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Many golfers want a high-quality golf simulator experience and are willing to spend up to $20,000 for it. If this is you, then you’ve come to the right place.
As golf simulator technology has advanced and improved, high-performance solutions have appeared on the market that can accommodate a wide range of budgets.
In this article, we’ll review and compare our picks for the best golf simulators under $20,000.
At this budget, it’s easy to achieve a full simulator setup that includes an enclosure, screen, projector, and powerful launch monitor. All but the most expensive systems will be available to you.
You’ll not only have a fun experience with these simulators, but you’ll also be able to get precise feedback that will allow you to hit the ball farther, straighter, and improve your game.
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 Under $20,000
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:
- Rogue Engineer Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GC3 PlayBetter SimStudio Package
- Uneekor EYE MINI SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Falcon SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
- FlightScope X3 PerfectBay Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GCQuad Training Golf Simulator Package
- TruGolf Vista 10 Golf Simulator
- SkyTrak Plus SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
1. Rogue Engineer Golf Simulator Package
The Uneekor EYE XO is a ceiling-mounted system that has received critical acclaim. Its performance is comparable to the top systems like the GCQuad and even TrackMan while being considerably more affordable.
One of the best simulator studio packages to pair with the EYE XO that is under $20,000 is undoubtedly the Rogue Engineer Package by Carl’s Place. In business since 2006, Carl’s Place has grown to be one of the most trusted indoor golf destinations in the USA.
This impressive package includes a unique C-Series enclosure with a borderless bottom, as well as a top-of-the-line 4K projector and a license to GSPro which many consider to be the best simulator software available.
Plus, this simulator package can be customized to the nth degree through Carl’s BYOS tool, from the enclosure size to the projector mount, hitting mat and more, so you don’t have to settle for the default components.
What Is Included
The Carl’s Place Rogue Engineer Simulator Package consists of:
- a Uneekor EYE XO launch monitor
- a Carl’s Place C-Series DIY Enclosure with screen (six size options available)
- a Country Club Elite 5’x8′ hitting mat
- a license to GSPro software
- a BenQ LK936ST 4K laser short throw projector
- a projector ceiling mount
The simulator technology itself is contained in the EYE XO bar, which is mounted overhead. It houses two high-speed cameras that can record at over 3000 fps, providing real-time club and ball data with the help of advanced sensors.
The included C-Series DIY Enclosure isn’t just any typical enclosure. The impact screen has a unique borderless bottom, which blends the turf into the screen simulation seamlessly for an even more immersive experience.
The EYE XO comes with the in-house View software which features a photographic video playback technology called OPTIX, a 3D driving range, fitting data, a swing motion analysis tool, and more.
Upgrades are available that enable access to additional features within the View software such as full course play. In addition, the EYE XO is compatible with third party solutions The Golf Club 2019, E6 CONNECT, Creative Golf, and GSPro.
Carl’s Place recommends you swing 10-12 feet from the screen and have at least 7 feet of space behind you. A minimum ceiling height of 9 feet is required, and you’ll also need enough space to fit the enclosure.
This is an impressive simulator setup for golfers who want to go as big as possible without blowing a $20K budget. And Carl’s Place is there to help you every step of the way with personalized support, resources, and installation guides.
2. Foresight Sports GC3 PlayBetter SimStudio Package
What if you want a top-tier simulator under $20K, but with a portable launch monitor and not a ceiling-mounted one?
In that case, check out the GC3 PlayBetter SimStudio package. It features the GC3 by Foresight Sports, a professional-grade launch monitor that has a sleek design and uses triscopic high-speed camera technology. The GC3 is nearly as powerful as Foresight Sports’ GCQuad while being significantly more affordable.
With this simulator setup, you’re guaranteed extremely reliable ball data with direct-to-screen output and access to the stunning FSX Play software that supports up to 5K resolution.
What Is Included
The GC3 PlayBetter SimStudio Package comes with your choice of the Ball Data Only, Essentials Plus, or Players Plus GC3. The Essentials Plus and Players Plus bundles add club data and additional courses within the FSX software.
Also included are:
- a PlayBetter SimStudio full hitting bay
- an HD golf simulator projector (model may change)
- a projector ceiling mount
- a protective metal case for the GC3 (optional)
- lifetime access to the Awesome Golf software
- a ball tray
The SimStudio consists of a noise-dampening impact screen, full enclosure with blackout walls, 5’x5′ hitting mat, side netting, and landing pad turf that can double as a putting surface. We’re impressed with the quality of all of the components.
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. Third-party integrations such as GSPro and E6 CONNECT are possible.
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.
The GC3 has been proven in tests to have exceptional accuracy and is one of our top launch monitor recommendations. When you pair that with a quality studio setup like the SimStudio, you win big.
3. Uneekor EYE MINI SwingBay 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.
In fact, taking into consideration cost, power and features, the EYE MINI is our portable launch monitor of choice. But because it falls short of a $20,000 budget by a significant amount, it takes the #3 spot on our list.
This package pairs the EYE MINI with Rain or Shine Golf’s high-quality SwingBay enclosure and is one of the best turnkey simulator solutions currently on the market.
What Is Included
The EYE MINI SwingBay Simulator Package by Rain or Shine Golf includes:
- a Uneekor EYE MINI launch monitor
- a SwingBay enclosure & impact screen with side netting
- a SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x5′ or 4’x9′)
- a full HD short throw projector with high lumens
- landing pad turf (optional)
- a projector ceiling mount or floor mount (your choice)
- a laptop bundle optimized for golf simulation (optional)
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.
The SwingBay enclosure has dimensions of 8′ H x 4’2″ D x 10’5″ W. Made of a 1.5″ extruded aluminum frame, ballistics-grade woven polyester impact screen, and ripstop blackout walls, it offers plenty of room to work on your game.
The third-party softwares compatible with the EYE MINI are E6 CONNECT, TGC 2019, and GSPro.
Minimum space requirements are 8’6″ H x 11′ W x 16′ D.
This fantastic 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.
4. Foresight Falcon SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
The Foresight Falcon is a more compact and economical version of Foresight Sports’ GCHawk, which is arguably the most powerful ceiling-mounted system out there today.
For most people, especially home users, the Falcon is certainly the better option as it uses the same technology, measures the same data points, and has a slightly larger hitting area while costing $5000 less.
This particular package pairs the Falcon with The Indoor Golf Shop’s popular SIG10 enclosure which can fit into most home spaces. It’s currently running a hair over $20K, but we think it’s definitely worth it if you can stretch your budget just a little bit.
What Is Included
The Foresight Falcon SIG10 package was created by The Indoor Golf Shop. It includes the Foresight Falcon launch monitor along with:
- a SIG10 simulator screen & enclosure
- a WUXGA (1920×1200) 6000-lumens projector
- a ceiling projector mount
- landing pad turf
- your choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′) or full flooring
- FSX software
The Foresight Falcon is marked by quadrascopic high-speed camera technology (the same tech found in the GCQuad and GCHawk), a compact form factor, and easy installation. It lacks the multi-sport functionality of the GCHawk, but if you only plan to play golf, it’s a non-issue.
This simulator is compatible with the full Foresight Sports software suite including FSX Pro, FSX 2020 and FSX Play. Between these three pieces of software, you have a ton of game modes and features at your fingertips. The Falcon can integrate with third-party solutions E6 CONNECT, GSPro, Awesome Golf, and Creative Golf.
The high-end projector included with this package outputs high resolution, and the outstanding 6000 lumens ensures a bright and vibrant image on the screen.
Room dimensions of 10 ft high x 12 ft wide x 16 ft deep are recommended for this setup.
If you’re looking for a fully loaded simulator equipped with the most accurate and powerful overhead launch monitor for right around $20K, you can’t do much better than this. For full details, go here.
5. FlightScope X3 PerfectBay Golf Simulator Package
Normally, it would be difficult to achieve an enclosure setup with the highly advanced X3 launch monitor for under $20,000. But this package does just that.
You can think of the radar-based X3 as a more powerful version of the Mevo+. Featuring Fusion Tracking technology and measuring over 50 full swing, chipping and putting parameters, it is FlightScope’s most advanced launch monitor offering.
This package, sold by Top Shelf Golf, pairs the X3 with the high-quality PerfectBay enclosure system and allows for extensive customization to suit your needs.
What Is Included
The FlightScope X3 PerfectBay Simulator features the professional-grade X3 launch monitor and:
- a PerfectBay Golf Simulator Enclosure
- The Net Return Pro Turf hitting mat
- side barrier netting
The X3 comes bundled with a trimmed version of E6 CONNECT (iOS or PC) that includes ten golf courses, 17 practice ranges, and a darts mini-game.
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.
There are many optional upgrades available with this package:
- You can choose a PerfectBay PLUS or PerfectBay WIDE enclosure.
- You can add a full E6 CONNECT or TGC 2019 software license.
- You can replace the Pro Turf mat with a Fiberbuilt hitting mat.
- You can add an Optoma projector.
- You can add a projector ceiling mount.
- You can add a FlightScope support agreement.
Because there is so much room to upgrade, golfers can find the optimal setup that works best for them. Minimum space dimensions of 12 ft wide x 9 ft high x 16 ft deep are required.
Top Shelf Golf has a proven track record with many happy customers. They provide a ton of detail about every aspect of this simulator package here.
6. Foresight Sports GCQuad Training Golf Simulator Package
The GCQuad is a highly advanced and accurate launch monitor that uses a quadrascopic camera system. It has been relied on for shot data by top professional golfers like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson.
Normally, you wouldn’t be able to get a full studio with the GCQuad for under $20,000. But you can make do with a net setup. Hence, this package, put together by The Indoor Golf Shop, pairs the GCQuad with a high-quality and portable SIGPRO hitting net.
Whether you’re a skilled golfer or a high-handicapper that wants to get better, you can count on this simulator to give you the most accurate and reliable data possible.
What Is Included
The GCQuad Training Simulator Package consists of the GCQuad launch monitor and:
- a SIGPRO hitting net
- SIGPRO Turf (6 ft x 10 ft)
- side barrier netting with sandbags
- your choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′)
- alignment stick and other accessories
- FSX 2020 and FSX Play software license
The affordable SIGPRO hitting net catches golf balls quietly and softly, is easy to assemble, and has a collapsible design. It can safely handle ball speeds of up to 225 mph. In addition, The Indoor Golf Shop designed the SIGPRO net to easily integrate with their SIG Preferred Impact Screen which attaches to a top crossbar (purchased as a separate add-on).
The GCQuad has direct-to-screen output and measures five ball data parameters. The club data add-on, now included with all GCQuad purchases, unlocks an array of club data parameters, and the unit is also capable of measuring detailed putting data with an optional putting add-on.
This simulator 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 SIGPRO Turf is ten feet long, allowing for 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.
Room dimensions of 8 ft high x 10 ft wide x 12 ft deep are recommended.
The GCQuad is pricey, sure, but it’s a fact that nobody who gets one regrets their purchase. And this entry-level package is one of the best ways to experience it as part of a golf simulator for under $20,000.
7. TruGolf Vista 10 Golf Simulator
What’s great about TruGolf Vista is that it’s a self-contained sim-in-a-box that you can just plug and play. The Vista 10, in particular, is the middle entry in the Vista Series and sits at a nice price point for golfers with $20,000 budgets.
The Vista 10 is defined by high-definition image quality, a cutting-edge tension system, enhanced swing analysis capabilities, and portability with easy installation.
TruGolf is a reputable maker of simulators, and their team of developers and golf pros are highly respected.
What Is Included
The Vista 10 simulator features a high-quality studio with fairway turf and a deep enclosure. It includes:
- an HD 720p Vista projector
- a 136″ impact screen
- a 21″ Touch Screen Monitor & TruGolf Level 1 Computer
- the TruTrack2 system, which captures important shot data using multiple optical sensors
- premium fairway turf
- a 1-year subscription to E6 CONNECT, which is a top-tier simulation software that allows you to practice, play with friends, and compete with golfers around the world
- a 1-year limited warranty
The Vista 10 is offered in Base and Pro versions. The Base version includes the above items, while the Pro version includes a Level 2 Computer, portable speaker, component rack, protective side nets, and a frame storage duffel bag.
You can also integrate the TruGolf Multisport Interactive Sports Camera with the Vista 10. This provides an array of world-class sports arcade games and is capable of tracking the movements of soccer balls, hockey pucks, baseballs, and more. It will, however, bump the cost over the $20,000 mark.
The minimum space requirements are 10 ft high x 15 ft wide x 20 ft deep.
The tracking system is a unique system built by TruGolf. For more details about what comes with the simulator, specifications, possible discounts and promotions, and more, visit this page.
8. SkyTrak Plus SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
This simulator uses the next generation of the SkyTrak, the SkyTrak Plus (ST+) launch monitor.
The ST+ makes a number of improvements over the original SkyTrak including the addition of club data, a faster processor, greatly improved outdoor performance, and additional courses in the software. Best of all, no club or ball stickers are needed to measure any data points!
Put together by Rain or Shine Golf, this turnkey package features Rain or Shine Golf’s signature SwingBay studio and enclosure system suitable for those looking for a more permanent, full-size setup.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak+ SwingBay Simulator Package includes:
- SkyTrak+ launch monitor with protective case
- one free year of the Game Improvement software plan
- SwingBay enclosure & impact screen
- side barrier netting
- full HD short throw projector with high lumens
- SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x5′ or 9’x4′)
- ceiling or floor projector mount (your choice)
- gaming laptop with stand, sleeve & mousepad (optional)
- landing pad turf (optional)
The SkyTrak+ adds a new dual Doppler radar system which combines with an improved photometric camera system and machine-learning software to bring the ST+ to a new level of accuracy and comprehensive data measurement.
SkyTrak’s in-house software can be accessed through three subscription tiers. Additionally, the launch monitor is compatible with E6 CONNECT, TGC 2019, Creative Golf, and other third-party solutions.
The included SwingTurf hitting mat was designed by Rain or Shine Golf to provide an optimal balance between realistic fairway feel and forgiveness.
An optional gaming laptop contains a fast processor and powerful graphics card, allowing golf simulator software to be run smoothly with no freezing or lagging.
The SkyTrak+ is impressive enough on its own, but you can’t go wrong when you pair it with a quality studio like this one.
Buying Guide
Investing in a golf simulator with a $20,000 budget is a huge step. 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 what golf simulator will best meet your needs:
1. Size
Size is a crucial factor when setting up a golf simulator.
Many simulators come with a full screen enclosure, and this will require a good deal of space. With a $20,000 budget, you’ll often be able to afford the largest enclosures which will require the most space.
In any case, you need enough space for the simulator setup and to swing your longest club (driver) unimpeded. You also need enough room to mount the projector if you’re using one.
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. Whether you want to use your simulator outdoors or indoors, your space should be able to accommodate this.
2. Net Vs. Screen
In general, there are three options with golf simulators:
- You can have no net or screen and hit foam balls, plastic balls, or no balls at all.
- You can hit into a net and view your shot data and see the ball flight on your connected computer or tablet.
- You can have a screen and projector that will project your shots on a virtual driving range or golf course.
The first is obviously the cheapest option, and in many cases, a setup of this nature will cost less than $5000. The second option will be more expensive. The third option gives you the best experience, but it’s also the most expensive.
However, if you have a budget of $20,000, there’s really no reason not to invest in an impact screen and projector setup unless you’re going for a super expensive high-end launch monitor like the GCQuad, in which case you have to be more careful about the components.
If you’re satisfied with seeing your shot data and ball flight on a mobile device without a screen and projector, then you have a lot more room to get a top-of-the-line professional launch monitor without surpassing that $20,000 budget.
3. Budget
You might not want to spend more than $20,000, and that’s totally understandable.
But would you be willing to spend four figures on potentially “lesser” simulators? Would you spend more than $12,000 or so on better setups? How close to $20,000 are you willing to go?
That the less you spend, the less you’ll typically get, both in terms of equipment and software. You’ll also get farther away from a realistic golf simulator experience.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include golf simulators over a wide range of prices under the $20,000 mark. But the great thing is that, in many cases, 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 simulator over the course of a year or longer. Don’t forget about this option.
4. Portability
Another thing to consider is ease of transport. Generally, the more the cost goes up, the less portable the simulator becomes, although there are exceptions.
Net setups are usually easy to set up, take down and transport. Screen and projector setups are typically less portable, but they can still be transported nonetheless. Quality enclosures often have mechanisms that allow you to disassemble and reassemble the system in 30 minutes or less.
Do you plan to have a dedicated place where your golf simulator will always be located, or will there be times when you need to move it?
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 you can get out to the driving range or golf course.
One major benefit of a golf simulator that uses a portable launch monitor is that you can take the launch monitor to your local course whenever you want, and then when you’re not there, you can use it as part of a simulator at home. This contrasts with a ceiling-mounted system like a Uneekor which is fixed in place.
5. Software
You should also consider what kinds of things you want to do, games you want to play, and activities you want to take part in on your golf simulator.
There are many software options available which typically can integrate with several different brands of launch monitor. These include:
- E6 CONNECT: high-quality, highly customizable software that offers various course simulations, minigames, training ads, tournaments, and more; integrates with nearly all simulators available today
- GSPro: ultra-realistic physics and graphics; allows you to design your own course and make it available to the community for free download; allows you to play in virtual online tours
- The Golf Club 2019: offers a typical practice range, a massive course selection, numerous multiplayer modes, online tournaments and events, and the ability to design your own course
- Creative Golf: focuses on family-friendly entertainment, 130+ courses, practice modes, course play, challenges (long drive, etc.), fantastical minigames, and tournaments; integrates with many systems
SkyTrak has software in three membership levels:
- Basic Plan: offers a practice driving range.
- Game-Improvement Plan: offers minigames, numeric display, and many other advanced features.
- Play & Improve Plan: offers all features of other plans plus full integration with WGT (World Golf Tour) and access to 15 E6 CONNECT courses.
Other software possibilities include Awesome Golf, FSX Play, FSX 2020, and OptiShot Orion.
Which 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 what software options are available when looking at simulators, and make your decisions accordingly.
Conclusion
Golf simulators have become a lot more accessible over the past decade, with more companies developing cutting-edge simulation technologies. This means more golfers than ever before have been able to acquire their own personal setup.
A serious simulator setup that costs up to $20,000 can be a huge boon to your golfing toolkit. Finding a simulator package that can meet your needs is certainly possible with some research, and there are plenty of options available to you.
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, especially as you get into the higher-end setups.
We strongly recommend reading user 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 interested in? Do you have experience with any of them? Let us know in the comments below.
Which of these do you think would be best for a commercial golf center
Hi Lem. We have a golf simulator buying guide specifically for commercial applications and you can check it out here. Out of the ones listed here, my top recommendations would be the Uneekor EYE XO SIG12 or Uneekor QED SwingBay because they are ceiling-mounted and relatively affordable. Note that the SIG12 enclosure requires a minimum ceiling height of 9.5 feet.