Indoor golf has become a staple for amateur players and professionals alike, especially with the democratization of golf simulators and more recently the launch of TGL Golf. The question on many minds is: "How accurate are golf simulators?". As a cofounder of Screengolfers.com and a certified golf coach, I’ve seen firsthand how golf simulator software and launch monitors have evolved. Let's dive into their accuracy and review how reliable their data can be, as well as their visualization and overall experience.
What are launch monitors?
At the core of any golf simulator's accuracy are its launch monitors. They are designed to measure and analyze various aspects of a golf shot, providing real-time feedback for players. The industry observes a difference of 1-3% for the same shot on a simulator versus outside on the golf course (which is very precise).
Modern launch monitors use advanced technology like high-speed cameras, and radar to capture data. This data includes both club and ball data, such as ball speed, launch angle, carry distance, club path, attack angle, and smash factor, which are crucial for replicating real-world conditions, and analyzing your technique.
Launch monitors can function as standalone tools for golf coaching, fitting, and practice or be integrated into golf simulators for a complete virtual experience, such a a casual round of golf with your friends and some drinks after work, indoor golf leagues, or even proper golf tours like TrackMan's NEXT Golf Tour.
The main data points
Here is a breakdown of the main club movement and ball flight data points tracked my the main launch monitors:
| CLUB DATA | BALL DATA |
| Clubhead speed | Ball Speed |
| Club path | Launch angle |
| Face angle | Spin rate |
| Attack angle | Spin axis |
| Dynamic loft | Carry distance |
| Smash factor | Total distance |
| Lie angle | Apex height |
| Swing direction | Landing angle |
| Face impact location | Curve |
What can influence data quality?
Golf simulator data quality depends on multiple factors. Here is a list of the main sources that can cause data discrepancy:
- The type of technology used (radar vs camera-based)
- The software used and the current version (updates)
- Proper calibration, sensor alignment, and setup
- Lighting conditions
- Room dimensions (ceiling height...)
- Use of marked balles for spin tracking (Titleist RCT balls for example)
- Internet speed
- Your computer's performance (CPU, RAM, SSD, GPU...)
- The quality and the condition of the mats
- Really really bad shots
How do simulators replicate real courses?
Software
The realism of a golf simulator is often judged by the software's ability to mimic actual courses. Simulators offer high-definition graphics and precise topographical data. This means you can play a round at St. Andrews, TPC Sawgrass, or Pebble Beach with remarkable authenticity.
The top three third-party compatible golf simulator software options, known for their realism, accuracy, and feature set, are:
- GSPro,
- E6 Connect,
- TGC 2019 (The Golf Club).
Some manufacturers like TrackMan only accept their own proprietary software (TrackMan Virtual Golf).
Slope and lie
Beyond software, advanced simulators enhance realism by replicating course conditions, including slope and lie. Systems like Golfzon use moving swing plates to adjust a player’s stance according to the terrain, simulating uphill, downhill, and sidehill lies. Some setups also incorporate different turf textures to mimic fairways, rough, and bunkers, ensuring that every shot feels as close to real golf as possible.
In other words, accuracy isn't just about data points, or how faithful to reality virtual golf courses are, it's also about the sensations.
Limitations in putting & chipping
While golf simulators excel at full-swing shot accuracy, putting and short game remain the biggest weak spot. Most systems struggle to replicate the subtle nuances of green reading, speed control, and break, often reducing putting to a simplified aim-and-speed mechanic. Launch monitors rely on initial ball roll data, but without real-world green friction, grain, pitchmarks, and natural imperfections, results can feel inconsistent.
Without different turf textures introduced by Golfzon, Chipping and bunker shots also lack full realism, as hitting from a flat mat doesn’t fully replicate turf interaction. High-end simulators like TrackMan and Foresight GCQuad have improved short game tracking, but for now, treat these areas as approximations rather than precise training tools.
As for putting, ultra-precise systems like PuttView exist, but they cost sometimes more than the entire golf simulator, and they require additional space.
Are golf simulators accurate for swing analysis?
Yes. For those looking to give lessons indoors, improve their golf swing, or get fitted for new clubs, simulators provide reliable feedback. They analyze swing path, club head speed, and impact angle. This data is invaluable for players aiming to refine their technique.
When combined with swing video analysis apps like CoachView, or V1 Sports, coaches can simultaneously show you what you're doing wrong in your swing and how it translates in the data on the simulator. Here is another article I wrote where I explain how I use CoachView to fix golf swings.
Are scores accurate on simulators?
Many players report a 5 to 10 shot difference between their scores on the golf course compared to a simulator due to favorable lies on the mat, the fact that the simulator always locates your ball (less penalty strokes), and gives you putts under a certain distance.
I also believe that mental pressure is higher on a real golf course. A water hazard (or a bunker for people who hate playing in the sand shots) will always be more intimidating outside than on a screen.
Even though you can set weather and wind parameters on the simulator, weather conditions are more fluctuant and difficult to analyze correctly outside. The impact on ball flight and the score is more significant. Let's say you're on a golf course full of tall pine trees (like Aroeira near Lisbon where I usually play), from the tee box you might feel no wind but in reality the wind is against, and you'll end up 20 yards short of the green only feeling the wind when walking towards the green. On the simulator, the screen displays the speed of the wind, as well as the direction, so you can club up or down, and change your alignment accordingly.
The short answer is yes, they're a good indicator, and you can track your progress, but total scores on simulators are not accurate enough to claim bragging rights, or to calculate your handicap.
Top launch monitor brands
In 2025, brands like TrackMan, Foresight, Golfzon, Full Swing, Flightscope, Uneekor, and SkyTrak lead the launch monitor market with their cutting-edge technology.
Premium options
TrackMan's radar-based system, and Foresight's, or Golfzon's camera-based systems are renowned for their precision and user experience. They are the most popular high-end options.
Prices start at $14,000 with the Foresight Sports GCQuad, and can go up to $50,000 for the Golfzon TwoVision.
Cheaper options
SkyTrak, Full Swing, Uneekor, and Flightscope offer more affordable yet highly accurate alternatives. Prices start at $2,200 with the FlightScope Mevo+ (without the software, the subscription, and the accessories).
How accurate are the TGL Golf simulators?
A combination of Full Swing launch monitors and Top Tracer tracking technology powers TGL Golf simulators.
One of the main negative feedbacks expressed by viewers so far is the accuracy of the simulators used in the stadiums. The main debate revolves around TGL using Doppler radar-based launch monitors instead of camera-based systems.
After seeing Tiger Woods airmail the green with a wedge in his hand, and the simulator whiff on a shot hit by Tommy Fleetwood, fans have been expressing concerns about the capacity of the launch monitors to handle spin rate, and consequently distance control, and descent angle.
One one side, we have fans on social media (especially on X and Reddit), and expert websites like MyGolfSpy, arguing in favor of Foresight Sports. However, the company behind TGL, TMRW Sports, was cofounded by Tiger Woods, who entered into an exclusive partnership with Full Swing in 2015. It makes sense that TGL favors Full Swing launch monitors.
On the other side, Rory McIlroy explained to Golf Digest that he ran tests 90 minutes in the TGL stadium, comparing live with other launch monitors he regularly uses, and the numbers were the same.
“I went in there on Wednesday, and I brought two other launch monitors with me. I brought my GCQuad, I brought my TrackMan. Obviously, hitting balls into the screen and every number was virtually identical. That put my concerns to bed, which was really good. I hit balls in there for 90 minutes.”
Screengolfers' honest opinion: given that TGL Golf is a brand-new product launched in January 2025, it's perfectly normal for them not to get everything right from the start. What matters is their capacity to listen to feedback from fans, experts, media, and influencers. Opinions diverge between viewers and players for now, but if they are capable of improving the product, and clear the doubts on accuracy, it could be beneficial for the future of TGL.
What to remember?
Golf simulators are more accurate than ever in terms of data and virtual golf course design, offering a realistic and data-driven experience with a 1-3% difference with real-life measurements. However, it's important to acknowledge their limitations in replicating the short game, especially putting, and the total scores often lower on the simulator than on the golf course.
Whether you're a seasoned pro who wants to work on his swing during the off-season, or a beginner who wants to play some golf inside during a rainy day with your crew, simulators can provide accurate data, visualisation, and a real-enough experience for a more accessible price.
I look forward to see how manufacturers, and software developers are going to innovate, bridging the gap even more between virtual and real golf.
In the meantime, if you're looking for the best public golf simulators near you, check out the homepage of the website you're on right now: screengolfers.com! We help players find and book the best indoor golf simulators in their area among 1600 indoor golf venues listed in 4 countries (USA, Canada, England, and Australia).