Cheap Golf Simulator

Cheap Golf Simulator Package – 3 Affordable Golf Simulators Setup Under 5000

When choosing the best cheap golf simulator under 5000 the decision boils down to two main options, pre-packaged, or do it yourself. 

Buying a pre-packaged option is easier because the pre-bundled package will have all the components you need to start, and they all work together seamlessly. On the other hand, a do-it-yourself build will allow you to save some money putting it together piece by piece, and it allows you complete flexibility to build it the way you want.

Let’s explore the 3 best cheap golf simulators under 5000$.

1. Rapsodo MLM2PRO Retractable Package

Rapsodo MLM2Pro Retractable Package

Launch Monitor:

The Rapsodo MLM2PRO is one of the premier portable launch monitors available, making it a perfect place to start when considering the best cheap golf simulator. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Accurate Data: The MLM2PRO provides 13 metrics, including ball speed, club speed, smash factor, spin rate, and spin axis, allowing golfers to obtain accurate data to analyze and improve their game.
  • Premium Membership: The MLM2PRO comes with a free one-year premium membership, offering access to additional features such as virtual golf driving ranges, 30,000 global golf courses, and more advanced metrics.
  • Compatibility and Ease of Use: It is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and is easy to set up, making it a versatile practice tool regardless of location or weather conditions.
  • High-Quality Design and Presentation: The device is praised for its high-quality design, ease of setup, and the accuracy of the captured data, making it one of the most accurate launch monitors in its price range

Enclosure:

A retractable golf impact screen provides the perfect solution for a golf simulator room with limited space. If the room you are looking to build your golf simulator is a shared space such as your garage, then a retractable golf impact screen is the answer to your problems. 

The HomeCourse Pro is the best retractable golf impact screen on the market today. It provides extreme ease of use as it deploys, and retracts in less than 30 seconds. The ballistic-grade projection screen is designed to withstand real golf balls, making it suitable for heavy hitters. The high-grade material softens impact reducing noise and providing durability over time. It is run on runs on a lithium-ion battery that operates for months between charges. This feature allows the setup to be done without the need for messy cables, or power cords.

Projector:

With the HomeCourse Retractable Screen, you can project onto it making it great for playing virtual courses, or seeing ball flight when using golf simulator software. To do this you require a short throw projector, that can produce high-quality images at a short distance. In this package, you will receive a 1080p full HD projector. You can either choose to ceiling mount, it or have a floor enclosure to protect it. 

Golf Mat:

The mat provided is one of the best in the market the SwingTurf Golf Mat. The package is a 5×5 hitting area perfect for indoor, and outdoor use.  The SwingTurf Mat was awarded The Top Golf Mat of 2023 By MyGolfSpy. It is a durable, and forgiving mat, that is easy on the joints. With this package, you are getting one of the best golf mats on the market, so this provides great value for a cheap golf simulator setup.

Verdict:

This launch monitor package is perfect for golfers who have limited space or want to build in a shared space such as a garage. The retractable golf impact screen provides is very convenient for small spaces, and fits into the budget when building a cheap golf simulator. The Rapsodo MLM2Pro is a very good portable launch monitor which gives your golf simulator setup dual use for home, and when you head to the range. If you don’t want the hassle of building your own package, this is a great out of the box setup that provides quality, at a cheap price.

2.SkyTrak Plus Home Golf Simulator Package

Sky Trak Plus Home Golf Simulator Package

Launch Monitor:

The SkyTrak+ launch monitor and golf simulator are designed for golfers to use indoors or out. It is powered by revolutionary launch monitor technology, providing a complete practice, play, and entertainment system at an affordable price. Some benefits of the SkyTrak+ include:

  • Portability: Weighing less than two pounds and being less than 7 inches tall, it is portable and can be used indoors in limited space as well as outdoors.
  • Easy to Use: It is simple to set up and use. Just place it on a mat or the ground in a level place, open the app, and start hitting balls in less time.
  • Accuracy: The SkyTrak Launch Monitor is accurate, making it a great tool for improving your golf game.
  • Value for Money: It offers outstanding performance and value as a cheap golf simulator solution for the everyday golfer.

Enclosure:

This package cuts costs by opting for a net rather than a full enclosure. The SwingNet Lite Golf Net is a durable and versatile practice net designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It provides a large size and stable construction, that is easy to set up.

The net is a viable solution for any golfer who needs a practice spot and is not interested in any projectable images. If you are looking for a cheap golf simulator that focuses on data a net over a full enclosure, impact screen, and projector is a great way to save. 

Golf Mat:

The package comes with a 5×5 SwingTurf Mat and a Landing Turf. The mat provides a realistic fairway-like feel, offers stability during swings, and is easy on the joints. It is also compatible with normal tees, making it a versatile option for golfers.

The landing mat is a nice inclusion in the package. If you are setting up outside, in a garage, or anywhere that doesn’t offer a soft landing spot, you will have balls bouncing all over the place. The landing pad ensures balls have a soft landing spot, and keeps them in control.

Verdict:

If you are looking for a cheap golf simulator that focuses on accurate numbers and readings and does not need a projectable screen. This is the best solution. In my opinion, it does limit the use of your simulator to just a training and game improvement tool. With the advancement of golf sim software, and the ability to play great virtual courses on your golf simultor, you will be missing out on one of the great; benefits of owning a golf simulator.

3. Do It Yourself Build: Best Affordable Indoor Golf Simulator

Do It Yourself Build

Building a golf simulator from scratch, when you don’t know much about the technology, proper setup, and requirements, can be a daunting task. If you find yourself in this situation a consultation with a professional will do you wonders. They can help you analyze the room space you have, and help build you a blueprint as to what you need to make that space work. Rain or Shine Golf offers a FREE consultation which offers you a no-risk opportunity to pick the mind of a professional. At no cost to you, this should be the first step you take in understanding how to build your home golf simulator room.

If you have some existing knowledge and know what you want here are some of my suggestions on the best products on the market to build a cheap golf simulator.

Launch Monitor (600-700$): Garmin R10 or Rapsodo MLM2Pro

I would start with one of the cheap portable launch either the Rapsodo MLM2Pro or the Garmin R10. The Swing Caddie SC4 can also be considered if you find a great price on it. 

The Flightscope Mevo Plus or the SkyTrak (not SkyTrak+) can also be considered, but you will have to look to cut corners somewhere else, as they both run about 1000 dollars more than the cheaper portable launch monitor options.

Golf Simulator Impact Screen and Enclosure: (1200-1500$): Carl’s DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure

I would opt for Carl’s DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure Kit with Impact Screen. This is the best do it yourself enclosure on the market. It comes in 6 different sizes so you can pick whatever size is suitable for your room. The prices start at just under 1000$ dollars. The kit will include a high-quality impact screen, nylon enclosure, and connector fittings. 

What the kit will not include is any of the piping framework. This is where your handy do it yourself skills come into play to save some money on your golf simulator setup. Carl’s will tell you exactly what pipes you need to buy to build the enclosure frame yourself (reference the above YouTube video for details). If you are handy this is where you can help yourself in building a cheap golf simulator.

Golf Simulator Projector: (1,000 to 1,500$): 1080p Short Throw Projector

For this cheap golf simulator setup we will add a standard 1080p full HD short throw projector. You may be able to find a used projector if you are trying to shave a couple more dollars off your build. You will need to add a ceiling mount, or a floor enclosure protector depending on where you are choosing to setup your projector. This will add another 100 to 300 dollars to your projector budget.

Golf Hitting Mat + Flooring (700 to 800$): SwingTurf Golf Mat

There are a variety of golf mats in the price range, but I will suggest the SwingTurf Golf Mat. Voted the top golf hitting mat by MyGolfSpy it is one of the best mats on the market, and at a price of just over 500, it is an excellent mat for a cheap golf simulator build.

For cheap golf simulator flooring I would recommend looking to pick up some cheap Grizzly Grass from Lowe’s or Home Depot and add some interlocking Foam Mats under it for protection and absorption.

Lighting (100-200$): Track Lights and Bulbs

An often overlooked aspect of a golf simulator setup is proper lighting. You are going to want to invest in some track lights or pin spotlights to properly light the hitting area. I have a full guide on proper golf simulator lighting that can help with any questions you have on this topic.

Golf Simulator Software (250 to 550$): GSPro

This an easy no brainer, GSPro is not only the best golf simulator software on the market it is also the cheapest. The one year subscription currently sits at just 250 for the year, while the lifetime subscription is only 300 dollars more.

If you just want to save you can just run either the Garmin or Rapsodo included software with the launch monitor, but if you are looking to take your golf simulation to new heights, investing in GSPro is a necessary purchase.

Computer (Not Included Additional Cost):

This golf simulator build as with the packages mentioned above does not include any gaming computer, as you may not require one. If you are going to want to run GSPro, you will need a high-performing gaming computer. If you need to check if your current computer has the required specs to run GSPro, or if you are looking for suggestions on cheap gaming computers check out this article where I break down the best gaming computers for a golf simulator.

Conclusion: What Is The Best Cheap Golf Simulator?

It takes added effort to build a golf simulator room yourself, but when it comes to buying a cheap golf simulator it offers the best value. In addition, the do it yourself route offers flexibility, and customization to build exactly what you want. A do it yourself golf simulator is certainly a challenging task, but if you have some basic handy skills, you can do it. 

I would still highly recommend doing the free consultation with Rain or Shine Golf. Each room is different, and the uniqueness of the room plays a major factor in determining what you can build, and what are the right products to maximize that build. It costs you nothing, and speaking with a professional is going to put your vision into focus for your specific room.

Once you have a blueprint, you can invest to make that dream simulator a reality. Don’t be afraid, a golf simulator is not as expensive as you think it is, and there are many ways to save. Today is the right time to build your cheap golf simulator.

Disclosure: When you purchase through my affiliate links on my site, I may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Hi, I'm Jeff Ross, and my golfing journey began over 25 years ago, marked by a shaky swing and more slices than I'd like to admit. Despite the initial challenges, my profound love for the game took root, and I realized that golf had a hold on me—an enduring grip that pushed me to improve daily. Today, with half my life still ahead, I remain committed to this beautiful game, viewing each mulligan and unexpected success as a chapter in a larger narrative of growth. Eager to share my passion for golf, I'm driven by a desire to assist others on their own journeys. Together, let's explore new skills, embrace evolving technology, and delve into teachings that propel us forward while maintaining an unwavering passion for this beautiful game.

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