Golf simulators can be extremely accurate, I would estimate between 95-98% accurate. The overall experience can be similar to reality depending on the quality of the golf simulator and the proper settings.
Golf simulators are becoming more and more popular.
For those stuck in bad weather for at least several months a year, a golf simulator is now an affordable option to continue to have fun, grow your game and spend time with family and friends.
As the technology continues to improve and the prices become more affordable, you will find an increase in the number of in home golf simulators.
Some decide to to complete their golf simulator build in their basement, extra room, garage space or maybe even a shed-like structure away from the house.
There are great options on the market and the golf simulator build has never been more affordable.
As someone that built a golf simulator several years ago in my garage, the most common questions I often hear is how accurate are golf simulators.
People want to know if they spend the money, will it be accurate and provide a realistic experience.
Update: I have played over 1,000 round on my Skytrak launch monitor simulator setup. I have been amazed at the accuracy and reliability of the data provided on each and every shot! If you are seeking game improvement, a home golf simulator setup is the number 1 tool to achieve this in my opinion.
How Accurate Are Golf Simulators?
There are several factors that influence the accuracy of the golf simulator. These include:
- The quality of the golf simulator
- The settings on the golf simulator software
- The golf balls used in the simulator
I have spent hours striking the ball and playing over 700 rounds of golf. The accuracy of the golf simulator and the overall realistic results are spot on.
The technology is impressive and game improvement and fun is right at your fingertips. My golf simulator experience from an accuracy standpoint has been better than anticipated and has helped me improve my game, while having fun with family and friends!
Make sure you check out the score comparison I did between actual golf and simulator golf after the three major factors.
Golf Simulator Accuracy – Factor One: The Quality of the Simulator
There are a wide range of golf simulators. The most inexpensive, entry level golf simulator is the Optishot or Optishot 2. The next level up would be the Mevo+ or the SkyTrak. Finally, the most expensive options include the FlightScope X3 Launch Monitor or the Foresight GC2 Launch Monitor and all the way up to the Trackman.
All of these options are at four major price points and can impact the overall accuracy of your experience with a golf simulator.
Since many people do not have the money for a Trackman, I created a post on the Top 5 Trackman Alternatives. Check it out here.
Speaking from my 700+ rounds on my SkyTrak, I would say that it is within a 95% accuracy rate. The biggest impact on it not being accurate is if my alignment becomes off and it causes me to hit a bigger draw than I may have on the golf course, but there are steps to correct this with alignment sticks and ensuring that I am aimed properly.
As you get into the higher level golf simulators at the most expensive level, the launch monitors measure both club head data and ball data. This provides the greatest level of accuracy and is why you can expect to pay big bucks for it.
Verdict:
Go with the SkyTrak. When compared to the highest levels in side by side test, the SkyTrak holds it own. For around $2,000 you can pick up the SkyTrak Launch monitor and then add pieces like the hitting mat, gaming computer, projector and enclosure at different points.
Rain or Shine Golf does offer financing and package deals that are worth exploring.
I would highly recommend Rain or Shine. The options, pricing, customer service and financing offers are difficult to beat! Check out our links below:
SkyTrak vs Trackman Side by Side Comparison Video:
Golf Simulator Accuracy – Factor Two: The Settings on the Golf Simulator Software
I have played simulator golf on a variety of different setups from both the golf simulator device and the software. The settings on the software can throw off the total distance of the shot. Most software has features to provide a boost to allow a golfer to hit the ball further.
This can come in handy at times. For example, my Dad and I enjoy playing together on the simulator. Since The Golf Club (TGC) software does not allow for different tee play, I will boost his club by around 30% (the difference between our average drives) to allow him to hit a total similar distance to my shot.
If you do not pay attention to these features, your experience could be thrown off and you could leave feeling like you were really hitting the ball far that day when the reality is that you had a boost on to give you additional distance.
When selecting a golf simulator, make sure you are aware of what software can run and is compatible. With my SkyTrak, I have found the TGC software to be the best on the market. Having played more expensive golf simulators, I have been disappointed by the software on the more expensive units. The TGC experience has wonderful graphics and any of the top 100 courses in the world.
Verdict:
Check the settings prior to the round. Ensure that they are where you need them. If you feel like you don’t hit it quite as far on the simulator there are three potential reasons.
You aren’t being totally honest with how far you hit it on the actual golf course, your settings are wrong, or you have a hesitation in your swing since you are indoors.
Golf Simulator Accuracy – Factor Three: The Golf Ball Use In The Simulator
Many golfers do not realize how big of an impact the spin rate has on the total distance that a shot flies. I typically play the Titleist Pro V1 in real golf. If I play a lower spinning ball on my simulator with my irons, they will fly extra far. The similar might under estimate the spin rate, which causes it to fly further with my irons.
For example: if I am hitting a 7 iron with a Pro V1 I can expect to be in the spin rate range of around 7,000 RPMs, where if I hit a Callaway SuperSoft the spin rate might be closer to the 5,000 range. This causes the Callawy SuperSoft to fly further.
Verdict:
Make sure you are consistent with your golf simulator ball choice. I used the Callaway SuperSoft or Srixon SoftFeel with my driver and use the Pro V1 when hitting my irons and all approach shots.
Accuracy of Golf Simulators: Real Golf vs Simulator Golf Score Comparison
I did a little comparison of golf scores to measure the accuracy of my golf simulator. 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 |
Accuracy of Golf Simulator vs Reality – Data Breakdown
- Total Strokes (15 Total Rounds) = 1102 in Simulator Golf and 1097 in Real Golf
- Total Strokes Over Par (15 Total Rounds) = 31 in Simulator Golf and 30 in Real Golf
- Average Score = 73.47 in Simulator Golf and 73.13 in Real Golf
- Average Strokes Over Par = 2.07 in Simulator Golf and 2.0
How Accurate Are Golf Simulators: Can I Get Better?
Many golfers are seeking some sort of competitive edge. Did you ever notice how your game can drop off from when you stop playing in November to when you might be fortunate enough to play in March?
What if instead you got to play for those 4-5 months and continue to develop you swing and play golf courses where you have to hit actual shots?
The growth can be impressive. Your ball striking will improve and your overall game will get better. It will take some work, but when you get a chance to golf 5-7 days a week, even if for only 45 minutes a day, you can get a lot of work in on your game!
I was able to reduce my overall scoring average from around 74-78 on average to between 68-74 on average. This is a major difference between in scores once a golfer reaches this level.
I find my game more consistent, my ball striking with my irons is significantly better and my swing speed has increased from 98 miles per hour to around 106 miles per hour! The SkyTrak and my golf simulator setup have been a game changer!
How Accurate Are Golf Simulators: What Is Not Realistic?
The one part that I find not to be realistic or accurate is the putting on all of the systems I have played on. Maybe because I am standing inside, trying to read some grid on the screen.
However, a great feature is the automatic 2 putt or 1 putt feature. How I adjust my settings is to have anything on the green be an automatic 2 putt and anything inside of 6 feet be an automatic 1 putt. Over the course of the round, these seem to even out and the score ends up in my typical range.
How Accurate Are Golf Simulators: Distance?
I have been able to map my bag with each of my irons. On my golf simulator I hit my 8 iron around 155, when I get outdoors it flies 155 yards on average. When I hit my 54 degree wedge on my simulator it flies around 105 yards, same thing when I get outside. I know my go to clubs from each distance thanks to my golf simulator setup!
How Accurate Are Golf Simulators: Final Thoughts
The golf simulator experience has been amazing! Well worth the $7,000 or so that I spent to make it possible. At over 700 plus rounds my cost per round is not below $10. The amount of entertainment and game improvement has been well worth it as well.
Overall, there are many of us that love the game. Why should we have to stop playing for 3-5 months at a time when it is cold, snowy and miserable outside. There is nothing like playing Pebble or August on a snowy day in January!
The accuracy is impressive, the realistic nature of the experience is impressive and you will be the envy of your friends!