Best (And Worst) Golf Sims That Don’t Use A Golf Ball

Over the last little while, we’ve seen a growing number of golf simulator products that don’t actually require a ball. Some are built around fun, others claim to help with performance and a few try to be both. A year ago, I reviewed one of these systems and (spoiler alert!) it wasn’t great. But the space is evolving with more golfers looking for ways to practice indoors, in tight spaces and on a budget. Therefore, it’s worth taking a look at what’s out there.

Today, we’re diving into four golf ball-free swing options for golfers who want to train, improve or just enjoy the game without needing a launch monitor, net or huge room. Some are immersive, some more game-like and some … you’ll see.

Best: GOLF+ VR (Meta Quest Headset Required)

Let’s start with the clear front-runner. GOLF+ isn’t just a simulator, it’s a full VR golf experience. It’s immersive, engaging and honestly the most fun I’ve had playing golf that didn’t involve being on an actual course.

GOLF+ delivers on almost every front. The experience begins with a Meta Quest headset and while that is an upfront cost, what you get in return is a golf world you can walk into from your living room. The swing feel is impressively real, the visuals, sounds and experience are sharp and detailed and the course variety is improving every month. From major championship venues to lesser-known gems, there’s always something new to play.

Pros:

Fully immersive golf environment Real-world golf courses Minimal space required Multiplayer and community play Constant updates and customization Best overall feel and feedback in this group

Cons:

Requires a Meta Quest headset (Price) Additional accessories and courses behind paywalls

There’s also a strong social aspect. You can join friends for rounds, compete in online events or just hit the range/Topgolf together. There’s even a community leaderboard and mini-games that help keep things fresh.

To get the best experience, you’ll want a swing stick and to consider buying a few course packs (around $9). The game itself is just $35 but even when you factor in the Meta Quest headset ($300+), it’s not the most expensive option in this list.

Still, for what you get in return, which is a visually rich, deeply interactive and genuinely fun golf environment, it might be the best value of the bunch.

Worst: Golf Daddy

We go from the best experience to the most disappointing. Golf Daddy still doesn’t deliver on its bold promises. I’ve followed it for over a year, been in their Discord, and am in the final stages for my updated review but here’s the short version: not much has changed.

Pros:

Uses a real golf club App is available on iOS and Android

Cons:

Buggy and frustrating app Uses a real golf club Limited to short irons Poor durability on hitting mat Yardage is wildly inaccurate Almost no real progress since launch

This system had potential. The concept of a no-ball simulator that tracked your swing from mat contact was intriguing but that’s where the positives end. It requires more space due to full swings with real clubs yet you’re limited to just four club options. The mat wears down quickly and the software has not meaningfully improved.

Shots either don’t register or, when they do, the results are so far from reality that it becomes more frustrating than fun. The supposed updates with extra avatars and a few new holes in the end are surface-level. They don’t fix the core issues.

After trying this product again after a year for a follow-up review, I can confidently say it’s not worth your time or money. Check out the full review if you need more detail but trust me: there are better ways to spend your money. This also means there’s no Check Price button here for your benefit.

Other Options

Square Golf Launch Monitor + Swing Stick

Square Golf’s offering was a pleasant surprise. Their approach combines a small, portable launch monitor with a short swing stick, offering a hybrid experience between training and game-based feedback.

Setting up takes a little longer than the other options but the clarity of instructions and consistency of results makes that time well spent. Once set up, the Square system provides feedback on club path, face angle and swing tempo along with a host of other metrics so you can work on your swing mechanics.

Pros:

Very responsive swing stick Good data and feedback Swing shaping is possible Chipping and putting are more consistent than Phigolf Solid accuracy for a small stick-based product Multiple game modes

Cons:

Setup takes slightly more time Most expensive option of them all Pay as you go for on-course play Course variety is a bit limited

The big draw for the Square Golf Launch Monitor with the Swing Stick is that you can use it as both a full launch monitor and as a small-space simulator. The driving range, putting and chipping are all at no cost; only on-course play comes at a cost. 

Square Golf uses a credit system, which is subscription adjacent. The easiest way to think of it is that on -course gameplay functions as a pay as you go system. For example about $20, you can play 55 rounds of golf. It works as a pay-per-hole system: to play one hole, it uses one credit; playing 18 holes uses 18 credits. That said, you can do a lot with this system and not have to use any credits.

You won’t find a lengthy list of courses or elaborate game modes but what you do get is focused on helping you get better. The swing stick itself feels high quality and the feedback it gives is accurate enough to trust when you’re trying to shape shots or work on tempo.

Phigolf 2

Phigolf 2 lands in the fun zone. It’s one part game, one part swing practice and it ends up being for the golfer who wants to have fun with friends or family while still swinging a club-like device.

Setup is quick. Everything pairs easily and within minutes you’re off and running. The app is fairly well-designed with a bunch of game modes and mini-challenges. That said, it is a bit busy and I did have some lag but the overall functionality is very solid. There’s even online play. On the surface, it’s a winner.

Pros:

Quick setup and pairing Loads of game modes and course options Works well in tight spaces Fun multiplayer modes

Cons:

Accuracy is casual at best Putting and chipping are weak spots Struggles with shaping shots or reading poor swings Visuals on mobile don’t add much

Now for the fine print. While it does show different swing metrics, the numbers aren’t always reliable. Swing hard or soft, the feedback doesn’t always reflect the difference clearly.

Putting and chipping are tough. Phigolf 2 uses a click mechanism that is slightly inconsistent or absent in short shots which messes with feel and trust. I had multiple swings go unregistered. The lack of impact feedback makes it hard to develop feel, especially when you’re practicing short-game shots. I will note that on full shots this is not an issue.

Course variety is a strength but on a small mobile screen, it doesn’t really add to the experience. You’re mostly playing to a number, not strategizing your way around a virtual layout. If you’re using it socially, none of that really matters, but if you’re here to practice, it’s limiting.

Shot shaping is another area where Phigolf falls short. I’m not a perfect golfer and can certainly hit a slice but with Phigolf, I found myself hitting straight shots or slight draws nearly every time. Fun? Yes. Realistic? Not really.

Bottom line: it is a fun device for social play and entertainment but not a product I would be using for training or improving my golf game. 

Final thoughts

What’s the best option for indoor or small-space swing training without a ball? That all depends on what you’re looking for:

Want immersive, realistic gameplay? GOLF+ is your winner. Need something to work on swing mechanics? Try Square Golf. Looking for a fun and easy golf game? Phigolf 2 fits the bill. Tempted by the low price of Golf Daddy? Don’t be.

Each of these products serves a different type of golfer. Some focus on fun. Others lean into practice and improvement. But what they all try to do is solve the same problem: how to enjoy golf when space, time or weather won’t allow for the real thing.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, GOLF+ is hands-down the most impressive offering in terms of experience. For structured swing practice, Square Golf is a surprisingly capable option that should only get better with future updates. Phigolf 2 is a crowd-pleaser, best used for laughs and friendly competition.

Golf Daddy, on the other hand, is one to skip. Even a year later, its promise doesn’t hold up.

Have you tried any of these or found an alternative that works for you? Let me know in the comments. I’m always curious about what’s out there that’s helping golfers enjoy the game in new ways.

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