Golf simulators have really come a long ways since the day of using the games at the arcade. Golf simulation has risen to incredible heights since new technology has taken over the industry. Golfers are allowed to play and practice golf indoors when the weather doesn’t cooperate with these new realistic simulators.
These simulators come in many sizes and forms. These models range from video games where you can swing your remote to replace the clubs in addition for full size nets in which you can use your very own clubs and hit real balls. The technology is amazing and longer these have been on the market, the more affordable and available they become.
Some of the most advanced golf simulators use vision based computer camera systems that track both the golf ball and club after the golfer hits the ball with their clubs. There are also laser tracking systems that track the club and the ball. These systems usually use a projector to show the trajectory of golf balls after a shot on either a computer or photo realistically generated golf course image. They are truly something to see and can be used in both home or business.
That said, this technology can leave some of us wondering how we would ever choose a quality golf simulator. This is why we’ve created a list of some of the highest rated and well-reviewed golf simulators of the year. We hope this list will make your search for your next golf simulator a bit easier.
FairwayPro Divot Simulator Golf Mat
The FairwayPro Divot Simulator Golf Mat is a golf mat system that performs when it is hit by the golf club by giving way and sliding forward like real course grass does. This design is patented and has a sliding turf surface that allows the golfer to hit down and through and compress the golf ball. With this simulator, you are getting true feedback and it is perfect for the short game. While this simulator doesn’t have a large screen or a projector, it is giving a real feel for how you would hit the ball on the course. Otherwise, you are settling for those rubber tees at the driving range or hard turf that doesn’t budge. We think this is an affordable way to improve your golf game.
Features
– Designed for all and made of high quality materials
– This simulator is very portable and can be taken all over with the briefcase style handle
– Stabilization panel that folds under for maximum performance and stability
– Hit down and through on the ball for a realistic feel on your swing
Rapsodo R-Motion and The Golf Club Simulator and Swing Analyzer
The Rapsodo R-Motion and The Golf Club Simulator and Swing Analyzer is another incredible golf simulator that gives you feedback that is used to improve your all around golf game. This is one of the most affordable and accurate golf simulators on the market right now. It works in any living room and will give you immediate feedback on ball speed, swing path, club speed, launch angle, distance and smash factor. The golf club will give you all the data you need to start making strides towards improving your game.
As long as you have your own mat and net, all you need to do is clip the tracker to your club and let it rip. After that, let the data flow and your game get better.
Features
– Monitor attaches to your own golf clubs to play real rounds with your friends
– Comes with The Golf Club game for an awesome simulation of the top 15 courses
– No projector or launch monitor needed – runs on your PC
– Very easy to use with just a net and mat of your own
OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator
The OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator allows you to experience a round of golf like you’ve never experienced it before and that is in the comfort of your own home. No matter if you’re looking for a way to play golf all year long or a way to improve your overall game, the OptiShot 2 is a great option for you. You can play this on your computer and pair it with your projector or television.
Right out of the box you can play 15 incredible courses with each one being modeled after some of the most well-known courses in the world. This simulator has 16 high speed 48MHz infrared sensors that track your swing so that you can fine tune it to lower your score. Check out the video for a better explanation.
Features
– Play real courses like Palm Desert, Twisted Twig and Torrey Black on this simulator
– Play online tournaments against other real people
– Whether you are looking to improve your swing or have fun all year round, this is a great option
The Net Return Pro Series Multi-Sport Golf Net
The Net Return Pro Series Multi-Sport Golf Net is great to use indoors or outdoors. It comes with a heavyweight polyester netting and nylon sleeve as well as a rugged 1.5” tubular aluminum frame. This is set up in under 5 minutes and your use the Pushbutton Quick-Color Connect System to match up to the system. The net return can handle ball speeds of up to 225 mph and the ball return is fantastic. It also provides instant feedback for the kind of shot you use. You can even use this net for other sports. This is one of the only nets you’ll ever need.
Features
– Patented design returns your balls automatically
– On net for multiple sports like softball, baseball, lacrosse and football
– 5 min pushbutton assembly
– Use indoors or outdoors
Skytrak Launch Monitor
The Skytrak Launch Monitor is the crème de la crème of golf simulators and it is priced appropriately. However, the data you receive from using this tool is going to give you what you need to truly improve your game on many levels. This unit will connect to a compatible device for immediate ball flight and shot data. It tracks launch angles, ball speed, club speed, back spin, side angle, carry distance and side spin. It will connect wirelessly and give you great feedback. This simulator is compatible with almost all computers and other display systems.
Features
– Golf simulator and launch monitor mix is designed to help you improve your game
– Wireless connection to compatible devices to display data immediately
– High speed photography for measurements
– Measures a vast amount of parameters