Simulators

[Steve Wilson]

I'm going to have a suitable room over my garage in what used to be a wood shop that can be converted to house a golf simulator.  I've used them on occasion and find them a satisfying way to practice.  Has anyone on here bitten the bullet and installed one?  I see prices ranges from the low $ hundreds to 70K.  I'm certain not interested in the upper end but perhaps something around 5K.  Any input, experiences, etc. will be greatly appreciated.

[Michael Blake]

Steve,

I think my friend has this one in his basement man cave:
https://trugolf.com/golf-simulators/technique-prestige/   Or it may be the sim that's one level down, the Professional.  Not sure.

Expensive, but they do make an $8K one. 

Anyway, my friend's is awesome.  I'm on it once a week on Sundays during football season  He must've upgraded on the number of courses because there could be 60 on his.  Pac Dunes, Pebble, Royal Melbourne, The Old Course, Bethpage Black and lots more.

I know he did a lot of research on different makes, models, & prices so he may be of some help to you.

I'll PM you his e-mail if you'd like.

[Steve Wilson]

Michael,
That would be most kind of you.


Than you.

[Ryan Coles]

Steve


We installed one at my Club earlier in the year. You really get what you pay for. If you want accurate ball flight information you really want a GC2 or similar. Less than that and its guess work and if you're guessing you may as well be hitting into a net.

[Jason Topp]

We had a winter league at my club using a donated Opti-shot a few years ago.  It is definitely the value product on the market but it still provided an enjoyable experience and claims that its updated version is much more accurate than the version we used.  You will not recognize the names of the courses but you will recognize the courses once you play them.


https://store.optishotgolf.com/ddstore/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=20140037&Category_Code=DDGS&Store_Code=DG&Offset=

[Bryan Izatt]

Steve,


I used one extensively last winter at a commercial indoor golf facility.  The simulator was from High Definition Golf ( http://hdgolf.com/ )  They have a very informative web site.


I thought it gave a good playing experience, although the putting was not all that great.  The launch monitor aspect seemed pretty accurate to  me, although one of my buddies thought it stunk because it didn't correspond to how far he thinks he hits it.  Good selection of famous courses, now including Cabot Links.


Not sure how much it costs - no prices on the web site, but the good news is that it's a Canadian company so you get about a 30% discount right away from the currency exchange with your US $.  It includes a complete package including computer, projector and screens and mats. I'd imagine it's outside your price range, but it's pretty neat.

[Thomas Dai]

Given how quickly technology moves ahead is there a secondhand market for this type of kit, eg a pro-facility using one for a period and then selling it on when another version or something better comes along? Just curious.


Atb

[Matt Frey, PGA]

Keep your ear to the ground for clubs or even social clubs looking to upgrade their systems. I know a few social clubs like the Elks and Moose Lodges even have winter simulator leagues.

[RSantangelo]

I am about to do this also

A good friend has been using the gc2 set up with good results....Look at the net return....may, decent laptop, software and a tv....under 10k...if you want club data you can get the hmt

Many people seem to prefer the golf club to the foresight software

Good luck

[David_Tepper]

Steve -

Will you be playing your simulator rounds with hickories?

DT

[Bill_McBride]

You guys should consider moving down to the Gulf Coast.  76° yesterday.  😈

[Kalen Braley]

You guys should consider moving down to the Gulf Coast.  76° yesterday.  😈

Thanks for the reminder Bill.  Locally, Its 38 degrees outside with snow expected for next week.

May your bed be infested with 10,000 fleas!! 

[Matt Frey, PGA]

Steve,
I used one extensively last winter at a commercial indoor golf facility.  The simulator was from High Definition Golf ( http://hdgolf.com/ )  They have a very informative web site.

I just spoke to a PGA Professional in the Midwest and he couldn't speak higher of High Definition Golf.

[Thomas Dai]

Will you be playing your simulator rounds with hickories?

Good point actually. It's not a particularly good idea to hit hickories from a mat. Iron heads in particular can 'snag' put excess strain on the shafts. Be careful over ball choice too. The ball you pick might up from the floor of the simulator room might not be appropriately soft enough for use with hickories.


Atb