How to Buy a Golf Simulator
A golf simulator allows the owner to practice in the comfort of his own home. With a golf simulator, you will have access to an actual club and turf mat, both using sensors indicating how well you hit the golf ball. Research the available models before purchase since golf simulators can prove expensive.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine what type of golf simulator model you wish to purchase. There are professional-grade versions as well as smaller types for home use. A professional-grade version includes such features as a projection screen, screen cage, cage covers, golf clubs, software and turf mat. A home version will usually include a small mat, golf club and software.
-
2
Compare prices before you buy. Professional versions are priced between $5,000 and $10,000. Personal golf simulators are usually less than $300.
-
-
3
Check the requirements before purchase. Many require software that needs to be loaded onto a computer. You'll also need a large enough area to use the simulator. The simulator description indicates the minimum space needed.
-
4
Review the types of courses available on the simulator. Some versions use actual golf courses for game play, while others do not.
-
5
Find golf simulators at sporting goods stores as well as online. Some vendors that sell these games include Full Swing Golf and Holiday Golf Simulators.
-
6
Arrange for delivery. Personal simulators are be easy to set up. For pro versions, arrange for delivery and installation if necessary.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Many of the golf simulators allow for users to play with their own clubs.
References
Resources
More Like This
Comments
-
par2pro
Sep 07, 2009
Yes, there is a lot more to it than Heather suggests and rdh74 is much more on target with the price range. When looking at systems, you really need to look at the three main parts: 1. The Software - what courses, driving ranges, putting greens, swing analytics, video capture, etc. does it include. 2. The Hardware - how does it measure what the golfer is doing? Sensors measure what the club is doing, what the ball is doing or both. There are about 5 different technologies available all with their pros and cons. You have to determine how accurate you want it and what features you want. 3. Options - options can really add up if you let it, but you are looking at the same for most systems - computer, touchscreen, projector, mats/flooring, impact screen, enclosure/draping/netting, lighting, audio, etc. Some systems require that you use their proprietary options and others let you get ... -
rdh74
Sep 06, 2009
The cost estimates here are a bit wonky. The cheapest simulator I know of that uses real clubs/balls is the Dancin Dogg Optishot, which is around $400 for just the sensor pad - no stance mat. The professional versions are in a much higher range - really from $5,000 to $50,000. At the $5,000 end are options like Golftek's sensor pad only and basic software, then pricing goes up substantially as you look at options from Dead Solid Golf, AboutGolf and Full Swing Golf. Can you tell I've been doing a lot of investigation into this recently? :)
