Square Golf Launch Monitor Review - Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?

You know that feeling when you're browsing golf launch monitors and everything under a grand feels like the same recycled tech with different logos? Well, grab your beer because I'm about to tell you about something that's flipping the script on budget launch monitors.

The Square Golf Launch Monitor just landed, and it's basically the new kid who shows up and changes all the rules. Picture this - you're getting photometric technology (that's camera-based tracking like the fancy tour-level stuff) for less than what you'd drop on a new driver and fairway wood combo.

Here's where it gets interesting. Instead of forcing you into some expensive subscription you'll forget to cancel, Square lets you pay only when you actually use their sim software. It's like having a driving range membership where you only pay when you show up. Smart, right?

But wait, there's more good stuff. Remember how most budget launch monitors treat putting like an afterthought? Not this one. The Square actually nails putting practice, which is huge considering that's where we lose most of our strokes anyway.

And get this - you can connect to GSPro (that's the simulator software all the serious golfers use) without paying extra connection fees. Other companies nickel and dime you for that privilege, but Square just includes it. Plus, you can practice your swing without even hitting a real ball. Perfect for those late-night range sessions in your garage when the family's asleep.

Now, before you start clearing space in your golf bag, there's one catch you need to know about. This beauty is indoor-only. No taking it to the range or course like some other models. If you're looking for something portable to track your drives at the local muni, this isn't your answer.

But if you've got garage space or a basement begging for a golf setup, you're looking at the biggest game-changer to hit the affordable launch monitor scene since Garmin kicked things off with the R10 about three years back. Every other company making budget monitors just got put on notice - the bar's been raised, and it's sitting at camera height.

You know what's cool about the Square Golf launch monitor? Let's break down what makes this $699 gadget different from everything else out there.

No More Monthly Golf Sim Fees

Here's the deal - you buy this thing and it comes loaded with 1,000 credits. Each credit equals one hole, so you're looking at 55 rounds right out of the box. When you run low, credits cost about two cents each. That's pocket change compared to those annoying subscription fees other companies charge you every month whether you play or not.

Think about it - maybe you're crushing it at the sim all winter, then barely touch it during peak season. Why pay for something you're not using? Square gets it.

Works With Your Favorite Golf Software

You can hook this up to GSPro or E6 Connect without burning through any credits. Most launch monitor companies want to nickel and dime you with extra fees just to use third-party software. Not these guys - they actually let you use what you've already paid for. Revolutionary concept, right?

What Numbers You'll See

Your shots give you all the basics - how fast the ball leaves the club face, which direction it starts, the launch angle, how much it's spinning backwards and sideways, plus your distances. You'll also see your club path (whether you're swinging out-to-in or in-to-out), your angle of attack (hitting down or up), and where your clubface is pointing at impact.

Now I'll be straight with you - it's missing some data points that pricier units have. But for seven hundred bucks, you're getting way more than just ball flight.

Your Short Game Finally Gets Some Love

This is where Square really shows off. The putting accuracy is nuts - it measures your ball speed within half a mile per hour and direction within half a degree. Your chipping shots get the same treatment.

Most budget launch monitors are terrible at reading putts and chips. This thing actually helps you dial in those scoring shots. Makes sense when you realize these are the same folks who created the Exputt putting trainer.

Practice Anywhere With The Swing Stick

Here's something wild - they include this 27-inch practice club called a Swing Stick. It's got a real golf grip and lets you play virtual rounds, work on targets, or practice putting without hitting anything.

Perfect for apartment dwellers or when the weather's garbage. You can literally play 18 holes in your living room. Fair warning though - swinging this thing doesn't quite scratch the same itch as crushing a real ball. But hey, it beats not swinging at all.

You know how every launch monitor shows up at your door in some boring square box? Well, when the Square Golf Launch Monitor arrived, I honestly thought someone sent me a new driver by mistake. This thing comes in a long, narrow box that's basically identical to what you'd see if you ordered a TaylorMade online - just a bit stubbier.

Turns out there's a reason for the weird packaging. They throw in this thing called the Swing Stick, which is basically a training club that works with the device. More on that in a bit, but yeah, that's why the box is so massive compared to what you'd expect for such a tiny gadget.

Speaking of tiny - this launch monitor is seriously compact. Picture a small brick that's roughly 7.5 inches long, less than 3 inches wide and tall, and weighs about as much as your favorite IPA. When I first picked it up, I'm not gonna lie, I thought "no way this featherweight thing can handle serious golf shots."

But here's the thing - after spending time with it, the lightweight design started making more sense. Sure, it's not built like a tank, but it's not as flimsy as you'd think either. That said, I'd be nervous about what happens if you blade one straight into it. I wasn't brave enough to test that theory, and honestly, that's my biggest concern with the whole setup.

And get this - no carrying case and no protective cage to shield it from those inevitable hosel rockets. For something this portable, that feels like a miss.

So what's actually in the box when you crack it open? You're looking at the Square monitor itself, that Swing Stick I mentioned, a charging cable, a remote control (batteries already in there, thank god), three golf balls with special markings, some reflective stickers for your clubs, access to 1,000 rounds of sim golf, the manual nobody reads, and a battery you can actually swap out when it dies.

Now here's where this thing really shines - getting it running is stupid easy. I've messed around with plenty of launch monitors, and some feel like you need an engineering degree to set up. Not this one. You grab the app (doesn't matter if you're iPhone, Android, or using your laptop), run through some basic setup screens, use their alignment tool to point it at your target, and boom - you're hitting balls in under five minutes.

Even if you're the type who still asks your kids to program the TV remote, you'll have zero problems getting this thing going. It's honestly refreshing after dealing with some of the more complicated units out there.

You've probably heard about the Square launch monitor, and let me break down what I discovered when I tested this $700 gadget against a $20,000 GCHawk. Yeah, you read that right - I wanted to see if this budget-friendly option could hang with the big boys.

Here's the deal - you can only use this thing indoors. Don't even think about taking it to the driving range. The sunlight will mess up its cameras and infrared sensors, and apparently can fry them completely. Trust me, you don't want to risk it.

Setting it up in my simulator bay, I was curious how it'd perform. The Square uses two cameras and eight infrared sensors to track your shots, which sounds fancy but I wondered if it'd cause problems with other launch monitors nearby. Turns out, no issues there.

Now, here's where things get interesting. You need special golf balls with markings that come with the unit - you get three to start. Want perfect accuracy? Gotta use 'em. For club data, you'll stick these reflective patches on your shafts. I know what you're thinking - "That's annoying." But honestly? They're way better than those chunky white dots other systems use, and nothing like those massive stickers on the GolfJoy units.

I tested everything from my 56-degree to my driver, and man, the results blew my mind. With my wedges, pitching wedge, and 7-iron, the Square was basically matching the GCHawk number for number. We're talking identical ball speeds most of the time - maybe 1-2 mph difference tops. Carry distances? Within a couple yards every single shot. Even the angle of attack readings were spot on.

What really got me was the spin rate accuracy. This little unit was reading within a few hundred RPMs of the GCHawk, which is nuts for something this affordable. Your typical budget monitor struggles hard with spin, but not this one.

Things got a bit looser with my 3-wood and driver. Still respectable though - carries were usually within 5 yards, though I had a handful drift toward 10 yards off. Not perfect, but we're comparing a $700 unit to something that costs as much as a new car.

The shot shape tracking? Absolutely nailed it. When I came over the top and hit that weak push-fade we all hate, it showed it perfectly. Pull one left? Yep, showed that too. The trajectories matched what the GCHawk displayed and, more importantly, matched what I felt when I hit the shot.

Another huge plus - the data shows up instantly in the app. No waiting around wondering if it caught your shot. Bang, there's your numbers. And get this - it picks up chips and pitches like a champ. Even those high, soft flop shots that usually confuse cheaper monitors? No problem.

Okay, let's talk about what's not so great. I had about one in twelve shots just disappear - the unit didn't pick them up at all. Tried moving around thinking maybe shadows were the issue, but nope. Still haven't figured that one out.

The club data you get is pretty basic. No clubhead speed or smash factor, which stinks because those are numbers most of us want to track. And the dynamic loft readings? Forget about 'em - they're way off. Clearly just guessing at those numbers and doing a terrible job of it. Though honestly, unless you're really dialing in your equipment, you probably won't care about dynamic loft anyway.

Bottom line? For $700, you're getting ball flight accuracy that rivals units costing twenty times more. Sure, it's got limitations - indoor only, needs special balls for best results, misses the occasional shot, and doesn't give you all the fancy club data. But if you've got a home sim setup or access to an indoor facility and want accurate carry distances, spin rates, and shot shapes without dropping five figures? This thing's a no-brainer.

Just remember - those special golf balls aren't optional if you want the best data. Stock up when you order from Golfers Authority because you'll want extras. And slap those shaft stickers on without overthinking it. They're barely noticeable and worth it for the data you'll get.

You're gonna love how straightforward the Square Golf app is to use. Don't let the simplicity fool you though - this thing packs some serious punch for your practice sessions. The navigation? Smooth as butter. Everything responds instantly when you tap it.

Here's what blew me away - the graphics look way better than you'd expect from a budget-friendly launch monitor. When you fire up the app, you'll see these main options staring back at you:

Your Practice Arsenal

Let me walk you through what you're working with here. First up, you've got two driving range setups to pick from. One's surrounded by these massive rock formations that make you feel like you're hitting balls in Arizona. The other? It's next to some fancy yacht at a marina - honestly, that one's a bit weird for my taste. Give me those desert rocks any day.

Here's a pro tip: stick with the fixed camera view instead of the one that follows your ball. You'll see this cool ball trace that shows exactly how your shot curved through the air. Way better for understanding if you're hitting that baby draw or fighting a slice.

Your screen's loaded with all the data you need. Ball numbers run across the bottom - things like carry distance, ball speed, and spin rate. On the right side, you'll see how fast you swung and your angle of attack. Top left shows how long you've been grinding and your shot count. Bottom right? That's where you switch between your 7-iron and driver.

The Secret Weapon Button

Check out that "mode" button in the top right corner. This is where it gets interesting. You can flip between watching your ball fly (Graphics Mode) or diving deep into the numbers (Data Mode). In Data Mode, you get these killer overhead and side-view animations showing exactly what your club did at impact.

My only gripe? You can't see both the ball flight and those sweet club animations at the same time. You're stuck picking one or the other, which is a bummer when you're trying to connect the feels with the reals.

Dialing In Your Short Game

The Closest to Pin game is money for working on approach shots. Set it up however you want - stick to one distance to groove that 150-yard shot, let the computer throw random yardages at you, or start close and work your way back. You can even tweak how firm the greens play, which changes how much your ball releases after landing.

Wait, It Reads Putts?

I know, right? A sub-$1,000 monitor that actually tracks putting? The Square nails it too. Same deal as the approach practice - pick your distance, go random, or start short and work longer. Adjust that green speed to match your home course.

After each stroke, you're getting instant feedback on ball speed and start line, plus it tells you exactly how far your putt rolled and what you've got left. If you've got a decent putting mat at home, this turns those living room sessions into legit practice. The distance control feels surprisingly accurate - not saying it beats actual green time, but for working on your stroke mechanics? It's solid gold.

Virtual Golf Adventures

Now we're talking full simulator golf. Grab up to three buddies and tackle any of the 12 built-in courses. Word is they're adding more tracks soon too. The course experience deserves its own deep dive, but trust me - it's way more engaging than you'd expect at this price point.

Look, for the money you're spending, the Square delivers where it counts. Sure, I'd love to see ball flight and club data together, and that yacht driving range is questionable. But when you're getting accurate numbers, solid putting practice, and actual course play? That's a recipe for dropping strokes without dropping serious cash.

You know how most launch monitors make you stop at the tee box? Not this one. The Square Golf system actually lets you finish the hole - putting and all. They've upgraded Near Pin Mode to track your putting strokes now, giving you the complete picture of your short game performance.

The new update brings some sweet additions too. If you're playing with the kids, there's a new tee option that makes family golf days way more fun. Plus, they added a resume feature to Game Mode - perfect for when life interrupts your virtual round. You can save your club setup in My Bag now, which beats entering everything from scratch each time you play.

Here's what caught my attention about the courses: they're not real places, but man, they look and play like they should be. The graphics had me doing double-takes, and the course details feel legitimate enough that you'll forget you're in your garage. Want to use GSPro or E6 Connect instead? Go for it - there's no connection fee, which saves you serious cash compared to other systems.

The pricing structure is refreshingly simple. Pick your course, dial in your conditions (wind, green speed), and it'll cost you one credit per hole for each player. You start with 1,000 credits out of the box - that's over 55 full rounds if you're flying solo. Need more? Buy them in bunches from 100 to 1,000, with better deals on bigger purchases.

This pay-as-you-play approach beats those monthly subscriptions that drain your wallet whether you use them or not. When you only play twice a month in winter, why pay for unlimited access?

Playing feels natural and intuitive. Ball flights look right, distances match what you'd expect outdoors, and everything responds smoothly. The visuals impressed me more than I expected from this price point.

Here's the game-changer though - actual putting! Set your gimme distance at 2, 3, or 4 feet if you want, or grind out every putt using the slope grid that shows you exactly how putts will break. Sure, rolling balls on your mat won't perfectly replicate real greens, but Square's system comes surprisingly close to making it work well.

The whole package delivers way more than you'd expect from an affordable monitor. Getting full holes instead of just driving range sessions changes everything about indoor practice.

Let's talk about this interesting addition to the Square Golf Launch Monitor - they throw in something called the Swing Stick that's basically a virtual golf club.

Here's how it works: You tell the app you're switching from real clubs to this stick thing. Drop a ball in the hitting area, aim the stick at it (it's got a legit golf grip and sensors packed into its triangular-shaped head), and take your swing like you normally would. Every feature works with it - the range sessions, closest-to-pin contests, putting drills, even full course play.

Pretty cool concept? Well, that depends on what you're looking for.

The good stuff first: This thing actually feels substantial in your hands. The weight distribution feels surprisingly authentic. I've found it super helpful for working on swing mechanics when you're stuck in tight spaces where a full club won't fit.

Now for the reality check: Your shots are gonna look way too good. Trust me, if I could actually hit drives like this stick says I do, I'd be on tour. Every tee shot flies dead straight and about 20 yards past my best real drives. Approach shots track toward the pin like they're guided missiles. Anyone who only practices with this thing before hitting an actual course is gonna have their confidence crushed.

Credit where it's due though - the distance readings for shorter irons match up pretty well with reality. But once you grab the longer clubs? Those numbers get seriously generous.

So who benefits from this gadget? More people than you'd think, actually.

Over the holidays, I had some relatives visiting, including their golf-averse teenage kids. We set up the Square Golf in my living room, handed them the Swing Stick, and suddenly they're hooked on trying to stick approach shots and playing virtual rounds.

I've also been working on that forward hip bump that starts the downswing properly. The Swing Stick lets me rehearse that move indoors without worrying about ceiling damage.

But if you're serious about getting accurate feedback for your simulator sessions or want real driving range data? This isn't your answer. The feedback is too forgiving to be useful. I tried hitting massive hooks and slices on purpose - the ball barely moved off center.

Here's my take: They should sell the Swing Stick separately. Either drop the base monitor price and make it an optional add-on, or swap it out for something more practical like a protective case at the current price point.

You know that feeling when you're looking for a launch monitor but everything decent costs more than your car payment? Well, the Square Golf just changed the game at $699.99, and I've gotta tell you why this thing's worth your attention.

Here's what blew me away - you're getting photometric technology (that's the fancy camera-based tracking system the pros use) for under a grand. Every other option in this price range uses radar, which honestly sucks indoors because you need like 15 feet of ball flight and the accuracy goes to hell in tight spaces.

The best part? They ditched those annoying monthly subscription fees that drain your wallet. You buy credits for their simulator software when you need 'em, so you're not stuck paying during the winter when you can't even practice.

Let me break down what makes this thing special. The accuracy on your shots is legit impressive considering what you paid. Ball speed, launch angle, spin rate - it's tracking all the important stuff that tells you why your 7-iron went 150 instead of 165. But here's where it really shines - putting and chipping. Most launch monitors treat short game like an afterthought, but this one nails it. You can actually work on those 20-yard chips that save your bacon when you miss greens.

They include this training aid called the Swing Stick that's supposed to help with your tempo and path. Honestly, it's decent for what it is, but I wish they'd make it optional instead of forcing everyone to buy it with the unit.

Now for the reality check - you've gotta be precise with your setup. The hitting zone is only about 6 inches square, so if you're the type who sets up differently every time, you'll be doing a lot of adjusting. Also, it doesn't show clubhead speed or smash factor, which would be nice for understanding your efficiency. Smash factor basically tells you how well you're compressing the ball - higher numbers mean better contact.

Another quirk - they don't include a case, though honestly, most people just leave these set up in their garage or basement anyway. Would've been nice to have the option to grab the Swing Stick separately and maybe save 50 bucks if you don't want it.

Bottom line: if you're tired of guessing whether your new grip pressure actually added distance, or you want real feedback on those touchy chips around the green, this delivers way more than you'd expect for seven hundred bucks. Just remember you'll need to be somewhat precise with your ball placement, and don't expect every single data point the $20,000 units provide.

Let's be real – you're not gonna see this Square Golf Launch Monitor on tour anytime soon. It's not competing with those $25,000 Foresight QuadMAX units the pros use. The accuracy? Pretty solid for your home setup, but we're talking recreational-level precision here, not tour-caliber measurements.

You also won't get those fancy software packages that come with FlightScope Mevo+ or SkyTrak+ systems. Those mid-range monitors pack way more analytics, training programs, and visual feedback that really dig into your swing data.

Here's the kicker though – this thing's indoor-only. So if you're someone who loves grinding at the driving range, you'll need to shop around for something else. The Square stays home.

Now that we've covered what it's NOT, let me tell you why this little device might blow your mind.

First off, we're talking $699.99 for photometric technology. You know what that means? Instead of radar (like most budget monitors), it uses high-speed cameras to track your ball. That's the same tech those expensive tour monitors use – just scaled down. Your buddy's garage ceiling won't mess with the readings like radar can.

The pricing structure's pretty clever too. You pay per session instead of monthly subscriptions. Hit balls every day? Maybe not ideal. But for most of us weekend warriors who practice a couple times a week? Your wallet's gonna thank you.

They've hooked it up to work with GSPro and E6 Connect right out of the box – no extra fees. Those are legit golf sim programs that'll have you playing Pebble Beach in your basement.

What really got me excited? It tracks putting and chipping. Most affordable monitors pretend short game doesn't exist. This one actually gives you data on those scoring shots we all need to work on.

Oh, and get this – there's a mode where you can play virtual rounds without even hitting a ball. Sounds weird, but imagine working through course management on a rainy Tuesday without setting up your net. Pretty slick for visualization practice.

Bottom line: If you're hunting for tour-level perfection or need something for the range, keep looking. But if you want solid home practice tech that won't require a second mortgage, the Square's gonna shake things up in the affordable launch monitor game. Your improvement curve and bank account will both appreciate this one.

The tech's legit, the features are practical, and at this price point? I'm genuinely impressed with what they've pulled off.

Absolutely, while the Square Golf Launch Monitor is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:

Pros:

• Photometric technology provides tour-level accuracy for under $700, matching expensive units on ball speed and spin rates

• Pay-per-use pricing model saves money compared to monthly subscriptions you might forget to cancel

• Actually tracks putting and chipping accurately , unlike most budget monitors that ignore your short game

Cons: 

• Indoor-only operation means you can't take it to the driving range or course

• Limited hitting zone of 6 inches requires precise ball placement for consistent readings

• No protective case included despite the lightweight build that might worry you about durability

Look, if you've been waiting for launch monitor tech to ultimately make sense for your wallet, the Square Golf just changed everything at $699. Yeah, it's indoor-only and you'll need to be careful with ball placement, but you're getting camera-based accuracy that rivals units costing 20 times more. The pay-as-you-play pricing beats those subscription traps, it actually helps with your putting (where we lose most strokes anyway), and connecting to GSPro won't cost you extra. For anyone with garage or basement space who wants real data without the country club price tag, this thing's a no-brainer – just stock up on those marked balls and start dropping strokes.