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How does Toptracer work on TV?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Jan 20, 2026

In 2016, it was rebranded Toptracer when Topgolf purchased it. The proprietary technology works similar to Hawk-Eye in that there are strategically-placed cameras that track the shot, then send that data back to the sensors, which then convert that into an on-screen graphic seen by the television audience.

How do they track the golf ball on TV?

The science behind it starts with cameras and sensors that build three-dimensional space. In that space created, any golf ball entering will be tracked. At driving ranges, “the light waves created by the golf ball allows the software to track the ball flight and show it up on the screen,” Lam said.

How does Toptracer actually work?

Toptracer Range, owned by Topgolf, features video monitors mounted in the traditional driving range bay. They're connected to cameras on the roof that track the flight of your ball and replicate it on the screen, along with a dizzying array of stats. It's sort of like a cross between Topgolf and a simulator.

What technology does Toptracer use?

It uses metal oxide semiconductors. These transistors were invented back in the 50s are still produced to this day in their trillions. They're used in everyday technology such as phones and TVs and form a big part of the Toptracer range.

How does Topgolf track the balls?

The ball dispensers are equipped with RFID readers that can tell when you wave a club over the sensor. The ball also contains an RFID chip that tells the Topgolf system that it's you who's about to hit. “We know that you're the one playing because that ball is tagged to you,” Macaulay says.

29 related questions found

Is Toptracer owned by Topgolf?

Acquired by Topgolf in 2016, the Sweden-based technology company introduced the first-of-its-kind ball-tracing technology to the sport of golf. If you've watched a professional golf tournament on TV, you've likely seen Toptracer in action.

Does Toptracer work in the rain?

While other, radar-based launch monitoring equipment may break down in bad rain and significant fog, the Toptracer “works really well in the bad weather”. “Radar sometimes doesn't extrapolate yardages when it's foggy,” the team emphasise, “so today Toptracer's more useful than usual.”

How does Toptracer track the ball?

It works by fitting cameras above the bays at the driving range to track the ball and deliver graphics on-screen. The programme allows guests to monitor every shot they hit, as well as play games and virtual golf, which Toptracer say leads 'to a more dynamic and fun experience'.

Does Toptracer measure club head speed?

We don't get club data like swing speed, attack angle or club path but we get very accurate real-time ball data. So when we watch golf on TV, the Toptracer software picks up the trajectory and shot-shape of the ball and makes it visible to viewers.

How much is a Toptracer?

Toptracer installs the equipment at no charge to the ranges, then leases it at prices starting around $180 to $190 per bay per month, depending on the configuration.

What is top trace?

Through the gamification of the driving range experience, Toptracer is introducing golf to a new generation of players, teeing up ranges for long-term success, and bringing people together in meaningful ways. Go behind the scenes of the trace that's changing golf broadcasts. Toptracer on TV.

Is there an app to help you find your golf ball?

The app is called, easily enough, Golf Ball Finder, and it uses the camera function to help find your golf ball as you search for it.

What does flat carry mean?

The flat carry is the carry on level ground. Club. Loft (degrees) Distance for men (yards)

Does Toptracer measure spin rate?

The technology then tracks and analyses every shot you hit, showing you the trajectory and a wealth of data such as distance (carry and total), ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, peak height, hang time and landing angle.

Do range balls go shorter?

Expect that range balls will fly 10-15% shorter than normal and if you're using a limited flight range ball, then expect 25-30% shorter distances to result.

Is there a trackable golf ball?

The result: a golf ball that will capture and transmit data directly to a mobile device – in real time. OnCore's Genius Ball will track the ball's performance and statistics on every shot, from distance and height to ball velocity and course location that's accurate to within a foot.

What is a good ball speed for a driver?

Trackman reported the following averages for male golfers with their driver: Scratch or Better – 161 mph. 5 HCP – 147 mph. 10 HCP – 138 mph.

When did Toptracer start?

Toptracer was started as Protracer in Sweden in 2006 by Daniel Forsgren, who was annoyed he couldn't see the flight of tee shots while watching golf on television. It was bought by Top Golf in 2016 and renamed Toptracer. Toptracer was used on 161 televised golf tournaments worldwide last year.

How far do average golfers actually hit it?

Driving distance figures from the R&A and USGA's most recent Distance Report show that the average hit by an amateur male club golfer is 215 yards. Five handicaps and below average 240 yards, 6-12 handicaps average 220 yards, 13-20 handicaps average 204 yards and 21 and overs average 187 yards.

How far should a 7 iron carry?

A standard amateur golfer can hit a 7 iron from 128 yards to 158 yards. The lower range will be for women and senior golfers. To hit the ball over 150 yards in total distance with a 7 iron club, an amateur golfer will have to have a good swing and be physically fit.

What should my driver carry be?

TrackMan Combine Averages

*NOTE: The average male golfer has a normalized carry of 208 yards. The standard assumption for carry comes from the TrackMan Optimizer. For the driver, a club speed of 94 mph, attack angle of 0 degrees, and optimized carry results in a carry of 222 yards.

How do you find lost golf balls?

Lost your ball? Here are six ways to find it

  1. GOLF BALL FINDER APP.
  2. OAKLEY PRIZM SUNGLASSES.
  3. CALLAWAY 15th CLUB BALL RETRIEVER.
  4. HIGH-VISIBILITY GOLF BALLS.
  5. GOLF-BALL TRACKING HOUNDS.
  6. MICRO-CHIP EMBEDDED BALLS.

How do you get golf balls in the grass?

When searching the area where the ball came down, be sure to walk in different directions. Searching one way can make it difficult to spot the ball depending on how it is lying. Move in one direction and then back the opposite way. This will enable you to see the ball if it is being obscured by grass, light or rock.

How do I check my golf balls?

On contact with the green, the ball should visibly be bouncing up and checking twice, then followed by a short amount of forward release afterward. On longer wedge shots over 50 yards, the ball should only bounce once or twice, then spin hard (sometimes backward!). When you see these things, you have found your ball!