FOREference

Budget

A budget golf simulator build ($1,500–$3,000)

Where to spend and where to save when the whole setup has to come in under $3,000.

By FOREference Editorial · Updated 30 Sep 2026

The plan

  1. Pick the launch monitor for your room depth: radar units need about 17 ft or more; entry camera units fit shallower rooms.
  2. Start with a net or a DIY screen kit; add projection later.
  3. Buy the best mat you can — it's your joints.
  4. Use a phone or tablet before buying a PC if your launch monitor supports it.

See launch monitors under $1,000 and packages under $3,000.

Products mentioned

Approach R10
Radar launch monitor · Behind the ball

Garmin Approach R10

Radar · Behind the ball · 17–19 ft deep

Garmin$499.99
MLM2PRO
Radar + camera launch monitor · Behind the ball

Rapsodo MLM2PRO

Radar + camera · Behind the ball · 16.5–18.5 ft deep

Rapsodo$599.99
Square Golf (Home Edition)
Camera launch monitor · Beside the ball

Square Golf (Home Edition)

Camera · Beside the ball · 13.5–15.5 ft deep

Square Golf$699

Figures marked as FOREference calculations show their working; product figures come from the sources on each product page. How we work