Best Golf Simulator For Under $5000?

Written by Todd in Golf Simulator FAQs,Uncategorized

Are you in the market for a golf simulator and have around a $5000 budget?

The good news is that you can build a pretty awesome golf simulator in this budget range.

Many of us have reached the point where we want to take our game to the next level and be able to play or practice 365 days a year without the weather, time, course availability or other factors limiting us from enjoying the game we love!

I reached this point around four years ago and have now played close to 900 round of golf on my simulator setup.  The best part is that the majority of my rounds have taken place at Augusta, Whistling Straits and Pebble Beach.  These are my go to courses when playing.  I also have played some local courses and other courses that the PGA Tour play.  Bay Hill is a lot of fun as well as TPC Sawgrass.

It is a thrill to hit many of the same shots that the professionals hit and the ones we get to see the most on television during a tour event.

But enough about that, let’s get into where you should spend your money if you have a budget of around $5000.

Best Golf Simulator For Under $5000?

Approximate amount of money for each of the components to make up a $5000 simulator build:

  • Launch Monitor $2000 (Skytrak)
  • Software $1000 (The Golf Club Software)
  • Gaming Computer $1000 
  • Projector $500 (Optoma)
  • Enclosure and Mat $1500 (Rain or Shine Golf)

I know!  

If you add up the numbers above you are at $6000.  It will take close to this amount to have the perfect setup, but there are some minor adjustments that I will make if you have a solid $5000 budget and no room for adjustments.  

Did you know that Rain or Shine Golf offers financing packages where you?

Below I will break down each category above and then end with some adjustments you can make to stay in the $5000 budget range.

The Skytrak is a great option! A complete game changer!

Launch Monitor $2000

I would highly recommend the Skytrak Launch Monitor.  The overall versatility, easy setup, accuracy and the ability to pair it with The Golf Club (TGC) software makes it the best option at this price point.  Of course if you have a $12,000 or higher budget, there are some better products, but at this price point, you can’t beat it!

Our number one place to price out and purchase your golf simulator items from:

I have now played close to 900 rounds and have been able to improve my game based on the feedback I receive after every shot that includes the following data:

  • Carry and Total Distance
  • Spin Rate
  • Launch Angle
  • Spin Axis
  • Ball Speed

This data set in combination with the shot tracer feature within the TGC software can help you build a reliable, consistent swing.  Your ball striking will improve greatly and your scores will decrease.  

I have played commercial grade golf simulators and believe that the combination of the Skytrak with TGC is difficult to beat even at the $30,000 range that a commercial setup typically costs.  Go ahead and mark this done as a must have for your launch monitor or the brains behind the operation for your golf simulator build!

Personal Experience: I have now played over 1,000 round on my Skytrak. I believe it is a great product that can provide everything you need in a launch monitor and a simulator. The combination of Skytrak and The Golf Club (TGC) software is simply amazing! I would highly recommend the product to any golfer that wants to play golf 365 days a year!

Some other posts on the Skytrak that might be helpful:

Software $1000

There are a number of software options on the market.  I would highly recommend going ahead and spending the extra money for the TGC software.  The number of total courses in addition to the number of top end, world famous courses in addition to the amazing graphics and game play make this the top software for those building a golf simulator in their homes.  

I have played plenty of commercial simulator golf prior to my own resident based simulator and TGC is better than anything I have experienced commercially.  There aren’t too many places that have the combination of graphics and course selection.

For a total of $3000 you are able to get a high performing launch monitor and software that takes it to an amazing level!

TGC Software Review

Gaming Computer $1000

The one drawback to the TGC software is that due to the high end graphics, you will need a gaming computer to handle the needs and to ensure you are maximizing the abilities of the software.

Many people have a laptop laying around or an extra computer, but not many have a gaming level computer.  However, once again, it is worth the investment.  At the end of hte day, you want a realistic experience, with quality feedback and a great interactive software that makes the experience seem as real as possible!  Software with cheap graphics takes away from the experience.

Projector $500

The main requirements here are a short throw projector that is HD.  Shop around and find a quality option for your simulator setup.  I went with a Optoma short throw, but I am not convinced the brand matters as much as the ability to set up at a short distance and the HD component.  You ultimately will decide whether to mount your projector on the ceiling or place it on the floor.

Golf Projector Placement (2 Options)

Enclosure and Mat ($1500)

I would start with Rain or Shine Golf and look at some of the packages to try to get a discount that works for your budget.  The customer service is top notch and when you purchase a package with potentially some financing you are well on your way to having an affordable setup for a low monthly cost.

The enclosure and mat have some variables that might allow you to squeeze your budget down to the $5000 range and maintain the Skytrak, TGC and Gaming Computer that will make the experience realistic and accurate.

Shop around and find your best option and possibly look at building the different elements over tie.

There are different setups. Ultimately, find what works for you!

Places To Trim Budget – How To Get To $5000 or Under

I would not sacrifice the Skytrak, TGC or Gaming Computer.  Instead, I would look at potential great deals on a used projector, used mat or a used enclosure.  You can upgrade these over time as you have potentially additional money to upgrade your setup.  There are options out there to start with a net, cheaper mat or a simple monitor as your initial purchase to stay within your budget.

Over time, you can improve your setup and get to the point you dream about!

Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better

What does this mean for you?  I believe in the following recipe to get better:

1 – Improve your motion in the golf swing by identifying a golf instructor.  Here are some options:

Here is a list of golf instructors that we have reviewed:

2 – Train to swing faster and improve your swing speed.  Here are some options:

Looking to gain more Speed and Distance in your swing. Two Options:

3 – Understand course strategy and work to break through your next barrier.  Here is a series on breaking through:

We have provided guides on how to break 100, 90, 80 and 70. Check out more below, if interested.

4 – Practice Frequently

Did you know that I build a golf simulator in my garage and have played over 500 rounds of golf on my SkyTrak system?  It has been a game changer and one worth checking out. Here are some of my other posts on golf simulators frequently asked questions:

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