SimCaddy attends 2025 PGA Show

Jan 23

The 2025 PGA Show in Orlando was a remarkable showcase of the latest advancements, breakthrough technologies, and insightful discussions shaping the golf simulator industry. As the founder of SimCaddy, I had the opportunity to explore innovative offerings from ProTee United, Golfin, and Carl’s Place, alongside exciting technologies from Foresight Sports, Uneekor, and PuttView. Here are my key takeaways from this inspiring event.

ProTee United: Innovation That Elevates the Game

My first stop was the ProTee United booth, where I reconnected with the exceptional team behind the VX launch monitor. The VX has been a cornerstone of SimCaddy’s success, and ProTee’s commitment to refining and supporting this flagship product rather than constantly churning out new hardware continues to set them apart.

Here are the latest updates from ProTee United:

Customizable Data Displays: ProTee Labs now allows users to create personalized tabs and screens, ensuring key data is always front and center.
Swing Camera Integration: ProTee Labs now supports USB cameras (720p at 120 FPS), providing enhanced swing analysis with side and rear views for instant feedback. Just connect the USB cameras to your PC, and they will seamlessly integrate with ProTee Labs.
24/7 Customer Support: ProTee now offers round-the-clock support, demonstrating its commitment to exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
Shot Dispersion Maps: This exciting new feature provides detailed analysis of shot dispersion and performance history, tailored to individual sessions or players. Previewed at the show, it will soon be available in ProTee Labs.
ProTee Labs Software Enhancements: In addition to shot dispersion, users can now record their performance data on a session-by-session, player-by-player basis in a separate tab within ProTee Labs.
New Gaming Software in Development: The team at ProTee Labs offered an exclusive sneak peek at their next-generation gaming software platform, powered by Unreal Engine, designed to revolutionize the immersive golf simulation experience. CEO Dennis Van Drie shared that the software is still in development and could potentially debut at next year’s PGA Show. I had the chance to test the beta version at the ProTee booth, and the gameplay was impressively smooth, with stunningly detailed graphics.

ProTee United's thoughtful approach to innovation and unwavering focus on reliability continue to position the VX launch monitor and ProTee Labs software as leaders in the rapidly growing golf simulator market.

Golfin’s IDRA: A Rising Canadian Star

As a proud Canadian, I was excited to visit Golfin’s booth and explore their IDRA II Launch Monitor, an innovative product poised to disrupt the market.

The name “IDRA” caught my attention immediately. As most golfers know, the draw shot is often considered the ultimate shot in golf, symbolizing both precision and skill. “IDRA” perfectly encapsulates this idea, standing for “I draw,” and sets the tone for what this innovative launch monitor offers.

One of the most exciting aspects of the IDRA is its seamless integration with GS Pro. Unlike other systems that require juggling two separate software systems—often necessitating dual screens—the IDRA’s software is directly embedded into GS Pro’s interface. With the click of the IDRA icon on the GS Pro screen, users can instantly access comprehensive ball and club data after each shot. Additionally, the IDRA provides a post-shot video analysis that is displayed right within GS Pro—a feature unique to IDRA and unmatched in the golf simulation market. The combination of data points, including club path and ball position, creates an unparalleled and highly visual post-shot experience that enhances performance tracking.

To complement the IDRA’s cutting-edge technology, the system is often showcased within the SimBooth 2 enclosure, a premium enclosure that includes sleek flooring and a high-quality hitting mat. Together, the IDRA and SimBooth 2 provide an elevated golf simulation experience that delivers both functionality and style.

Key features of the IDRA include:

Generous Hitting Area: A 32" x 18" hitting zone accommodates offset ball placement, making it ideal for both left- and right-handed golfers in tighter spaces.
Automatic Centering Technology: The system automatically adjusts to the ball’s position within the hitting area for hassle-free alignment.
Integrated Software: Data displays directly within GS Pro’s interface, eliminating the need for multiple software programs.
Compact Design with Integrated Focus Light: The sleek and stylish launch monitor features a built-in light that directly illuminates the hitting zone, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

Golfin’s IDRA is an exciting addition to the golf simulation landscape, and it’s particularly thrilling to see this innovation coming from a Canadian company.

Carl’s Place: Redefining Screens and Enclosures

One of the highlights of my day at the PGA Show was visiting the NVisage booth, where I had the pleasure of meeting the incredible team from Carl’s Place—including Carl himself. While Carl’s Place didn’t have their own booth this year, their presence was strongly felt, as NVisage was showcasing their sleek curved screen impact screen as part of their display.

As a wholesale partner, I’ve worked with Carl’s Place on countless SimCaddy customer designs, so it was fantastic to finally meet the people behind the premium products I trust. The curved screen they provided for the NVisage booth really stood out. Its futuristic design adds an aesthetic edge that could elevate the look and feel of any golf simulator setup. While I’m still considering the impact of the curved design on immersion, it’s undeniably a stunning option for customers who want their simulator to make a statement.

Foresight Sports and PuttView Integration

At the Foresight Sports booth, precision and realism took center stage. Their flagship ceiling-based launch monitors the Hawk and Falcon were on display, but it was the new GC3S that equally impressed with enhanced ball-tracking and software capabilities. What stood out most, however, was their collaboration with PuttView, which is revolutionizing indoor putting.

PuttView combines Foresight’s detailed slope, distance, and break data with a projection system that displays putting lines and contours onto a green surface. This innovative integration offers a seamless and immersive putting experience, addressing one of the biggest challenges of indoor golf. According to PuttView’s representatives, this technology will soon be compatible with additional launch monitor brands, further expanding its reach.

Uneekor: Pushing the Boundaries of Technology

Uneekor’s booth was a hub of excitement, showcasing their latest advancements, including the EYE XR launch monitor, EYE XT, and GameDay Software.

EYE XR: A rear-mounted overhead launch monitor that blends the freedom of the QED with the precision of EYE XO technology, featuring dual high-speed cameras and AI-powered tracking.
EYE XT: A plug-and-play kiosk solution for effortless integration and data tracking.
AI Swing Trainer: A groundbreaking feature that provides personalized coaching recommendations based on real-time swing data.
GameDay Software: Featuring 4K visuals, multiplayer modes, and dynamic practice options, this software raises the bar for immersive gameplay.

Uneekor’s innovations continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in golf simulation technology.

Industry Trends: Subscription Models and Connection Fees

One notable trend at this year’s PGA Show was the rise of subscription-based models and connection fees. Many manufacturers are now introducing annual fees for ongoing product use or software access. While this may offer certain advantages, it also creates ongoing expenses for users.

In contrast, SimCaddy’s key partners—ProTee United, Golfin, and Carl’s Place—remain committed to one-time purchases, providing long-term value without recurring fees. This approach underscores their dedication to customer-first solutions.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 PGA Show highlighted an exciting future for golf simulation. ProTee United’s VX, Golfin’s IDRA, and Carl’s Place stand out for their innovation and customer value, while Foresight Sports, Uneekor, and PuttView continue to push technological boundaries.

At SimCaddy, we’re thrilled to bring these cutting-edge solutions to our customers across Canada. Stay tuned for more updates—the future of golf simulation is brighter than ever!

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