What You Should Know About Golf Simulators

There's nothing like a good golf game to clear the mind and replenish the soul for many of us. Whether it's playing alone or with a group of friends, spending your time playing golf is always a rewarding experience. Unfortunately, enjoying this simple pleasure is not still possible; sometimes, the weather plays out against your favor, or you don't have enough time to commute to the golf course. 

These are the times you wish you'd be able to play golf indoors, just like any other regular exercise. Although this was implausible once upon a time, swinging your clubs at home is now easier than ever, thanks to golf simulators' advancement. Here's everything you should know about golf simulators. 

Advantages of Using Golf Simulators

Although the advantages of playing golf on a real course are plenty, there are quite a few advantages limited to golf simulators alone. For starters, the freedom to play golf whenever you want to, regardless of the current weather conditions, is one of the leading pros of using golf simulators. Since these simulators can be set up indoors, you won't have to take a long winter break away from your favorite sport anymore. Moreover, most golf simulators come with the added advantage of giving you performance feedback as you exercise. You'll be able to measure your performance, practice for better shots, and learn new skills throughout your exercise sessions. Another benefit of using golf simulators is saving a lot of time; you can efficiently finish the session in under an hour. 

Equipment Needed to Set Up a Golf Simulator

Setting up the golf simulator depends on the equipment you'll use. It's recommended for the best user experience to set up a launch monitor and a golf simulator along with a hitting mat, golf simulator screen, computer or tablet to run the software, and sufficient space. Some golfers opt for switching the projector or screen with a golf net. Although this option usually provides a less authentic experience, it comes down to personal preferences and budget limitations since a golf net are considerably more affordable than a full set. You can also choose to get more accessories, like club racks, ball trays, or alignment sticks, though this is optional.  

How it Works: Golf Simulators Vs. Launch Monitors 

While many people mistake golf simulators and launch monitors to be the same, they're not. Launch monitors are an essential piece of a great golf simulator, according to AECInfo.org; they're the systems that analyze the performance by collecting various information, such as the ball speed, launch angle, spin, flight path, and other metrics. The golf simulators then capture these data to simulate the shot accurately on the virtual golf course. People confuse these two parts together because the best launch monitors have their golf simulation software or are often integrated with another piece that does. In the end, the accuracy and quality of the experience depend on the launch monitor's rate. 

How Much Space Do You Need

In simple terms, you need enough space to swing the club in all directions. This includes both horizontal and vertical space. According to experts, it's recommended to have a 9-feet steep stretch. And 12 feet flat space - but, still, that may need to be adjusted depending on the golfer's height and the number of players. Instead of taking out the tape measure and going about your space, it's more practical to pick up a club and swing it around to test your area. On the plus side, you can get a portable golf simulator to play in different settings. That way, you can easily set it up or take it down whenever need be. 

The Cost of Golf Simulators

Once upon a time, you would have had to pay tens of thousands of dollars to get your golf simulator. Thankfully, these days are long gone. Nowadays, you can spend less than $1,000 to get a full golf simulator setup. 

However, keep in mind that cheaper does not always mean better; make sure to check the golf simulator's quality and accuracy before investing in a disappointing set. Meanwhile, you can also save a lot of money by opting for a golf net instead of a full set, although the experience may be compromised a bit. 

If you're looking for a quick yet efficient game of golf, you've certainly got to try golf simulators. Thanks to the advantage of being quickly set up indoors, you can enjoy a round of golf in any weather and location. Setting up the golf simulators comes down to your preferences at the end of the day, but one thing you can be sure of is that you're about to up your game as you've never imagined before.