Get the Best Golf Simulator Software

Updated 8/13/2023
The best golf simulator software is critical to getting the most out of your golf simulator. There are several great software options on the market and we've surveyed real users to get their feedback. Their reviews and our buying guide is below.
Best Golf Simulator Software

12 Best Golf Simulator Software Options

Golf simulator software was the topic of our most recent buyer survey on our golf simulator forum of ~24,000 DIY golf simulator enthusiasts. The golf sim forum feedback is part of our research into the best golf simulator software for this golf simulator software buying guide. We'll cover the features, functionality, pricing, and capabilities of each golf simulator software package. Our methodology is to combine survey responses with product research into one unified buying guide. You can use this buying guide to get the best golf simulator software for your golf simulator setup.

Top 12 Golf Simulator Software Packages

GS Pro
E6 Connect
The Golf Club
Foresight FSX
Awesome Golf
Creative Golf
Uneekor Refine
World Golf Tour
Jack Nicklaus Perfect Golf
Fitness Golf
Protee Play
Optishot Golf

What to Look for In Golf Simulator Software

GSPro Golf Simulator Software

My Experience Using GSPro

GSPro was the most commonly owned golf simulator software in our survey with nearly twice as many responses as the next most frequent product, the E6 golf simulator software. Many GSPro owners reported having owned other simulator software previously, but that they now never go back and use it after buying GSPro. The online tournaments and the Discord community in particular get very high marks by owners. The online community includes a unique Simulator Golf Tour where you can compete with other players on multiple online tours.

GSPro Golf has 4k graphics featuring ultra-realistic course images and fantastic in game physics to mimic what you would experience on the golf course or driving range. With over 280 courses and more being added all the time, you'll never get tired of playing the same course over and over again. The photo-realistic courses are seldom disappointing and make for great entertainment.

Aside from all the courses, GSPro has a driving range and on course practice options. You can play online connected games and you can play local games with up to 8 players.

In our buyer survey, 94% of buyers found it easy to install and configure. All respondents reported being able to play online and save multiple player profiles. About half of the buyers in the survey had to contact customer support and 80% of those using customer support gave it high marks. One buyer participating in our survey remarked

"I love the community/discord aspect of GSPro and that new courses that come out each week. I paid over $2500 for E6, but haven't used it since getting GSPro."

Owners also reported really liking the ability to create user-generated designs and most of the available courses are designed by the community. The Open Platform Golf Course Designer (OPCD) was designed to allow anyone to create a user-designed course regardless of computer skills.

Compatibility and System Requirements
GSPro is an open-source software package which means anyone with the API and credentials can develop content or features for GSPro. This likely means you will continue to see innovation and advancement around the platform.

A SkyTrack, Garmin R10, Uneekor QED, EYE XO, or FlightScope launch monitor such as the Mevo+ is required to use GSPro. Uneekor and FlightScope have downloads specifically designed for them. Others can connect via the open-API. The minimum PC requirements are a GTX 1070 or RX 580 GPU, as well as 4GB of storage space.

GSPro has one of the most straight forward models. You can pay a yearly $250 subscription fee or a single lifetime fee of $550 that will eliminate the need to pay the yearly fee. You have a 7 day refund window after purchase.

Pros
Cons
  • Good graphics
  • Realistic Physics
  • Gimmies
  • Open source
  • Tons of courses
  • Reasonably Priced
  • Online games / Discord
  • No shot replay yet
  • Documentation a bit light
  • No wind (yet)
Check out our video comparing GSPro and E6 Connect on a Mevo+ launch monitor.

E6 Connect Golf Simulator Software

My Experience Using E6 Connect

E6 Connect is one of the best golf simulator software packages and is an incredibly powerful product for both home and commercial use. you can do anything from playing at home, to using it as a teaching professional or running a commercial golf facility on it. E6 golf simulator software lets you set up a clubhouse so you can manage events, members, seasons and create manual handicaps for leagues. It really has an endless array of features and options and is works with every major launch monitor on the market.

It has 4k graphics that are nearly photo-realistic and includes over 100 golf courses. E6 expanded license includes many famous courses like Bandon Dunes, Bethpage Black, Pebble Beach, and Pinehurst #2. E6 also includes about 12 different game modes ranging from long drive and closest to the pin to demolition driving range, horse, and blackout. You can also get shot analytics to support game improvement.

The E6 Connect was the second most popular software in our buyer survey. 100% of survey respondents said the software was easy to install and use, and 60% said they would buy the software again. One buyer commented

"E6 golf simulator software is great for playing golf, keeps stats and scores saved which is good for tracking progress. I have the free version that came with Mevo plus, so graphics and course selection is minimal. It does everything you want a golf sim software to do, but menus and controls are clumsy when using on a phone."

Compatibility and System Requirements
The E6 Connect golf simulator software is available for both PC and iOS users. iOS is only supported by the SkyTrak and Mevo+. Many more simulators are compatible with the PC version. To run on a PC it will require at least an Intel i5 Processor with 8GB RAM and 25GB of hard drive space. It also needs a dedicated GPU with DirectX 11 Support and an internet connection.

The standard connect license with 27 courses will run $2,500 up front and require either the $300 standard or $600 extended annual subscription.

Pros
Cons
  • A lot of features
  • Flexible game play settings
  • Excellent shot analytics
  • Accurate physics
  • Fantastic practice modes
  • A bit on the pricey side
  • There are better graphics out there

The Golf Club (TGC2019)

My Experience Using TGC2019

The Golf Club 2019 or TGC 2019 was the 3rd most commonly owned simulator software in our buyer survey with about 15% of total responses and 70% of respondents would buy the software again. One buyer commented

"I have played local courses in TGC2019, and they are accurate enough to function as decent practice rounds. Playing on the Skytrak, TGC 2019 has been very accurate with the exception of mis-hits. The predicted ball flight of a mis-hit does not seem to be accurate but from a game improvement standpoint this does not bother me."

Like GSPro, it is built on the Unity game engine and it allows you to design your own course. This has led to an endless number of user designed courses available for play. It is very easy to design a new course from scratch or modify an existing one. It allows you to add or delete holes and you can alter the terrain. You can also add or move tees, move greens, holes, bunkers, rivers, ponds, trees, and other types of foliage.

Up to four players can play locally or online in a game together. Along with a nearly unlimited number of golf courses, there is a driving range, putting area, and chipping area. On the range there are some target modes where you can hit various items, but it is pretty simplistic. You can also design a course specifically for practice purposes by turning on Auto-Rewind to get unlimited mulligans. There is not a dedicated practice mode and if you wanted to get to a specific hole you have to concede all the preceding holes which takes some time.

Compatibility and System Requirements
TGC 2019 can be run on PC with at least Windows 7 64-bit. As for computer hardware, you'll need an Intel Core i5-760 @ 2.80GHz, and an NVIDIA GTX 670 or equivalent.

TGC 2019 is around $950, and you can try the $50 Steam version and play it as a PC game to see what it looks like.

Pros
Cons
  • Thousands of courses
  • Excellent Graphics
  • Famous courses
  • Build your own courses
  • Pay once and done
  • Some users report bugginess
  • Course menu filtering is hard
  • No scramble mode
  • Basic driving range

FSX 2020 Golf Simulator Software

My Experience Using FSX 2020

You will need a launch monitor from Foresight Sports to use FSX 2020. It is an incredibly robust and comprehensive golf simulator software package. It has an extensive list of some of the world's most famous golf courses and it allows endless options for customization of weather, green speed, and firmness. You can also play in stroke, match, or scramble formats. It also has many different challenges like closest to the pin and longest drive to hone your game against others.

With complete ball and club head data, it is an excellent club fitting or game improvement tool providing instant feedback on shots. You'll be able to see ball dispersion, carry and total distance, launch angle, spin and more. With all that information at your fingertips, you can refine your fit or work on the finer aspects of your game.

Buyers in our survey reported a moderate degree of difficulty getting the software installed and configured, but gave the company high marks on support. 50% of survey respondents would buy FSX 2020 again.

Compatibility and System Requirements
This golf simulator software is only available for launch monitors from Foresight Sports. You’ll also need a PC running Windows 7 or later. Computer hardware should include and an Nvidia GeForce 1050 Ti or equivalent and an i7 Gen 6 processor or higher is recommended.

The full software package runs around $3,000, but there is a free upgrade if you already own FSX 2018. There are additional course packages available for an additional fee.


Pros
Cons
  • Good graphics
  • Club fitting mode has great data
  • Game play is solid
  • 100+ courses
  • Famous courses
  • Skills challenges
  • Only for Foresight equipment
  • Complicated pricing packages

Awesome Golf

My Experience Using Awesome Golf

Sporting more of a video game look and feel, Awesome Golf is one of the most affordable yet complete golf simulator software options on the market. It includes a driving range with a variety of modes, several different challenge modes, shoot outs and virtual golf. There are four courses included with the software. All in, there are 13 different game modes you can play.

There is a driving range version available if you are looking to use this for your business. It can integrate with food and beverage systems and does not require a minimum number of bays to install. It allows for the installation of a net in front of the bay to reduce the need to pick the range in wet or snowy conditions.

83% of owners surveyed in our study would buy Awesome golf again and 100% said it was easy to install and use. A quote from one owner was

"Coaching mode is awesome, wish you could save data from sessions. It is great family entertainment and since the software is not very demanding so you can play it from most laptops and PCs even if they aren't equipped with high-end components."

Compatibility and System Requirements
Awesome Golf has a PC and iOS version and licenses are multi-platform. The computer hardware requirements are pretty minimal and a 7th gen Intel CPU should be sufficient. Awesome Golf is only available for FlightScope and Garmin launch monitor at the current time.

Awesome Golf has one of the most affordable and simple pricing models. It is currently $350 for a lifetime subscription. It also comes with a 14 day free trial.

Pros
Cons
  • Great value
  • Very good training mode
  • Interesting games and competition
  • Lower system requirements
  • Video game type graphics
  • Limited courses

Creative Golf 3D

My Experience with Creative Golf

Creative Golf has about 130 courses, and while a handful of the real ones are from the United States, most of their courses are primarily located in Europe. The software has many different modes. You can play golf, practice, participate in challenges, play demolition golf and even play in online tournaments. It is one of the few that offers miniature golf options where all you do is putt.

100% of owners reported that they would buy the software again and that the software was easy to install and use. We got a very comprehensive review from one owner in the survey that told us the following.

"I used the 3D golf demo on PC with one course. Graphics were good, software not demanding. Felt less in-depth, and less hardcore, than E6. Although I think most of the same stats and features are available on the full version. Feels much more realistic on out-of-bounds or weird hero type shots from the rough and near obstacles than E6 or awesome golf. I did not like practice modes or game modes as much as awesome golf, but I think there are more offerings in course, type of mini game, stats, etc than in E6 or awesome golf"

Compatibility and System Requirements
Creative Golf 3D is only available on a PC. Minimum PC requirements include Windows 7 or higher (64bit), 2GB of memory, 1GB of VRAM, and 2.5GHz processing speed are needed. Creative Golf 3D works on launch monitor products from Foresight Sports, SkyTrack, Uneekor and FlightScope.

There are many pricing options and packages ranging from $300 to $1,500.

Pros
Cons
  • Wide compatibility
  • Well rounded offering
  • Low entry price
  • Accurate courses and physics
  • Golfsimo add on is confusing
  • Not the best graphics
  • Limited courses

Uneekor Refine

My Thoughts on Uneekor Refine

Each Uneekor launch monitor comes included with software called Ignite. It has a driving range that will show you both ball and club data on each of your shots. Upgrading to Refine or Refine+ brings in a number of additional features.

The Uneekor Refine upgrade includes additional driving range features, a short game practice capability, five (5) simulated courses and a multi-player mode. One of the simulated courses is Bay Hill.

The upgrade also includes a lake range, target range, and a peak range. The short game feature is likely the best upgrade as it lets you practice all sorts of shots, see things like spin rates, and challenge others. Refine+ will add another 15 courses you can play with up to 6 players.

Compatibility and System Requirements
You’ll need a Uneekor launch monitor and a PC with a minimum of an Intel i5 8400, 8GB of RAM, at least the GeForce GTX 1060, and Windows 10 (64-bit).

Pricing is straight forward with the Refine package coming in around $1,000 and Refine+ being around $2,000.

Pros
Cons
  • Great training modes
  • Practice on courses
  • Short game complex
  • Very good graphics
  • Only works on Uneekor
  • Expensive
  • Limited courses

World Golf Tour (WGT)

My Experience Using WGT

Originally a PC based video game that focused on ultra-realistic course imagery, WGT is a fantastic looking golf simulator software package. It boasts many different famous courses including Bethpage Black, Harbor Town, Congressional, St Andrews, and many others.

As a widely used game, it has great features on top of the fantastic courses. WGT offers stroke play, closest-to-the-pin challenges, and a practice range. It does not offer a lot in terms of customization beyond wind speed, green speed, and pin locations. You can view ball data such as distance, speed, spin rate, launch, and other metrics via your launch monitor.

Compatibility and System Requirements
You can play WGT via Steam for the PC or on an iPad. For a PC, you'll need Windows 8 or higher, at least an Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent, 4 GB RAM and a dedicated GPU. If you are playing on iOS, you’ll need to download the WGT Golf Mobile iOS app from the App Store before you can get started.

Pros
Cons
  • Accurate and famous courses
  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Works on iOS
  • Much improved graphics
  • Limited course adjustments
  • Not many courses
  • WGT golf best practice mode is weak

Jack Nicklaus Perfect Golf

My Thoughts on Perfect Golf

We did not have any buyer responses in our survey indicating they had purchased Perfect Golf, but we are reviewing it as an up and comer. Jack Nicklaus Perfect Golf is available for download on STEAM and it requires a separate license for simulated play.

Before we go any further, we need to stress that this software is very much a work in progress. It will continue to develop, and improve. But we are very impressed with what we’ve seen so far.

The ultra-realistic graphics are exceptional, and the ball-flight physics are very accurate. It comes with a driving range, practice facility, and more than 12 courses. By upgrading your subscription, you can also access user-generated designs and play additional courses.

Compatibility and System Requirements
Jack Nicklaus Perfect Golf requires Windows XP or higher, a video card with 512MB of ram and a core duo @ 3.00 GHz.

Pros
Cons
  • Excellent graphics
  • Good game physics
  • 20 different play modes
  • Unlimited assist combinations
  • Still in development
  • Uncertain compatibility

Fitness Golf

My Thoughts on Fitness Golf

Fitness Golf is exactly what it sounds like - software that combines golf and fitness. Its focus is to allow a player to get a full aerobic workout, using any treadmill or bike, while playing a simulated round of golf.

You can play in one of three modes: Golf only, Fitness Golf, or Fitness only. Golf only is a regular simulated round of golf with no exercise required. With Fitness Golf mode, you must run, walk, or bike your distance hit before making your next shot. With Fitness Only mode, you run, walk, or bike on any course with no golfing required. It comes with a foot pod you place on your shoe to track the fitness portion of the game.

Golf only allows four players at once and fitness golf mode allows two players to play at the same time. You can choose your tee, pin difficulty, weather, wind, and time of day. It has pretty good graphics and comes with ~160 courses. About 100 of those courses are based on famous courses from around the world.

Compatibility and System Requirements
Fitness golf requires Windows 7+ an Intel Core i5, i7 or equivalent CPU, 8 GB RAM, and a graphics card at the Nvidia GTX 670 or higher along with 1GB hard drive space.


Pros
Cons
  • Combined fitness and golf
  • Unclear pricing
  • Old video game appearance

ProTee Play

My Thoughts on ProTee

With more of a video game interface, ProTee focuses more on entertainment than realistic simulated play. It has more than a dozen different game modes from bowling to darts to zombies. It reminds me of some of the games at Top Golf or Drive Shack.

Compatibility and System Requirements
ProTee Play requires Windows 7 (32bit or 64bit) or higher, an Intel Core i5 or equivalent, 4 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 670 or AMD 7850 w/ 2GB or higher. It runs on the ProTee or SkyTrack launch monitor.

Prices range from $150 to $400 for the software.

OptiShot Golf

My Experience Using OptiShot Golf

Only compatible with an OptiShot, it comes with around fifteen (15) courses and a driving range. It is very easy to setup and you can connect it to a projector or television to watch the game play.

Compatibility and System Requirements
Windows Vista, 7 or higher. You'll need 3GB hard drive space, 4GB of ram and at least an integrated graphics card.

Pros
Cons
  • Inexpensive entry point
  • High customer satisfaction
  • Easy to use
  • Company investing in higher end models
  • High buyer satisfaction
  • Only works on OptiShot
  • Hardware is limited in what it tracks

What to Look for In Golf Simulator Software
There are many factors you should consider when purchasing golf simulator software. You are not going to be playing EA Sports Golf on your simulator. We are sharing this buying guide to help you get the best golf simulator software for your launch monitor. Getting the best golf simulator software means evaluating the features you need to ensure the purchase will provide everything you want. The below buying guide provides six key items to consider:

  • Compatibility
  • Features
  • Graphics
  • Budget
  • Game Modes
  • Multiplayer Capability

Compatibility
We start with compatibility. If the golf simulator software isn't going to work with your launch monitor, it won't do you any good. We think the software companies should do a better job calling out compatible launch monitors. If yours isn't listed, it doesn't mean it won't work, but be careful checking to see if others have had success connecting to a particular device before you buy it.

Features
The features you need wil depend a lot on how you plan to use your golf simulator. If you are mostly focused on training, look for software with interesting challenges and data to keep you focused. If you want to play online, make sure the software supports that. Some have online tournaments and others allow for connection via Discord.

Graphics
You are likely either going to get photo-realistic graphics or video game looking images. If you have a strong preference for one over the other, look at screenshots of the software you are considering before making a purchase.

Budget
Some packages can run several thousand dollars and others are available for a few hundred. They offer both annual subscriptions and lifetime licenses. Many offer a free trial to test the software before you commit your hard earned money to the purchase.

Game Modes and Practice Features
Game modes include both online play modes like scrambles, stroke play, and match play. Practice modes are a variety of skills challenges, driving range features, and short game practice. Also look to see stats, ability to save profiles, online versus local play, and downloading your data.

Multiplayer Capability
Last but not least is to think about the number of players you'll have playing at once and make sure that the software will support your needs.

Golf Course Simulator Software FAQ's

How Long Does it Take to Play 18 Holes?

On average it takes an hour for one individual to play 18 holes of golf, or 4 hours for a group of 4 to play 18 holes on a single golf simulator. That may vary based on how fast the simulator generates images and how quickly folks play.

How much does golf simulator software cost?

Golf simulator software costs can vary widely depending on the features and launch monitor you are using. Prices can range from $300 at the low end to several thousand dollars at the high end.

Can I use more than one golf simulator software?

You can have more than one software package that you can play on your launch monitor. You will not be able to play multiple games at the same time. You will only be able to log in and use one golf simulator software package at a time.

Why are there multiple prices on golf simulator software?

Golf simulator software may have a purchase price and an annual subscription to cover the cost of support and improvement over time. There may also be different course extensions and optional add-ons you can purchase. Lastly, there may also be a lifetime purchase versus annual subscription. Pay close attention so you know what you are buying.
Thanks for reading - you may also enjoy our golf simulator forum on Reddit:

Golf Simulator Forum
 
You may also find a couple of our other golf articles interesting and relevant:
 
Best Golf Simulator Hitting Mats
Build a Home Golf Simulator
Golf Impact Screens and Enclosures
Golf Simulator Man Caves

About The Author

Lem Clevenger is a lifelong golfer with over 40 years of experience playing and buying the latest golf equipment. He has reviewed golf equipment for over 10 years and runs a golf simulator forum with over 18,000 followers. Lem is passionate about helping golfers of all levels improve their game and is always looking for the latest and greatest golf equipment to help them do so.
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.