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Many golfers want to be able to putt in a simulator environment instead of on an indoor or outdoor putting green.
And with today’s technology, this is certainly possible. The issue is that with many of the best golf simulators on today’s market, putting can be a bit dicey.
This is because most simulator manufacturers primarily focus on full golf shots such as with drivers, woods and irons, and treat putting as an afterthought. Many simulator systems simply have trouble accurately reading slow-moving putts.
Fortunately, there are several options on the market — some affordable and some less so — that will give you a great putting experience.
This article and buying guide is for just that. We’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf simulators for putting over a wide range of different budgets.
We at Golfstead have tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of these simulators. Some offer less features than others, but they all deliver excellent value for the cost.
Our Top Picks For Golf Simulators For Putting
Based on our own testing, research and experience, here are our top selections:
- Exputt RG Real-Time Putting Simulator
- FlightScope X3 PerfectBay Golf Simulator Package
- Uneekor QED SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GCQuad SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
- Uneekor EYE XO SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Retractable Golf Simulator Package
1. Exputt RG Real-Time Putting Simulator
What if there was a very affordable simulator that was designed solely with putting in mind? We now have that with the Exputt Real-Time Putting Simulator.
The Exputt RG, which is the latest version of the Exputt with a bunch of new features, has a near perfect average customer rating (at least 4.9/5 stars), so golfers are loving it. In fact, we’ve found that it can be a game-changer for many golfers, taking them from being a poor putter to a great putter in short order.
How It Works
The Exputt RG consists of a long, narrow putting mat (48″x13″) with a backstop at the end.
It uses an ultra high-speed camera to precisely measure your putter and ball movements, perform a comparative analysis, and simulate the results in a virtual course environment. The RG can simulate weather conditions, green speeds, and of course, slopes & breaks.
The RG is designed to simulate the putting experience you get on a real golf course, in real time. The innovative tracking technology allows you to practice your putting with precise accuracy from the comfort of your own home.
Setup
The setup process is fairly straightforward, but in order to ensure correct operation, it needs to be done properly and with care. You’ll need a TV to use the simulator.
Detailed setup instructions are provided upon purchase. But here’s a concise summary of what you need to do:
- Attach the high-speed camera to your TV or mount it on the included camera stand.
- Roll out the putting mat.
- Establish some connections between the mat, camera and TV.
- Check the height of the camera and its distance from the putting mat.
- Follow the syncing instructions on your TV.
You can also use the RG on your mobile device through the new Exputt RG app.
With the Exputt RG simulator, you use your putter like a mouse. There are various keys on the putting mat that you select by resting your putter head on them.
Get a better idea of how the Exputt works in this video:
Additional Info
Compared to the previous version Exputt EX300, the RG adds:
- an Explorer Mode in the software which lets you choose the locations of the holes and balls on the green of a selected course.
- the ability to connect to Wi-Fi for updates and online play.
- the ability to use the Exputt on a mobile device.
This is a truly unique putting simulator that you’re sure to be very impressed with, especially considering how little it costs compared to full golf simulator packages.
For more details on the Exputt RG Putting Simulator and to read what people are saying about it, go here.
2. FlightScope X3 PerfectBay Golf Simulator Package
How about a full golf simulator that not only allows you to practice with every club in the bag, but also comes with a dedicated short game app?
That’s what the FlightScope X3 PerfectBay simulator package allows you to do. It was put together by Top Shelf Golf, a reputable online vendor for golf equipment, and consists of the powerful X3 launch monitor, an affordable full-sized screen enclosure, and turf that can accommodate putting.
The FlightScope X3 offers some of the best putting and chipping tracking on the market, full stop. And with the FS Short Game app, you can view detailed putting analysis with customizable data, alongside multiple camera views for video playback.
What Is Included
The base FlightScope X3 PerfectBay Package consists of:
- a FlightScope X3 Launch Monitor
- a PerfectBay golf simulator screen enclosure
- The Net Return Pro Turf
- a basic E6 CONNECT software package
The PerfectBay enclosure, made in the USA, is five feet deep and has a durable, triple-layer impact screen. The screen does not sag, is designed for 4:3 projection, dampens noise, and is meant to withstand ball speeds up to an impressive 250 mph.
Speaking of upgrades, there are a ton of them:
- You can choose a larger PerfectBay PLUS or wider PerfectBay WIDE enclosure.
- You can replace The Net Return Pro Turf with one of three Fiberbuilt hitting mats.
- You can add an Optoma projector.
- You can add a projector ceiling mount.
- You can add a FlightScope support agreement.
- You can upgrade to an expanded E6 CONNECT software package or to The Golf Club 2019 software.
The FlightScope X3 is truly a beast of a launch monitor. When it comes to putting, you can get instant feedback on path, speed, face orientation, and more. You can utilize D-Plane data to improve consistency and practice with slide-controlled pin placement.
This simulator has everything you could ask for when it comes to putting. I strongly recommend going here to get the full picture of what the X3 can do and what is included in the package.
3. Uneekor QED SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
In addition to the Uneekor QED being excellent for full shots, it also has really good putting functionality. The system delivers high precision on shots from 10 cm to 435 yards.
On a severely sloped green and need to play a huge break by hitting sideways? Unlike other systems, the QED can handle that no problem, and the overhead camera will also provide a frame-by-frame of your putter impacting the ball.
Even though the QED requires marked balls and is less powerful than the Uneekor EYE XO, it’s several thousand dollars cheaper.
This particular package was put together by Rain Or Shine Golf and uses their unique SwingBay screen & enclosure, which enjoys great ratings.
What Is Included
The Uneekor QED SwingBay Simulator includes the QED system along with:
- a SwingBay simulator screen & enclosure
- a full HD short throw projector with high lumens
- 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 (optional)
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.
The included software, QED Ignite, 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. Even if you don’t want to pay extra for separate software, the default Ignite software is rock solid and will allow you to get the quality practice you expect out of a premium simulator package.
4. Foresight Sports GCQuad SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
The GCQuad is the best camera-based portable launch monitor on the market, used by top coaches and pro golfers such as Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy.
This includes extremely strong putting performance. In fact, there is an add-on available for the GCQuad called Essential Putting Analysis that allows you to understand your putting on a comprehensive and detailed level beyond just the norm.
This package was put together by The Indoor Golf Shop and uses their large SIG10 enclosure, made with love in the USA. This enclosure can fit into most spaces with a ceiling height of around 9 feet.
What Is Included
The GCQuad SIG10 Simulator package pairs the GCQuad Launch Monitor with:
- a SIG10 golf simulator screen & enclosure
- a Panasonic PT-VZ580U WUXGA projector
- your choice of hitting mat
- cables and a power adapter
- an alignment stick and other accessories
- a projector ceiling mount
- FSX 2020 and FSX Play software
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 SIG10 Simulator Flooring — a full flooring option that consists of a hitting strip surrounded by a putting green. This is an awesome addition but perhaps isn’t so necessary because of how well the GCQuad handles putting.
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.
The Essential Putting Analysis add-on isn’t needed to benefit from the GCQuad’s superior putting performance, but it does unlock fourteen putting-specific data parameters, give you skid measurements, post-impact ball analysis, and more.
Room dimensions of at least 9 ft high x 12 ft wide x 18 ft deep are recommended. For more details about what comes with the package, optional add-ons and pricing, go here.
5. Uneekor EYE XO SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
With the Uneekor EYE XO SIG10 package, you get a full golf simulator that has superb putting functionality and is just as good for honing your iron game, woods and driver.
It is considered better than the SkyTrak and on par with many professional systems at a fraction of the price. It has some of the best putting support available, allowing you to see various putter angles and your impact with the ball in slow motion video playback.
Even better, the EYE XO uses unmarked ball technology so you can use any ball you want. This is a major improvement over Uneekor’s QED system, in addition to offering more powerful features and additional data parameters.
What Is Included
The Uneekor EYE XO SIG10 Simulator package was put together by The Indoor Golf Shop and includes:
- the EYE XO bar tracking system with high-speed cameras
- a SIG10 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′)
The high-speed cameras can track club path, spin, and ball impact at over 3000 fps. Because the EYE XO tracking system is mounted overhead, you can swing freely on your hitting mat without having to worry about precise positioning.
The SIG10 impact screen is made of tight-knit polyester, is designed for a 4:3 aspect ratio projection that fills 100% of the screen, and can withstand ball speeds of up to 250 MPH.
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. EYE XO is compatible with TGC 2019, E6 CONNECT, Creative Golf 3D, and GSPro.
Minimum room dimensions of 9 ft high x 12 ft wide x 18 ft deep are recommended. You may need more space depending on how long your driver swing is.
For more details about what comes with the package, optional add-ons, pricing, and setup instructions, visit this page.
6. SkyTrak Retractable Golf Simulator Package
Using a SkyTrak for putting wouldn’t be our top recommendation, but as it is a photometric camera-based system, it does work well with proper setup and knowledge.
The biggest draw of the SkyTrak, in this case, is its popularity, affordability, and effectiveness as a launch monitor that has been polished and perfected over six years since its release in 2014.
In fact, if you want a golf simulator for putting that also allows you to hit your other clubs in the bag, this is one of your most affordable options.
This simulator package pairs the SkyTrak with a state-of-the-art HomeCourse retractable screen enclosure and was put together by Rain or Shine Golf. If you place a lot of importance on being able to repurpose your space, you should seriously consider this package.
Features
The SkyTrak Retractable Simulator Package includes:
- SkyTrak Launch Monitor with protective case
- SkyTrak Game Improvement Software (upgrade from base)
- HomeCourse ProScreen 180 Retractable Screen
- HomeCourse Ceiling & Wall Mount Kits
- full HD short throw projector with high lumens
- SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x4′ or 9’x4′)
- ceiling or floor projector mount (your choice)
- landing pad turf (optional)
- gaming laptop optimized for golf simulation (optional)
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, which could even be used to watch movies.
The screen can be mounted to the wall or ceiling with the included kits. If possible, we recommend a wall mount if the ceiling is higher than nine feet.
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.
Minimum room dimensions of 9 ft high x 11 ft wide x 12 ft deep are required.
Customers love the fast shipping and how painless setting up and taking down the simulator is. It is commonly used in garages, but also in other indoor rooms.
Buying Guide
Investing in a quality golf simulator that has good putting performance 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 which simulator will be best for you:
1. Full Simulator Vs. Putting Only
The very first thing you should decide is whether you want a simulator just for putting or a simulator that allows you to putt and hit full shots.
With the first type, your options turn out to be very limited. In fact, the Exputt is one of the only products on the market that is designed solely for putting simulation. This is why, if an affordable putting simulator like this appeals to you, you should jump on it while you can.
With the second type, you have far more options ranging from less than $1000 to $20,000+ in cost. Nearly all of the simulators featured on this page fall into this category.
At the same time, while full golf simulators allow you to practice with every club in the bag, they may not be the best way for you to improve your putting. Instead, a dedicated putting simulator like the Exputt or even an actual putting green with turf, breaks and cups might be more effective.
So, in addition to deciding on the type of putting simulator, you should also think about whether you would be better served using an actual practice putting green. This is what most people do to hone their putting skills.
If you want to learn more about the best putting greens, check out our buying guides on indoor putting greens and putting greens with ball return.
2. Size
Size is a very important factor with any golf simulator.
With golf simulators for putting, there isn’t a very strong relationship between cost and footprint, since even the most advanced launch monitors and tracking systems can work with smaller studios.
But what’s most important here is that you have enough space for the simulator setup. The good news is that for putting, you won’t need as much space compared to swinging a long club like a driver.
In any event, you need to measure the width, length and height of your space and compare it to the minimum space requirements of every golf simulator you look at.
The average space requirements for full golf simulator setups tend to be roughly 9 feet high, 12 feet wide and 15 feet deep, although radar-based launch monitors need more depth.
On the other hand, a dedicated putting simulator like the Exputt needs hardly any space. All that is needed is space for the rolled-out mat, your body, and distance between the mat and TV that the high-speed camera needs to function properly.
3. Portability
Another thing to consider is ease of transport, especially if you plan to move your simulator into different rooms or locations.
Maybe you travel periodically and want to be able to easily take it with you. Maybe you just want to pack it away during the summer, when weather permits getting out to the driving range or golf course.
Something like the Exputt simulator is very portable; just roll up the mat, grab the camera, take it to another location with a TV, and make sure the syncing is all good.
Full golf simulators with screens, enclosures, nets, hitting mats, projectors, and other components will obviously be much less portable. Within this category, different simulator studios will be more portable than others.
For example, the SkyTrak Retractable package has good portability for two reasons: one, the self-contained SkyTrak unit can easily be moved and transported, and two, the retractable HomeCourse screen is very simple to take down.
On the other hand, something like the Uneekor EYE XO SIG10 package will be less portable because the tracking bar is mounted on the ceiling, and the SIG10 is more of a permanent enclosure.
Do make sure that you have an idea of how you’ll transport your simulator if that’s what you plan on doing.
4. 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.
Different simulator systems will support different software. For example, the Exputt comes with in-house software that offers the following modes:
- Classic: contains Practice, Challenge and Play modes.
- Multi: play putting games with other users online via Wi-Fi.
- Explorer: set the locations of the holes and balls on a selected course.
SkyTrak has software in three membership levels:
- Basic Plan: gives you a practice driving range.
- Game-Improvement Plan: gives you minigames, numeric display, and many other advanced features.
- Play & Improve Plan: gives you all features of other plans plus full integration with WGT (World Golf Tour).
Uneekor offers its own in-house software in three tiers: Ignite/View (QED/EYE XO), Refine and Refine+. This is excellent software that has a 3D driving range, various practice modes, course modes, game modes, and more.
The Golf Club 2019 (available with EYE XO, SkyTrak, X3, and other simulators) has 4K resolution support. It offers a ton of golf courses, live tours and tournaments, and a tool that allows you to build your own golf courses.
E6 CONNECT (compatible with many different systems) is another quality software option that is highly customizable. It offers various course simulations, minigames, training aids, tournaments, and more.
Other software possibilities include FSX, ProTee Golf 2.0, Creative Golf 3D, GSPro, Fitness Golf, and Jack Nicklaus Perfect Golf, depending on your system.
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 software capability when looking at simulators, and make your decisions accordingly.
5. Budget
This may be the last entry in the buying guide, but it’s one of the most important.
Not everyone can afford golf simulators that cost $10,000, and fortunately, there are options that cost well below this amount. If you only want putting simulation and don’t care about full shots, you can save a lot of money by getting something like the Exputt.
If you want a golf simulator that you can run through your entire bag with, keep in mind that the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get, both in terms of hardware and software.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include quality golf simulators over a wide range of budgets that golfers might have. 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
Finding quality golf simulators that have good putting support is certainly possible. Do remember, though, that putting is generally not the main focus of a golf simulator; you would often be better served buying an indoor putting green for that purpose.
Golf simulators are still great if you want to practice with the rest of the clubs in your bag or play golf courses virtually from the comfort of your own home.
In any case, a quality, reliable golf simulator can be a huge boon to your golf toolkit. Each of the simulator options reviewed above offer excellent value for the cost; now it falls to you to make a decision.
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. Which golf simulator are you considering for putting practice? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
