Complete Guide to Golf Launch Monitors and Simulators: 2025 PGA Show Roundup

Are you considering investing in a golf launch monitor or simulator for your home, business, or practice facility? The technology in this space has advanced dramatically in recent years, offering options at every price point with increasingly impressive accuracy and features.

Our team visited the 2025 PGA Show to bring you a comprehensive overview of the latest and greatest golf simulator technology. Whether you're looking for a high-end immersive experience or an affordable way to improve your game indoors, this guide will help you navigate the options.

Premium Simulator Systems ($40,000+)

GolfZon

Price Range: $40,000-$85,000
Key Features:

• Movable hitting surfaces that simulate various lies (uphill, downhill, bunker)
• Actual surface changes based on GPS location on virtual courses
• Exceptional graphics and course modeling
• Perfect for commercial installations or luxury home setups

GolfZon offers perhaps the most realistic golf simulation experience available. Their fully-equipped systems can tilt the floor beneath you to recreate the exact lie you would experience on the actual course, switching between fairway, rough, and sand as needed. For those seeking the ultimate immersive golf experience, this system sets the bar.

HD Golf

Price Range: $45,000-$70,000
Key Features:

• Camera-based technology with exceptional course visualization
• Operating since 2001 with continually refined technology
• Multiple game options beyond golf (football, baseball, hockey)
• Ideal for entertainment venues or premium home installations

HD Golf delivers some of the most visually stunning course recreations we've seen. Their long history in the industry (since 2001) shows in their refined technology and attention to detail. The system is perfect for those wanting a multi-sport entertainment setup with the highest visual quality.

TrackMan

Price Range: $25,000 plus annual subscription
Key Features:

• Industry-leading radar technology
• Preferred by tour professionals worldwide
• Exceptional outdoor accuracy with full ball flight tracking
• Unreal Engine graphics for realistic course play
• Comprehensive teaching and practice tools

TrackMan remains the gold standard for serious golfers and teaching professionals. Their radar-based technology delivers unmatched accuracy outdoors, tracking the ball through its entire flight. The system now features impressive Unreal Engine graphics with dynamic lighting and environmental effects. For instructors, the backend support and reporting capabilities are exceptional.

Full Swing

Price Range: $15,000 (basic package) to $55,000 (premium overhead)
Key Features:

• Used by Tiger Woods and featured in TGL professional league
• Multi-sport capabilities including football, baseball, and tennis
• Advanced putting system ($105,000 optional addition)
• Near-instant ball flight visualization

Full Swing has gained significant visibility through its association with Tiger Woods and the TGL professional league. Their system offers excellent multi-sport capabilities and some of the fastest ball flight visualization in the industry. Their optional hydraulic putting system (with 60 different contour parameters) represents the pinnacle of putting simulation technology.

Foresight Sports (with Bushnell)

Price Range: $15,000 to $100,000+
Key Features:

• Camera-based technology excelling in indoor environments
• Multiple products at different price points (GC3, GCQuad, GCQuad Max)
• Premium "Sim in a Box" turnkey solutions
• Integration with Bushnell rangefinder technology

Foresight's camera-based systems deliver exceptional accuracy indoors, making them ideal for home simulators. Their merger with Bushnell has created innovative integration between launch monitors and rangefinders, effectively giving you a caddy on the course. Their premium LED screen options deliver stunning visuals for those with unlimited budgets.

Mid-Range Systems ($5,000-$15,000)

Garmin Approach R50

Price Range: $5,000
Key Features:

• Built-in computer (no additional hardware needed)
• Indoor/outdoor capability
• 43,000+ pre-loaded golf courses
• Standalone screen or projector compatibility
• Battery-powered option for range use

The Garmin Approach R50 represents exceptional value in the mid-range market. With its built-in computer, you avoid the additional $3,000-$5,000 expense of a high-end gaming PC. The system works both indoors and outdoors and can be used with just its built-in screen or connected to a projector for a larger display.

Full Swing Kit

Price Range: $5,000 (monitor only), $15,000 (complete package)
Key Features:

• Portable launch monitor with indoor/outdoor capability
• Complete packages available with screen, net, and projector
• Professional endorsements from top tour players

Full Swing's more affordable option delivers solid performance at a more accessible price point. The complete package option is attractive for those wanting a turnkey solution without the hassle of sourcing individual components.

Uneekor

Price Range: $7,000-$11,000
Key Features:

• Ceiling-mounted camera systems
• New streamlined installation options with single-cable setup
• Customizable enclosure options for aesthetic integration
• High-quality video capture at impact

Uneekor specializes in ceiling-mounted camera systems with exceptional video capture capabilities. Their newest model offers simplified installation with a single cable, making it more accessible for home use. Their attention to the aesthetic integration of their systems makes them popular for designer home installations.

Nvisage

Price Range: $5,000-$9,000
Key Features:

• Large, clear data display screen
• Excellent visualization tools for swing analysis
• Complete ball and club data metrics

Nvisage offers particularly strong visualization tools for improving your swing, making them a good choice for those focused on game improvement. Their large display screen provides crystal-clear data representation.

FlightScope X3

Price Range: $15,000
Key Features:

• Triple Doppler radar technology
• Full ball flight tracking similar to TrackMan
• Outdoor accuracy for serious players
• Good alternative to TrackMan at a lower price point

FlightScope's X3 offers similar radar technology to TrackMan at a lower price point. With full ball flight tracking to landing, it's an excellent choice for serious players wanting professional-level data without the TrackMan premium.

Affordable Options (Under $5,000)

Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro

Price Range: $700
Key Features:

• Exceptional value for accurate ball data
• Indoor/outdoor capability
• Cloud storage of swing data and videos
• Crystal-clear swing capture and ball impact video
• Club data capabilities in development

At just $700, the Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro delivers remarkable value. Our testing showed ball data within 1% accuracy of much more expensive systems. The cloud storage of your swing history and crystal-clear video capture make this an outstanding option for those on a budget.

Garmin Approach R10

Price Range: $600
Key Features:

• Portable and versatile
• Good indoor/outdoor performance
• Established product with strong reliability record

The Garmin R10 remains a solid option in the budget category with reliable performance both indoors and outdoors. Its portability and ease of use make it popular for golfers who want flexibility in their practice locations.

Bushnell Launch Pro (Foresight GC3)

Price Range: $2,800-$3,800
Key Features:

• Camera-based technology for indoor accuracy
• Subscription model available to reduce upfront costs
• Integration with Bushnell rangefinder technology

The Launch Pro offers Foresight's renowned camera technology at a more accessible price point. The subscription model allows for a lower initial investment, making professional-grade technology accessible to more golfers.

Golf Joy

Price Range: $2,200-$3,700
Key Features:

• Camera-based technology with touchscreen options
• 99% accuracy rating on higher-end model
• Mobile app for range use
• Overhead options available with exceptional spin accuracy

Golf Joy offers impressive accuracy at their price point, with mobile app functionality that allows you to play virtual courses at the driving range. Their advanced overhead models offer exceptional spin measurement capability.

Phi Golf

Price Range: $300
Key Features:

• Sensor-based technology that attaches to clubs
• Alternatively, can use smartwatch motion detection
• Ideal for extremely limited spaces
• Surprisingly accurate club and path data

For those with extremely limited space or budget, F5 Golf offers a creative solution. Their sensor can be attached to your clubs or even used with just your smartwatch. Despite the simple approach, it provides good feedback on face angle and path, making it ideal for apartment dwellers or casual practice.

Key Considerations When Choosing a System

1. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

• Camera-based systems (Foresight, Golf Joy, Uneekor) excel indoors
• Radar-based systems (TrackMan, FlightScope) tend to perform better outdoors
• Hybrid systems (Garmin) offer reasonable performance in both environments

2. Space Requirements

• Full simulator setups typically need at least 10' width × 15' length × 9' height
• Portable monitors can be used with just a net in smaller spaces
• Sensor-based systems like F5 Golf require minimal space

3. Data Priorities

• Teaching professionals should prioritize comprehensive club and ball data
• Recreational players may focus more on course play and graphics
• Competitive players might prioritize accuracy of carry distances and dispersion

4. Budget Considerations

Beyond the monitor/simulator itself, remember to budget for:

• Computer system (unless built-in like Garmin R50)
• Projector ($1,000-$60,000)
• Enclosure, screen, and hitting mat ($2,000-$15,000)
• Software subscriptions ($0-$1,000/year)

Our Top Picks by Category

Best Ultra-Premium: GolfZon

For those with unlimited budget seeking the most realistic golf experience possible.

Best for Instruction: TrackMan

Unmatched data accuracy and teaching tools make this the professional's choice.

Best Mid-Range Value: Garmin R50

All-in-one solution with built-in computer saves thousands in additional costs.

Best Budget Option: Rapsodo MLM 2 Pro

Remarkable accuracy and features at an accessible price point.

Best for Limited Space: Phi Golf

Creative solution for practicing when full swings aren't possible.

Final Thoughts

The golf simulator market has matured significantly, offering excellent options at every price point. Consider your specific needs, available space, and budget when making your decision.

Whether you're looking to improve your game during the off-season, entertain friends and family, or create a commercial golf entertainment venue, today's technology offers increasingly realistic and accurate options to bring golf indoors.