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Golfers had to consider a fair amount of money to afford a decent golf simulator in the earlier days. But recently, golf simulators have been available in a lesser price range. Let’s not exregrate it too much. Having a golf simulator under $1000 is a reality now.
There are golf simulators that allow playing golf with a real golf club and golf ball in a home simulation setup without spending much.
If you want to save your money at the very starting level or aren’t willing to spend much for just practice, you can start with a cheap golf simulator for under $1000. Here we picked the top 4 golf simulators under 1000 from dozens of affordable options. Because, compared to the price of others on the market, they can save you a fortune.
Table of Content
4 Best Cheap Golf Simulators for Under $1000
1. Phigolf Mobile and Home Golf Game Simulator
PhiGolf mobile and home simulator do not have similar features to good golf simulators, but it is worth buying for their benefits. This golf simulator is very small and lets you play only within 2 feet. So if you can just manage a little space in your home or office, you are ready to start. It’s not just playing with your fingers on the screen.
Learn more about Phigolf home golf simulator here in details.
You can use your natural golf swing in Phigolf and see the data on mobile or TV with the help of their mobile app. Whether you are a low handicapper or a high handicapper, Phigolf is for you. It is a wonder in the golf industry. You can use it both indoors and outdoors. It accurately analyzes your swing and gives data feedback. And you know how well you are playing. Besides, this simulator has an option named Phigolf Ability Test. It also informs you how much progress you are making.
There are multiplayer playing options too. This is an excellent opportunity to spend time playing with friends and family! While practicing with the club, you can figure out where to place your hand for a proper grip. Because there is a mark on the club, it lets you fix your grip. Learn how to grip a golf club here.
Advantages that we liked
- Relatively small to carry out
- Easy to set up
- Any mobile app can be used for projects on the big screen
- Play online option
- Up to 4 players can play together
- Offers monthly online tournaments to join
- Fun features
- Both for outdoors and indoor
Disadvantages that can be improved
- Online courses could be free of subscription fees
- Sometimes, the putting sensors work less accurately
- For the next shot, the pause time option would be preferable
If you are much more concerned about the flexibility of using a golf simulator anywhere around, try Phigolf. The Phigolf simulator is recommended to practice and enjoy, whether you are a beginner or a professional.
Learn more about the Phigolf simulator in detail.
2. OptiShot 2 golf simulator
You cannot have any other golf simulators that can compete with the OptiShot 2 for its price. If you have a very low budget, even under $500, you can get the OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator.
This simulator doesn’t sacrifice the quality for the cost. You can see how it improves your swing, fix your slice, and distance you from the tee. Learn how to increase your swing speed and how to fix a slice from our other blogs.
When it comes to practice, you can use an absolute golf ball or a foam ball. The most interesting fact is you can even play without any golf balls in the OptiShot 2 golf simulator. Because the sensors pick up the clubhead speed when you swing.
The OptiShot 2 golf simulator has everything you need to start as a beginner, featuring easy setup and simple use. Besides, OptiShot continuously only tracks swing stats. Free online courses are available, too, at this low investment. Try to avoid miss-hits. Because the more you can hit right, the more accurate data it will provide.
What’s exclusive in OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator
- OptiShot 3D golf software
- Infrared optical swing pad
- USB cable (10ft)
- Two foam practice balls
- Two adjustable rubber tees
Advantages that we liked
- Tracks all the club data
- World-class golf courses
- Real-time feedback on each shot
- Dynamic visual display
- Multiplayer capability
- Multiple camera views and putting options
- Weather customization
- Easy setup
Disadvantages that can be improved
- Just for mid and high-handicappers, not suitable for low handicappers
- Only for indoors
- Turf is not much durable
Recommended for mid and low handicappers as OptiShot 2 might be less accurate for high handicappers. Yet it gives a good simulation experience and is worth using at the beginning level.
Check Price at Rain or Shine Golf
You may want to check our in-depth review of the Optishot 2 golf simulator.
3. Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
If you want ease of use with professional-level accuracy, the Rapsodo mobile launch monitor can be your solution. And for this golf simulator, you just need to pay around $400. It’s for both indoors and outdoors. So you can practice with Rapsodo, too, while hitting into a net.
This simulator gives instant video feedback data of each shot, including ball trajectory. The built-in camera records each of your shots and plays back. And this lets you make sure you are playing on the right track.
It has a GPS Satellite view option that can give you a feel of actual golf course playing. Wondering how? Because it lets you see where your ball ends up, just like the way you see it in real golf.
This launch monitor also has a flexible option to include the hitting mat. It can help you play better. Or, if you want the feel of natural grass, check the best indoor putting greens.
Advantages that we liked
- Both for indoor and outdoor use
- Easy to use and transport
- Requires 4.3” distance from the mobile, which made the calibration easier
- The GPS can locate where your ball ends
- It easily tracks stats and shows the game’s performance
Disadvantages that can be improved
- Inconsistent accuracy
- The launch angle seems less accurate
The Rapsodo launch monitor is recommended for its ease of simulation, video feedback, and shot-tracking system. For the price, this is worth having a great simulation experience.
Want to know more about Rapsodo? Here is a detailed review of the Rapsodo launch monitor.
4. SwingLogic SLX MicroSim Home Golf Simulator
If you are looking for a very compact-sized golf simulator for easy transport, the SwingLogic SLX MicroSim home golf simulator can be an ideal pick. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Like the Phigolf simulator, you can play with this device using a swing stick.
The simulator is compatible with E6 Connect in 4k resolution. Offering the most famous golf courses in the world, this software will allow you to play with different practice features. For example, closest to the pin, long drive, etc.
This golf simulator primarily works with a foam ball. You can use a real golf ball with your golf driver. You can also use regular golf balls with one of the best soft-hitting mats. But you might face trouble with having accurate output because, with regular balls, shock and vibration data may impact your simulator results. In this case, a continual firmware update can solve the problem.
The SwingLogic SLX MicroSim home golf simulator measures spin, distance, clubface, speed, and tempo. It requires no time to show you shot data after each swing. The device can be run on Android, PC, iOS, iPad, and iPhone. Most interestingly, like Phigolf, SwingLogic SLX can also be enjoyed on the TV screen using a PC or iOS.
Advantages that we liked
- Its very compact size makes it easy to use and portable.
- Tracks most important club data
- One of the cheapest golf simulators
- It can be connected to the TV.
- Compatible with E6 Connect
- Different practice data on the course
- Variety in practice features
- Improves swing consistency
Disadvantages that can be improved
- Only tracks the club data
- No multiplayer game mode
Not just for under $1000, it’s also for $500. For the price, you can not beat it. And within this price range, it’s one of the best golf simulators we have seen. Recommended for improving your swing.
Buying Guides for Golf Simulators Under $1000
Buying a golf simulator for under $1000 neither means it’s a less critical step than spending $5000 or beyond, nor does it come with fewer options. There are still so many things to consider. Even though the amount is under $1000, you have your own choice of playing world-class golf courses from home.
Dozens of affordable golf simulator options might make you confused. Everybody wants as much as possible with their budget. This leads them not to sacrifice quality. Keeping the same thing in your mind, you should adequately know which one is ideal for you and which one can give you the best simulation experience. Let’s know some key points.
Identify your purpose for a golf simulator under 1000.
The first thing you should do is to ask yourself, what’s your purpose in buying a budget-friendly golf simulator? Do you just want to have fun? Or are you serious about practicing or improving your skills?
If you just want to have fun with your friends and family, we recommend the PhiGolf Mobile, Home Golf Simulator, and Rapsodo Mobile Golf Simulator. These two cheap golf simulators will meet your need to get entertained.
But if your purpose is to improve your skill besides having fun, the above-mentioned cheapest golf simulators of the OptiShot brand can be an ideal choice. These golf simulators will allow you to play in multiple game modes like stroke play, match play, and so on.
Identify the available room space.
Size is an essential factor that can help you play with the longest club, even within 2 feet. So size always matters, whether it’s an expensive or cheap golf simulator under $1000. The exciting thing has a golf simulator under $1000 is the best option for those who don’t have the luxury of keeping a large simulator room. Because in this price range, there’s no complexity in setting up a projector or projector screen. You just need the space for a tracking device, hitting mat, and net. Thus it lets you save not only money but also save space.
Check the width, length, and height of your room and match it up with the minimum space requirement of your affordable golf simulator. The minimum height we recommend for the network setup is 9 feet. Sometimes it’s just a mobile screen size that can be carried anywhere. It costs less than the big screen.
Get the ultimate guide about golf simulator room dimensions.
List down your expected data parameters.
The tracking system of your home golf simulator is a crucial thing to consider. Because some tracking systems incredibly track all the data accurately, whereas some do less accurately. Even if you pay less for a golf simulator under $1000, you won’t get as much accuracy as those who pay more. So think, for which one will you invest?
Under $1000 budget is not too short of providing you with all types of essential game data such as ball trajectory, speed, spin, shot angle, etc. Look for that tracking system that tracks each of these shot data. Yes, the expensive golf simulators have more detailed data, but these are the basics to help you determine what you should do for better scores.
Learn about the simulation software
Think about the quality and complexity of software. The first one must be in your demands, but the later one should be in your consideration, too. Don’t aim for software that you don’t understand quickly. Go for straightforward systems.
The software requires a PC, laptop, or smartphone to run. Most cheap golf simulator software is compatible with your mobile. Whether you are okay with a PC or laptop, as you have one, or you want mobile golf simulators, the choice is yours.
The software comes with different game modes and practice features. Make a list of what kind of games or features you are interested in. Match it with what the software provides. You might miss skill challenges in this price range, but you will get many exciting features like an alternate shot, stroke play, match play, etc.
Net or screen?
For golf simulators under $1,000, we don’t expect an included screen in this criteria because it costs more than a gold net. You will have a side barrier, hitting mat, and net instead of a projector screen. And it’s perfect for those who want the necessary materials within a reasonable budget.
Nets will allow you to check data on a computer or mobile screen. Yet if you want to buy a projector separately, you can, but that will go beyond your budget. We recommend practicing with a net. Don’t forget to find a lightweight, easy-to-store, durable golf net.
Get the best golf nets to practice & improve your game.
Portability
Interestingly, most golf simulators for under $1000 tend to be lightweight and portable. Choose the one that requires no arrangement to install and set up. And if you are not setting it permanently, choose a compact tracking device, a portable golf simulator, a hitting mat, and a net for easy transport.
Some devices are just mobile golf simulators that are much easier to carry with you, even in your pocket. If you love the idea of playing anywhere inside or outside your home, you should consider portability. There is sometimes a duffel bag included with nets that allow storage of the net and other accessories within minutes.
Handicap
You might be wondering how the handicap is relevant to golf simulators. A golf simulator can change your game by lowering your score or giving you an emotional handicap. It depends on what simulator you are using. Some simulators are for high and mid handicappers, some are for low handicappers, and some can suit both. Select the one that goes with your handicap. Otherwise, it may bother you to play in your style.
If you don’t know your handicap, you can learn how to calculate golf handicaps.
Budget
Under $1000 means the price range of zero to $999. you can set a budget of $100, $500, $900, or any number between 0 to 999. We always prefer quality over price. But quality is very much related to price. The more you spend, even within your budget, the better quality you get. So pay as much as possible for a golf simulator under $1000.
If you are thinking of increasing your budget, We also have a review of the best golf simulators under $5000.
Conclusion
Golf simulators are now more affordable than they were a few years before. That’s why more golfers can easily participate in indoor play that was once out of imagination. Buying a golf simulator for under $1000 is a massive opportunity for you to start with a pretty investment. Grab one from our top picks of the four different cheap golf simulators for under $1000. Choose according to your needs and enjoy playing.
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