Outdoor Golf Simulator

---

You want a golf simulator. But you don’t have a garage. Or your garage is full of the things that garages are supposed to hold — cars, boxes, that treadmill. You’ve looked at indoor options and every single one requires a room you don’t have.

Cabana Golf saw that gap and built a house for it.

This is not an indoor simulator that someone dragged outside. It’s not a DIY enclosure in the backyard with a tarp over it. Cabana Golf is a purpose-built, architectural-grade aluminum structure — 17 feet long, 12 feet wide, 10 feet tall — with a motorized louvered roof that opens to the sky and closes to create a fully enclosed, weatherproof indoor-outdoor simulator.

It launched during Masters week in April 2026. Three months later, it’s still the only product in its category. And I think it’s the most interesting golf product of the year.

What Actually Is Cabana Golf?

This is a new thing, and new things get fuzzy without a clear description.

Cabana Golf is a structure. Think of it as a high-end pergola that was designed by someone who actually plays golf. The frame is aluminum (rust-free, architectural-grade). The roof has motorized louvers that rotate open when you want the sky and close when you want to hit balls. When closed, the roof is 100% waterproof with an integrated drainage system.

The sides have fixed louvered panels and roller blinds. You pull the blinds down and the enclosure becomes a dark, screen-ready theater. You roll them up and it’s an open-air cabana.

Inside that structure, Cabana Golf includes everything you need to hit balls:

• A simulator enclosure with a 4’x7’ impact screen
• An Optoma ZW350ST projector (3,600 lumens, WXGA resolution)
• A 4’x7’ premium hitting mat (see our best hitting mat guide for comparison with other mats)
• Landing pad turf
• A projector mount and HDMI cable
• Your choice of launch monitor (8 options)

And the structure itself has two built-in power tech strips with 8 outlets, 4 USB ports, 2 USB-C ports, and 2 HDMI ports — all weather-protected, all controllable from one remote that also opens and closes the roof and controls the integrated LED lighting across the louvers.

It’s a lot of words, but the simple version is this: a backyard building that turns into a golf simulator when you close the blinds and turn on the projector.

The Pricing: It’s a Lot. But It’s Also a Building.

Let’s talk money because that’s the first thing everyone asks about.

The structure alone starts at $22,904. That’s the current sale price — MSRP is $28,630.

Full bundles add a launch monitor:

• Square Golf bundle: $31,552
• FlightScope Mevo+ bundle: $31,717
• FlightScope Mevo Gen2 bundle: $31,882
• Garmin R10 bundle: $31,902
• Uneekor Eye Mini Lite bundle: $33,602
• SkyTrak ST MAX bundle: $34,562
• Foresight GC3S bundle: $34,652
• Garmin R50 bundle: $35,302

Put it in perspective: you’re not buying a golf simulator at these prices. You’re buying a backyard structure that happens to contain a golf simulator. The structure part — the aluminum frame, the motorized roof, the LED lighting, the power system, the blinds — that’s where your money goes. The simulator components (projector, mat, screen, launch monitor) are probably worth $4,000-6,000 on their own depending on which bundle you pick.

Is it worth $23K for a backyard structure? That’s the wrong question. The right question is: what’s the alternative?

An indoor simulator requires either an existing room (garage, basement, spare bedroom) or a new building entirely (a shed, a pool house, an addition). If you don’t have the room, you’re looking at $30K-60K for a prefab shed or a structural addition to your house. The indoor simulator components — launch monitor, screen, projector, mat, enclosure — run another $5K-15K on top of that.

By those numbers, Cabana Golf at $23K-35K is competitive. You’re paying for the building AND the simulator in one package.

But that only works if you already have a place to put it.

The Space Requirement Is the Real Gatekeeper

Cabana Golf requires an 18 ft x 13 ft concrete pad or deck. The structure itself is 17 ft x 12 ft, and you need room around it for access.

If you have that slab, you’re in business. If you don’t, you’re adding $3K-8K for concrete work, which changes the math considerably.

Inside the structure, the hitting area gives you 8 ft from the ball to the screen, plus 8 ft behind the ball for swing clearance. The 10 ft ceiling height clears any swing that isn’t Josh Allen trying to throw a football inside a gym. Most golfers at 6’2“ or under with a normal swing plane will have no issues.

The 17 ft depth is tight but workable — most radar-based launch monitors (Mevo+, Mevo Gen2, R10, R50) need 6-8 ft behind the ball, and you need 8 ft from ball to screen. That leaves about 1 ft of margin. It’s fine.

The width (12 ft) is generous. A standard impact screen is 8-9 ft wide. You’ve got room for the enclosure frame and some side space.

For depth, here’s the rule: if your launch monitor needs to sit 6-8 ft behind the ball (all radar units do), and you need 8 ft from ball to screen, you need a total of 14-16 ft inside a 17 ft structure. It works — barely — but there’s no room for a couch behind the hitting area. You’re standing to hit, and everyone else watches from outside the structure or behind you.

The Launch Monitor Options Are Smart

Cabana Golf offers 8 launch monitor bundles. This is the part they got right — they didn’t force you into one ecosystem:

• Square Golf ($31,552) — The cheapest entry. Square’s 3-camera system works well in enclosed outdoor spaces. Good for someone who wants “good enough” accuracy at the lowest total price. (See our Square Golf review.)
• Mevo+ ($31,717) — The workhorse. FlightScope’s mid-range radar unit is proven. Works best with the 8 ft ball-to-screen distance. (See our Mevo+ review.)
• Mevo Gen2 ($31,882) — Same radar tech, smaller form factor, newer hardware. Better if you intend to also use it outside the structure.
• Garmin R10 ($31,902) — The budget radar pick. Lowest launch monitor quality in the lineup. At $31,902 total, spending $599 on the LM feels like the wrong place to save money. (See our Garmin R10 review.)
• Eye Mini Lite ($33,602) — Camera-based, so it prefers the enclosed (blinds down) configuration. Works well in the structure’s dimmable environment. Uneekor’s data quality is excellent. (See our Eye Mini Lite review.)
• SkyTrak ST MAX ($34,562) — SkyTrak’s hybrid unit. Works at narrower ball-to-screen distances than radar. Good pick for the 17 ft structure. (See our ST MAX review.)
• GC3S ($34,652) — Foresight’s subscription model. Same photometric accuracy as the GC3, but you’re paying $300/year for the Game Improvement Package. At $34,652, a $300 subscription feels like a nitpick but it matters over 5 years. (See our GC3S review.)
• Garmin R50 ($35,302) — The most expensive bundle and the most controversial. The R50 is Garmin’s $5,499 premium radar unit with a built-in display. It’s a great launch monitor, but at $35,302 total, you’re paying $3,400 over the Square bundle for the same structure. (See our Garmin R50 review.)

My take: the Mevo+ bundle at $31,717 is the sweet spot. The Mevo+ is proven, it works well in enclosed outdoor spaces, and you’re not overpaying for the launch monitor. If budget is the priority, the Square Golf bundle. If you want the best data quality, the Eye Mini Lite bundle.

The Projector Situation: My One Real Complaint

The Optoma ZW350ST is a 3,600-lumen WXGA (1280x800) short-throw projector.

3,600 lumens is actually smart for outdoor use — you need that brightness to cut through ambient light, even with the blinds down. WXGA resolution at this price point ($22K+) is disappointing. I’d expect at least 1080p, ideally 4K.

The projector is mounted on a cross beam included in the structure. The short-throw design means it sits close to the screen, so shadows are minimal. That part is well-engineered.

But at $23K-35K, a 1280x800 projector feels like a corner cut. The simulator experience at WXGA is fine for most people — you’re not reading text on this screen, you’re hitting balls at a fairway. But the premium price tag should include a premium projector. This is the one spec I’d upgrade immediately if I bought this.

The Build Experience: You’re the General Contractor

Cabana Golf ships in 19 boxes packed into 2 wooden crates. They’re delivered curbside on a semi-truck or flatbed. The largest crate is 17 ft long.

You’re responsible for getting those crates from the curb to your installation site. You’re responsible for assembly. They include a guide, but the recommendation is to hire a local contractor who specializes in cabana or pergola installation.

This is important context. If you’re the type who assembles IKEA furniture and calls it a weekend project, this is not that. This is a building that you’re putting on your property. You need tools, help, and probably a contractor.

The good news: the aluminum frame is modular and designed for assembly. The bad news: “modular” is doing a lot of work in that sentence.

Delivery lead time is about 2 months from order. That’s not unreasonable for a custom-ordered structure, but if you’re ordering in July with dreams of summer sim sessions, you’re playing in September.

Who This Is For

The Cabana Golf is for exactly one type of person: the guy with a big backyard and a willingness to spend $25K+ on golf.

If you have an 18 ft x 13 ft concrete slab or space to pour one, and you don’t have an indoor space that works, this is the only option that solves your problem without compromise. You get a real simulator — not a net in the yard with an R10 balanced on a cooler. A real enclosure. A real projector. A real hitting mat. A real launch monitor. All inside a structure that looks good enough that your HOA won’t send you a letter.

It’s also for the guy who wants the backyard experience. There’s something genuinely appealing about hitting balls with the roof open, feeling the breeze, hearing the birds, and then closing the roof when the sun goes down and hitting into a screen with LED lighting above you. No indoor setup can do that. Before you commit, check our outdoor simulator guide — it covers everything from portable backyard setups to weatherproofing, so you know exactly what you’re getting into at any price point.

Who This Is Not For

This is not for most people. If you have a garage that can fit a simulator, buy the garage simulator. A SIG8 enclosure + SkyTrak+ + a decent mat runs about $5,000-6,000 all-in. That’s Cabana Golf at 1/6 the price.

If you have a basement with 9 ft ceilings, build a basement sim. Same price range, same experience, climate-controlled, zero weather concerns.

If your budget is under $15K, stop reading. This product doesn’t exist for you yet.

Cabana Golf solves a specific problem: no indoor space, lots of outdoor space, lots of money. If that’s not your situation, buy the garage sim and take the $20K you saved and put it toward a trip to Bandon Dunes.

The Number No One Else Can Match

The Cabana Golf is a 7.5/10 product in a category where every other option is a 0/10 — because there is no other option.

Is the projector weak for the price? Yes. Is the GC3S bundle upcharging $300/year for a subscription? Yes. Does the 2-month lead time and DIY installation add friction? Absolutely.

But none of those complaints change the core fact: this is the first product to solve the “no indoor space” problem without asking you to compromise on the simulator experience. If your garage is full of a car and your backyard is full of space, Cabana Golf is your only real option.

That’s a powerful position to be in.

Visit cabanagolf.com for current pricing and lead times. The sale prices above are live as of publication. Structure-only starts at $22,904. Full bundles range from $31,552 to $35,302.

Who Should Buy the Cabana Golf

You should buy this if:

• You don’t have indoor space for a simulator and you’ve accepted that
• You have or can pour an 18 ft x 13 ft concrete pad
• Your budget is $25K+
• You want a premium backyard structure that adds real estate value, not just golf utility
• You’re okay with hiring a contractor for assembly

You should not buy this if:

• You have a garage or basement that works (build that instead, save $20K)
• Your budget is under $15K
• You don’t have space to pour a slab
• You want 4K projection (you’ll need to swap the Optoma)
• You’re impatient (2 months is the realistic timeline)

How It Compares to the Alternatives

There’s no direct comparison because Cabana Golf is the only product in its category. But here’s how the alternatives stack up:

• DIY backyard sim ($1,000-5,000): A net, a radar LM, a laptop, and a prayer that it doesn’t rain. Works for practice but it’s not a simulator experience. No comparison.
• Prefab shed conversion ($15,000-25,000 for shed + $5,000-10,000 for sim): You can buy a Tuff Shed or similar structure and convert it. You’ll need to run electricity, insulate it, install a projector mount, and configure everything yourself. Total cost is similar to Cabana Golf but you’re doing all the work.
• Garage simulator ($3,000-15,000): One-third the price, identical experience, climate-controlled, zero weather concerns. This is the better choice if you have a garage. (Start with our how much does a golf simulator cost guide.)
• Indoor sim facility membership ($50-200/month): No upfront cost, no maintenance, no installation. But you leave your house to use it, and it’s not yours.

The Cabana Golf wins on “turnkey outdoor” and loses on price. If outdoor is your only option and turnkey matters, there’s no competition.

FAQ

Can you use Cabana Golf in winter?

Yes and no. The structure itself is weatherproof — the roof closes, the drainage works, the enclosure is outdoor-rated. But there’s no heating or cooling included. In winter, you’ll be hitting balls in the same temperature as your backyard. The electronics (projector, LM) have operating temperature ranges that won’t be happy below freezing. Plan for seasonal use or add a space heater (and ventilate appropriately).

What software does it use?

The launch monitor bundle determines your software options. GSPro ($250/year), E6 Connect ($300/year), and the LMs’ own apps are all compatible. No software is included in the bundle.

Do I need a PC?

Yes. The Cabana bundle includes the structure, projector, LM, and accessories — but not a computer to run the sim software. Budget an additional $800-1,500 for a gaming laptop or mini PC.

Can I use my own launch monitor?

The structure-only option ($22,904) lets you supply your own components. This is the smart play if you already own a launch monitor or want a specific one not in the 8 bundle options.

Is financing available?

Yes. Cabana Golf offers payment plans including 0% APR options. For a $30K product, 0% financing makes the monthly payment more palatable (roughly $500/month for 60 months).