8 Best Golf Simulators For Small Spaces – 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

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One of the biggest obstacles to owning a golf simulator is having the space for it. Whether the issue is a low ceiling, narrow room width, shallow room depth, or any combination of these, many simulator setups may be impossible to achieve depending on your unique situation.

Fortunately, whatever the size of your space, there are plenty of compact simulator solutions out there that can accommodate a wide range of budgets.

In the case of a golf simulator for small spaces, there are a few things you’ll need to give yourself the best experience: a launch monitor that records your shot data, a hitting net, and optionally, a projector for displaying your shots on a life-size impact screen.

In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf simulators for small spaces. For the purposes of this article, we’ll assume a “small space” means no more than 9 ft of ceiling height, 12 feet of width, and 16 feet of depth, but you can consider the options that work for your space.

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.

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Our Top Picks For Golf Simulators For Small Spaces

The following are our top selections based on our own testing, research, and experience:

1. SkyTrak Plus SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
2. Carl’s Place EYE MINI Golf Simulator Package
3. Bushnell Launch Pro PlayBetter SimStudio Package
4. Uneekor QED SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
5. Foresight Sports GC3 Home Golf Simulator Package
6. FlightScope Mevo+ Retractable Golf Simulator Package
7. Foresight Sports GCQuad SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
8. SkyTrak Plus Home Golf Simulator Package

1. SkyTrak Plus SIG8 Golf Simulator Package

This simulator package pairs the powerful SkyTrak Plus (ST+) launch monitor with The Indoor Golf Shop’s compact SIG8 enclosure. At just 8’4″ high x 8’4″ wide x 13’7″ deep, the enclosure should be able to fit in most small spaces.

What’s more, because the SkyTrak+ sits in front of the golfer on the hitting mat, much less depth is needed; as long as you have enough room to swing your longest club unimpeded, you’re good to go.

This simulator package offers an excellent balance between affordability, quality and performance. It’s ideal for those who want to spend four figures or less and who want great value for money.

What Is Included

The SkyTrak Plus SIG8 package consists of the SkyTrak+ Launch Monitor and a high-quality SIG8 simulator screen and enclosure (designed by The Indoor Golf Shop) that is handcrafted in the USA.

The ST+ is an upgrade to the original SkyTrak, adding a faster processor, dual Doppler radar capability, club data, upgraded software, and other improvements.

Also included are:

• your choice of a hitting mat (5’x5′ or 4’x7′)
• a golf simulator projector
• ceiling projector mount
• landing pad turf
• side barrier netting

Another nice bonus is that it includes a subscription to the SkyTrak Play & Improve Plan. This is the highest tier plan offered, and it allows you to play 15 world-class World Golf Tour (WGT) golf courses and 15 E6 CONNECT courses in addition to having all other SkyTrak software features.

The projector model included in the package is constantly changing based on current supply and other factors. However, it is guaranteed to be minimum HD quality with enough lumens for a bright experience.

The choices for hitting mat are the Fairway Series 5’x5′ (provides realistic feel) and SIGPRO 4’x7′ (easy on the joints, allows level unit placement). You can also install SIG8 Simulator Flooring — a full flooring option that consists of a hitting strip surrounded by a putting green.

Although smaller spaces can work, room dimensions of 9 ft high x 10 ft wide x 16 ft deep are recommended. Get your driver out and make a backswing to ensure you have enough clearance.

We love this simulator package because the studio is well-made with great aesthetics, the cost is reasonable, and it’s relatively easy to set up. If you have at least 10’10” of width in your space, consider the larger SkyTrak Plus SIG10 instead.

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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 pretty much just as good.

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. Depending on your space constraints, you can go as small as 7.7’x10’x5′ or 8’x8’x5′.

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 included 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.

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3. Bushnell Launch Pro PlayBetter SimStudio Package

The Bushnell Launch Pro allows you to experience the power of the Foresight Sports GC3 at a heavily reduced cost, while only paying for the features you want.

With the initial purchase, you’ll be able to view carry distance, clubhead speed, spin and launch angle on the LCD display after each shot. You can sign up for subscription plans that unlock more data, enable you to play on simulation software, and more.

The Launch Pro is widely considered by many in the golfing community to be one of the best bang-for-your-buck home launch monitors on the market. It’s similar in many ways to the EYE MINI above.

And with this package put together by reputable golf vendor PlayBetter, you get a full-size (but still compact) enclosure and hitting mat so you can use the Launch Pro as part of a complete simulator studio.

What Is Included

The Launch Pro PlayBetter SimStudio Package comes with the Bushnell Launch Pro launch monitor and:

• a PlayBetter SimStudio full hitting bay
• an Optoma GT1080HDR short throw projector
• a projector ceiling mount
• a protective metal case for the Launch Pro (optional)

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 Launch Pro comes with one free year of the Basic subscription (FSX Pro access) as well as a 30-day trial to the Gold subscription which unlocks full functionality. The launch monitor can be used with the FSX software suite consisting of FSX Pro, FSX 2020, and FSX Play.

The Optoma GT1080HDR is a value-packed projector with high lumens and 4K input, and in fact, it has ranked #1 in our guide for the best golf simulator projectors.

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.

What we love about this PlayBetter package is that all the available SimStudio enclosure sizes cost the same. In this case, you can go as low as 8.5′ high x 10′ wide x 5.3′ deep which should be able to fit in most small spaces.

For full details about this simulator package, check out this page.

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4. Uneekor QED SwingBay Golf Simulator Package

Interested in a fixed ceiling-mounted system instead of a ground-based launch monitor?

Then have a look at the Uneekor QED, which delivers high precision on shots from 10 cm to 435 yards. The QED is considered better than the SkyTrak and on par with the top systems while being relatively affordable.

This package gives you everything you need to set up a fantastic studio for a small space, including Rain Or Shine Golf’s SwingBay enclosure and an optional gaming laptop optimized for golf simulation.

What Is Included

The Uneekor QED SwingBay Simulator includes the QED launch monitor along with:

• a SwingBay simulator screen & enclosure
• a full HD short throw projector with high lumens
• a projector floor mount enclosure or ceiling mount (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 houses two high-speed cameras that can record at over 3000 fps, providing real-time club and ball data.

The QED Ignite software features a photographic video playback technology called QED OPTIX, a 3D driving range, fitting data, and a swing motion analysis tool. Upgrades are available that allow to you access additional features within the Ignite software.

In addition, the included TGC 2019 software offers a massive 170,000+ courses to play and even allows you to design your own course.

Minimum room dimensions of 8′ high x 10’6″ wide x 16′ deep are required. This should work for the majority of small spaces.

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.

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5. Foresight Sports GC3 Home Golf Simulator Package

Are simulator enclosures just too big for your space? A more compact net setup like the GC3 Home Series Package, which only requires a space that’s 8’6″ high x 10′ wide x 12′ deep, may be perfect for you.

The GC3 is the newest launch monitor by Foresight Sports. It’s portable, has a touchscreen display with direct-to-screen output, and comes bundled with the stunning FSX Play software.

In addition to the smaller footprint, another bonus about this net setup is the light weight, ease of assembly and portability, so it can be put away or moved as needed.

What Is Included

This simple package pairs the GC3 Launch Monitor with equipment from The Net Return including:

• The Net Return Home Series V2 net
• The Net Return Pro Turf hitting mat

The GC3 is practically just as accurate as the GCQuad, although it measures a few less advanced parameters. It has a sleek, portable design and can be taken outdoors as needed. Three high-speed cameras are used as part of a triscopic photometric camera system.

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 Net can withstand ball speeds up to 200 mph.

Optional customization for this package includes the following:

1. You can replace the Pro Turf hitting mat with a Fiberbuilt mat.
2. You can replace the Home Series V2 Net with a Pro Series V2 or Pro Series V2 Large Net.
3. You can add side barrier netting.
4. You can add a “No-Fly Zone” extension above the net.
5. You can upgrade to the Players Plus Bundle.

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.

The GC3 has been very well-received and is one of our top launch monitor recommendations. Plus, Top Shelf Golf, the maker of this package, has a proven track record with many happy customers.

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6. FlightScope Mevo+ Retractable Golf Simulator Package

If you have a small space but would like to be able to easily repurpose the room when the simulator isn’t in use, check this out.

The FlightScope Mevo Plus Retractable Package pairs the outstanding Mevo+ 2023 Edition Launch Monitor, which is on the same affordability level as the SkyTrak, with a state-of-the-art HomeCourse screen that can be fully retracted at the click of a button.

With this simulator setup, you can convert any space in your home into a golf simulator room and benefit from accurate ball flight data for dialing in your game. Your space will only need to be 8.5′ high x 10.5′ wide x 18′ deep to accommodate it.

What Is Included

The Mevo+ Retractable Simulator Package comes with:

• a Mevo+ 2023 Edition Launch Monitor with carrying pouch
• a trimmed version of E6 CONNECT for iOS or PC
• a HomeCourse ProScreen 180 with ceiling mount kit
• a full HD short throw projector with high lumens
• a SwingTurf Golf Mat
• landing pad turf (optional)
• a projector floor mount enclosure or ceiling mount (your choice)
• an iPad Pro or gaming laptop bundle for software (optional)

The Mevo+ can be used with the free FS Golf app, giving you real-time performance data, saving of sessions, skills challenges, and more. It can also be used with the FS Golf PC software. Access to TGC 2019, Creative Golf 3D, Awesome Golf, and GSPro on PC is available at extra cost.

The 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. If your ceiling is higher than nine feet, we recommend wall mounting.

The included SwingTurf hitting mat was designed to provide an optimal balance between realistic fairway feel and forgiveness.

Customers love the straightforward installation and how painless taking down the simulator is. It is commonly used in garages, but also in many other spaces. For more details about what comes with the simulator, how exactly to set it up, and more, visit this page.

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8. SkyTrak Plus Home Golf Simulator Package

Maybe you prefer a compact, robust net setup but the GC3 launch monitor featured above is out of your budget. In that case, check this out.

This is an affordable package (less than $5000) that was put together by Top Shelf Golf. It pairs the SkyTrak Plus Launch Monitor with a high-quality hitting net that can withstand ball speeds up to 200 mph.

This setup requires the same amount of space (8’6″ high x 10′ wide x 12′ deep) as the other Home Series package reviewed on the page, so it should be achievable for most golfers with small spaces.

What Is Included

The SkyTrak+ Home Package comes with:

• the SkyTrak+ launch monitor
• The Net Return Home Series V2 net
• The Net Return Pro Turf hitting mat

Also included is the Basic Practice Plan for the ST+ which allows you to practice and analyze your data on a virtual 3D driving range. An upgrade to the Game Improvement Plan is available which unlocks a host of additional features and allows you to integrate various third-party simulator software.

The Pro Turf Mat is ten feet long and provides continuous ball return from the screen back to the hitting area. It doubles as a putting green and rolls up and stores like a carpet.

Various upgrades and add-ons are available for this package that can be added with one click.

People really love the quality and affordability of this setup, as well as the fact that it’s less complex to work with than a projector setup. For more details about what comes with the package and the optional add-ons available to you, visit this page.

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Buying Guide

A golf simulator can be a huge investment. 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 figuring out which golf simulator will best meet your needs:

1. Size

Size is critical, especially when you have a small space that gives you little to no wiggle room in terms of how you go about setting up your simulator.

Generally speaking, the more expensive the simulator, the larger the footprint the studio will take up. A full screen, enclosure and turf will likely require the most space, while a practice net will require less space.

When determining if your space (home or commercial) is big enough for a particular simulator, the following conditions must be met:

1. The enclosure/net and hitting mat need to fit in the space.
2. The room needs enough depth to accommodate the mounting location for the projector.
3. You need to be able to freely swing the longest club you plan to use.
4. The launch monitor needs enough space (in front or behind) to operate properly.

Measure the width, length and height of your space and compare it to the minimum space requirements of every golf simulator you look at.

Practically all full golf simulator setups will require a bare minimum of eight feet of ceiling height. Width allowance is usually a minimum of ten feet, and depth allowance is usually a minimum of twelve feet, although launch monitors like the Mevo+ and Approach R10 need more depth.

2. Portability

If you only have a small space for a golf simulator, you may want to use the space for something else from time to time. When it comes to repurposing your simulator room, you can either use a retractable screen or move the system entirely.

The best retractable simulator screen we would recommend is the HomeCourse ProScreen 180 which can be rolled up with the press of a button on a handset.

Aside from the screen, an important matter is the launch monitor. Ceiling-mounted launch monitors like the Uneekor QED are not portable, nor are systems that run sensors underneath the floor. On the other hand, freestanding units like the EYE MINI or SkyTrak+ can be easily moved around as needed.

If you travel and want to be able to take your simulator with you, your best bet is a freestanding launch monitor, net and mat. Nets can be stored in duffle bags and mats can be rolled up.

3. Tracking

Consider the tracking system that measures your ball and club data. Is it the SkyTrak+, Uneekor EYE MINI, GCQuad, or something else?

Some tracking systems are better than others, which is where much of the price difference comes from. Some tracking systems have better accuracy, better reliability, and less lag between the ball hitting the screen and the ball flight displaying.

For example, while the Mevo+ is very good, its sensor is never going to be as accurate or consistent as top-end systems like the GCQuad.

The SkyTrak and Mevo+ are excellent mid-tier systems, but many people don’t like the shot delay of the SkyTrak which can be up to a few seconds long. The SkyTrak+ improves on this delay but it’s still noticeable.

It’s also worth mentioning two of the main types of tracking systems: photometric and radar. In general, radar tracking is more reliable outdoors but requires more space around (behind) the golfer, while photometric (camera-based) tracking really shines indoors.

Generally, the more expensive the simulator, the better the tracking system. Look into the performance of each and decide how you weigh the importance of entertainment vs. game improvement.

4. Software

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 golf simulator softwares out there.

Different simulator systems will support different software, but many golf simulators offer their own in-house software solution.

For example, 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) and access to 15 E6 CONNECT courses.

The Golf Club 2019 has 4K resolution support and offers a ton of golf courses, live tours and tournaments, as well as a tool that allows you to build your own golf course.

Uneekor offers its own in-house software in three tiers: Ignite/View, Refine and Refine+ (formerly Succeed). This is impressive (perhaps not as well-known) software that has a 3D driving range, various practice modes, course modes, game modes, and more.

GSPro is a highly realistic software with advanced ball physics and 4K graphics. It offers powerful community features including a course builder and the ability to participate in online virtual tours.

Other software possibilities include FSX 2020, FSX Play, Creative Golf 3D, Fitness Golf, and Awesome 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? Do you want a more serious experience, or a fun, entertaining, kid-friendly experience?

Consider what software options are available 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 simulator packages that cost $12,000+, and fortunately, there are options that cost well below this amount. And smaller, more compact setups tend to be less expensive as it is.

With that said, it’s important to realize 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.

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Conclusion

Golf simulators have become a lot more accessible and affordable over the past decade. Consequently, more golfers than ever before have been able to own their own setup even if they only have a small space available to them.

Unless we’re talking about a tiny shoebox with a 6-foot ceiling height, with a little bit of research, you’ll be able to find a great simulator no matter how tight your space constraints are. 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. 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.

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Thanks for reading this guide. What golf simulator are you considering for your small space? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.