If you’ve been following the rise of TGL—a new, tech-infused golf league backed by some of the biggest names in golf—you’ve probably wondered what’s going on behind the scenes with all that high-tech equipment. From the launch monitors to the rotating “virtual green,” TGL’s setup shows just how far indoor golf simulation has come. Below, we’ll walk you through each piece of technology and how it all works together to deliver a golf experience unlike anything else.
Full Swing: The Powerhouse Behind TGL’s Tech
TGL relies on Full Swing, an industry leader in golf simulator technology. Full Swing’s solutions power everything from the launch monitors and high-definition projection to the ultra-realistic putting surfaces. This partnership is a major validation of Full Swing’s track record and a glimpse into what’s possible for indoor golf.
Multi-Projector Display
- Nine projectors are suspended from a truss to create one ultra-bright image on the simulator screen.
- These projectors stack images on top of each other, ensuring clear, vibrant visuals that golfers can trust when picking targets and aiming.
The Digital Caddy
- A touchscreen interface called the Digital Caddy helps players visualize the hole layout.
- Players can tap and drag on the screen to reposition their aim and see accurate yardages and slopes, which instantly updates the projection and strategy on the main simulator screen.
- This feature is reminiscent of typical home golf simulators’ aiming tools—just scaled up and supercharged for TGL’s faster, more dynamic matches.
The Launch Monitors and Radar Fixtures
One of the most impressive parts of TGL’s setup is the array of 18 launch monitors strategically placed around the hitting area:
- Multiple Units for Each Shot: Three launch monitors are placed in front of and behind the hitting zone for both right- and left-handed golfers.
- Built-in Redundancy: TGL has extra units on hand to ensure no shot data is missed.
- Radar & Spin Readings: Each monitor captures crucial data like club speed, spin rate, and launch angle, sending it to TGL’s game engine.
TGL also partners with Toptracer to track each ball’s flight path, generating a 3D “point cloud” of the ball in motion. Full Swing’s systems combine the initial launch data with Toptracer’s flight info to precisely replicate ball trajectory in the virtual environment.
Real Grass and Dynamic Hitting Surfaces
Unlike most indoor setups that use standard hitting mats, TGL has areas with real grass to mimic outdoor play. Players warm up on these before heading to the main simulator to compete. The software automatically detects whether a shot is coming from the “fairway,” “rough,” or a “sand” zone, and adjusts the gameplay accordingly.
The Turntable & Virtual Green
Possibly the most futuristic element of TGL’s simulator is the massive rotating “turntable” with a fully adjustable virtual green on top.
Rotates 180° (Both Directions)
- The circular platform can spin a full 360° in total, positioning the green at just the right angle for each new hole.
Hundreds of “Jacks” for Undulation
- Underneath the green, 600+ jacks adjust the slope and contour of the putting surface.
- These can simulate uphill, downhill, sidehill lies, and everything in between—perfectly mirroring what’s shown on the simulator screen.
Putting & Chipping
- The turf is specially designed to offer realistic bounce and roll for short shots up to 30 or 40 yards.
- The surface is produced in partnership with Sinlon (a turf provider) and tested extensively with pro-level feedback.
Each hole design in TGL’s simulation has a unique rotation and “undulation command,” telling the turntable and virtual green exactly how to re-shape for every shot. The result? Putting breaks, slopes, and pin placements that feel every bit as real as an outdoor green.
Game Engine & Software Coordination
Behind the scenes, TGL’s custom software ties all these elements together:
- “Digital Caddy” to Turntable: When players aim or a new shot location is determined, the game instantly notifies the turntable and green system to rotate and adjust slope.
- Projection Mapping: The multi-projector system displays the exact environment—fairways, hazards, greens—down to the precise yard.
- Communication Protocols: Full Swing developed new “communication layers” so hardware (launch monitors, turntable, green jacks) and software (game engine, Toptracer) can talk to each other in real time.
Why Does TGL Use Such Advanced Tech?
TGL has embraced this cutting-edge gear to do things normal golf courses simply can’t:
- Endless Course Designs: With digital terrain, holes can twist and turn in ways that wouldn’t be practical outdoors.
- Faster, High-Energy Format: Quick transitions between holes keep the pace lively for both players and fans.
- Testing Ground for Innovation: Like Formula 1 in auto racing, TGL is pushing the boundaries of golf tech. Many developments we see here may filter down to consumer products—making your future home simulator even more advanced.
Bringing TGL-Style Simulation to Your Home
While most of us won’t have the space (or budget!) for a giant rotating turntable in our basements, there’s good news: many of the same Full Swing technologies used in TGL are available in more compact, consumer-friendly simulators. At SimSpace Golf, we specialize in high-performance simulators that leverage similar camera and radar tracking systems, ultra-realistic visuals, and interactive interfaces. If you’re looking for a TGL-level indoor golf experience—albeit at a more reasonable scale—we can help you get started.
TGL’s simulator setup is a next-level blend of golf tradition and futuristic innovation. From nine-projector screens to rotating greens and 18 Full Swing launch monitors, TGL is showcasing the power and possibility of indoor golf. Whether you’re a die-hard golfer looking for new ways to practice or simply a tech enthusiast fascinated by cutting-edge engineering, it’s thrilling to see what the future holds.
If you have questions about TGL’s technology or want to explore setting up your own state-of-the-art golf simulator, reach out to us at SimSpace Golf. We’d love to talk about how you can bring a bit of TGL magic right into your home.
