Life can get pretty hectic sometimes. The daily grind can make it hard for us to get out and do the things that we love the most, including golfing. One way that you can still enjoy golf when you can’t get to a driving range or out on the green, is to use a golf simulator.
Golf simulators are a type of technology that replicate the game of golf either indoors or outdoors. We checked in with the team at Golf Simulator Buddy for more information about golf simulators and this is what you should know about them.
Types of Golf Simulators
Let’s start out by going over the different types of golf simulators there are.
- Photometric: These golf simulators are camera-based systems that will take high-speed pictures of the golf right as it hits the screen. These images are then analyzed and will provide feedback on the speed, angle, and even the spin of the ball.
- Radar: Radar systems work using a microwave signal from the unit back onto the ball. These simulators are most appropriate for outdoor use.
- Infrared: Infrared simulators emit a light signal that can capture the position of the club-head as it goes through your swing.
Each type of simulator has a purpose, so you will need to think about what you want from your golf simulator before you buy one.
How do they Work?
Regardless of the type of simulator that you have, they all work in similar ways. They use a computer that has been paired up with golf simulator software. The courses that you can play, or even the driving range, can be projected on a screen, if you are using a projector. The image will show you the course, where the hole is, and other factors that might influence the flow of the shot.
Using a variety of tools, including light sensors, radar, and motion detection devices, the simulator works by monitoring the movement of the ball and/or the movement of the club in comparison to the course information. Then, it will supply you with information about the hit. The data that you get will depend on the simulator that you have. The more expensive the simulator, the more information that it will supply. That said, even the more budget friendly simulators will supply you with useful information about your game.
Are they like the real thing?
A common concern with golf simulators is whether they work as well as golfing in real-life. When you consider the fact that pros also use them and you can just as easily injure yourself, sending you off for a physiotherapy visit, you can see that they are excellent at improving your game.
Simulators can help you by:
- Helping you practice more often. It is incredibly hard to get out on the green, especially these days. A simulator allows you to practice and improve your skills even when you cannot get to a course.
- Keeping track of your progress. Simulators also will note where you were at the last time your practiced and even how well you are doing in between shots. Then, you can make adjustments in real-time.
- Improving your game. Of course the best thing about golf simulators is that they really help you to improve your golf game. As the sensors report on your swing, you can adjust and focus on exactly what you need to work on in order to be a more effective player.
- Play anywhere. You also can use courses that you have only dreamed of playing on, right from your living room. More portable simulators can be set up and put down anywhere, keeping you fresh in your game.
If you have been weighing the pros and cons of a golf simulator, there are so many pros, that you should definitely look into getting one for yourself. Your golf game will thank you for it.