A golf simulator is a type of technology that replicates a golfing experience — instead of actually going out and playing a round, a golf simulator allows you to play 18 holes from the convenience of your own home or your local golf shop.
A simulator will usually include a large theater-like screen that will display the course you’re playing. In front of the screen will be a turf mat and a tee where you can place your ball. To play, you hit the ball into the screen and from there a computer system will track its movement, displaying the simulated version for you to watch.
A golf simulator also gives you many advantages that you won’t get on the actual course. Using high-tech tracking systems, a golf simulator can measure your swing speed, analyze your weaknesses and allow you to make small improvements that will help your game. Today, golf simulators are becoming more and more popular — you’ll likely see many shops opening up near you, or you could even be considering installing a golf simulator in your own home.
Whatever you’re looking to accomplish, it will be helpful to take a look at how a golf simulator actually works, how much one typically costs and the advantages of owning one.
The Different Types of Golf Simulators
There are a few different types of golf simulators that differ by operation. The main types are radar, infrared and photometric.
Radar
Golf simulars that use radar send a microwave that bounces off the ball after impact. Using this technology, the simulator can then track the ball’s distance and speed. Since the simulator tracks the ball after impact, these types are usually reserved for outdoors or in spaces that can track a ball’s flight indoors.
Infrared
Infrared golf simulars send light signals which can track a ball’s flight. For these simulators, you can use foam or plastic balls and you’ll be able to get the same tracking accuracy.
Photometric
Photometric golf simulators are one of the most effective versions. When you make contact with the ball, these simulators are able to capture the ball with high-speed images which can then accurately track the ball’s flight and give you additional details about spin and distance.
How Does a Golf Simulator Work?
Golf simulators operate through a complex combination of software and hardware that come together to create a surprisingly impressive golfing experience. Simulators use a variety of hardware such as cameras, sensors, mats, screens and projectors to create a real feel and accurate representation of your swing. The software refers to the computer coding that allows you to track your ball accurately as well as any other additional details such as ball spin, swing speed and distance.
The golf simulator experience revolves around three simple steps that replicate an actual day out on the course.
1. Tee It Up
When you first step up to a golf monitor, the experience can seem intimidating and even a bit unnatural. You are, after all, going to be hitting a ball straight into a screen. But once you start using it for a little bit, you’ll realize just how intuitive it becomes.
Most simulators will have a turf area in front of the screen where you can place your ball. You may place the ball manually or, for some simulators, all you’ll have to do is tap a spot on the ground and the ball will appear for you. From here, all you have to do is swing away.
2. Swing Away
As soon as you hit the ball, that complex array of tracking technology will focus on your ball and take in information about ball speed, spin and more to create an accurate picture of your ball’s flight and how will it land on the simulated course. If you’ve ever played on a simulator, you probably know just how accurate a simulator can be — a solid drive looks and feel good on a simulator just as it does on an actual course, and a shank off the heel of your club will track just as well (unfortunately).
3. Analyze the Data
Once your ball lands, you’ll be able to get access to all kinds of information about your swing and ball flight. The more advanced your simulator is, the more you’ll be able to analyze your swing and make those little improvements to become a better golfer.
The Advantages of Owning a Golf Simulator
If you’re considering buying a golf simulator or are just curious about the technology, you might be wondering what the benefits of actually owning one are. Here are some reasons you may want to buy a golf simulator.
Play Golf No Matter the Climate
Traditional golf is reliant on the weather. If it’s pouring rain, you likely aren’t going to get the same experience if it was a clear, sunny day. Likewise, you may live in a region that only allows for playable golf during certain times of the year. Those in the northeast United States, for instance, may only get a few good months to regularly play golf. With a golf simulator, you have control over those variables.
You’ll be able to play golf no matter the conditions outside. This gives you a huge leg up during the winter to improve upon your game while others might not have the same option. And a canceled tee time due to bad weather can be replaced by a fun time in your own home on the simulator.
Conveniently Work On Your Game
Sometimes even going to the golf course can take up a lot of your time. You have to drive there, sometimes wait for others to tee off in front of you, and then drive back home when you’re done.
A simulator allows you to cut out a lot of wasted time, as you can easily start a new round from the convenience of your own basement. You can get some work in the morning before you go to work or even before you go to sleep at night.
Take Advantage of High-Quality Products
Every year golf simulators get even more impressive. Today, they’re able to replicate a round of golf beautifully, giving you access to the wonderful game at any time you want. Aside from being a great way to practice, it’s also just an awesome piece of technology that you can show to family and friends. It acts as a great centerpiece for hosting, as many simulators allow you to play various games like a scramble with multiple people.
Gain Insights Into Your Swing
Many simulators also give you valuable insights into your swing. You’ll be able to track things such as swing speed, ball spin and distance so that you can analyze your shots and pull conclusions from what you see. With a simulator, you can take a peek into the details of your game and make changes to shave strokes off your final score.
Challenge Yourself
You’ll be able to play courses like Pebble Beach and the Old Course at St. Andrews. Challenge yourself without having to pay the full price for these courses. You’ll be able to build up a solid strategy and become more comfortable with taking on these difficult terrains.
Golf Simulators: The Bottom Line
Golf simulators are great options for anyone looking to improve their golf game from the convenience of their own home or a local golf shop. Each year they become more and more innovative, and soon you’ll probably be able to gain even more insights from using these modern simulators. If you’re thinking about buying a golf simulator for your own home, check out our post on how much a golf simulator costs.