Golf Simulator Software: Which to Choose?

Your guide to the best golf simulator software. E6 Connect/Apex, GSPro, TGC 2019 (discontinued), Creative Golf 3D, Awesome Golf, and native options like Trackman, Uneekor, Foresight (FSX Play), FlightScope, Garmin, and ProTee Labs. Which is best for your indoor golf setup? Compare the key differences to narrow it down.

Software is a key component of a golf simulator. Without it, you cannot physically see how your shot would fly through the air, where it would land, club and ball data, and so on.

It takes in all that club and ball data provided by your launch monitor, digests it, and spits it out on a beautifully simulated driving range or virtual golf course.

Some basic and free golf simulation software offers just a driving range, while other higher end software offers full virtual course play, training tools, mini games, and extensive customization.

In our latest video, we break down the most important differences that actually affect your day-to-day simulator experience: course realism, training features, pricing models, ease of use, course libraries, hardware requirements, and whether swing camera support is built in (or not).

Watch the video summary

Comparing Golf Simulator Software

• Course play vs. practice: Do you want immersive rounds on great-looking courses, laser-focused training tools, or a mix of both?
• Graphics and realism: Some options focus on “wow” visuals and true-to-life lighting/terrain, while others keep things more basic but still fun.
• Ball physics: The way the ball bounces, rolls out, and reacts can feel dramatically different from one program to the next.
• Training modes: Range sessions, skills challenges, club/ball data views, and tools that help you actually improve.
• Family-friendly games: Mini games and arcade-style modes can make the simulator easier to enjoy with kids or casual players.
• Swing camera support: Some software supports swing cameras directly, while others don’t (meaning you’ll rely on your launch monitor’s tools instead).
• Compatibility: Third-party software may work with multiple launch monitors, while native software is built for a specific brand.
• Pricing: Some are one-time purchases, others are annual subscriptions, and some offer multiple tiers depending on your needs.
• Course count and availability: Quantity matters, but so does course quality. Some libraries are professionally built, others are user-created with varying results.
• What you’re running it on: Some software expects a capable gaming PC; others can run on a tablet or mobile device.

Outside of the basic software that comes with each launch monitor, Carl’s Place offers the most popular golf simulator software options.

Third-Party vs. Native Software

In general, you’ll be choosing between:

• Third-party software: Works with multiple launch monitors, but requires a separate purchase. Popular options include GSPro, TGC 2019 (discontinued), E6 Connect/Apex, Creative Golf 3D, and Awesome Golf.
• Native software: Built for a specific launch monitor brand, often offering tight integration and reliable performance, but usually with less flexibility for switching hardware later.

Quick Highlights From Our Testing

If you want a shortcut before you dive into the full comparison sheet, here are the most “real-world” takeaways from the video.

GSPro

GSPro is one of the most popular third-party options right now because it balances realism, customization, and value. It’s an annual subscription (currently $250/year) and offers a huge course library with strong graphics, assuming your computer can keep up.

• What it’s best at: Overall value, realistic ball behavior, and lots of variety through user-created courses and game modes.
• What to know: Course quality can vary since many are user-designed, but the top-rated courses are often excellent.
• Customization: Extensive settings for weather, time of day, season, green speeds (stimp), pin locations, tee boxes, and more.
• Swing camera note: GSPro does not support swing cameras within the software, so you’ll want to check your launch monitor’s camera/replay tools if swing video is important to you.

TGC 2019 (Discontinued)

TGC 2019 was a long-time favorite for golfers who wanted access to a massive library of courses and a one-time purchase instead of a yearly subscription. While the software has been discontinued, many users still run it in offline mode for local play.

• Online play: Online multiplayer and connected features are no longer supported.
• Local play: Still works for solo rounds and offline use on your own system.
• Why it was popular: Huge course variety, no recurring fees, and a familiar simulator experience.

If you’re looking for a more future-ready option with active updates and online features, GSPro and E6 Apex are better long-term choices.

E6 Connect and Apex

E6 Connect has been a staple for years, and TruGolf’s newer Apex platform aims to modernize the experience. In our testing notes, E6 stands out for reliable course quality because courses are professionally built (not user-generated), and Apex shows a noticeable jump in visual quality - especially for higher resolution setups.

• What it’s best at: Consistent course builds, realistic ball physics, and a range of pricing options.
• What to know: Customization is available, but generally not as deep as GSPro.
• Hardware flexibility: Can be a strong fit for specific use cases like running software on an iPad instead of a PC.

Creative Golf 3D and Awesome Golf

These options tend to shine for casual players and families. They offer fun game modes and a lighter, more arcade-style experience, while still including course play.

• What it’s best at: Family-friendly mini games, variety beyond “serious golf,” and an easy on-ramp for new golfers.
• What to know: Graphics and course depth usually won’t match the more simulation-first options.

Native Software Notes: A Few Standouts

Native software can be a great experience when you want tight integration with your launch monitor brand. Here are a few key points from the video that are worth knowing as you compare options.

Foresight: FSX Play

FSX Play is included with Foresight launch monitors and is designed to be easy to navigate while still offering a premium simulation feel. In the video, we call out that it includes driving ranges and a set number of courses (25), with optional add-on courses available (often at a higher price per course).

• What it’s best at: High-end, data-driven simulation with a user-friendly interface.
• Swing camera support: Supports swing camera use, but the video notes only one camera at a time.
• Customization: Solid options (time of day, wind, stimp), without overwhelming you with settings.

Uneekor: View and Refine

If your goal is getting better at golf, Uneekor’s software tools are a standout. We appreciate the training-focused feature set: strong club and ball feedback (including club data with stickers), customizable data views, multi-window setups, and swing replay tools that let you draw lines and analyze angles.

• What it’s best at: Training, feedback, and swing analysis.
• Favorite feature mentioned: Slow-motion replay through impact (great for understanding swing path).
• Extras: Can integrate cameras (including options beyond Uneekor-branded cameras) and additional training tools like stance/weight distribution mats.

Trackman: TPS

Trackman’s simulator software is a premium experience with highly detailed course rendering and realistic lighting. The engaging game modes feel fun without being gimmicky.

• What it’s best at: Premium, immersive course play and a robust overall experience.
• Game modes: Mini games and competitive challenges that keep practice sessions engaging.
• Why it’s a favorite: Excellent quality across the board. Courses, graphics, and overall experience.

Garmin: Home Tee Hero

Home Tee Hero stands out for course selection and accessibility. The graphics are simpler, but it’s straightforward and can be run through a mobile device, making it a practical option if you don’t want to invest in a gaming PC right away.

FlightScope and ProTee Labs

FlightScope’s software leans training-first and is available across devices, with upgrade paths for more data and face impact tools. ProTee Labs is described as a more scaled-back training setup focused on practice, with helpful slow-motion visuals and feedback tools depending on the hardware.

Golf Simulator Software Comparison Sheet

View our direct comparison between all the golf simulator software offered at Carl’s Place.

Conclusion

The “best” golf simulator software depends on what you actually do most in your simulator. If you want the best third-party value and broad compatibility, GSPro is hard to beat. If you’re serious about improving your swing, Uneekor’s training tools are among the best available. And if you want a premium native experience with top-tier visuals and polished gameplay, Trackman sets the bar high.

Which software do you use (or plan on trying) in your simulator? Let us know in the comments.