We looked at 12 golf simulators and launch monitors from 7 manufacturers for our 2023 picks, and Foresight’s GCQuad won for the third consecutive year. Learn more about the GCQuad, which we chose as the best golf simulator this year, and our other top picks for simulators that meet all budgets, which are included below.
1. GCQuad on Foresight
I won’t go into great detail about features because we have a complete GCQuad review here. It suffices to state that the GCQuad is incredibly precise. Golf players like Rickie Fowler and Francesco Molinari trust it. Martin Hall will be using it on the golf channel. In their videos, YouTube golf gurus can be seen utilizing it to test out various clubs.
If every millimeter and angle-fraction counts. if you require a precise RPM for spinning. Foresight’s GCQuad golf simulator is what you need if you require your yardage measurements for each club.
How much will it cost you? A premium configuration with all add-ons might cost anywhere from $26K to $14K (for the launch monitor and sim software).
That is what it will cost if you genuinely want the best Golf Simulators available.
Our choice for this year’s top overall simulator is the most authentic golf simulator currently available.
TruGolf Vista 2.
Depending on the bundle you select, TruGolf’s Vista sim will cost you between $10K and $20K.
The accuracy has improved from mid-rage simulators like SkyTrak. In terms of launch circumstances, you’re actually looking at Trackman levels of accuracy. TruGolf has spent a lot of time (and, we assume, money) researching the physics of golf impact in order to get as close as possible to simulating how a real golf ball will fly based on that first foot or so of launch. This is in addition to the cameras being a little bit faster and sharper for capturing ball flight.
On a TruGolf simulator, if you hit it 5 yards off-line in real life, you’ll also hit it 5 yards off-center there. In real life, if you hit it from 30 yards away, you know what I’m going to say.
Although the stat monitoring is improved, the appearance of the courses is what really wows us. Simply put, they are beautiful. While the golf courses on SkyTrak are attractive, there is no denying that they have a digital appearance. You are conscious of your game play. The courses of TruGolf appear as realistic as current technology allows. To compare the differences between the two, think of a PS5 (TruGolf) and a PS2 (SkyTrak).
It’s also impressive how quickly feedback comes in. Your statistics and ball flight will be displayed on the screen as soon as you strike the ball. There is absolutely no wait time.
To sum up
The TruGolf Vista is a true pro-level golf simulator thanks to its extremely precise launch and impact statistics, immediate feedback, and breathtaking graphics (up to 4K).
The TruGolf Vista is a true pro-level golf simulator thanks to its extremely precise launch and impact statistics, immediate feedback, and breathtaking graphics (up to 4K).
The price range of $3,000 to $10,000 could appear large. However the main reason for that is because the rig (mat, hitting net, projector, etc.) you choose to go with your launch monitor will determine the cost of your sim setup here.
The average setup will likely cost between $6,000 and $9,000. But, prices might vary significantly depending on whether you choose add-ons or, on the other end of the spectrum, a basic configuration.
SkyTrak 1.
For the majority of golfers who have a modest budget, want to precisely measure their data, and play golf at home, SkyTrak would be our top recommendation.
Yes, it lacks some of the features seen in more expensive golf simulators. Yet, it is a significant improvement over the Garmin in terms of price and is sufficiently “pro” for the majority of amateur golfers.
A SkyTrak simulator setup costs between $5,000 and $9,000, depending on its features (depending on the options you pick). The most expensive TruGolf and GCQuad simulators are still significantly more expensive than that, even at the high end.
The SkyTrak’s primary distinction from less expensive simulators like the OptiShot 2 (which we’ll discuss later) is that it is an actual golf launch monitor. High-speed cameras are used to monitor the ball’s immediate post-impact flight. This indicates that it can provide statistics that are far more accurate than the clubface tracking of the OptiShot by precisely measuring speed, spin, trajectory, etc.
With each shot, you’ll receive:
Clubhead Speed Angle of Descent Ball Speed Launch Angle Back Spin Side Spin Side Angle Carry/Total Distance Offline Roll Distance
Comparative studies have revealed that SkyTrak’s figures are 98% as accurate as Trackman, which has long been regarded as the industry standard for launch monitor and golf simulator accuracy. Furthermore, given that a Trackman system costs between $25K and $50K, a 2% variation in accuracy seems more than reasonable.
The SkyTrak has excellent game play, and unlike OptiShot, it includes properly named Golf Tour courses. Playing “closest to the pin” at Pebble Beach is a fun way to pass the time, and even in pixel form, teeing it up in front of the R&A headquarters in St. Andrews would give any golfer the chills.
Purchase alternatives for SkyTrak
As was already noted, the price of a SkyTrak sim system will vary according to the accessories and add-ons you choose.
The high quality sims (TruGolf and Foresight) in this article are much more expensive than any alternative you choose, though.
The three most popular options are listed below, but if you simply want the bare minimum, you can pick up a SkyTrak here for a little over $3.5K with a Net Return Pro net and a hitting mat.
Golf simulator package with SkyTrak Bronze ($5,399)
Although this costs just $5K ($5,399 at the time of publication), we believe it is worthwhile to spend the extra money to acquire a SkyTrak setup with a projector and screen.
You can watch the outcomes of your shot on your iPad or laptop with the training package (the $3.5K option we discussed earlier), but we much like the rapid feedback provided by seeing your shot on the screen. Simply put, it has a more authentic vibe.
Having said that, you could of course choose to purchase a screen and projector separately rather than choosing the training package. But, you won’t save much (if anything) and could end up creating compatibility issues for yourself.
