Welcome to our Foresight GC3 Golf Simulator Review. The GC3 is billed as a game-changing indoor golf experience that can significantly improve your skills and make every practice session count. But does it actually live up to the hype?
We will dive into club and ball data to measure the performance of the GC3. We will also compare how the GC3 stacks up against the competition from SkyTrak and Trackman. Let’s get into it!
Key Takeaways
The GC3 Golf Simulator is a great choice of golf launch monitor for serious golfers looking to improve their game with more data.
It offers accurate ball, swing, and putting data, realistic virtual courses, and compatibility with both PC & Mac systems.
The package costs more than other simulators but it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about improving your game with its high-speed camera systems.
Overview- What are we going to cover?
We will take you through the features of the Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor and provide a comprehensive review to help golfers decide if this is the right machine to help upgrade their game.
This simulator is said to stand out for its data capabilities, so we will uncover the pros and cons, pricing details, and explore how it compares with other full simulator setups on the market.
For those skim readers among you who are just looking for a brief summary giving the bottom line: see below. After that, we will get into the questions above.
Do I recommend the GC3 Golf Simulator?
Yes. The GC3 Golf Simulator is a superb option for anyone looking to invest in a home or commercial golf simulator. Its precision in giving out information on both the club data and ball data parameters, coupled with an array of virtual courses, makes it a market leader in our view.
Though more expensive than some of its alternatives, like SkyTrak, this simulator setup gives you pin-point accuracy from a data perspective and some seriously fun gameplay options.
The hardware you get in the package is second to none. The 5000 lumens Panasonic PT-VZ58OU golf simulator projector provides beautiful colours and crystal clear graphics. It also comes with a mount to fix directly to your ceiling. The hitting mat is thick and good quality.
If you are a golfer that has the budget and is serious about game improvement, then this is a high-end piece of equipment that could be perfect for you. This is also perfect for golfers that live in cold climates that will get a lot of use from a golf simulator. It would also be a great fit for commercial venues and club fitters.
GC3 Golf Simulator: Key data
For golfers looking to up their game, the Foresight GC3 Golf Simulator offers an impressive package of performance analysis tools. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced photometric technology, this launch monitor records precise ball and club data for a comprehensive overview of your practice sessions including measurements such as club speed, ball speed, and launch angle.
Apart from its sophisticated tech capabilities, users can also make use of its user-friendly touchscreen display alongside realistic virtual golf courses.
GC3 Golf Simulator: Pros and Cons
The GC3 Golf Simulator is an innovative launch monitor that has both positive and negative features.
Pros
Regular use will lead to game improvement
The accuracy of the data is almost on a par with it’s more expensive sister: the GC Quad
- Virtual course experience
Realistic graphics for lifelike simulation
Player Plus add-on allows (costs extra) gives access to famous courses like Pebble Beach and St Andrews.
Enclosure, screen, matt and projector options are high-end
- Launch monitor is portable and can be taken out to the course
Cons
Even though it’s cheaper than GC-Quad, it is still expensive
Software to get the most out of it does cost more
You need to have space in your house or garage
GC3 Golf Simulator: Key Questions Answered
We have compiled a set of frequently asked questions with answers to assist you in understanding the GC3 Golf Simulator and its characteristics.
What is a golf simulator?
When reading up on the GC3, you might have found yourself wondering what the difference is between a golf simulator and a launch monitor.
The launch monitor is the heart of a golf simulator setup. This is the device that records the swing data, and will generally be the most expensive part of a golf simulator. You can buy a launch monitor on it’s own, but this would mean you will just get data.
A golf simulator includes a launch monitor, but also includes a projector, screen, hitting matt, computer and other components so you can have the full “virtual golf experience”. is a device that utilizes launch monitors to assess various ball and club data points during the swing. All together, this forms an artificial golf experience that enables you to:
Train and play in a realistic atmosphere
Improve your technique in the comfort of your own home
See which areas you are going wrong using a data-led approach, rather than guessing.
Enjoy different courses from all around the world in your garage.
Is the GC3 Simulator worth the money?
If you are committed to improving your golf game, the GC3 is absolutely worth the money. Sure, the price point is high, but is roughly in line with what you might expect to pay for a fully functioning golf simulator. At a very high level, the GC3 launch monitor alone will set you back $7,500.
If you want a full simulator experience with Indoor Golf Shop’s SIG 10 simulator setup (this includes the screen, matt, projector, software etc) then you are looking at roughly $13,000.
Obviously these are big numbers, so it really depends on your budget. It’s worth noting that Indoor Golf Shop does offer financing options if you want to spread the cost out.
I would say there are two broad groups for which this is a worth while investment.
Those SERIOUS about game improvement
We’ve all been there. Shanking an iron into the trees from the middle of the fairway. Your friends look away uncomfortably. You think, I need to get better at this game.
But it’s not that easy.
Finding time to get on the range or out onto the course to practice is hard. Most of us are lucky if we get out for a round once every few weeks.
The issue is, if you keep playing rounds of golf without taking the time to improve you will not get better.
Even if you go to the range, you tend to focus on connection, not accuracy and you rarely work on your short game or putting. For a lot of us, golf is also a seasonal game.
That all changes with a GC3 simulator.
By actually seeing the flight path of your shots, and where your ball would land on a course, it forces you to figure out what about your swing is causing mis-hits or undesirable results. In real life rounds we tend to play matches and do not want to take the risk of adjusting our swing.
You also get way more feel and understanding of your distances when using different clubs by tracking all your data over time. Once your simulator has tracked that your 7 iron has a 160 yard average distance over 50 shots, you can be pretty certain on which clubs to use when you take it onto the real course.
If you get down to your simulator every day and hit balls, your game will dramatically improve versus playing on the course once every few weeks.
Winter Warriors- Be The Envy of Your Mates
Let me set the scene for you. It’s a Thursday night, you and a buddy are sipping on ice cold beers in your newly decked out man-cave (complete with GC3 simulator).
It’s pouring with rain outside, but you are playing matchplay online at Pebble Beach against a random dude from Holland. A thin crust margarita pizza sits invitingly on the countertop.
You take out your driver to tee off on the 543 yard Par 5 18th hole. It’s all to play for. Digital waves are crashing. Dreams really can come true.
Fantasies aside, there obviously many golf lovers out there who have limited play time each year due to weather conditions. If not being able to play year round bugs you, then a simulator is a great option.
Build it, and they will come.
What do I need to buy to get fully set up?
If you are researching golf simulators, then the chances are you are probably finding it to be more complicated than expected.
It is not just a case of buying a ‘simulator’ and plugging it in at the wall. There are various components not limited to: a launch monitor, side barrier netting, landing pad turf, projectors, a ceiling mount, a screen, a fast pc, software and more.
This all sounds rather daunting, but do not worry.
This is the great thing about buying a full simulator package. There are only a few moving parts to consider. Here is what you will need to get up and running.
1. Foresight Sports GC3 SIG 10 Golf Simulator Package
This will include:
- Foresight GC3 Launch Monitor
- Complete Simulator Studio (including hitting a hitting mat, alignment stick, side barrier netting, landing pad, ceiling mount, and more)
- SIGPRO Premium Screen
- Projector and cables
- FSX Play Software
2. Gaming Laptop
To get the most out of your simulator, we think it’s definitely worth getting third party software, which has thousands of courses to choose from, better graphics, endless multiplayer formats (stableford, texas scramble etc) and online competition.
In order to support this, you need a gaming PC that meets certain hardware requirements.
Rather than trawling the internet for a PC that does all this, Indoor Golf Shop has tested PC’s that best perform with golf simulators.
This gaming PC has 16 GB of RAM and an Intel Core i7-1260P processor. In other words, no matter what software you use, things will run smoothly in crystal clear graphics.
3. Player Plus (Optional)
At checkout if you go ahead with the simulator, you can add the Player Plus software option. The simulator will still be completely functional without this, but the add-on gives you access to some of the best virtual golf courses in the world, including:
- Pebble Beach Golf Links™
- The Links at Spanish Bay™
- Spyglass Hill® Golf Course
- Old Course at St Andrews Links™
- The Castle Course at St Andrews Links™
- Jubilee Course at St Andrews Links™
- New Course at St Andrews Links™
- Pitch N Putt
- Carnoustie Golf Links
- Real Club Valderrama
PC or Mac?
When using the GC3 Golf Simulator, you should check your computer meets all of the necessary system requirements for proper functioning.
If you are just planning to buy the launch monitor and use the Foresight Sports app, then it is compatible with the iPhone or Android apps.
If you intend on buying the full simulator, complete with projector and specialist software, then a laptop with a graphics card and enough RAM is recommended to ensure optimal performance.
The laptop we mention above is specifically designed for optimal performance using golf simulators. If you want to shop around or are big into the technical side, below are the minimum requirements you will need to successfully support the GC3 simulator.
Processor: Intel i7 onwards
Graphics: NVidia GTX 1060 (or better), for 4K NVidia GTX 1080 (or better)
DirectX: Version 11
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Hard Drive: 30 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX 11 compatible
Software
The Foresight Sports FSX Play Software that comes with the GC3 Golf Simulator allows you to practice and play on realistic virtual golf courses. It provides professional grade analysis of your shots as well as a host of virtual courses to play. It should be noted that it does not include the famous courses we see on the PGA Tour like Pebble Beach and St Andrews.
For a wider library of courses, you can add the Player Plus add-on mentioned above. FSX play is also compatible with e6 Connect, one of the market leaders in terms of simulation software. e6 Connect has an extensive library of courses.
What Metrics does the GC3 Track?
The GC3 launch monitor tracks a variety of data metrics related to your shots and swing. These include:
- Launch Angle
- Side Angle
- Ball Speed
- Total Spin
- Carry
- Side Spin/Spin Axis
- Club Head Speed
- Smash Factor
- Club Path
- Angle of Attack
Especially if you are also getting coaching, tracking these metrics can have a huge impact on your game.
Is GC3 as good as Trackman?
When choosing between the GC3 Golf Simulator and Trackman, it really depends on one’s budget as well as personal preference. Both of these systems are reliable in terms of accuracy and provide realistic experiences with excellent data feedback. There may be slight variances in their features or measurements. Regardless, both deliver premium quality performance overall.
What computer do I need to run GC3?
In order to use the GC3 Golf Simulator, it’s recommended to have a laptop with an Intel i5 or i7 processor (from 7th generation onwards), 8GB RAM, and a dedicated graphics card like Nvidia Geforce GTX 1050 Ti or superior. It is compatible with 64-bit Windows 10 systems. For best results, this simulator should be used on a gaming laptop equipped as mentioned above for optimal performance.
Do you need the Internet to run GC3?
The GC3 Golf Simulator runs completely without the need for an internet connection. All necessary data and software are stored on your computer, giving you access to play golf right away with no need of a persistent online link.
Can 2 people play on GC3 Simulator?
The GC3 Golf Simulator is great for shared practice and play sessions, as it allows up to two people.
Each player takes a turn teeing off while the simulator collects individual statistics for both players. This provides each participant with personalized performance data points about their own golf game so they can improve over time.
How much space do you need for a GC3 golf simulator?
To get the GC3 Golf Simulator going, you need an area at least 10×10 feet and 8 feet high. This provides ample room to swing freely without any obstructions or potential hazards. For it to operate as intended, there must be a projector and screen present which supplies all of the visuals needed by the simulator.
As per the official information manual, the following are the specifications.
Dimensions: 6″(w) x 5″(d) x 12″(h)
Weight: 5lbs / 2.3kg
Pricing Breakdown
To figure out if the GC3 Golf Simulator is a good choice for you, it’s important to understand all of its related costs. To get an accurate picture, consider not only the cost of the simulator package itself but also what would be involved in purchasing a gaming laptop and any third-party software that might need buying.
Knowing these expenses will help make your decision easier.
Golf simulator package
As mentioned, we think the Foresight Sports GC3 SIG 10 Golf Simulator Package is the best overall simulator package if you want the GC3 launch monitor to be the heartbeat of your setup. Prices start at around US$13,000 for the full simulator package. This can go up if you opt for a larger hitting mat.
Gaming Laptop
To operate the GC3 Golf Simulator, a suitable gaming laptop is necessary. Laptops like the Predator Helios 300 and Alienware M15 R3 which could be recommended options. It’s essential that system requirements such as adequate RAM and dedicated graphics card should also be met for the smooth operation of the simulator.
Indoor golf shop sells a gaming laptop that has been specifically tested to perform when being used with golf simulators. This retails at around US$1800.
Third-party software
The GC3 Golf Simulator comes with its own software (FSX Play). You can choose to invest in supplementary third-party options which could enhance your experience. The cost of these possibilities varies according to one’s individual needs and wants.
Player Plus (the software add on with Pebble Beach and St Andrews) will set you back US$1500.
An e6 CONNECT integration costs US$2500 as well as a periodic fee.
If you choose to explore third-party software options for your Foresight Sports GC3, you’ll open up a wide range of possibilities (please note that a high-spec PC is necessary, as previously mentioned).
Comparison
A comprehensive assessment of the GC3 Golf Simulator, featuring Bushnell’s Launch Pro model, and other golf simulators on the market will be conducted. This evaluation will focus primarily on ball data, swing data and various features for better insights into its standing among other choices.
The stimulating gaming experience offered by the simulator is paired with ball tracking technology that includes launch angle and spin measurement possibilities, all with exceptional accuracy made possible via Bushnell LaunchPro.
Ball Data
The precision of the ball measurements given by the GC3 launch monitor inside a GC3 Golf Simulator is comparable to other top-notch launch monitors such as SkyTrak, Trackman, and Uneekor QED.
Despite slight discrepancies in certain stats, like spin rates, the overall accuracy of its ball data is considered equivalent to that provided by its competitors. It proves to be an excellent option for golfers looking for precise details regarding their performance.
| GC3 Launch Monitor | SkyTrak Launch Monitor | TrackMan Launch Monitor | Uneekor QED Launch Monitor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Speed | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Launch Angle | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Distance | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Roll | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Swing Data
The GC3 Golf Simulator is a reliable tool to measure and improve your golf swing, as it provides accurate insights into multiple elements such as clubhead speed, spin rate, and launch angle.
| GC3 Launch Monitor | SkyTrak Launch Monitor | TrackMan Launch Monitor | Uneekor QED Launch Monitor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Speed | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Club Path | Y | Y | Y | |
| Face Angle | Y | Y | ||
| Dynamic Loft | Y | |||
| Attack Angle | Y | Y |
General
The GC3 Golf Simulator is renowned for its easy-to-use touchscreen display, realism of virtual golf courses, and the fact it can be used on both Windows computers as well as Mac.
| GC3 Launch Monitor | SkyTrak Launch Monitor | TrackMan Launch Monitor | Uneekor QED Launch Monitor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iOS | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Windows | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Putting Analysis | Y | Y | ||
| Video Analysis | Y | Y | ||
| Branded videos/ reports | Y |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GC3 require a subscription?
No subscription is required for the Foresight GC3 launch monitor, which is priced at $7499 and includes FSX Play and 10 courses just like the Bushnell Gold Package.
What is the difference between GCQuad and GC3?
The GCQuad club-fitting system provides comprehensive data on impact location, face angle, loft & lie, as well as closure rate and putting. It is in contrast to the simpler GC3 which only measures swing path and face to path. The QCQuad is also more expensive, retailing at around US$14,000 for the launch monitor alone.
What is the difference between GC2 and GC3?
2GIG’s GC2 and more advanced, up-to-date model, the GC3, are both highly praised security systems. Although the latter comes with a larger display screen as well as an increased capacity for zones, its predecessor can still be relied on to handle all those same features just fine. So either option is good if you’re looking for quality coverage in terms of home protection.
How accurate is the GC3 Golf Simulator’s ball data?
The GC3 Golf Simulator boasts exceptionally precise ball data comparable to renowned launch monitors, such as the Trackman and the GCQuad.
Can I use the GC3 Golf Simulator with a Mac?
The GC3 Golf Simulator is capable of being used with Mac and PC platforms, so it’s suitable no matter what type of computer you have. If you are using third party simulator software you will need a gaming laptop.
Summary
For golfers looking to hone their skills and play a realistic virtual round of golf, the Foresight GC3 Golf Simulator is an ideal choice. It offers precise ball and club data, and easy-to-navigate software that’s compatible with various computer systems, making it accessible for all skill levels despite its higher price point. We hope this GC3 golf simulator review helps you in making an informed decision.
The post Foresight GC3 Golf Simulator Review 2023 | An Honest Take appeared first on Impact Golfer.
