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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.
We have researched and 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 Small Spaces
The following are our top selections based on our own testing, research, and experience:
- SkyTrak SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GC3 SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
- SkyTrak Home Series Golf Simulator Package
- Uneekor QED SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
- FlightScope Mevo Plus Flex Space Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GCQuad SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
- Garmin Approach R10 Home Series Golf Simulator Package
1. SkyTrak SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
This simulator package pairs the popular SkyTrak 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.
At the time of writing, the simulator even comes with a free bonus 12-month subscription to Golf Magazine.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak 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.
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 12 world-class World Golf Tour (WGT) golf 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 SIG10 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, it’s affordable, and it’s relatively easy to set up. If you have at least 10’10” of width in your space, consider the larger SkyTrak SIG10 instead.
2. Foresight Sports GC3 SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
The GC3 is a new launch monitor by Foresight Sports that offers terrific value for the cost. It’s practically just as accurate as the GCQuad, and although it measures a few less advanced parameters, it’s perfect for a golf simulator setup.
The portable GC3 has a touchscreen display with direct-to-screen output and comes bundled with the stunning new FSX Play software.
This excellent package by Rain or Shine Golf pairs the GC3 with their full-screen SwingBay enclosure which can fit in spaces as small as 8′ high x 10’6″ wide x 16′ deep.
What Is Included
The Foresight Sports GC3 SwingBay Simulator includes the GC3 launch monitor along with:
- a SwingBay simulator screen & enclosure
- an Optoma 1080p Short Throw Projector
- a SwingShield projector floor mount enclosure
- landing turf (optional)
- side barrier netting
- a SwingTurf hitting mat (4’x9′ or 5’x5′)
- an FSX software suite
- BirTees and other accessories
The professional-grade GC3 launch monitor has a sleek, portable design and can also be taken outdoors as needed. Three high-speed cameras are used as part of a triscopic photometric camera system.
Rain or Shine Golf’s SwingBay enclosure consists of a quality impact screen designed for 4:3 projection, commercial-grade blackout walls, and a bungee fastening system.
Foresight Sports’ in-house software FSX 2020 and FSX Play are included with the GC3. The new FSX Play software builds off of FSX 2020 and is designed to provide an ultra-realistic golf simulation experience with support for up to 5K resolution.
Also included are the FSX Pro performance software and FS Performance Fitting App. You can optionally upgrade the GC3 to the Players Plus Bundle which adds ten more courses, many of which are world-famous.
The GC3 has been very well-received and is one of our top launch monitor recommendations. When you pair that with a simulator bay like the SwingBay which can fit into many small spaces, you win big.
3. SkyTrak Home Series Golf Simulator Package
Are simulator enclosures just too big for your space? A more compact net setup like the SkyTrak Home Series Package, which only requires a space that’s 8’6″ high x 10′ wide x 12′ deep, may be perfect for you.
This is an affordable package (less than $5000) that was put together by Top Shelf Golf, a great online source for golf simulator equipment. It pairs the SkyTrak with a high-quality hitting net that can withstand ball speeds up to 200 mph.
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 SkyTrak Launch Monitor with equipment from The Net Return including:
- The Net Return Home Series V2 net
- The Net Return Pro Turf hitting mat
Also included is the Basic Practice Plan for the SkyTrak 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 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.
Optional customization for this package includes the following:
- You can replace the Pro Turf hitting mat with a Fiberbuilt mat.
- You can replace the Home Series V2 Net with a Pro Series V2 or Pro Series V2 Large Net.
- You can add side barrier netting.
- You can add a “No-Fly Zone” extension above the net.
If you tend to hit a lot of shanks or are concerned that the net may not catch all your shots, we suggest adding universal side barriers to your purchase.
People really love the quality and affordability, as well as the fact that it’s less complex to work with than a projector setup. For more details about what comes with the package and the optional add-ons available to you, visit this page.
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
- an Optoma 1080p Short Throw Projector
- a SwingShield projector floor mount enclosure
- landing turf & 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 (access to over 150,000 courses)
- BirTees and other accessories
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 150,000+ courses to play and even allows you to design your own course.
As with the other SwingBay package reviewed above, 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.
5. FlightScope Mevo Plus Flex Space 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 Flex Space Package pairs the outstanding Mevo+ 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 the most accurate ball flight data for dialing in your game. Your space will need to be at least 8’6″ high x 12′ wide x 15′ deep to accommodate it.
What Is Included
The Mevo+ Flex Space Simulator Package comes with:
- Mevo+ Launch Monitor with carrying pouch
- trimmed version of E6 CONNECT for iOS
- HomeCourse ProScreen 180 with ceiling mount kit
- Optoma 1080p Short Throw Projector
- SIGPRO Turf Golf Mat
- projector floor mount enclosure
The Mevo+ can also be used with the free FS Golf app, giving you real-time performance data, saving of sessions, skills challenges, and more. Access to TGC 2019, Creative Golf 3D, Awesome Golf, and GSPro on PC is available at extra cost.
The new and improved HomeCourse ProScreen 180 features side walls made of ballistic material. The Pro Arms can be optionally extended to create an ultra-wide 16:9 projectable area.
The retractable screen is wireless. The motor runs on a chargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for months at a time, and the motor can be controlled with an included wireless remote.
The screen can be mounted to the ceiling or wall (wall mount kit sold separately). If your ceiling is higher than nine feet, we recommend wall mounting.
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.
6. Foresight Sports GCQuad SIG8 Golf Simulator Package
The GCQuad can be considered the gold standard of camera-based portable launch monitors, used by top coaches and pro golfers such as Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy.
It uses a quadrascopic (four) camera system which captures thousands of images per second and builds a complete 3D model of the club and ball at impact, allowing for measurements that are direct and not calculated.
This package was put together by The Indoor Golf Shop and uses their compact SIG8 enclosure which is ideal for small spaces.
What Is Included
The GCQuad SIG8 Simulator package pairs the GCQuad Launch Monitor with:
- a SIG8 golf simulator screen & enclosure
- a Panasonic PT-VZ580U WUXGA projector
- your choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′, or full flooring)
- cables and a power adapter
- alignment stick and other accessories
- projector ceiling mount
- FSX 2020 and FSX Play software licenses
This simulator is compatible with the full Foresight Sports software suite including FSX 2020, FSX Play, E6 CONNECT, and Creative Golf 3D. Direct-to-screen output means you can view your numbers without any separate device or software.
The GCQuad also offers the optional add-ons Essential Putting Analysis (gives you detailed insight into every aspect of your putting) and Clubhead Measurement (unlocks additional club head data).
Room dimensions of 9 ft high x 10 ft wide x 16 ft deep are recommended. For more details about what comes with the package, pricing and more, go here.
7. Garmin Approach R10 Home Series Golf Simulator Package
Looking for a simulator that’s super compact and super affordable? You can’t do much better than the Garmin Approach R10 Home Series.
This package, put together by Top Shelf Golf, pairs the Approach R10 launch monitor with a compact, high-quality hitting net and hitting mat by The Net Return.
The R10 is the first launch monitor to measure detailed club path parameters that you could previously only get in $1800+ units. It’s the first launch monitor in its price range to have golf simulation capabilities.
The one thing you need to keep in mind is that because the R10 is radar-based and sits behind the golfer, your space will need at least 16 feet of depth to fit the setup.
What Is Included
The R10 Home Series Package features the R10 Launch Monitor and a trimmed iOS version of E6 CONNECT with practice ranges, a darts mini-game, and five golf courses. Also included is:
- The Net Return Home Series V2 Golf Net
- The Net Return Pro Turf
The R10 directly measures seven data parameters using radar technology and derives many other parameters including spin and face angle. You can practice and analyze your sessions on a virtual driving range for free with the Garmin Golf app.
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.
Available customization options for this package include the following:
- You can replace the Pro Turf Mat with a Fiberbuilt hitting mat.
- You can replace the Home V2 Net with a Pro V2 or Pro V2 LARGE net.
- You can add side barrier netting.
- You can add a “No Fly Zone” extension which adds protection above the net.
Home Tee Hero, E6 CONNECT, The Golf Club 2019, and Awesome Golf can all be played on the R10 at extra cost. You can even use an app called PinSeeker with E6 CONNECT that allows you to win prizes competing in closest-to-the-pin tournaments.
Recommended room dimensions for this simulator are 10 ft wide x 8.5 ft high x 16 ft deep.
Even without a screen and projector, you can achieve a simulator feel by mirroring or casting your smartphone to your TV and positioning the TV behind the net.
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:
- The enclosure/net and hitting mat need to fit in the space.
- The room needs enough depth to accommodate the mounting location for the projector.
- You need to be able to freely swing the longest club you plan to use.
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 GC3 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, Approach R10, Uneekor QED, 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 Approach R10 is very affordable, its sensor is never going to be as accurate or consistent as top-end systems like the GC3.
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.
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 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).
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.
E6 CONNECT is another quality software option that is highly customizable. It offers various course simulations, minigames, training aids, tournaments, and more.
Other software possibilities include GSPro, 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.
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.
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.
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.
