Tired of the winter weather keeping you from playing the game you love?
Have you ever dreamed about having a golf simulator in your home or garage, but didn’t go through with it because of the cost?
We have several cost saving measures you can put into place when building your dream golf simulator that keeps you playing golf all year round, regardless of the snow, cold weather, rain or time of day you can now play golf and get better!
Find your consistency during the offseason and develop your swing with the amazing feedback provided on every shot and challenging your game to hit the shots required on some of the best golf courses in the world.
Can I Build A Golf Simulator Space Without A Projector?
Yes, you can! Simply use a larger computer monitor or a big screen tv that is hooked up to your computer for a pretty impressive golf simulator experience!
We understand that ideally you would have the 14 to 16 foot impact screen with an impressive enclosure, but some need to save on their overall budget or do not have the complete space to build the ideal golf simulator setup.
However, if the goal is to play golf as much as possible in the convenience of your own home, then we have some simple solutions for you on cost savings and space saving measures.
Here are some costs and space saving measures you can put into place and still set up a golf simulator! We will dive into each of these topics below and provide some quality detail.
- Skip the projector
- Skip the impact screen
- Finance through Rain or Shine Golf
- Consider different price points on some excellent simulator options
Option #1 – Skip the projector
The projector is nice if you need the screen in front of you to replicate an actual course. However, if you simply just want to hit shots into a net and have a golf simulator software run through your computer and onto a monitor or tv screen then you can skip the projector all together.
Projectors in the high definition range will cost somewhere close to #1,000, so this simple move can save you a significant chunk of money.
Most setups I have seen that do not have a projector setup the tv or monitor to the caddie view side of the golfer. This allows you to hit the ball into the net and quickly lookup to see where the ball was projector to go.
With today’s high definition televisions being as inexpensive as ever, this could still produce a quality experience.
Another reason to skip the projector is if you have limited space. An enclosure with an impact screen can take up some valuable real estate in a garage, house or basement.
Instead, if you place a television on a wheeled cart, you can push the television to the the side when not in use.
If you combine this with a popup net, you are in business as you have saved money and space. Let’s face, our spouses may not be thrilled with the purchase and these little compromises can be the difference in having a golf simulator or not.
Option #2 – Skip the impact screen
Similar to the projector, the impact screen provides an amazing experience, but there are alternatives. I would recommend a pop up screen set in front of you and your televeiion hookup set to the caddie view side of you.
Once again, this saves close to another $1,000 and provides flexibility in the space you are taking up.
The pop up nets can be found relatively inexpensive and are mobile. You can pair your television and golf net with just about any simulator, but I would highly recommend the SkyTrak Launch Monitor as it provides an impressive experience at a very reasonable price.
While not the prefect setup, it is better than having nothing. Also, over time you can add the impact screen or the projector as you save more money and truly find out how often you will use your simulator!
Option #3 – Finance Through Rain or Shine Golf
All together I paid close to $7,000 for my golf simulator setup. This included a SkyTrak w/TGC Software, Enclosure with HD Screen, Gaming Computer, Quality 96” hitting mat, and a thin underlay beneath the entire area.
If you are able to reduce the projector and impact screen you can still purchase a SkyTrak, TGC Software, and a golf mat for under $5,000.
I would highly recommend checking out all of your options at Rain or Shine Golf. They provide aggressively priced packages, frequent discounts, awesome customer service and some impressive financing options.
Some direct links to Rain or Shine Golf for pricing and financing:
I know that the 5-7 thousand dollar range can be difficult, but the financing offers you are able to pay a smaller monthly amount and not put a major hit on your savings account. I think you will be impressed with what Rain or Shine has to offer!
Option #4 – Consider different price points on some excellent simulator options
If you have around 5-7 thousand dollars to spend I would highly recommend the SkyTrak Launch Monitor paired with the TGC Software. You will get a launch monitor that provides high quality feedback and a real game-like experience.
In addition you can take your SkyTrak Launch Monitor to the driving range and pair it with your Iphone or Ipad for instant feedback on the ball speed, launch angle, spin axis and other key information to help you improve every session.
Some direct links to Rain or Shine Golf for pricing and financing:
If you budget is somewhat less than this and you have already cut out the projector and impact screen, I would recommend the Optishot 1 or 2. While not close to the SkyTrak Launch Monitor, it will provide some key information and a game like experience.
If you have a budget higher than the 5-7 thousand dollar range, check out the Foresight Sports offers at Rain or Shine golf. You will be impressed!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Space is Needed?
If you skip the projector and impact screen less space is needed as you can stand closer to the hitting net.
How Accurate is the SkyTrak?
I did a little comparison of golf scores to measure up the realistic nature of the SkyTrak. What better way than to actually compare scores shot over the past 15 rounds, both outside and with my SkyTrak Golf Simulator setup.
| Golf Simulator Score | Relative to Par | 15 Total Rounds | Real Golf Score | Relative to Par |
| 72 | 1 | Round #1 | 76 | 4 |
| 75 | 0 | Round #2 | 78 | 6 |
| 72 | 3 | Round #3 | 74 | 3 |
| 81 | 9 | Round #4 | 71 | 0 |
| 75 | 3 | Round #5 | 70 | -1 |
| 73 | 3 | Round #6 | 71 | 0 |
| 75 | 3 | Round #7 | 72 | 0 |
| 71 | -1 | Round #8 | 73 | 1 |
| 71 | -1 | Round #9 | 72 | 1 |
| 72 | 1 | Round #10 | 74 | 3 |
| 73 | 3 | Round #11 | 74 | 3 |
| 72 | 1 | Round #12 | 74 | 4 |
| 72 | 1 | Round #13 | 72 | 1 |
| 72 | 1 | Round #14 | 73 | 3 |
| 76 | 4 | Round #15 | 73 | 2 |
| 1102 | 31 | 1097 | 30 | |
| 73.47 | 2.07 | 73.13 | 2 |
Is A Golf Simulator Worth It?
Absolutely, if you are an avid golfer looking to play golf throughout the winter or anytime of day, then you have to check out the golf simulator options.
The ability to play Augusta, Pebble Beach, St. Andrews and many of the world’s top 100 courses in the comfort of your residence is truly amazing. It has been a game and life changer for me.
Not only has my average golf score improved y 4-6 shots, but I also enjoy life that much more!
Can I build a golf simulator for under $1,000?
Yes you can. We have many tips on how to save every dollar and make sure you can start playing golf 365 days a year.
How to Build a Golf Simulator for Under $1000
Can a golf simulator improve my game?
I saw my average score drop by 4-6 strokes per round and now routinely shoot int he low 70s with the ocassional score in the 60s. The golf simulator has been a game changer as I am not able to hit balls at least 5 days a week and play some of the world’s top courses.
The constant practicing on some of the best courses is a great way to get better. Let’s face it, one element holding many of us back who are trying to work full time jobs and be a good spouse, parent, etc. is the time to play.
However, you can play 18 holes in your simulator setup in as little as 40 minutes. You get in a lot of shots per minute. And this alone can help your game!
Can A Golf Simulator Improve My Game?
Why build a golf simulator?
- Great fun
- Game improvement
- Quality time with family and friends
- Stress relief
- Your own driving range and golf course in one
- Time Saver
Picture this, you leave the office or your job, spring home, help your kids with their homework and then head out to your garage or basement for 45 minutes.
Within that time, you can play 18 holes or stand on the 11th fairway of Augusta and practice 150 yard approach shots on that famous hole. Or head to the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass and hit that island green.
Or stand on the 18th hole at Pebble and hit driver after driver. The possibilities are endless!
What is the best game software for a golf simulator?
I would highly recommend the The Golf Club (TGC) software. The 100,000 courses to choose from are impressive and the ability to play most of the world’s top 100 courses with the arguably the best graphics on the market is an amazing combination.
I have played 4 different software and the TGC software is on the top of my list!
I dream of playing on my simulator and I can now head to the course confident that my game is ready. The TGC software is impressive and brings the simulator to life!
Are you ready to take your game and level of fun to the next level? Don’t forget to check out some pricing on Rain or Shine Golf.
Some direct links to Rain or Shine Golf for pricing and financing:
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:
- Is a Golf Simulator Worth It?
- How to Build a Golf Simulator?
- What is the Best Golf Simulator?
- Golf Simulator Accessories?
- How to Build a Golf Simulator for under $7000
- Top 11 Reasons to Buy a SkyTrak
- How to Build a Golf Simulator for Under $1000
- Why Build A Golf Simulator?
- What Space is Needed?
- Can A Golf Simulator Improve My Game?
- How Much Does A Golf Simulator Cost?
- Don’t Forget to Check out our 15 best golf swings of all time.