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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.
We at Golfstead have tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of these simulator setups. Some offer less features than others, but they all give an excellent experience for the cost.
Our Top Picks For Golf Simulators Under $20,000
Based on our own testing, research, and experience, here are our top selections:
- Uneekor EYE XO SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
- Foresight Sports GC3 SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
- FlightScope X3 PerfectBay Golf Simulator Package
- Uneekor QED SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
- TruGolf Vista 10 Golf Simulator
- SkyTrak SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
1. Uneekor EYE XO SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
If you’re okay with having a fixed ceiling-mounted system, this is basically the dream golf simulator for under $20,000. The EYE XO has been received incredibly well by golfers; it is considered better than the SkyTrak and comparable to the top professional systems while being more affordable.
The EYE XO uses unmarked ball technology so you can use any ball you want. It not only measures a detailed set of data parameters, but its high-speed cameras also allow you to view slow-motion recordings of the club impacting the ball.
This particular simulator package is offered by The Indoor Golf Shop and uses their popular SIG10 enclosure, which is large but can still fit into most typical spaces that have a ceiling height of 9 feet.
What Is Included
The Uneekor EYE XO SIG10 Simulator package was put together by The Indoor Golf Shop and includes:
- the EYE XO bar tracking system with high-speed cameras
- a SIG10 simulator screen & enclosure
- side barrier netting
- a Panasonic PT-VZ580U WUXGA projector
- a ceiling projector mount
- your choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′ or 4’x10′) or full flooring
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 hand switching or precise positioning.
The choices for hitting mat are the Fairway Series 5’x5′ (provides realistic feel), SIGPRO 4’x7′ (easy on the joints, allows level unit placement), and SIGPRO 4’x10′ (center hitting strip ideal for left/right hand switching).
You can also install SIG10 Simulator Flooring: a full flooring option that consists of a hitting strip surrounded by a putting green. It’s really awesome, but quite expensive!
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. The EYE XO is also compatible with The Golf Club 2019, E6 CONNECT, Creative Golf 3D, and GSPro.
Room dimensions of at least 9 ft high x 12 ft wide x 18 ft deep are recommended. For more details about what comes with the package, optional add-ons, pricing, and setup instructions, visit this page.
2. Foresight Sports GC3 SIG10 Golf Simulator Package
What if you want a top-tier simulator system, but with a portable launch monitor and not a ceiling-mounted one?
In that case, check out the GC3 SIG10 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 SIG10 Simulator features the professional-grade GC3 launch monitor as well as:
- a SIG10 simulator screen and enclosure
- a Panasonic PT-VZ580U WUXGA projector
- ceiling projector mount
- landing turf & side barrier netting
- a choice of hitting mat (5’x5′, 4’x7′, 4’x10′, or full flooring)
The SIG10 screen measures 10’1″ wide x 7’7″ high. This premium impact screen is designed to withstand ball speeds of up to 250 mph.
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.
Room dimensions of 9 ft high x 12 ft wide x 18 ft deep are recommended.
Also included are the FSX Pro performance software and FS Performance Fitting App. You can optionally upgrade the GC3 to the Players Plus Bundle that 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 killer simulator bay like the SIG10, you win big.
3. 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
- side netting
- The Net Return Pro Turf hitting mat
The X3 comes bundled with a trimmed iOS version of E6 CONNECT that includes 6 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.
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.
4. Uneekor QED SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
The QED is Uneekor’s other ceiling-mounted simulator option. Even though it requires marked balls and has a few less features than the EYE XO, it really is an excellent system, and it’s several thousand dollars cheaper to boot.
The QED delivers high precision on shots from 10 cm to 435 yards. The included software allows you to play various game modes, practice modes, and skills challenges.
This particular package was put together by Rain Or Shine Golf; it uses their unique SwingBay screen & enclosure, which enjoys great ratings.
What Is Included
The Uneekor QED SwingBay Simulator includes the QED system along with:
- a SwingBay simulator screen & enclosure
- a short throw HD projector with high lumens
- a projector ceiling mount or floor mount enclosure (your choice)
- landing pad turf (optional)
- side barrier netting
- a SwingTurf hitting mat (4’x9′ or 5’x5′)
- a gaming laptop optimized for golf simulation (optional)
- The Golf Club 2019 software (optional)
One of the main benefits of the QED over the EYE XO is that it’s mounted slightly behind the golfer, and hence it’s much more difficult to accidentally strike the unit with a sky ball or shank. The QED bar houses two high-speed cameras that can record at over 3000 fps, providing real-time club and ball data.
The included SwingTurf hitting mat was designed by Rain or Shine Golf to provide an optimal balance between realistic fairway feel and forgiveness.
The 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.
Beyond Ignite, the QED integrates with the same set of third-party software solutions as the EYE XO.
Minimum room dimensions of 8 ft high x 11 ft wide x 16 ft deep are required.
Practically everyone who gets the Uneekor QED system ends up very happy with it. Even if you don’t want to pay extra for separate software, the default Ignite software is rock solid and will allow you to get the quality practice you expect out of a premium simulator package.
5. 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.
6. SkyTrak SwingBay Golf Simulator Package
This SkyTrak SwingBay simulator is offered by Rain or Shine Golf and can be considered their flagship product.
It uses the famous SkyTrak, a launch monitor that is priced very affordably given its high accuracy and rich set of features. The SkyTrak uses a photometric (camera-based) system that is ideal for indoor use.
What Is Included
The SkyTrak SwingBay Package features the SkyTrak Launch Monitor and Rain or Shine Golf’s easy-to-assemble SwingBay simulator enclosure.
Also included are:
- your choice of a SwingTurf hitting mat (5’x5′ or 4’x9′)
- a full HD short throw projector with high lumens
- a projector ceiling mount or floor mount enclosure (your choice)
- landing pad turf (optional)
- side barrier netting
This package includes a 1-year subscription to the SkyTrak Game Improvement Plan, which is a major step up from the starter (free) plan. Possible third-party software integrations include TGC 2019, E6 CONNECT, Creative Golf 3D, and ProTee Play.
You can optionally and conveniently include a gaming laptop with the package. This laptop contains a fast processor and powerful graphics card, allowing golf simulator software to be run smoothly with no freezing or lagging.
Room dimensions of 9 ft high x 12 ft wide x 16 ft deep are recommended.
This simulator has an outstanding 5-star average customer rating. For more details about what comes with the package, frequently asked questions, and bare minimum space requirements, go here.
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 very important factor in golf simulators.
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 biggest enclosures which will require even more space.
In any case, you need enough space for the simulator setup and to swing your longest club (driver) unimpeded.
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 easily 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 a 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 a screen and projector setup unless you’re opting for a super expensive high-end launch monitor like the GCQuad, in which case you’ll have to be more careful.
If you’re satisfied with seeing your shot data and ball flight on a phone or tablet 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 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, such as:
- 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; integrates with FlightScope and Uneekor systems
- 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; integrates with SkyTrak, Uneekor, FlightScope, and many other systems
- Creative Golf 3D: 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).
Other software possibilities include Awesome Golf, FSX Play, FSX 2020, and Fitness 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? 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 approach that budget threshold.
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.