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When you think of a golf simulator, you probably envision a theatre monitor tucked into a cozy room. Safe from rain, snow and wind, a golf simulator offers a handy alternative to a round outside in the elements. Simulators, though, are more than just a way to get out of a rainy round. Aside from convenience, they offer great insights into your swing, a way for people to come together and hang out and a novelty piece of technology that can impress friends and family.
Because of this, outdoor golf simulators have become increasingly popular recently. If you’re curious about outdoor golf simulators or looking to buy one yourself, you might be looking for some information on the topic. Here is everything you need to know about outdoor golf simulators.
What Is an Outdoor Golf Simulator?
Outdoor golf simulators are golf simulators that you can set up in your own backyard. Instead of installing them in your basement or golf shop, you can enjoy them in the great outdoors under the sunshine and while you’re breathing fresh air. In most cases, outdoor golf simulators will feature a simpler setup than indoor golf simulators, mainly because you may need to take them outside if bad weather strikes.
How Do Outdoor Golf Simulators Work?
Outdoor golf simulators work in the same way that normal golf simulators work, usually involving a technique such as high-speed cameras, radio waves or another method to track your club and the ball.
With outdoor golf simulators, you may be hitting into a net and then watching your ball’s flight on a separate screen that’s connected to a computer to tablet. In other cases, you may actually have an immersive screen that shows you where your ball would go on the course.
The Best Outdoor Golf Simulators
If you’re in the market for an outdoor golf simulator, you could be looking for the best options. We’ve compiled the best outdoor golf simulators of 2022:
1. Flightscope Mevo
2. Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
3. Garmin Approach R10 Golf Launch Monitor
1. Flightscope Mevo
Price: $$$
Customer Reviews: 4.2/5
Summary: Affordable launch monitor/simulator with eight different data points to gain insights into your swing.
What Comes With It:
- Flightscope Mevo Portable Personal Golf Launch Monitor
The Flightscope Mevo is one of the best outdoor golf simulators you’ll find. All you have to do is set up your device, connect it via Bluetooth and then start swinging away. It comes with eight different data points to gain insights, including:
- Club Speed
- Carry Distance
- Spin Rate
- Vertical Launch
- Ball Speed
- Smash Factor
- Apex Height
- Flight Time
Its battery lasts for over eight hours. It also automatically takes pictures and videos so that you can rewatch your practice round to review your form. Set data margins to target consistency, use text-to-speech to gain live insights into your swing and even compete in skills challenges to test your skills.
2. Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
Price: $$$
Customer Reviews: 4.4/5
Summary: Highly-rated mobile launch monitor with unique tracking technology.
What Comes With It:
- Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor
- Quick Start Guide
- Case
- Charger Cable
The Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor is an awesome piece of technology. It connects with Iphones and Ipads to give you a variety of insights into your swing, including:
- Shot Tracer
- GPS Shot Map
- Video Replay
- Club Gapping
- Shot Library
You can transform your practice golf round into an insightful swing study to help you shoot lower scores on the course. This is a highly-rated golf launch monitor and outdoor simulator that will be sure to help you during practice.
3. Garmin Approach R10 Portable Golf Launch Monitor
Price: $$$
Customer Reviews: 4.1/5
Summary: Small and convenient, this outdoor simulator offers a huge variety of swing metrics and virtual courses to play on.
What Comes With It:
- Garmin Approach R10 Portable Launch Monitor and Simulator
- Playbetter 5000mAh Portable Charger
- Tripod Stand
- Phone Mount
- Carry Case
- USB Cable
The Garmin Approach R10 is one of the most convenient and impressive outdoor golf simulators out there. It’s small and lightweight, making it easy to transport wherever you’re looking to practice your game. With a 10-hour battery life, you won’t have to worry about your device dying in the middle of the round. Setup is simple — just pair your simulator with the Garmin golf app on your phone and you can get instant access to a number of different metrics including:
- Clubhead Speed
- Ball Speed
- Ball Spin
- Launch Angle
- Swing Tempo
You’ll also be able to play virtual rounds on more than 42,000 courses. The Garmin Approach R10 will automatically record video clips of your swing so that you can have access to valuable insights.
Why You Should Get an Outdoor Golf Simulator
Although your typical golf simulator is still a great piece of technology and very impressive, outdoor golf simulators offer a kind of ingenuity that indoor golf simulators might not give you. Here are some reasons you may want to consider buying an outdoor golf simulator.
They’re Convenient
Many outdoor golf simulators are extremely convenient. They involve a few different pieces and you’ll be able to pack them up easily, transport them to where you need and work on your swing.
You Get the Best of Both Worlds
Indoor golf simulators are great, but one of the best parts about golf is getting to be outside, breathing the fresh and enjoying a day out on the course. With an outdoor golf simulator, you can still replicate this experience while also getting the health benefits of being outdoors.
Track Your Performance
Golf simulators give you valuable insights into your game such as clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle and much more. These are insights that you wouldn’t have during a typical day at the course or at a range session. With an outdoor golf simulator, you can make practice that much more worthwhile by peering into the inner workings of your game.
Hone Your Swing
With an outdoor golf simulator, each swing means something. Powerful metrics mean that you’ll be getting more and more tools to help you during your round. If you use that information correctly, you can improve your game drastically and start flying past your competition.
Enjoy Golf Outdoors
With an outdoor golf simulator, you can enjoy the game the way it was truly meant to be played — in the great outdoors. Get your simulator, step outside, breathe deep and swing away.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Golf Simulator
If you’re in the market for an outdoor golf simulator, it’s important to stay organized and choose the best product for you. Follow these steps to find the perfect option.
Find Your Budget
Find a broad range for how much you’ll be willing to spend on your golf simulator. This budget will help guide you as you shop.
Make Sure You Get All the Right Parts
Outdoor golf simulators come with a lot of different parts — be sure you’re getting everything you need. Read the product descriptions closely and get add-ons if necessary, whether it be a golf net or turf.
Prioritize
Make a list of the aspects you’re looking for in your outdoor golf simulator, and then rank them. Are you looking for a certain swing data point? Or maybe you want to stay below a certain price range. Making a list and prioritizing will speed you along in the buying process.
Look at Reviews
Read through customer reviews and read buying guides to help formulate your final decision. Articles like the one you’re reading now are great ways to gain insights into the options at your disposal.
Outdoor Golf Simulators: The Bottom Line
Outdoor golf simulators offer a new and innovative way to track your swing metrics and give you insights into your golf game. We hope this article showed you some good options to choose from and gave you some solid information about these products.