There’s a new sport in town, known as X-League, now available in Australia and New Zealand. Golfing simulators have been around for some time, but this takes a casual hit with the mates, and turns it into a fun competition that redefines golf through technology.
Likened to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL), X-League brings team gameplay to everyday golfers with simulator technology using high-definition cameras, lasers, impact sensors and infrared so that each shot is tracked with precision, from drive to putt.
X-League have locations across Australia and now have a membership of more than 1,000 players annually.
X-League employs a suite of cutting-edge technologies to simulate golf in a controlled environment:
High-Definition Cameras
These are strategically placed around the simulator to capture every angle of the swing and ball flight. They provide high-resolution imagery which is crucial for tracking the ball’s trajectory and spin in real-time.
Laser and Impact Sensors
These devices are embedded within the hitting mat and club to detect the exact moment of impact, measuring variables like club head speed, angle of attack, and the point of contact on the clubface.
This data is critical for accurately simulating how the ball would react in real-world conditions.
Infrared Technology
Infrared sensors are used to further enhance the precision of shot tracking. They help in detecting the ball’s initial movement and spin, which is essential for calculating the ball’s path, especially in scenarios involving spin-induced curves or bounces.
Software Algorithms
X-Golf’s proprietary software integrates all this sensory data into a complex algorithm. It calculates not just where the ball lands but also how it behaves on the ground or in the air, mimicking real golf course conditions.
This includes factors like wind, slope, and even the grass type, all of which are simulated with high fidelity.
Virtual Reality Elements
The system uses VR to create an immersive golfing environment. Players see a digital representation of renowned golf courses, complete with true-to-life details on terrain, hazards, and weather conditions.
This virtual course dynamically changes based on the player’s shot, offering a realistic golfing experience.
Handicap System
X-League incorporates a handicap system tailored for simulator play, ensuring that golfers of varying skill levels can compete fairly. The system adjusts scores based on historical performance data collected by the simulators, providing a balanced competitive field.
Network Integration
Each X-League venue connects to a central server where data from all games are logged. This allows for real-time scoring, leaderboards, and the organization of matches across different locations, culminating in a national Championship where the best teams vie for supremacy.
“Our software doesn’t just replicate the game; it elevates it by ensuring each shot’s outcome reflects the golfer’s skill and the physics involved,” he explains. The technology is designed to be transparent in its operation, giving players confidence in the fairness of each match.
Ben Styles, co-founder of X-Golf
“The detail in how the ball reacts, the way the course changes with your play – it’s all so accurate. It’s like being on the course but without the physical toll.”
Seasoned golfer Russell Lucas
The 2025 season of X-League is now underway, showcasing this blend of technology and sport.
