In this guide
Set the budget for the whole room before choosing a launch monitor. This guide breaks down equipment choices and where to spend, with room for software and the parts needed to finish the setup.
Browse every golf simulator under $5,000 →
This guide breaks the budget down component by component and shows you three realistic build options at $3K, $4K, and $5K, all using products we stock.
The $3,000 Build
Ernest Sports ESB2 + Carl's DIY + BenQ TH671ST + HotShot Mat
This is the floor, a complete, functional simulator at the lowest realistic price point. The ESB2 ($495) is a palm-sized radar monitor that tracks all the key ball data. The Carl's Place DIY enclosure ($1,149.95), BenQ TH671ST projector ($949), and HotShot mat ($499.95) complete the setup. Total: approximately $3,100.
Budget Launch Monitor · Palm-Sized Radar
Ernest Sports ESB2
$495
Best for: Golfers who want a low-cost entry into simulation. Radar-based, palm-sized, tracks ball speed, carry, spin, and launch angle well enough for enjoyable sim play.
- Radar-based tracking, works indoors and outdoors
- Ball speed, carry distance, launch angle, spin rate
- Compact palm-sized design, clips to a bag or pocket
- Compatible with E6 Connect via Bluetooth
Budget Projector · 1080p Short-Throw
BenQ TH671ST
$949
Best for: Entry-level simulator builds where you want a reliable 1080p short-throw image without the cost of a laser unit. Works well in controlled lighting.
- 1080p Full HD · 3000 Lumen · DLP
- Short-throw, 0.69:1 throw ratio
- Low input lag, no ball flight delay
- 3-year warranty
The $4,000 Build
ES Tour Plus + Carl's DIY + BenQ TH671ST + SigPro 4x7 Mat
Step up the launch monitor to the Ernest Sports ES Tour Plus ($1,495), a hybrid radar and camera system that gives you 20 data points including club head speed, ball spin, and carry vs total distance. Keep the Carl's Place DIY enclosure and BenQ TH671ST projector from the $3K build, and add the SigPro 4x7 mat ($1,148.99) for a premium hitting surface. Total: approximately $4,100.
Mid-Range Launch Monitor · Hybrid Radar
Ernest Sports ES Tour Plus
$1,495
Best for: The best launch monitor at this price for simulator use. Hybrid radar and camera gives 20 data points, enough for serious practice and simulation software.
- Hybrid radar + camera, 20 data parameters
- Club head speed, ball speed, carry, total, spin rate
- Compatible with E6 Connect, Creative Golf, TGC2019
- Works indoors and outdoors without recalibration
Golf Hitting Mat · Premium 4ft x 7ft
SigPro 4x7 Golf Simulator Mat
$999.99
Best for: Serious home builders who want a premium hitting surface. The SigPro's dense foam base gives realistic ground feel without tiring your wrists over a full session.
- 4ft x 7ft, fits most simulator bays
- Premium impact-resistant foam base
- Natural turf feel, won't degrade with repeated use
- Compatible with all launch monitor positions
The $5,000 Build
Uneekor EYE MINI LITE + Carl's DIY + BenQ LH820ST + HotShot Mat
The premium $5K build steps up to an overhead launch monitor, the Uneekor EYE MINI LITE ($2,750), and a laser projector, the BenQ LH820ST ($1,899). The EYE MINI LITE is a compact overhead format monitor that keeps the floor clear and delivers Uneekor-quality data. With the Carl's Place DIY enclosure ($1,149.95) and HotShot mat ($499.95), the total comes in around $6,300. Stretch the budget slightly or swap the projector to a BenQ TH671ST ($949) to land at $5K flat.
Overhead Launch Monitor · Compact
Uneekor EYE MINI LITE
$1,999
Best for: Builders who want Uneekor's overhead data quality at the most accessible price point in the lineup. Ground mount or ceiling-mount, no floor equipment.
- Compact overhead form, ceiling or ground stand mount
- Dual high-speed cameras, no ball stickers
- 20+ shot data parameters
- Works with E6 Connect, Creative Golf, TGC2019
Where to Allocate Your Budget
- Prioritise the Launch Monitor
The launch monitor determines data quality. If you have to compromise somewhere, it should be the projector, a 1080p lamp unit at $949 is perfectly acceptable.
- Don't Skip Side Baffles
Add side baffles to the DIY enclosure. They stop off-center shots, protect walls, and cost significantly less than repainting a drywall.
- Laser vs Lamp Projector
A laser projector (like the LH820ST) costs ~$1,000 more than a lamp unit but lasts 20,000+ hours vs 3,000 hours on a lamp. Better ROI over 3-5 years.
- Mat Quality Matters
A cheap rubber mat will fatigue your wrists over time. The SigPro and HotShot mats are worth the spend for anyone using the simulator regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you build a good golf simulator for under $5,000?
Yes. The $4K build, ES Tour Plus, Carl's Place DIY enclosure, BenQ TH671ST, and SigPro mat, is a genuinely good simulator for practice and casual play. The data quality is real and the experience is enjoyable.
What's the best launch monitor under $1,500?
The Ernest Sports ES Tour Plus at $1,495 is the best in class at this price. Hybrid radar and camera gives 20 data parameters including club speed, spin, carry, and total distance.
Do I need a projector for a golf simulator under $5,000?
A projector and impact screen is the standard way to play. Alternatively, you can use a large TV screen with a floor-standing enclosure net, this reduces cost but limits screen size. Most builders prefer the projector setup for immersion.
Which Carl's Place enclosure should I buy for a $5,000 build?
The DIY Kit at $1,149.95. It includes the impact screen, customisable sizing, and is designed for exactly this budget tier. Add side baffles if your room allows shots to go wide.
What hitting mat should I use with the Ernest Sports monitors?
The HotShot ($499.95) is a solid budget option. For extended daily use, step up to the SigPro 4x7 ($1,148.99), the thicker foam base is noticeably better on wrist impact over long sessions.
Need help applying this to your space? Ask SimGolfer about your setup.
Continue planning your simulator
Use the next guide or go directly to the equipment category that matches the part of the build you are working on.
