What Golf Simulator Software Works With the Garmin Approach R50?

There are several first-of-its-kind features that make the Garmin R50 a truly special product. And right at the top of that list is that this is the first golf launch monitor that allows you to play simulated golf with nothing more than the launch monitor itself.

However…

That built-in feature is limited to just Garmin’s own Home Tee Hero sim software.

What about if you want to play simulator golf with other software, like GSPro or E6?

Can you do it? And, if so, what kind of hardware do you need?

Those are the questions we’re answering here. And if you’re considering buying an R50, these are most likely among the most pressing questions on your list. So, you’ve found the right spot to help you get all your most important answers.

We’re going to individually walk through each one of the golf simulator software scenarios that apply to the Garmin Approach R50. After this, you’ll have a clear understanding of your choices, so that once you buy your R50, there will be no surprises.

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Garmin R50 and Home Tee Hero Compatibility

As you know if you’ve been shopping for an R50, one of the strongest selling points is that you can use the built-in, 10-inch, full-color, gorgeous screen to actually play full rounds of simulated golf.

It’s crazy, actually—a totally innovative, unbelievably awesome feature that means that you don’t need anything more than the R50 itself to play simulator golf.

One thing to note is that the R50’s version of Home Tee Hero is far superior to the Home Tee Hero you can play with the Garmin Approach R10. With the new version, graphics and detail on the same 43,000-plus golf courses are vastly improved. Also, because the R50 can read putts, the sim experience is much more complete compared to on the R10.

What hardware do I need to run Home Tee Hero with the Garmin R50?

Great news: If you want to play simulator golf using Home Tee Hero, you don’t need any additional hardware. You’ve got it all covered with just the R50 golf launch monitor. There is no other golf launch monitor/golf simulator software combination that makes things this easy.

And if you’d rather project your Home Tee Hero experience onto an impact screen or television with the R50, it’s as simple as a single HDMI connection. That’s another big simplicity advantage for the R50.

What does it cost to play Home Tee Hero?

Home Tee Hero requires a $9.99 per month or $99 per year Garmin Golf Membership.

One interesting point is that your same Garmin membership applies to any Garmin golf device you might own. So, for just one subscription, you can unlock advantages in your Garmin golf launch monitor, golf watch, and golf rangefinder. They make it attractive to become a Garmin power user.

Garmin Approach R50 and E6 Connect Compatibility

As great as the improved version of the Home Tee Hero software is, it’s not for everybody. Serious sim golfers will find the experience to be a little too video game or cartoon-like rather than a true mimicking of an actual outdoor golf course.

But what’s great about the R50 is that you’ve got compatibility options with third-party software providers. And one of the most popular such solutions is E6 Connect.

Depending on which subscription level you choose, E6 Connect opens up a huge menu of simulated golf courses, mini games, skills combines, and more.

What hardware do I need to run E6 Connect with the Garmin R50?

One great thing about the E6 Connect software is that it’s usable with both PC and iOS systems.

PC System Requirements:

• Intel i5 Processor | 8GB RAM
• Nvidia 1070 Graphics Card or equivalent (Dedicated GPU with DirectX 11 Support)
• 25GB of Hard Drive Space | Windows 10 64-bit (Required)
• Internet Connection (Required)

iOS Requirements:

• iPad Pro 1 or later | iPad 5 or later | iPad Air 3 or later
• iPad Mini 5 or later | iPhone 8 or later

What does it cost to play E6 Connect?

One very solid advantage with the Approach R50 is that you do not have to pay Garmin’s subscription to use the launch monitor with third-party simulator software, including E6 Connect.

E6 Connect software license options:

• E6 Connect Home License: A one-time purchase of $1,000, providing access to 27 courses without the need for an annual subscription
• E6 Connect 1-Year Basic Subscription: Priced at $300 per year, this subscription offers access to a rotating selection of courses and mini-games.
• E6 Connect 1-Year Expanded Subscription: At $600 per year, this subscription grants access to the full E6 Connect library, excluding premium content.

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Garmin R50 and E6 Apex Compatibility

In 2024, TruGolf, the E6 parent company, announced their new Apex software. It’s an improved version of E6 Connect with a focus on hyper-realistic graphics, comprehensive shot-analysis tools, and an extensive library of virtual courses.

But the increased graphical fidelity and advanced features with E6 Apex necessitate more robust hardware capabilities. And, unfortunately, E6 Apex is limited to PC compatibility.

What hardware do I need to run E6 Apex with the Garmin R50?

PC System Requirements:

• Windows 10 64-bit
• Intel i7 10th Gen Processor or newer
• 24 GB RAM 2666 Mhz DDR4 or better
• m.2 NVMe SSD 256GB or better
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 12 GB VRAM or better
• WiFi 5 (802. 11AC)
• Full USB 3 Connectivity
• Gigabit Ethernet

What does it cost to play E6 Apex?

Users with an existing E6 Connect Expanded Subscription already have access to E6 Apex content.

E6 Apex software subscription options:

• Play Subscription: For $300 per year, get access to more than 1,000 courses with plans underway for tens of thousands more to be added.
• Improve Subscription: Priced at $150 per year, this gives you game-improvement tools such as club fitting, bag mapping, skills challenges, and comprehensive practice modes.
• Enjoy Subscription: At $450 per year, this combines the features of the Play and Improve subscriptions, offering full access to the course library and game-improvement tools.

Approach R50 and GSPro Compatibility

Perhaps the most popular third-party simulator software option is GSPro. With stunning 4K graphics, realistic ball physics, and an open API, this is the go-to platform for a lot of serious sim golfers.

What hardware do I need to run GSPro with the Garmin R50?

GSPro is limited to PC-only use.

Recommended minimum hardware for 1080p play:

• 10GB free space
• GTX 3060
• 16GB memory
• Stable internet Connection
• Ethernet port and/or BT depending on Launch Monitor

Recommended hardware for a great 1080p experience:

• 20GB free space
• RTX 3070/3060ti GPU
• 16GB memory

Recommended hardware for a great 4k experience:

• 20GB free space
• RTX 3080 (or better) GPU
• 32GB memory

What does it cost to play GSPro?

GSPro costs $250 per year.

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Garmin R50 and Awesome Golf Compatibility

Awesome Golf is a fun, intuitive, and user-friendly golf simulator software designed for players of all skill levels, with an emphasis on casual gameplay, skill-building challenges, and multiplayer fun rather than hyper-realistic course replication.

Its arcade-style graphics and engaging games make it an excellent choice for families, beginners, and golfers who want a relaxed yet data-driven simulator experience.

What hardware do I need to run Awesome Golf with the Garmin R50?

Awesome Golf is compatible with both PC and iOS systems.

PC System Requirements:

• OS: Windows 10+
• Processor: 2.2 GHz Dual Core
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: Integrated graphics are sufficient; no dedicated graphics card is necessary
• Storage: 2 GB available space

iOS Requirements:

• iOS version 13 or newer
• While the Awesome Golf layout is designed for iPads, it will work with recent iPhone models

What does it cost to play Awesome Golf?

Awesome Golf software subscription options:

• Monthly Membership: $14.99 per month
• Annual Membership: $159.99 per year
• Lifetime Membership: $349.99 one-time payment

Garmin Approach R50 and PinSeeker Compatibility

PinSeeker, is transforming sim golf with quick closest-to-the-pin challenges and immediate real-case payouts. It’s becoming wildly popular and requires only as much time as anyone cares to commit, with new contests starting constantly.

What hardware do I need to run PinSeeker Foresight golf launch monitors?

The PinSeeker app is fully integrated with most golf simulator software packages. Participants compete against other sim golfers who are using the exact same simulator software.

So, hardware requirements for PinSeeker are the same as whatever simulator software you are using. There are no additional requirements.

What does it cost to play PinSeeker?

Because PinSeeker comes integrated with a compatible simulator software package, there is no additional cost to use PinSeeker. However, golfers have the choice to wager money in closest-to-the-pin contests against similar-skilled players who are using the same simulator software. Options range from free contests to buy-ins of more than $100.

The R50 Gives You Golf Simulator Software Options

There are so many advantages to the Approach R50 that sim-software compatibility often gets lost in the shuffle. With all of the attention focused on the built-in screen, the included ball and club data, the HDMI output, and the incredible accuracy, people might be sleeping on the fact that the R50 is one of the more software agnostic launch monitors available.

So, whether you want to play Home Tee Hero on the device itself, or you want to interface with a phone, tablet, or computer to run third-party simulator software, you’ve got options, including E6 Connect, E6 Apex, GSPro, Awesome Golf, and PinSeeker.

And now you know exactly what you’ll need to take advantage of each one of those golf simulator opportunities.

About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen

Marc "Shef" Sheforgen is a golf writer whose passion for the game far exceeds his ability to play it well. Marc covers all things golf, from product reviews and equipment recommendations to event coverage and tournament analysis. When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about golf, he enjoys traveling (often golf-related), youth sports coaching, volunteering, and record collecting.