I'll admit it—when I initially heard about a launch monitor that lets you practice golf swings without actually hitting a ball, I rolled my eyes. Hard. After twenty years of testing golf tech, from the original SkyTrak to the latest Trackman models, I thought I'd seen every gimmick trying to pass itself off as innovation. But the key point about the Square Golf Launch Monitor: it forced me to completely rethink what indoor practice could be.
The box arrived on a Tuesday afternoon, and I immediately noticed how light it was. We're talking about a device roughly the size of a thick paperback novel (19cm x 7cm x 7cm, if you're keeping score), yet it promises tour-level accuracy. Right. I've heard that before from launch monitors costing three times as much that couldn't deliver. But something about the included swing stick caught my attention—this wasn't just another radar box trying to compete with the big boys.
Experience top-tier golf analysis with the Square Golf Launch Monitor, designed for precision and premium performance on every swing.
Let me illustrate you a scene: It's 10 PM, your spouse is asleep, and you've got that itch to work on your swing. Normally, you're out of luck unless you want to risk divorce by setting up a net in the living room. This is where Square Golf's swing stick completely changed my viewpoint on indoor practice.
The stick itself feels like a shortened driver shaft with a weighted end—nothing groundbreaking there. But when paired with the monitor's 3D camera system, it becomes something special. The device tracks your swing path, face angle, fluid loft, and attack angle without you ever making contact with anything. I spent three weeks alternating between the swing stick and actual balls in my garage setup, and the data correlation was shocking. My 7-iron swing with the stick showed a 2-degree out-to-in path, which matched almost exactly when I switched to real balls.
What really got me was the convenience factor. I started keeping the monitor and swing stick next to my home office desk. Between Zoom calls, I'd grab the stick, take five swings, and check my numbers. No setup, no cleanup, no angry neighbors. In two months, I logged more practice swings than I had in the previous year, and my path consistency improved from a 4-degree variance to less than 1.5 degrees.
The club marker that attaches 20cm from the floor might seem like a small detail, but it's genius. It gives the camera system a consistent reference point, which is probably why the club data feels more reliable than monitors I've used costing twice as much. You're getting swing path accuracy within half a degree—that's tour truck territory, folks.
This is where I need to eat some crow. I've always believed that launch monitors under $1,000 couldn't handle short game shots. The physics are different, the ball speeds are lower, and most budget monitors just guess at the data. Square Golf made me look foolish.
The putting and chipping metrics are accurate within 0.5 mph for ball speed and 0.5 degrees for launch direction. I tested this against my buddy's Quintic putting system (a $3,000 setup used by tour pros), and the Square Golf held its own. On 10-foot putts, both systems showed identical face angle measurements. On chips from 20 yards, the launch angle varied by less than a degree between the two systems.
But what really matters: the feedback is instantaneous and actionable. When I'm working on my chipping, I can see exactly how my angle of attack affects spin rate. During one session, I realized my chips were launching 3 degrees lower than ideal, which explained why I'd been coming up short on faster greens. Two weeks of targeted practice later, and I'd shaved three strokes off my short game average.
The monitor particularly excels with those finesse shots around the green that make or break your score. I set up a practice station in my garage with different landing zones marked out, and the carry distance accuracy let me dial in my touch like never before. You know that feeling when you pure a 30-yard pitch and it lands exactly where you envisioned? With this monitor, I can recreate that feeling on demand and know exactly what I did to produce it.
I've tested enough launch monitors to know that hardware is only half the equation. The best sensor in the world is useless if the software makes you want to throw your laptop out the window. Square Golf gets this right, though not without some quirks.
The device plays nicely with GSPro, E6 Connect, and Awesome Golf—the holy trinity of golf simulation software. Setup with GSPro took me about 15 minutes, which is practically miraculous if you've ever wrestled with launch monitor configurations. The Bluetooth connectivity means I can run everything from my iPad when I want quick practice or switch to my gaming laptop when I'm playing a full round.
The included 10 courses are surprisingly good. We're not talking about generic, flat layouts here. These are properly designed courses with elevation changes, realistic hazards, and greens that actually break like real greens. There's a links course that reminds me of my trip to Bandon Dunes, complete with crosswinds that'll make you reconsider your club selection. Another mountain course has elevation changes that really test your distance control.
What I appreciate most is the pay-as-you-go model for additional courses and features. Instead of dropping $500 upfront for software you might not use, you can pay $10-20 monthly when you actually want to play. During Minnesota winters, I'll happily pay for full access. Come summer, I can scale back without feeling like I'm wasting money.
The real-time feedback during range sessions is where this system shines. I can see my shot dispersion pattern developing in real-time, with each ball's data overlaid on previous shots. After 20 balls with my driver, I knew my average curve was 7 yards right-to-left with a 15-yard dispersion pattern. That's the kind of data that turns range sessions from mindless ball-beating into deliberate practice. The system's ability to measure smash factor helps identify when you're achieving optimal energy transfer from club to ball, turning every practice session into a lesson in efficiency.
Eight hours of continuous use from a removable lithium-ion battery—that's what Square Golf claims, and that's what you get. I've taken this thing to three different buddies' houses for garage golf nights, and it's never died on me. The removable battery is clutch because you can buy a spare and literally never have downtime.
The compact size means I can toss it in my golf bag and bring it to the range. Yes, it's refined for indoor use, but on calm days, I've used it at my local range to compare feels with actual ball flight. The data correlation is close enough that I trust what I'm seeing indoors will translate outdoors. That's not something I could say about most portable monitors I've tested.
The LED indicators are simple but effective—green means ready, red means hold up. No complicated screens to traverse or apps to constantly check. When you're in the flow of practice, these little design choices matter more than you'd think. The remote control is basic but functional, letting you switch modes without walking back to the device every time.
I've been particularly impressed with the build quality. After two months of daily use (including one unfortunate incident involving my golden retriever thinking the swing stick was a fetch toy), everything still works perfectly. The casing feels solid, the buttons still click properly, and the camera lens hasn't shown any signs of dust accumulation or degradation. Square Golf backs this durability with a 2-year warranty, which shows they're confident in their product's longevity.
The included accessories really complete the package. You get three marked golf balls that notably improve spin measurements—the difference is noticeable enough that I bought an extra dozen. The USB-C charging cable is a nice modern touch (no more hunting for proprietary chargers), and everything fits neatly in the included carrying case. At $699.99, you're getting exceptional value compared to competitors that often require expensive subscriptions on top of their initial cost.
Experience top-tier golf analysis with the Square Golf Launch Monitor, designed for precision and premium performance on every swing.
Yes, you'll find the Square Golf Launch Monitor fully supports left-handed golfers. You can use the same device for both left and right-handed shots, and it'll maintain accurate tracking regardless of your swing side. The app lets you quickly toggle between left and right-handed settings, and you'll get the same thorough shot metrics as right-handed players. If you request it, the manufacturer will even provide a free specialized base for left-handed mounting.
You'll get a 2-year warranty period with your Square Golf Launch Monitor. This warranty covers defects in material or workmanship for the device itself. It doesn't include damage from misuse, accidents, or unauthorized repairs. During the warranty period, you can return the monitor for repair or replacement with a new or refurbished unit. Remember to keep your proof of purchase and order information, as you'll need them for any warranty claims.
No, you can't use the Square Golf Launch Monitor in rain or wet conditions. It's designed for indoor use only and isn't waterproof. Water exposure will damage the sensitive camera and infrared LED components, potentially voiding your warranty. The device's high-speed 3D camera technology and electronics aren't sealed against moisture. You'll need to keep it in a controlled, dry environment to maintain accuracy and prevent costly damage or malfunction.
Yes, you can use the Square Golf Launch Monitor with Android devices. Your device needs Android 10.0 or higher and access to the Google Play Store. You'll connect via Bluetooth through the Awesome Golf Simulator app or the SquareGolf HE app. Most Android phones and tablets released after 2019 work well with the launch monitor. Just make sure you've enabled Bluetooth permissions and kept your apps updated for the best experience.
You'll get up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge under typical usage conditions. The 6,000mAh lithium-ion battery provides enough power for extended practice sessions without interruption. If you need more time, you can swap in a spare battery since it's removable. The actual duration depends on your session intensity, but you'll find 8 hours is sufficient for most indoor golf practice or simulator sessions.
The Square Golf Launch Monitor isn't perfect, but it's perfect for a specific golfer: someone who wants tour-level practice capability at home without the tour-level price tag. If you're a range rat who lives at the course year-round, save your money. But if you're like me—juggling work, family, and an obsessive desire to break 80 consistently—this monitor bridges the gap between wanting to practice and actually being able to practice.
After two months, my swing path consistency has improved dramatically, my short game touch is the best it's been in years, and I've logged more quality practice time than ever before. The Square Golf didn't just meet my expectations; it made me realize my expectations were too low. Sometimes the best golf tech isn't the most expensive or the most famous—it's the one that gets used every single day.
