What data points can a golf simulator measure?

In the constantly evolving world of golf, technology has become a key pillar in game improvement. Particularly, it’s the knowledge that data coming out of launch monitors installed in golf simulators that have become the latest revolution in golf, offering players and coaches unrivalled insights into the complexities of ball flight and club path. These incredible pieces of technology go beyond mere swing analysis, capturing critical data points that shape the trajectory of a golf ball.

By taking a look into the data that launch monitors can capture, we can begin to unravel the mystery behind how ball flight is shaped, and the elements that make up every golfer’s game. From spin rates and launch angles to club path and attack angles, understanding these data points paves the way for optimising performance, refining technique, and ultimately achieving a more consistent golfing experience.

Below is a summary of just some of the more common data points, and their meanings, that launch monitors can capture. A note that Uneekor launch monitors can capture this due to their 3,200 frames per second high speed and infrared cameras. When comparing to traditional radar based launch monitors which typically estimate this data, Uneekor launch monitors give you absolute certainty over what your swing is doing to the ball.

Club path data

Ball Flight Data

Clubhead Speed Velocity of the club at impact Measured in kilometres or miles per hour Smash Factor Club Speed divided by Ball Speed 1.5 is regarded as optimal for your drive, less as you club down This measures the efficiency of the strike Impact Location Location of the club face that the ball was struck Club Face Angle Angle the club face is pointing at impact relative to target Indicates where the ball would start Club Path Swing path of the club immediately before and after impact Typically referred to as inside out (I-O), or outside in (O-I) Dynamic Loft Delivered loft of the clubface at impact This is often less than the loft of the club Angle of Attack Upward or downward path of the club at impact Often downward with irons Sometimes upward with longer clubs

Ball Speed Velocity of the golf ball just after impact Commonly measured in KPH PGA Tour driver average: 270kph Launch Angle Angle of ascent of the ball from the ground Back Spin Rate Rate at which the ball is spinning backwards Measured in RPMs Side Spin Rate Rate at which the ball is spinning horizontally Measured in RPMs Carry Distance Distance traveled in the air VERY important to know this with each of your clubs Apex Height Maximum height the ball reaches during flight Spin Axis Axis of the balls rotation Combines back spin and side spin Flight Time Amount of time elapsed during ballflight Sometimes referred to as hangtime

Different launch monitors will be able to offer you different sets of data, and this is just a small sample of the most common data points that launch monitors are able to measure.

Typically the higher priced monitors will offer a larger suite of data, so it's important to know what you want to capture before making a purchase decision. Speak to us today so we can recommend the best technology for your ultimate home golf simulator setup.