
Simulators
Simulator Amenities
Modern golf simulators aren’t just about practicing your swing – they’re full-featured venues with a range of amenities. Common features:
- Food and Beverage: Many simulator lounges offer food service, snacks and a full bar, making them a great choice for social outings.
- Entertainment Screens: Large TVs and additional screens are often available so groups can watch sports or entertainment while playing.
- 24/7 Operation: Some facilities offer key card access for members, enabling play at any time of day.
- Bays: Simulators are generally set up in private or semi-private hitting bays. The number of bays can differ from one venue to the other.
- Local Leagues and Events: Many venues run leagues, tournaments or weekly competitions, offering a social and competitive twist.
- Fittings and Lessons: Some simulators collaborate with golf professionals or retailersto offer club fittings, lessons, and coaching.
- Rental Clubs: If you don’t have your own clubs, most facilities rent out club sets for a small fee.
- Fitness: Some facilities include fitness areas or training equipment to help golfers build strength, flexibility and overall performance.
- Putting green: Many venues feature indoor or synthetic putting greens, allowing players to work on their short game between simulator rounds.
- Parking: Availability varies by location.
Simulator Platforms/Launch Monitors
Platform / System | Type | Key Benefits |
TrackMan | Radar Launch Monitor | Tour-level accuracy, dual radar and camera, immersive software |
Foresight | Camera Launch Monitor | Industry-leading precision, great indoors, detailed club and ball data |
SkyTrak+ | Camera + Doppler Launch Monitor | Accurate, integrates with E6, TGC 2019, FSX |
HD Golf | Simulation Software + Camera Sensors | Fully immersive graphics, real-course play, built-in swing analysis |
Uneekor EYE XO / QED | Overhead Camera Launch Monitor | Excellent for fixed indoor setups, real-time club and ball tracking |
Golfzon | Proprietary Launch + Software | Premium all-in-one system with moving swing plate and auto-tee |
SkyCaddie SkyTrak | Launch Monitor | Compact and integrates with multiple sim platforms |
FlightScope Mevo+ | Radar Launch Monitor | Portable, works indoors/outdoors, includes simulation options |
Swing Caddie | Radar Launch Monitor | Versatile golf launch monitor and simulator that provides both Doppler radar and visual swing analysis data. |
Garmin Approach R10 | Radar Launch Monitor | Ultra-portable, compatible with E6 and other simulator software |
Key Metrics Measured by Launch Monitors
Launch monitors track every detail of a shot, providing golfers with valuable feedback to enhance their performance. Common measurements include:
- Ball speed: How fast the ball travels immediately after impact.
- Launch angle: The angle at which the ball leaves the clubface relative to the ground.
- Spin rate: The level of spin on the ball as it travels through the air.
- Carry distance: The distance the ball travels before it lands.
- Total distance: The entire distance the ball travels, including roll.
- Clubhead speed: The speed of the clubhead at impact.
- Smash factor: The ratio of ball speed to clubhead speed, indicating how effectively energy is transferred.
This information helps golfers refine their swings, select the right equipment, and maximize every practice session..
Simulator Etiquette Tips
When using indoor golf simulators or off-course facilities, keep these points in mind:
- Follow the rules: Observe posted safety and facility guidelines.
- Manage your time: Stay within your booking and finish on time so the next group can start promptly.
- Keep it clean: Return equipment neatly and leave the space as tidy as you found it.
- Control the noise: Keep conversations and phone use at a reasonable volume.
- Share the space: When using a shared bay, take turns and communicate clearly with others.