Best Launch Monitors and Simulators for Your Garage Golf Setup

There are lots of reasons to have a garage golf setup—especially now that so many golf launch monitors are priced for average golfers to take advantage of. Furthermore, some of these now gettable golf gadgets come with simulation.

A garage is often the go-to space for golfers to put a golf simulator, because it's out of the way, or maybe it's the only available space.

Whatever your reasons, if you're like us (and the majority of golfers) you probably can’t afford to drop tens thousands of dollars on a home golf simulator or setup.

Fortunately, as golf simulator technology has advanced, more affordable solutions have appeared in the market, so there are options that can accommodate a wide range of budgets and spaces—like your garage.

For a garage golf simulator, there are a few things you’ll need to make it a great experience: a launch monitor that records your shot data, a golf hitting net or impact screen, and optionally, a projector that displays your shot on a life-size screen.

Finding the golf setup that will work for your garage space can be challenging. In this post, we're going over the best garage golf launch monitors and simulators, covering a wide range of budgets, so you can find the one that's right for you.

First and foremost, it's the one that realistically fits into your space and budget. As far as space goes, your garage will need to accommodate your swing height, along with the height and space requirements of your golf launch monitor and other simulator equipment.

Can you swing fully and freely in your garage without anxiety about hitting the ceiling? A 10-foot ceiling height or more is ideal for most golfers. Wariness caused by a low ceiling could cause you to flatten your swing, which could ultimately affect your golf game.

Next, your space needs to accomodate the recommended space for your golf launch monitor to work. This is especially true with the more affordable ones that use radar- rather than camera-based technology, and require minumum distance between the device and you and between the ball and net/screen to read the flight of the ball.

You will also need adequate space for any simulator equipment. Most impact screens and enclosures need a minimum of 9 feet of height and 10 feet of width. However—and this is a more affordable DIY option—you can use a net only, which is available in varying sizes starting as small as 6 feet and follow your shots on your phone, iPad, or PC. Optionally, you can even bungee one of our more affordable SIG golf simulator impact screens to your net frame and use a projector for your simulator experience.

We recommend that first you go out into your garage with your driver and make sure that you can swing fully, freely, and confidently.

Then check out the launch monitors in the sections below to see which ones have the features you want that will fit your space and budget. With each of the simulators, we offer everything from our PlayBetter SIG Golf Simulator Studio Complete Packages to what you can do with an affordable launch monitor, a net, and your own phone, iPad, or PC.  

The Garmin Approach R10 is an excellent choice for your garage golf setup because it is the most affordable launch monitor with simulation ($600!), offers the most data points (including Club Path), is super easy to set up and use, has proven accuracy, and its portablity makes it great for outdoor use as well.

Approach R10 Launch Monitor Features

Load your garage golf simulator with data points you won't find in any other doppler-based launch monitor and even in camera-based ones that cost 3-4 times more.

The R10 provides Ball Speed, Launch Angle, Launch Direction, Club Head Speed, Club Path, Back Swing and Down Swing Times, Angle of Attack, Club Face Angle, Spin Rate, Spin Axis, Observed Ball Flight Range, Carry Distance, Total Distance, Smash Factor, Swing Tempo, and Apex Height. The R10 is a doppler GLM, not camera-based, which means that some of the metrics, like Spin, are calculated.

R10 Space requirements

You'll need to place the unit 6-8' behind you and allow for 8'+ of space in front for ball flight measurements for a total minimum of 14' in an indoor space.

Device Compatibility Requirements

iOS

Approach R10 requires 3D graphics support. iOS devices released in 2015 or later will have no problems running the Garmin Golf app.

Android

Newer Android devices containing Octa-core (or dual quad-core) processors are compatible. Devices released in 2015 or later generally have no problems.

PC (E6 Connect)

-Windows 7, 8, or 10
-Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.0 GHz or higher
-2GB RAM or higher

Garmin R10 Simulation in Your Garage

• Includes game modes with rich visual graphics and multiplayer games and challenges.
• Compatible simulation software includes the Garmin Golf app with Home Tee Hero and TruGolf E6 Connect.

Garage Golf Setup Possiblilities

If you opt for a PlayBetter SIG8 Approach R10 Golf Simulator Package, the enclosure is 10' wide, 16' long, and 9' high. It also comes with a 5'x5' or 4'x7' golf mat and 8'2"W x 8'D of Landing Pad Turf.

In PlayBetter SIG10 Approach R10 Golf Simulator Package, the enclosure is 12' wide, 18' long, and 9' high. It also comes with a 5'x5', 4'x7', or 4'x10' golf mat and 10'7"W x 8'D of Landing Pad Turf.

In PlayBetter SIG12 Approach R10 Golf Simulator Package, the enclosure is 14' wide, 20' long, and 10' high. It also comes with a 5'x5', 4'x7', or 4'x10' golf mat and 12'W x 9'D Landing Pad Turf. So a more than 10-foot ceiling would be optimal for this largest option.

Check out the more budget-freindly SIG Preferred Golf Simulator Impact Screen or the SIG Premium Golf Simulator Impact Screen if you're looking to DIY your garage golf simulator. You can also go simple and affordable and set up a net and use your chosen compatible device to run simulation.

For more details about the Garmin Approach R10, check out the features in our golf launch monitor comparison chart below or click on any of the links to the product page. Also, feel free to email us anytime with questions!

Turn after work, the winter season, or a random "sick day" into your own golfer's paradise in your garage with the SkyTrak golf launch monitor and home simulator. It's the first affordable practice, play, and entertainment simulator that provides realistic results that compare accurately to your actual shot-making ability. This ultimate at-home golf system connects easily and quickly to compatible iPads, Androids, and PC's via its built-in Wi-Fi hotspot!

SkyTrak Launch Monitor Features

Here's just a few compelling reasons to slink away into the garage: Ball Speed, Launch Angle, Club Head Speed, Launch Direction, Spin Rate, Spin Axis, Carry Distance, Total Distance, Smash Factor, Impact Location on Club, Shot Dispersion Chart, and Putting.

SkyTrak Space requirements

Indoor/Outdoor: Technically, as long as you have enough room to safely swing a golf club, you have enough room to use your SkyTrak system. This is an advantage over some other professional devices that require more space.

An open space that is about 10' x 10' and 9 feet high is recommended.

Device Compatibility Requirements

iOS

SkyTrak requires 3D graphics support. iOS devices released in 2015 or later will have no problems running SkyTrak. Which includes the following

• iPad Air 2 or newer
• iPad Mini 3 or newer
• iPad Pro
• iPhone 6s or newer (iPhone 6 and iPhone 6+ are not supported)

Android

Newer Android devices containing Octa-core (or dual quad-core) processors are compatible. Devices released in 2015 or later generally have no problems. This list includes:

• Google Pixel C
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
• Samsung Galaxy S6
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
• Samsung Galaxy S8

PC

-Windows 7, 8, or 10
-Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.0 GHz or higher
-2GB RAM or higher

Important Note: WGT is not compatible with PC Windows Desktop

Robust Simulation in Your Garage

• The SkyTrak integrates with several simulator plans for iOS and PC, including: TrueGolf E6 Connect and WGT Golf for iOS and The Golf Club 2019, TrueGolf E6 Connect, Creative Golf, Fitness Golf, and ProTee Play for PC.
• Top 3 simulation software for SkyTrak are WGT (iPad only)—$199/year; E6 Connect (iPad and PC)—$300/year, $600/year or $2500 one-time payment; and TGC 2019 (PC)—$479/year or $879 one-time payment.
• Get fun challenges like Closest to the Pin, Long Drive, and Target Practice.
• The SkyTrak measures putting!
• Customize you SkyTrak experience by inputting a series of desired variables and environmental factors such as weather and course conditions.
• Driving Range lets you hit and view live shots—at home!

Garage Golf Setup Possiblilities

If you opt for a PlayBetter SIG8 SkyTrak Golf Simulator Package, the enclosure is 10' wide, 16' long, and 9' high. It also comes with a 5'x5' or 4'x7' golf mat and 8'2"W x 8'D of Landing Pad Turf.

In PlayBetter SIG10 SkyTrak Golf Simulator Package, the enclosure is 12' wide, 18' long, and 9' high. It also comes with a 5'x5', 4'x7', or 4'x10' golf mat and 10'7"W x 8'D of Landing Pad Turf.

In PlayBetter SIG12 SkyTrak Golf Simulator Package, the enclosure is 14' wide, 20' long, and 10' high. It also comes with a 5'x5', 4'x7', or 4'x10' golf mat and 12'W x 9'D Landing Pad Turf. So a more than 10-foot ceiling would be optimal for this largest option.

Check out the more budget-freindly SIG Preferred Golf Simulator Impact Screen or the SIG Premium Golf Simulator Impact Screen if you're looking to DIY your garage golf simulator. You can also go simple and affordable and set up a net and use your chosen compatible device to run simulation.

For more details about the SkyTrak home golf simulator, check out the features in our golf launch monitor comparison chart below or click on any of the links to the product page. Also, feel free to email us anytime with questions!

Bushnell Golf is entering the personal launch monitor space with the Launch Pro. And they're bringing the big dawgs of golf launch monitor technology with them—Foresight Sports. Think about it ... Who's had their golf laser rangefinders in the hands of pros at the PGA Championship? That would be Bushnell Golf. And whose GC Quad launch monitor is often seen with practicing PGA Tour professionals? You guessed it, Foresight's. And these 2 highly trusted golf brands are bringing their top technology to a broader audience—who can now have a mind-blowing garage golf simulator experience.

Bushnell Launch Pro GLM & Sim Features

The reason the Bushnell Launch Pro is not as expensive as its twin, the GC3, is that it offers tiers of features and simulation in packages. We recommend that you check out this article for full understanding of all the options you have with a Bushnell Launch Pro.

Launch Pro Space requirements

You'll need to place the R10 unit 6-8' behind you and allow for 8'+ of space in front for ball flight measurements for a total minimum of 14' in an indoor space.

Garage Golf Setup Possiblilities

If you opt for to pair your Bushnell Launch Pro with a PlayBetter SIG8 Golf Simulator Package, the enclosure is 10' wide, 16' long, and 9' high. It also comes with a 5'x5' or 4'x7' golf mat and 8'2"W x 8'D of Landing Pad Turf.    

In a PlayBetter SIG10 Golf Simulator Package, the enclosure is 12' wide, 18' long, and 9' high. It also comes with a 5'x5', 4'x7', or 4'x10' golf mat and 10'7"W x 8'D of Landing Pad Turf.

In the PlayBetter SIG12 Golf Simulator Package, the enclosure is 14' wide, 20' long, and 10' high. It also comes with a 5'x5', 4'x7', or 4'x10' golf mat and 12'W x 9'D Landing Pad Turf. So a more than 10-foot ceiling would be optimal for this largest option.

Check out the more budget-freindly SIG Preferred Golf Simulator Impact Screen or the SIG Premium Golf Simulator Impact Screen if you're looking to DIY your garage golf simulator.

For more details about the Bushnell Launch Pro, check out the features in our golf launch monitor comparison chart below or click on any of the links to the product page. Also, feel free to email us anytime with questions!

This device does not offer simulation, but you can turn your garage mancave into a golf range in just minutes. Great way to get a garage golf setup, especially for folks who want to break it down quickly and get the car back in there.

The Voice Caddie Swing Caddie SC300i personal golf launch monitor will spoil you with its upgraded features and technology. How would you like an extremely accurate launch monitor that will show you all your data on its own screen, AND allow you to see it in real-time on your phone, AND call out your distance every time, AND has a remote to easily switch up clubs? For a very affordable price, a golf hitting net, and a device you already own, you can turn your garage into your own personal golf range.

Swing Caddie SC300i Launch Monitor Features

• Instant on-screen readouts of your shot.
• Shows you 6 key data parameters on the screen of the golf launch monitor unit, including distance, smash factor, swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, apex, and spin rate (in app).
• You have the option to see your data in real-time in the app installed on your smartphone if you prefer.
• Swing video with auto recording.
• Several ways to analyze your swing in the MySwingCaddie app
• Newly updated and tested Doppler radar and barometric pressure sensors.
• The Voice Output feature announces shot distance automatically after each shot, so you don’t have to walk over to the device to read it each time you hit.
• The SC300i golf launch monitor includes a remote so that you can change mode, club, or target distance without having to walk to the monitor each time between shots.
• Long battery life of 12 hours.

SC300i Space requirements

Your SC300i personal launch monitor should be positioned approximately 5 feet behind the ball on the same level, with 10 feet between the ball and the net.

Device Compatibility Requirements

Swing Caddie SC300i connects directly to your personal smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, allowing golfers to track their real-time integrated data. iOS and Android compatible.

This device does not offer simulation, but you can turn your garage mancave into a golf range in just minutes. Great way to get a garage golf setup, especially for folks who want to break it down quickly and get the car back in there.

Here's something trippy: Rapsodo was actually the creator of the SkyTrak, one of the most successful launch monitors ever created. This mobile launch monitor (MLM) uses the power and convenience of your own iOS device to deliver pro-grade launch data for golfers of all skill levels. If you're an Apple person, you'll love getting professional-grade accuracy in your garage golf setup for a very reasonable price.

Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor Features

• The Rapsodo Golf Launch has key features you'll love like smart club recognition, shot tracer, GPS shot map, video playback, club gapping, interactive game/sharing, shot library, indoor/outdoor net with select iOS devices.
• Metrics that include distance, ball speed, club speed, smash factor, launch angle, and launch direction.

Rapsodo Space requirements

Into a net: position the unit about 6 feet from the ball behind you, and allow a minimum of 8 feet of space between the ball and the net.

The unit should be level with the hitting surface. For best results, ensure that your hitting environment is well-lit.

Device Compatibility Requirements

You need an iPhone to use the Rapsodo golf mobile launch monitor.