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So, you’ve picked up a SkyTrak launch monitor. Maybe you’ve also set up a hitting area with a net or even a screen and projector, and you’re ready to start practicing your game.
The SkyTrak and SkyTrak Plus come with in-house software that offers a practice range, challenges, courses, and various game-improvement tools. But to get the best experience and largest selection of features, you’ll need a third-party solution.
There are many third-party software compatible with the SkyTrak, and each of them offer different features and game modes.
In this article, we’ll review and compare our choices for the best golf simulator software for SkyTrak across a range of different budgets. We’ll also provide a buying guide that will help you find the software solution that will best meet your needs.
Note: Golfstead has tested and/or conducted in-depth research into all of the software featured in this guide. Our editorial process for these rankings takes into account a mix of many factors which may include performance, features, usability, value for money, cost, and the general consensus from other users. The list that follows may be reassessed or updated over time.
Our Top Picks For SkyTrak Software
Based on our own testing, research and experience, here are our top selections:
1. The Golf Club 2019
The Golf Club 2019 (TGC 2019) is only usable on PC, but there are several reasons why we rank it at the top:
- It has a huge course selection that allows golfers to play practically any golf course they can dream of.
- It has plenty of features including local multiplayer and robust online competition.
- It has great graphics, lighting, and sound effects.
- It’s relatively affordable.
With TGC 2019, you have your typical practice range, but you also have numerous multiplayer modes, online tournaments and events, and you can even design your own course!
Course Selection
TGC 2019 has a massive selection of courses: over 170,000. Any world-famous course that you can think of — Augusta, Pinehurst #2, Torrey Pines, Pebble Beach, etc. — is at your fingertips.
However, while some of these are premium courses, many are user-designed, and many are slight variations or takes on the same real-world course.
For this reason, it can be a bit difficult to sift through the course replicas and find the one that you like the best or that you think is the most accurate.
Features
With The Golf Club 2019, you can:
- play online (with strangers, friends or family) and compete in live worldwide tournaments
- play multiplayer locally
- access the TGC library of over 170,000 courses
- do range, chipping or putting practice
Play formats include stroke, stableford, four ball, match play, skins, and alternate shot. TGC has a cool feature that allows up to 4 players in a multiplayer setting to hit their shots at the same time.
Lastly, you can design your own course. A special editor allows you to customize everything in detail from the theme to the terrain and layout.
If this is something you think you could have fun with, you could end up playing your own custom-created course with your SkyTrak simulator.
Take a look at the features and graphics of The Golf Club 2019 in the video below:
Graphics
As you will probably agree from the video above, the graphics of TGC 2019 are some of the best that current golf simulation software has to offer. In our view, they are similar to those of E6 CONNECT but have richer contrast and better lighting, with more of a “production value” quality to them.
One of the great things about TGC 2019 is that it supports screen resolutions up to 4K UHD. If you can play at this resolution, you’ll be amazed at the sharpness, clarity and detail of the environments.
Requirements
To use TGC, you’ll first need a ST or ST+ system with the Essential Plan. The plan costs $129.95/year, but one free year is included with most SkyTrak simulator packages.
Next, you’ll need a subscription to TGC 2019. You should know that this is much more affordable than the Expanded version of E6 CONNECT.
The Golf Club 2019 can only be run on PC (Windows). For information about minimum and recommended requirements for running the software, go to this page.
2. GSPro
Caution: The use of GSPro with the SkyTrak is not officially supported. However, it can be integrated via a special interface that is downloadable online. More on that below.
GSPro is a software that is designed to be ultra-realistic with advanced ball physics and 4K graphics.
In most golfing communities today, the general consensus is that GSPro is the best software to use for golf simulators including SkyTrak. Why?
- it has the most realistic physics and graphics
- there is a sizeable selection of excellent courses and each recreation is of very high quality
- it offers powerful community features including a course builder and the ability to participate in online virtual tours
- it’s more affordable than comparable simulator software solutions
Course Selection
Practically all of the courses GSPro offers have been created by users using the Open Platform Course Designer (OPCD).
Currently, over 1100 courses are available for play. Almost all of them are real-world courses, many of which are world-famous. Notables include:
- Pinehurst No. 2
- Pebble Beach
- Torrey Pines South Course
- The Old Course at St. Andrews
- Valhalla
- Whistling Straits
- Royal St. George’s Golf Club
GSPro courses are free to download and use LIDAR modelling to produce some of the most accurate recreations available.
Features
GSPro currently has five main modes:
- Local Match: play a course of your choosing by yourself or with other local players.
- Practice: for driving range or on-course practice sessions.
- Challenges: play various skill-based challenges including distance challenges, long drive, and Operation 36, which helps golfers shoot par (36) in a 9-hole round.
- Tournaments: participate in tours and tournaments that you sign up for through Simulator Golf Tour (SGT).
- Online Match: join or create a room and play courses with other users around the world.
Possible game modes include stroke, stableford, scramble, best ball, alternate shot, and match play.
Watch Golf Simulator Videos take you through the new v3 update for GSPro:
SGT allows you to compete in the PGA, WEB, AutoPutt and Pro tours which hold weekly tournaments. Course flyovers are also possible.
One of the things we love most about GSPro is that you can pick any spot on any hole of any golf course and practice shots from that location.
Graphics
The graphics of GSPro are really good — on the same tier as TGC 2019 and E6 CONNECT. 4K is supported, which is great. We especially like the texture of the turf and the sharpness of the foliage.
Having said that, we do find the lighting to be a bit flat, and the roll of the ball can feel quite unnatural, especially on slow greens. However, the developers have improved ball physics in the recent v3 update and will continue to improve the graphics over time.
Requirements
The minimum system requirements for GSPro include a GTX 970 graphics card, 8GB of RAM, and 4GB of storage space.
The GSPro software (PC only) should be purchased on the official website, selecting the “Other (OpenAPI)” option in the drop-down menu. It costs $250/year and includes updates for the life of the subscription.
After you download and install the software using the license key provided to you, you’ll need to join the Simulator Golf Tour Discord group and select a particular SkyTrak help category. There, you can download the SkyTrak interface necessary to connect GSPro.
For more details on connecting GSPro with the SkyTrak, go here.
3. E6 CONNECT
E6 CONNECT by TruGolf ranks highly on our list because of its quality and diverse range of features. Not only do you have the typical driving range and practice area, but you also have full course play, mini-games, real-time peer-to-peer play, and online events.
If you want to have fun with friends or by yourself, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to find something in this software.
Course Selection
The Basic Subscription to E6 CONNECT comes with 15 courses on iOS and 27 on PC. Notable courses include Bethpage Black, Bay Hill, Mauna Kea, Torrey Pines, and Pinehurst #2.
The reality is that this isn’t a whole lot of courses. However, an annual Expanded Subscription will give you access to all 90+ courses that the software has to offer, and this is a decent amount.
One of the strengths about E6 CONNECT is how realistic and accurate the course recreations are. They are mapped with LiDAR laser scanning technology.
Features
In addition to being able to practice on a virtual driving range and chip and putt on a hole of your choice, E6 CONNECT offers an array of mini-games and game modes including long drive, closest to the pin, henyett, stroke play, best ball, and scramble.
There is a whole host of settings that you can use to customize your experience. You can adjust things like mulligans, gimmie ranges, average ball speeds, ball size, course conditions, and much more.
Get a taste of E6 CONNECT in the video below:
You can adjust factors that influence difficulty such as wind and green speeds, and you’re able to display green elevation and break lines if you so choose.
There’s also peer-to-peer play: turn-based competition that can handle up to eight players.
Graphics
The graphics of E6 CONNECT are very good, with a realistic, high-fidelity look that is 4K compatible. However, compared to other software options like WGT and TGC 2019, they lack some contrast.
Still, it’s some of the best graphics available for SkyTrak simulator software. And the fact that you also get both a fun, feature-rich experience means you won’t be left wanting.
Requirements
E6 CONNECT requires the SkyTrak Essential Plan at $129.95/year. The software can be run on PC and iOS. You’ll also need a subscription to E6 CONNECT: either Basic or Expanded.
For information about supported devices, as well as Windows compatibility and the minimum specs you’ll need to run the software, go to this page.
4. Creative Golf
This is a fun piece of golf software that, in addition to having standard features like course play and challenges, has unique game modes such as demolition golf and “fairy tale” golf for kids.
If you’re more interested in the entertainment side of golf simulation as opposed to photo-realistic graphics with highly accurate golf course renditions, Creative Golf (formerly known as Creative Golf 3D) is an excellent option.
Course Selection
The base version of Creative Golf comes with 15 real golf courses and 19 entertainment and practice golf courses. Real courses include:
- The Oxfordshire Golf (England)
- The Royal Selangor Golf Club (Malaysia)
- Kingsville Golf & Country Club (Canada)
- Rush Creek Golf Club (USA)
- Golf Bluegreen Pléneuf-Val-André (France)
- GCC Dachstein-Tauern (Austria)
- Golfclub München Eichenried (Germany)
- Black Stork Golf Resort (Slovakia)
With an additional purchase, you can access the Creative Golf Course Library which contains 140+ additional European and international golf courses.
The graphics aren’t the greatest, but the environments and geographical features seem very accurate. Course recreations are based on elevation and satellite data.
Features
Here’s a run-through of the modes and game types:
- Training: Practice on a driving range or chip and putt on a course of your choice.
- Course Play: You can choose the course, game type (stroke, match play, etc), and number of players.
- Challenges: You can participate in competitions locally (with friends or family) including closest-to-the-pin and long drive.
- Mini Games: Play fairy tale golf (altered environment, larger holes, etc), mini golf (putting), and demolition golf (hit windows of old buildings).
- Online Game: Play a game type and course of your choice with anyone in the world. A Discord community is available to join.
- Tournaments: Join tournaments listed on the tournament server and compete with players around the world.
Take a look at the official trailer below:
Graphics
The graphics are decent, but definitely not as good as software like WGT or E6 CONNECT. You also have to consider the fact that modes like “fairy tale golf” will have graphical elements that are unconventional and unrealistic.
You can tell that Creative Golf is more of a “game” than a photo-realistic simulation, but that won’t matter to many people. What’s important is having fun, being able to see your shots and the consequences of those shots.
Requirements
Creative Golf has come out with numerous updates to their software (V2.9 and beyond) since the first release, with additions such as cloud tournaments, terrain influence, world ranking, an online game mode, and new courses.
To use the software, you’ll need the SkyTrak or SkyTrak+ launch monitor with the Essential Plan.
Then you’ll need a license to the software — you can pay an annual fee (less than $600) to unlock all features, and pay an additional fee to access the course library.
Creative Golf can only be run on PC. For more information including minimum system requirements, go to this page.
5. ProTee Play
This software would not be our first choice for SkyTrak users, but it offers a unique experience that can be appealing to some.
ProTee Play refers to itself as “the next-generation, cloud-based golf gaming and entertainment system”.
While the software offers a driving range and typical modes like long drive and closest to the pin, its main draw is its large selection of fun, unconventional, kid-friendly games. These include:
- Lonely Desert Range: practice your swing in the desert and avoid hitting wild camels.
- Zombie Golf: kill zombies to stay alive.
- Pub Darts: hit a dartboard as close to the center as possible.
- Demolition Range: hit targets for points and set records on leaderboards.
- Soccer Golf Kids: beat the goalkeeper and score as many goals as possible.
- Aircraft Carrier Range: try to stay out of the water and avoid hitting fighter jets overhead.
See the software in action in this video:
ProTee Play does not offer renditions of real-world golf courses like other software. Minigames are its focus: at least 20 different games are available for play, while additional games can be purchased at extra cost.
What’s nice about ProTee Play is that not only does it support resolutions up to 4K UHD, but it’s played through your web browser in the cloud. Graphics are quite good. The software has been designed to work well with interactive touchscreens and digital displays.
As an extra layer of fun and engagement, you can track your performance on online leaderboards and compete with other players from around the world.
The Essential Plan is required to access ProTee Play on the SkyTrak system. The integration is purchased through the SkyTrak store, with PC specs of at least Windows 10, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 graphics card recommended.
ProTee Play can be a fantastic choice for users looking for fun, kid-friendly minigames at an affordable cost. For full details on the integration, go here.
Buying Guide
Investing in good software for your SkyTrak simulator that will meet your needs is very important. If you have software that doesn’t allow you to play with friends or isn’t supported on your preferred device, for example, it can really put a damper on your enjoyment.
Fortunately, SkyTrak offers numerous third-party options, each with different capabilities. It’s important to consider all the factors that will affect your experience and match it with what your goals are.
Here are the most important factors you need to consider when determining which simulator software to get for your SkyTrak or SkyTrak+ system:
1. Compatibility
What is your preferred operating system for running SkyTrak? Windows (laptop), iOS or Android? This will determine what software you can even use in the first place.
If you use a PC, most if not all options will be available to you including TGC 2019, E6 CONNECT, and Creative Golf.
We wouldn’t recommend relying on an Android device for your SkyTrak simulator because most third-party solutions don’t support it. For the most flexibility, a PC is highly recommended.
Check to make sure that the software you’re interested in is compatible with your device, and make sure that the minimum system requirements are met. Some software solutions are quite demanding in terms of resources, while others are less so.
2. Features
What do you want to do on your SkyTrak golf simulator? Do you just want to hit shots on a virtual practice range and/or play some good courses?
If this is you and you’re solely interested in improving your ballstriking, then you might not even need extra third-party software at all.
The base version of SkyTrak comes with a 3D practice range out of the box, where you can view a shot tracer, replays, and all of your ball performance data. Plus, a Course Play Pack is available which gives you access to 30 real-world golf courses right inside the default software.
On the other hand, if you want more features like:
- multiplayer (playing locally with family or friends)
- game modes like stroke play and match play
- chipping and putting around the green
- challenges like closest-to-the-pin and long drive
- quirky minigames
- online tournaments
In this case, you’ll need to look at what the software offers. E6 CONNECT and GSPro have multiplayer, as does TGC 2019. Figure out what features you wan, and consider the software that does the best job of aligning with that.
3. Graphics
How important are ultra-realistic graphics to you? Do you want the most photo-realistic experience possible when you’re playing replicas of famous courses?
If yes, your best bet is to go with E6 CONNECT (supports 4K graphics display), or GSPro.
But if you mostly care about features, then you should be open to software like TGC 2019 (which still has very good graphics), or Creative Golf.
Remember that more graphically demanding software will typically require more powerful computer hardware.
4. Budget
Golf simulator software is expensive in general. This isn’t like paying 60 bucks for a video game.
This makes your budget important, and it also means that it might not be worth investing in third-party software if you don’t want much more than a driving range and some challenge modes, which are included in the default SkyTrak software plans.
Third-party software bundles for the SkyTrak typically have annual fees of several hundred dollars. Some have course packs that run at a few hundred dollars a piece.
With that said, you should realize that the less you spend, the less you’ll usually get — this could be in the form of less courses, less challenges and minigames, worse graphics, and a worse overall experience.
Also remember that you need to invest in the SkyTrak simulator itself, which costs four figures. But the great thing is that you don’t have to drop the full cost of it at once.
One of our top recommended golf simulator sources here provides easy financing options that allow you to pay for your ST or ST+ along with a sim studio over the course of a year or longer. Don’t forget about this option.
Conclusion
These days, there are numerous software solutions that you can pair with your SkyTrak golf simulator.
Some have multiplayer features, and some have challenges and mini games. Some even run worldwide tournaments that you can compete in and win prizes such as gift cards, golf simulator units, tee times, and trips.
The ideal golf simulator software displays ball and club metrics, has good graphics and accurate course recreations, and has the features and game modes that you want. Finding the software that will best meet your needs is certainly possible with some research.
We’ve given you the information you need to make a decision; it’s up to you to decide whether or not you think it’s worth the investment.
If you would like some help choosing a full SkyTrak simulator package that includes the launch monitor, a projector, enclosure, and mats, check out this page.
Thanks for reading this guide. Which software are you considering for your SkyTrak simulator? Write your thoughts in the comments below.
I’m currently researching this. Disappointed by the buy in cost for e6. It is available for iOS and iPad.
Hi Todd. Some things have likely changed with E6 Golf/CONNECT, so I recommend getting the latest info here. Indeed, the one-time purchase packages have an expensive four-figure price tag, but the annual subscriptions are only a few hundred dollars per year. You can call SkyTrak to discuss options that would suit you best. Good luck.
e6Connect has the absolute worst user interface on the planet. It’s even worse than Hulu’s. Also, I don’t get the same trajectory with e6 that I do when I’m using the SkyTrak simulator software. I will not be renewing my subscription.
One more thing with e6 and windows 10 they don’t ever mention. It doesn’t default to your video card so you have to go in and point the software to it. Why???? There’s some youtube vids that show you exactly how to do this. If its running chunky on your machine, you need the fix.
I think the user interface more than gets the job done. What do you dislike about it in particular?
Not getting the same trajectory is a bit strange. SkyTrak may interact with the software in a slightly different way, but there could be many reasons it’s happening.
I have heard about some people having to take that extra step with the video card. I suggest doing two things: make sure the software is set up correctly as per the user manual, and reach out to E6 Golf Support. I’m sure they’d be happy to help you out, and they would take your feedback so they can make future improvements to the software.
I’ve been using OptiShot 2 for 4 years and just purchased a SkyTrak for the winter …… I paid the extra $100 for WGT & at 1st glance ………….. extremely disappointed. I think I’ll go to the range and try to dial-in/work-out-the-kinks for the new software. =
Hi Paul. What don’t you like about WGT? When choosing software for the SkyTrak, make sure you do your research on it so you have an idea of how it runs. If you can’t get a refund for it, give it some time. Otherwise, you can look into other really good solutions like E6 and TGC.
So far pretty pleased with the E6 Connect software with my SkyTrak. SkyTrak gives me a good accurate feel for ball flight and iron distance. I love the feedback, so that I can try things and work on my swing. And having scramble mode when I have my buddies over is awesome!
There are, however, only two issues with this combo:
1) Driving Distance/Club head Speed (any software) – Very rarely does it pick up my true club head speed which is usually 102 to 106. It seems to always be in the low to mid 90’s thus losing 30+ yards on my drives. I have tried different ball placement positions, and while some are better than others, it still doesn’t seem to pick up high club head speeds.
2) Terrain Penalty/Elevation/Wind – Do not seem to impact ball contact/flight. Seems like this is something that should be built in to the software just as it is with any other simulator device.
Thanks for sharing. Glad you’re having a good experience.
Regarding club head speed, this is a measurement that is derived by SkyTrak and not measured directly. It’s true that the SkyTrak often has problems precisely measuring high club head speeds. This is why you should look at ball speed instead, which is measured directly and will be much more accurate.
Regarding elevation/wind, as far as I know, there are no lie or environment penalties in E6 CONNECT on SkyTrak. You could contact SkyTrak or E6 support to inquire about this, but you may have to make do until an update is brought out.
I own the TGC 2019 I agree it’s cool however the physics are a little dated to say the least. I purchased the life time membership but I’ve been informed there hasn’t been any updates . Sooo sad !!!
Hi Paul. What is it about the physics of the software that you aren’t impressed with? TGC 2019 has definitely been updated, and I wouldn’t worry about it getting out of date because when the next TGC game comes out, you’ll likely be able to upgrade to it for a relatively small fee. Rest assured that it’s a great choice and it’s preferred by many golf simulator junkies.
The upgrade is still 75% ish of the full price.
Certainly not getting anything free of cheap
Which upgrade are you talking about? 2019 is still the latest version of The Golf Club. Regardless of how much an upgrade to a new game would cost, it’s honestly still excellent value compared to other software.
Is there any word on when a upgrade for the golf club 2019 will be available for golf simulation?
Nope. The PGA Tour 2K series games are the successor to The Golf Club, but there is currently no word on when or if they will be compatible with golf simulators. Even if it does happen, there’s no guarantee it will be integrated with the SkyTrak which is quite old at this point.
I would prefer to use foam balls for indoor hitting. Do any of these software packages have settings that would “translate” the shot to reflect what a real ball would do?
I don’t believe so. The problem with using foam balls is that the ball data measured by SkyTrak will not be accurate, and hence, the simulated ball flight will not be accurate. It’s very easy to have an indoor setup that allows you to use real balls, whether by using a hitting net or impact screen, but I do understand if you want to avoid noise.
Is it possible for 2 or 4 players to play in order of play in person at my studio when we can’t meet at the club because of the weather
It depends on the software, but generally, you can do local multiplayer with up to 4-8 players, so yes.