- Golf simulator software at a glance
- Nine golf simulator software options worth a look
- Matching software to your setup
- How big off-course golf has become
- Compatibility comes first
- Questions to ask before you choose
- Home setups and commercial bays
- My plain advice on golf simulator software
- Frequently asked questions
Golf simulator software turns your launch monitor's ball and club data into virtual courses, driving ranges and games. Some is made by launch monitor brands for their own hardware, some works with many devices and some comes as part of a complete simulator. Nine options follow, in no particular order.
Most people spend weeks choosing a launch monitor and an afternoon choosing the software, then discover the software decides which courses they can play, how realistic the putting feels and whether friends can join online.
The options below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and each description comes from the provider's own website or App Store listing, read this week. If you're new to the game, my guide to golf for beginners covers the basics first.
Golf simulator software at a glance
I checked the free plan column on each provider's own website or app store listing, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the page names a free plan, a free version, a free tier of questions, free membership or free listing. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the page I read named neither, even where there's a download button or a button inviting you to start, so check the provider's own page before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| aboutGOLF | Premium simulator and software | A premium bay from one company | Not stated |
| Awesome Golf | Launch monitor game app | Wide support for home launch monitors | Not stated |
| E6 Connect | Simulation and practice game | Full rounds plus short game ranges | Not stated |
| FSX Play | Launch monitor maker's software | Owners of Foresight launch monitors | Not stated |
| Golfboy | iPhone launch monitor app | Simulation without a dedicated sensor | Trial only |
| GOLFZON | Indoor simulator system | Commercial venues and training facilities | Not stated |
| GSPro | Community course simulator | A huge library of community courses | Not stated |
| Home Tee Hero | Launch monitor maker's software | Owners of Garmin launch monitors | Not stated |
| SkyTrak | Home simulator and course play | A home simulator in one package | Not stated |
Nine golf simulator software options worth a look
aboutGOLF
Best for: Buyers who want a premium simulator from one company, with its own courses, games, multisport sensor and enclosure options.
Awesome Golf
Best for: Owners of a home launch monitor from brands like Bushnell, Garmin, Rapsodo or Square Golf who want an app-based game.
E6 Connect
Best for: Players who want full tee-to-green rounds plus pitching, chipping and putting ranges, on an iPad or iPhone.
FSX Play
Best for: Foresight Sports owners who want the maker's own course play software, built around their launch monitor.
Golfboy
Best for: Beginners not ready for hardware who want to turn an iPhone and tripod into a launch monitor with simple course play.
GOLFZON
Best for: Owners of indoor golf businesses who want complete simulators with dual camera sensors and a library of more than 300 courses.
GSPro
Best for: Course collectors who want thousands of community-built, lidar-based courses and open software they can connect to other tools.
Home Tee Hero
Best for: Garmin launch monitor owners with a Garmin Golf membership who want tens of thousands of preloaded courses at home.
SkyTrak
Best for: Home golfers who want a launch monitor, course play software and a membership from one company, with practice ranges included.
Matching software to your setup
- You own a Garmin or Foresight launch monitor: Home Tee Hero, FSX Play.
- You want community-built courses: GSPro.
- You play on an iPad or phone: E6 Connect, Awesome Golf.
- You don't own a launch monitor yet: Golfboy.
- You run a golf business: GOLFZON, aboutGOLF.
How big off-course golf has become
The National Golf Foundation says 48.1 million Americans aged 6 and over played golf in 2025. Of those, 19 million played only off-course, at places like driving ranges, indoor golf simulators and golf entertainment venues.
That's a lot of people swinging at a screen, and it explains why the software side has grown so quickly. For home owners and venues alike, the software you choose now matters as much as the hardware.
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Compatibility comes first
Not every program works with every launch monitor. Some makers' software only runs with their own devices, while other programs list a wide range of supported monitors. Check the exact model you own, not just the brand.
Check your computer or tablet too. Some programs list minimum graphics and memory needs for smooth play, and a few don't support every iPad or Mac chip.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Does it support my exact launch monitor model, and every feature of it?
- Which courses are included, and which need a membership?
- Can I play online with friends or join leagues?
- Does my computer, tablet or phone meet the listed requirements?
- Is there a trial, so I can test putting and chipping before committing?
Home setups and commercial bays
Home users usually want course play, practice ranges and the option to join friends online. Venues need sturdy systems, booking-friendly game modes and support when a bay goes down on a busy night.
- Courses: how many, and how they're built.
- Practice tools: ranges, short game areas and stats.
- Online play: leagues, events and leaderboards.
- Subscriptions: some features need a membership on top of the software.
Do you make golf simulator or launch monitor software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on golf simulator software
Start with what your launch monitor supports, then choose between course variety, realism and ease of use. Try the maker's own software first if you have it, and look at community course libraries if variety keeps you playing through winter.
Running a golf venue? My tips on how to improve your sports marketing will help fill the bays.
Frequently asked questions
What is golf simulator software?
It turns launch monitor data into virtual courses, ranges and games on a screen or projector.
Does golf simulator software work with any launch monitor?
No, check the exact launch monitor model each program supports before you buy.
Is there free golf simulator software?
None of the options here names a free plan on the page read, and one names a free trial, so check the free plan column.
How many people play golf off-course?
The National Golf Foundation says 19 million Americans played only off-course golf in 2025.
Can I use golf simulator software on an iPad?
Some programs here run on an iPad or iPhone, but check the device list first.
Do I need a launch monitor at all?
One app here turns an iPhone and tripod into a launch monitor, which is a simple way to try simulator golf.
