Best Outdoor Golf Simulator 2024 | 5 That Actually Work Outside

When you talk about golf simulators, it conjures images of a crisp green hitting matt and the crashing virtual waves of Pebble Beach being projected in 5000 lumens onto a floor to ceiling screen.

Indoor simulators are not always an option because of space constraints. They also tend to cost a pretty penny. Generally, indoor simulators include projectors, screens, side barriers and all sorts of ceiling mounts and insulation.

Outdoor simulator setups are far more accessible from a financial perspective. They are also more mobile, and can easily be set up at friends houses or on the range for coaching.

The objective of this article is to provide an honest, but easy to digest list of the best outdoor golf simulators you can buy. The two main retailers: Indoor Golf Shop and Rain or Shine Golf are both fantastic businesses that offer competitive pricing and excellent customer service.

A lot of other lists online are billed as simulator guides, but just talk about launch monitors. All of the options on this list are complete simulator packages, so you do not have to buy a net or hitting mat separately.

We break down the best options depending on what your requirements and budget are.

What is the best outdoor golf simulator?

1. MEVO+ Practice Golf Simulator Package

Best for: Overall

The MEVO+ Practice Golf Simulator Package stands out from the competition with an exceptional bundle of equipment at an incredibly compelling price point.

The package includes a launch monitor, net, hitting mat, landing turf, software and other extras. A full list of what’s included can be found here.

3D tracking radar technology is used to provide accurate read outs of your ball speed, distance and spin. Knowing your performance data is the easiest way to better golf, allowing you to identify and focus on your areas for improvement in a tangible way.

Minimum space required: 9’W x 9’H x 17’D

Key Features

• 3D radar tracking means accurate data indoors and outdoors, whereas a lot of simulators use lasers and can only be used inside
• Automatically factors in local weather conditions into shot data
• Comes with access to virtual e6 connect golf courses
• Uses speaker system or connects to headphones to read out your distances in real time
• Automatically records video of every shot you hit through phone or tablet. Footage can be edited for swing analysis
• Can share data and videos directly with your coach
• Comes with market leading net and mats
• Can choose from laptop, iPad or save money with software only if you already have a device
• Nice extras in package like a ball tray, tees and device stand (depending on what tech package you choose)

Pricing

Varies depending on what you choose. Without the tech prices start under $3k, going up to over $5k with a laptop. Pay monthly options start at under $160 per month.

Likes

• Very competitive price for what you get
• Performs well outside due to radar tech
• Easy to set-up and no extras needed

Dislikes

• Not compatible with Macbook
• 2 hours of battery

Overall take

This is simply the best outdoor backyard golf simulator on the market that works well outdoors. We love the accuracy of the data and the fact that it adapts to weather conditions. Perfect if you’re serious about working on your game but do not have the space or do not want to be inside.

2. Foresight Sports GCQuad Training Golf Simulator Package

Best for: Coaches and low handicappers

The Foresight Sports GCQuad Training Golf Simulator Package offers a more professional setup.

Using four cameras, the interaction between the club face and the ball is tracked to the millimeter. Golfers can get caught up with things like their distance and ball speed, but the reality is that most players curve the ball too much or do not get it in the air properly. The GCQuad launch monitor aims to help golfers hit more precise shots by understanding both parts of the puzzle: what the ball does on impact and what their club did to get there.

The package includes a launch monitor, net, turf, software and other extras. A full list of what’s included can be found here.

By using ultra accurate data that goes straight to the cloud, users can identify exactly where they are going wrong and aim to improve. This functionality is indispensable to golf coaches.

Minimum space required: 10’W x 8’H x 12’D

Key Features

• High speed optical sensors provide an unrivaled level of accuracy for essential data like club head speed, horizontal club path, smash factor and impact location
• Easy to view outdoor display
• Heavy duty body provides all weather durability and maintains data quality (some launch monitors do not read data properly because the impact of the club shakes the unit)
• Depth of data outside of high level metrics are useful for coaches and lower handicappers
• Tracks putting accurately if putting analysis feature added– many launch monitors claim to do this but are not really designed for it
• Replaceable battery means hours of practice
• Top quality net with side barriers

Pricing

The GCQuad is a professional piece of equipment. The package starts at under $16k and goes over $22k depending on the upgrades you include.

Likes

• Data accuracy relied upon by top pros like Rory Mcilroy and Jon Rahm
• Gives coaches far more information about swing than typical simulator
• Comes with access to virtual courses

Dislikes

• Price point high for most golfers
• Bulky design not for everyone

Overall take

If you are a teaching professional, hotel, golf club or low handicapper that is serious about high quality data, then Foresight Sports provides the best quality outdoor golf simulator you can buy. Perfect for commercial use.

3. Garmin Approach R10 Training Golf Simulator Package

Best for: Budget

The Garmin Approach R10 Training Golf Simulator Package pairs simple to use equipment with a low price point.

The portable and lightweight launch monitor gives you basic metrics like club head speed, launch angle and ball speed.

It also excels from a software perspective. Firstly, it is compatible with e6 Connect and TGC 2019 (the market leading simulator packages) if you want extensive virtual course play. It also offers a free trial to the Garmin Golf app– an online community where you can post your scorecard to a weekly leaderboard and set-up tournaments for your friends.

The package includes a launch monitor, golf net, turf, software and other extras. A full list of what’s included can be found here.

Minimum space required: 10’W x 8’H x 12’D

Key Features

• One of the most portable launch monitors available that comes with a stand. Works well indoors, outdoors and on the range.
• Simple metrics that are uncomplicated and easy to track
• Functionality to record video footage of shots
• Ten hours of battery life (way more than a lot of more expensive launch monitors)
• Access to 42,000 virtual courses via app
• Track your shot data over time to see which areas have improved
• Market leading golf net, turf, hitting mat and side barriers

Pricing

The main feature of this product is the price. You are getting a functioning launch monitor, with a golf net, landing turf and hitting mat for under $2500. It is without doubt the most accessible outdoor golf simulator on the market.

Likes

• Makes simulators accessible to way more people with low price (half any other package).
• Launch monitor comes with standing mount, meaning you can set up anywhere
• Access to app adds fun element with online competition

Dislikes

• Launch monitor must be at least 6ft behind your point of contact which can be difficult on small driving ranges
• Less detailed data than other packages, but expected for price

Overall take

If this is your first foray into golf simulators or you just want a cost effective option that you know can perform well outside, then this is a great product. Simulator packages traditionally cost in the tens of thousands of dollars, so to have access to many of the features at a fraction of the cost is a win-win.

4. FlightScope MEVO+ Bronze Golf Simulator Package

Best for: Screen flexibility

The FlightScope MEVO+ Bronze Golf Simulator Package is great for those who want flexibility. Perhaps you want to enjoy the weather and hit golf balls into a net during the day, but still want that indoor, big screen experience. This package offers both functions.

Like with our top pick, this package is centered around the MEVO+ launch monitor, which utilizes 3D tracking radar technology to provide accurate read outs of ball speed, distance and spin.

Whether you want to use a screen in a garage, outdoors at night or on a veranda– the projector function is smartly housed in the raised enclosure in the middle of the mat. This means you can take the projector with you as no ceiling mounts are required.

The package includes a launch monitor, net, turf, screen, projector and other extras. A full list of what’s included can be found here.

Minimum space required: 10’W x 8’H x 12’D

Key Features

• 3D radar tracking means accurate data indoors and outdoors, whereas a lot of simulators use lasers and can only be used inside
• Automatically factors in local weather conditions into shot data
• Comes with access to virtual e6 connect golf courses
• Uses speaker system or connects to headphones to read out your distances in real time
• Comes with both net and screen, allowing indoor and outdoor use
• Projector can be kept on floor level
• Automatically records video of every shot you hit through phone or tablet. Footage can be edited for swing analysis
• Can share data and videos directly with your coach

Pricing

The package offers value because of its flexibility. Even with a projector, screen and a net, it comes in between $5.5k and over $6k depending on the mat you choose. This setup gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

Likes

• Performs well outside due to radar tech
• Allows you flexibility with indoor and outdoor use
• High level of technology for price

Dislikes

• Screen picture is not as high quality as others, although price is a lot lower

Overall take

The ability to use a screen sets this apart from other outdoor simulators. It’s worth noting that the screen and projector push this to its price point, but it does not come with a computer or tablet. This outdoor golf simulator enclosure is a great choice if you want a screen (perhaps for the night or indoor use) and already have the required computer or tablet.

5. FlightScope X3 Training Golf Simulator Package

Best for: Accuracy

The FlightScope X3 Training Golf Simulator Package is the big brother of our number one pick, the MEVO +.

It’s the new kid on the block as it relates to high end simulators. It is aimed at golfers that take tracking their shot data seriously– this is the equipment that Bryson DeChambeau uses to prepare for tournaments. It makes sense, the cutting edge tech is a perfect match with forward thinking players.

The most comparable product would be Trackman (traditionally seen as the most accurate). We think the X3 is better, offering more features for less money (around 5k).

A 3D radar tracking system that doubles with image processing means that it does not miss a shot. It also has advanced features that a lot of other simulators do not. It is the market leader for wedge ‘d-plane’ data. This means that it is incredibly accurate at capturing short game data (an area most simulators fall short on).

Minimum space required: 10’W x 8’H x 12’D

Key Features

• Accuracy that rivals any launch monitor in the industry
• The interface is simple to use, different to complex layouts of other launch monitor software
• The environmental optimizer function allows you to adjust environment settings to account for conditions like wind direction, humidity or altitude
• Data and video clips can be recorded from multiple cameras
• The advanced short game analysis provides instant feedback
• 6 hours of battery use
• Can share data and videos directly with your coach
• Comes with market leading net and mats

Pricing

The package retails at around $14-15k. This is specialist equipment aimed at tour professionals and coaches.

Likes

• Powerful piece of equipment provides data trusted by top professionals
• Short game analysis gives an edge over competition
• Reliable, rarely fails to capture data

Dislikes

• Price is high for regular golfer

Overall take

A perfect solution for coaches and golf clubs. Offers comparable data quality to market leading Trackman launch monitor but a lower price. Similar quality to GCQuad, but more portable. The short game insight is the USP.

Outdoor Golf Simulators: Points to Consider

Durability

If you are thinking about investing in an outdoor setup, we recommend buying a package that is purpose built for outdoor use.

Traditional enclosure simulators that have a screen and projector do not tend to stand up to outdoor elements all that well. Usually they need to be secured into place as well.

An outdoor simulator setup tends to consist of a launch monitor, hitting mat, and net. Each of these pieces of equipment are more robust to weather conditions.

Is it Portable?

A lot of people buy outdoor simulator equipment so they can use it in different places. Maybe you want to hit some balls into a net in your garden at lunch. Then play in your garage one night and take it to the driving range the next.

As we mention, screens and projectors do not tend to be overly portable.

All of the options we have set out above are designed for portability, but even within the list, some are more portable than others.

For example, the MEVO+ launch monitor is very small and easy to transport in relation to the GCQuad.

Budget

The best golf simulators are far more accessible than they used to be. We love that you can get the Garmin Approach R10 package for under $2500. Equally, if you are looking for something more commercial, then there are options that go up to $20k.

Even though you do not have to break the bank to get a good quality simulator, you do very much get what you pay for.

If you are looking to spread the cost over time– both Indoor Golf Shop and Rain or Shine Golf offer financing on their simulator packages, with interest free periods.

Space

Of course, having adequate space is less of an issue for outdoor simulators than perhaps it is for a garage or basement setup.

The ideal dimensions for a golf simulator setup are 10 x 15 x 25 feet (305 x 458 x 762 cm). With this said, many simulators fit into smaller spaces.

A hard and fast rule is to swing your driver in space. If you’re not constricted then you should be good!

Launch Monitor Technology

While most launch monitors will say that they can be used indoors or outdoors, the reality is that performance with launch monitors designed for outdoor use will be much better.

Firstly, this comes down to how the launch monitor reads your shots. A lot of launch monitors struggle to capture data in sunlight because they use laser technology. The launch monitors on this list tend to use radar technology, so they are better suited to outdoor conditions.

Secondly, launch monitors designed for outdoor use (like the MEVO+ and X3), automatically adjust to their environment. Factoring in conditions like humidity and wind for greater accuracy.

FAQ’s

What is an outdoor golf simulator?

A golf simulator is a combination of hardware and software that allows you to play golf in a simulated environment. Typically, outdoor simulators involve hitting into a net or out onto the range, rather than a screen with a projector

By using launch monitors, golfers are able to play some of the best courses in the world virtually, while tracking their shot data to improve over time.

Owners of a home golf simulator package can understand and improve vital components of their game such as spin, ball speed, launch angle and distances.

They are also a lot of fun, and mean you can play golf any time, without leaving the garden.

Can you put a golf simulator outside?

Yes. Although not every golf simulator set up works outside. The core of any simulator is the launch monitor, and a lot of these are unable to read data in sunlight because they use laser technology. The launch monitors on this list tend to use radar technology, so they are suited to outdoor conditions.

You can use a screen and portable projector outside, but this can be challenging as most projectors need to be mounted. Sunlight also impacts the visibility of the images projected on the screen.

The best bet for outdoor use is to pick an outdoor simulator package (like the ones on this list) that contain a portable launch monitor, hitting mat and net. These are easy to set up and can be used in your garden or at the driving range.

What golf simulator does Tiger Woods use?

The Full Swing Pro Series. They are the official licensed simulators of the PGA tour and start at over $50k.

Can SkyTrak be used outside?

Yes, but if you are primarily intending to use your simulator outdoors, then you might be better off going for a radar based simulator. SkyTrak uses laser technology which can be interfered with if it is particularly bright.

The other point to note is that if you are hitting off grass, you probably do not want to move your SkyTrak every time you hit a shot. If you hit from the same spot though, you will create a divot in the turf which might mean the lasers are unable to read.

With this said, SkyTrak launch monitors still perform well outside if a mat is used. Read our full review on our overall #1 simulator pick, the SkyTrak SIG 10 simulator package.

What is a Launch Monitor?

This is the core of any simulator package and where the majority of the cost goes.

Most launch monitors are kept on the floor next to you while you swing and project a laser to a spot directly in front of it. You hit your ball from this spot and radar tech captures and processes the launch angle, distance, spin etc and simulates your shot in a digital environment. A lot of outdoor simulators however, use radar tech instead of a laser to achieve the same read-outs.

Some (more advanced and expensive) options can be mounted to the ceiling and use multiple cameras to capture data.

How much does it cost to build a DIY golf simulator?

Between $1000 and $5000 depending on the equipment you select. If you’re spending anything more then you probably want to buy a package through a retailer like Indoor Golf Shop or Rain or Shine golf.

For $1000 you can get a limited but functional setup. The more you spend, the more you can get a full virtual experience.

This is a great guide for DIY simulator enthusiasts!

Is 9 feet high enough for a golf simulator?

Yes, although the ideal ceiling height for a golf simulator is 10 feet. Do not panic if the garage space or room you had in your mind is smaller though. These are ideal measurements to give yourself the most amount of options if you are, say, doing a new build.

Thus, the ideal dimensions for a golf simulator room are 10 x 15 x 25 feet (305 x 458 x 762 cm).

Our guide explains ceiling heights in detail, and lists our top simulator pick if you have limited space.

Many of the market leading simulators go into smaller spaces.

Is a golf simulator room worth It?

Yes, if you have the money and space it is a total game changer. The two main benefits are:

• Game improvement: if you go to the range, you tend to focus on connection, not accuracy and you rarely work on your short game or putting. For a lot of us, golf is also a seasonal game.By actually seeing the flight path of your shots, and where your ball would land on a course, it forces you to figure out what about your golf swing is causing mis-hits or undesirable results. In real life rounds we tend to play matches and do not want to take the risk of adjusting our swing.
• Fun: Let me set the scene for you. It’s a Thursday night, you and a buddy are sipping on ice cold beers in your newly decked out man-cave (complete with simulator).

It’s pouring with rain outside, but you are playing matchplay online at Pebble Beach against a random dude from Holland. A thin crust margarita pizza sits invitingly on the countertop.

You take out your driver to tee off on the 543 yard Par 5 18th hole. It’s all to play for. Digital waves are crashing. Dreams really can come true.

Summary

In a nutshell, finding the best outdoor golf simulator shed requires you to look for slightly different things than an indoor enclosure. There is less focus on software, projectors and screens: and more on portability while being able to stand up to the elements.

We think this list encompasses the simulators that specifically work best outside.