayer, online, short game practice, and more.
The GCQuad and GC3’s FSX software allows you to play skills challenges and many of the world’s best courses. The X3 is compatible with the same software solutions as the Mevo+.
Other software possibilities are The Golf Club, Fitness Golf, Creative Golf 3D, Awesome Golf, and GSPro.
What software features do you see yourself using most often? Do you want to practice on a virtual range, play world-class courses, or just see your shot data and nothing more? Your answers to these questions will help narrow down your choices.
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+, and fortunately, many of the best options for an outdoor experience cost much less than this amount.
With that said, it’s important to realize that the less you spend, the more the equipment and the software will suffer.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include quality golf simulators over a wide range of budgets. 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 setup in their home or backyard.
A quality, reliable golf simulator can be a huge boon to your golf toolkit. 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 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? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
Thank you for the very clear presentation and direction.
Highly appreciated
Glad to help, Peter.
I have been informed by the manufacturers that the Optishot2 system can not be used outside as it does not work in sunlight.
Best Wishes,
Dave Pope
Hi David. It’s true that the OptiShot doesn’t work properly in direct sunlight, and it doesn’t work well in indirect sunlight either. However, it can work very well at night, and it would be even better if you’re able to get some LED or fluorescent lighting shining on the area. You can also use the OptiShot outdoors in something like a garage or an outdoor canopy.
The OptiShot can be used outdoors but it can be more challenging to achieve a setup that works. We wanted to include it because of its affordability.
The Optishot 2 in a box does NOT work outside, it should not be on this list. I purchased it due to it being on this list received it and it works fine indoors but is not for use outside.
Hi Jocelyn. I addressed this very matter in a previous comment, so you can refer to that. Sorry for the confusion; we’ll update that part of the article to provide some clarification.
hello, i am interested in a system for commercial use, that can read the ball trajectory, play courses, etc, For a driving range, outdoor.
Hi Daniel. If by “ball trajectory”, you mean an active shot tracer that follows the ball from impact to landing on the range, your best bet would be the Rapsodo MLM. But this works by recording the actual shot and adding a tracer overlay to the recording, so there would be no virtual software element involved.
The other option is using a launch monitor that is compatible with simulation software and works well outdoors, like the FlightScope Mevo+. You can connect the launch monitor to a display device like an iPad or laptop, and once the shot is hit and it flies down range, you’ll be able to see the simulation on the device. Launch monitors like the Mevo+ are compatible with simulator software like E6 CONNECT and The Golf Club, which have tons of features including full course play. But for commercial purposes, you might want to take a step up from the Mevo+ and use something like the FlightScope X3, Ernest Sports ES15 Range, or Foresight Sports GCQuad. You can inquire about compatible software for each of these options individually.