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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 golf simulators on today’s market, putting can be a bit dicey.
This is because many simulator systems primarily focus on full shots such as with drivers, fairway woods and irons, and treat putting as an afterthought. Many 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.
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 Putting
Based on our own testing, research and experience, here are our top selections:
- Exputt RG Real-Time Putting Simulator
- Trackman iO SIG12 Golf Simulator Package
- Micah Morris GCQuad Golf Star Simulator Package
- Uneekor EYE XO SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
- Carl’s ProTee VX Golf Simulator Package
- Uneekor EYE MINI PlayBetter SimStudio Package
Note: Prices for the items listed on this page are subject to change. To see the current price, please click on the relevant links below.
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 EX500D, which is the latest version of the Exputt with a bunch of new features, has a perfect 5/5 customer rating at The Indoor Golf Shop, 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.
The quality of the Exputt RG, combined with the fact that it’s purely a putting simulator without any extras that you have to pay for, makes it our top choice.
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 much more expensive alternatives.
For more details on the Exputt RG Putting Simulator and to read what people are saying about it, go here.
2. Trackman iO SIG12 Golf Simulator Package
Brought to you by arguably the most prestigious brand in the golf launch monitor space, the iO (‘indoor-optimized’) is Trackman’s cutting-edge solution for indoor golf.
The iO is similar in many ways to the Trackman 4 portable launch monitor, but it’s mounted overhead for a hands-off experience that allows for seamless hand switching.
Moreover, the iO provides some of the finest putting performance in the business. The system is able to accurately measure putts of all lengths, and the software shows slow-motion video of the putter impacting the ball so that you can get a clear picture of the impact location and launch direction.
This package pairs the iO with The Indoor Golf Shop’s massive SIG12 enclosure system, giving you a spacious hitting bay for seamless left and right-handed use.
What Is Included
The Trackman iO SIG12 Simulator Package features the overhead-mounted Trackman iO launch monitor. The iO uses a combination of high-speed imaging, radar, and infrared tracking to measure a wide range of ball and club data, including spin axis and 3D spin.
Also included are:
- a SIG12 simulator screen & enclosure
- landing pad turf
- an HD golf simulator projector
- ceiling mount
- your choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′)
- Trackman software
The iO uses a dual-camera system (one high-speed and one for alignment), optically enhanced radar tracking, and an 810–850 nm embedded infrared light system which removes the need for any external lighting.
The launch monitor is currently offered in Home and Home Complete versions. Both provide access to the included Trackman Performance Software, but the latter unlocks more club data as well as more courses and games within the software.
You can also install SIG12 Simulator Flooring — a full flooring option that consists of a hitting strip surrounded by a putting green. If you want a more luxurious install and are looking to improve your putting, this could be a fantastic option.
We suggest a minimum space size of 10’H x 14’W x 16’D for this setup.
The iO and companion software are expensive, but the high-end nature of the system, lack of lighting requirements, and advanced tracking technology make it a very attractive ceiling-mounted option for those who can afford it.
3. Micah Morris GCQuad Golf Star Simulator Package
The GCQuad is one of the top camera-based portable launch monitors on the market, used by top coaches and pro golfers such as Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy.
It 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.
And one of the best simulator studio packages to pair with the GCQuad is undoubtedly the Micah Morris GCQuad Golf Star package sold by Carl’s Place. Micah is a popular YouTube creator who himself uses a setup just like this one for his golf videos and practice.
If the default components of this package don’t work for you, you can always create a custom sim with the GCQuad through Carl’s BYOS tool.
What Is Included
The Micah Morris GCQuad Golf Star Package consists of:
- a Carl’s Place Pro Golf C-Series Enclosure with Impact Screen (two size options)
- a Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor with club & ball data
- a Carl’s HotShot 4’x9′ hitting mat (double-sided)
- a BenQ LK936ST 4K laser short throw projector
- a projector ceiling mount
The enclosure size options are 8.5’x14.5’x8′ and 10’x15.5’x10′ (HxWxD). This high-quality, deep enclosure is designed for commercial applications or high-end home setups and allows for mounting the projector directly to the frame. The impact screen has a unique borderless bottom for a seamless look.
The GCQuad boasts direct-to-screen output and 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 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 and gives you skid measurements, post-impact ball analysis, and more.
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.
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 9 feet is required for this very large enclosure.
This is an impressive simulator setup for golfers who want to go all out on their studio. And Carl’s Place is there to help you every step of the way with personalized support, resources, and installation guides.
4. 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
- an HD golf simulator 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. With a paid Uneekor subscription, you can hook up the EYE XO with TGC 2019, E6 CONNECT, Creative Golf, GSPro, or GameDay.
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.
5. Carl’s ProTee VX Golf Simulator Package
The ProTee VX is a wonderful alternative to the EYE XO. It’s a ceiling-mounted unit that is a fair bit less expensive, but many would argue that it’s just as good, with extremely accurate putting performance comparable to top systems like the GC3.
This launch monitor has an extensive set of data parameters, high-end accuracy, a large hitting area, a super easy setup, and is compatible with the best simulator software on the market. Plus, no marked balls or club stickers are needed to get any measurements.
This package, put together by Carl’s Place, pairs the ProTee VX with Carl’s unique C-Series DIY Enclosure available in a range of different sizes.
In addition to our experience with the product, Carl’s Place also loves the ProTee VX and considers it one of the best systems for the money.
What Is Included
The Carl’s ProTee VX simulator package most notably includes:
- a ProTee VX launch monitor
- a Carl’s Place C-Series DIY Enclosure with impact screen (two size options)
- a Carl’s HotShot 4’x9′ hitting mat (double-sided)
- a BenQ TH671ST 1080p short throw projector
- a projector ceiling mount
- a subscription to the GSPro software
The ProTee VX uses Vision and A.I. technology as part of a dual high-speed camera setup. Data is measured and displayed within a second of hitting your shot thanks to A.I. and machine learning technology.
For data viewing and analysis, the ProTee VX launch monitor comes with the ProTee Labs software which, in addition to showing all your data in an easy-to-read format, provides a slow-motion replay of the club (including putter) impacting the ball for every shot.
This simulator is also compatible with third-party software solutions TGC 2019, E6 CONNECT, GSPro, Creative Golf, and ProTee Play.
The C-Series Enclosure is unique compared to other enclosures because the impact screen sits flush with the floor, providing a seamless transition from turf to screen.
The ProTee VX should be mounted about 3.5 feet (40-43 inches) in front of the hitting area and 9-10 feet above the ground. We really do believe it’s a game-changer in the launch monitor space. For full details on what’s included, go to this page.
6. Uneekor EYE MINI PlayBetter SimStudio Package
You can think of the Uneekor EYE MINI as a portable EYE XO with an on-board display. It may measure a few less data points than the EYE XO, but it’s considerably more affordable.
The putting on the EYE MINI is just as good as the EYE XO. This launch monitor has a dedicated putting mode which increases the sensitivity of the high-speed cameras; this means that the EYE MINI can accurately register even the smallest and lightest of tap-in putts.
This all-inclusive simulator package by reputable golf vendor PlayBetter pairs the EYE MINI with an affordable, high-quality SimStudio system available in several different sizes.
What Is Included
The EYE MINI PlayBetter SimStudio Package comes with the Uneekor EYE MINI launch monitor along with:
- a PlayBetter SimStudio hitting bay (screen, enclosure, mat, side netting, landing turf)
- an HD golf simulator projector (model may change)
- a projector mounting bracket
- a ball tray
The EYE MINI is a portable launch monitor that contains two high-speed infrared cameras and measures an array of ball and club data points. It boasts Club Optix technology which allows you to view slow-motion closeups of the club impacting the ball, including when putting.
The SimStudio consists of a noise-dampening impact screen, full enclosure with blackout walls, 5’x5′ hitting mat, side barrier netting, and landing pad turf that can double as a putting surface. We’re impressed with the quality of all of the components.
The system is compatible with E6 CONNECT, TGC 2019 and GSPro, but you’ll need a paid Uneekor subscription to unlock third-party connectivity. The paid packages also unlock more profiles and sessions and give you access to Uneekor’s Refine+ and GameDay software.
You can expect the projector included with this package to be minimum HD quality and put out enough lumens for a bright experience. Models bundled in the past include the Optoma GT1080HDR and Optoma GT2000HDR.
Your space for this setup will need to fit whatever size enclosure you choose, and you’ll need to be able to make a swing with your longest club.
This excellent golf simulator package gives you portability (the launch monitor can be taken outdoors as desired), 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.
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 few 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, or learn how to build an indoor putting green or backyard putting green.
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, all of the launch monitors featured above can be paired with nets or retractable screens which are not nearly as fixed as an enclosure would be.
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.
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.
Uneekor offers its own in-house software in three tiers: View, 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 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, GSPro, E6 APEX, and GameDay, 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. 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.
