Running GSPro on macOS with Apple Silicon: Step-by-Step Guide

Golf enthusiasts using macOS with Apple Silicon can now experience GSPro, one of the most realistic golf simulation software options. While GSPro doesn’t natively support macOS, tools like CrossOver and Parallels enable you to run it effectively. Based on testing, CrossOver offers better performance for GSPro, particularly when using Wi-Fi to connect devices like the Foresight GC3.

This guide includes step-by-step instructions for both CrossOver and Parallels, so you can decide which setup works best for you.

CrossOver: Best Performance with Simplicity

CrossOver allows you to run GSPro on macOS without the overhead of a full Windows virtual machine. This makes it faster and more efficient for GSPro.

What You’ll Need

• CrossOver (Download here)
• GSPro Installer (Get it here)
• Foresight GC3 (or other launch monitor) with Wi-Fi enabled
• A Mac with Apple Silicon (M3 Max/M4 Max recommended)

Setup Steps for CrossOver

1. Install CrossOver
   • Download CrossOver from CodeWeavers and install it by dragging the application to your Applications folder.
   • Open CrossOver and activate the trial or purchase a license.
2. Create a Windows Bottle
   • Open CrossOver and click the + button to create a new bottle.
   • Select Windows 10 64-bit as the bottle type and name it (e.g., “GSPro”).
   • Click Create, and CrossOver will prepare the bottle.
3. Install Dependencies
   • Select your “GSPro” bottle.
   • Click Install a Windows Application and install:
     • .NET Framework 4.7.2 or higher
     • Visual C++ Redistributable 2015-2019
   • Follow the prompts to complete each installation.
4. Install GSPro
   • Download the GSPro installer .exe file.
   • In CrossOver, select your “GSPro” bottle and click Run Command.
   • Browse to the GSPro installer file and run it.
   • Complete the installation process as you would on a Windows machine.
5. Connect the Foresight GC3 via Wi-Fi
   • Ensure your GC3 is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
   • Open GSPro in CrossOver and navigate to Settings to configure the GC3 connection.
   • The software should automatically detect the GC3 via Wi-Fi.
6. Optimize Graphics Settings
   • Launch GSPro and adjust the graphics settings based on your Mac’s performance:
     • Medium to High settings for M1/M2.
     • Disable unnecessary effects if performance is an issue.

Parallels: Comprehensive Virtual Machine for Flexibility

Parallels Desktop provides a full Windows virtual machine environment, which offers compatibility with a wide range of Windows applications but requires more system resources than CrossOver.

What You’ll Need

• Parallels Desktop (Download here)
• Windows 11 ARM Edition (Download here)
• GSPro Installer
• Foresight GC3 or other launch monitor

Setup Steps for Parallels

1. Install Parallels Desktop
   • Download and install Parallels Desktop on your Mac.
   • Follow the setup wizard to activate your license or start a free trial.
2. Install Windows 11 ARM
   • Parallels will guide you to download and install Windows 11 ARM during setup.
   • Once installed, complete the Windows initial setup process (language, region, etc.).
3. Install GSPro in Windows
   • Open Windows in Parallels.
   • Download the GSPro installer inside the Windows virtual machine.
   • Install GSPro by running the .exe file.
4. Connect the Foresight GC3 via Wi-Fi
   • Ensure your GC3 is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac/Windows VM.
   • Open GSPro and configure the GC3 connection under Settings.
   • The VM will pass through network connections to detect the GC3.
5. Optimize Graphics and VM Settings
   • In Parallels, allocate sufficient resources to the Windows VM:
     • 4 CPU cores
     • 8–16 GB of RAM
     • Enable DirectX 11 support for better graphics in the Parallels settings.
   • Adjust GSPro’s graphics settings to suit your hardware.

Performance Comparison: CrossOver vs. Parallels

Known Limitations

CrossOver

• Does not support all third-party GSPro integrations.
• Some advanced Windows-only features may not work perfectly.

Parallels

• Requires more system resources, which can slow down performance on base M3/M4 Macs.
• Higher ongoing cost due to subscription.

Conclusion

If you’re focused on maximizing performance for GSPro and have a Foresight GC3 (or similar) connected via Wi-Fi, CrossOver is the ideal choice. It’s lightweight, offers excellent performance, and avoids the complexity of running a full Windows environment.

However, if you need broader compatibility or plan to use additional Windows applications alongside GSPro, Parallels is a solid option—provided your Mac has the resources to handle it.

Choose the method that best fits your needs and enjoy a seamless GSPro experience on your Mac. Let us know how it works for you or share your setup tips in the comments!