Golf Simulators and Golfing Indoor Tips

Advances in technology are impacting every part of our lives, even our hobbies and pastimes. Golf is no exception to the rule. The rise of at-home golf simulator devices and indoor golf setup kits has made it possible for people to practice without leaving home. But just what are golf simulators and indoor golf, and should you be getting in on the latest technological trend? Read on for the answers.

Overview of Golf Simulators

Golf simulators are systems that recreate the experience of golfing. There are two main types: the driving range simulator and the course simulator. Driving range simulators allow you to work on your drives. To use them, you hit a ball on a simulator screen or mat equipped with sensors. Then, the simulator shows how far the ball would fly and where it would end up.

Golf course simulators work similarly but include more than just drives. They allow you to play through entire holes, so you can gain practice planning shots, selecting clubs and more. Many golf simulator software programs allow you to experience what it's like to play on the world's best courses. Depending on the model, some at-home golf simulators may have both driving range and course modes.

Are Golf Simulators Accurate?

How accurate golf simulators are varies. If you want to purchase a golf simulator, you can read product descriptions to find out accuracy information and check out customer reviews to get a feel for how accurate a particular system is when actually in use. For most golfers, a simulator with around 90% to 95% accuracy will be sufficient. Professional golfers generally aim for a higher level of accuracy, such as 98 to 99%. Keep in mind that the more accurate an at-home golf simulator is, the more expensive it is likely to be.

How Much Is a Golf Simulator?

How much golf simulators cost is another area of variability. Typically, entry-level systems cost around $5,000 with the most advanced and accurate systems costing $25,000 or more. In some cases, you may be able to purchase a gently used system to save money.

What Does Golfing Indoors Really Mean?

Simulators aren't the only way to take your golf game indoors. In many areas, you can now find indoor golf courses that replicate a traditional course but are entirely inside. Often these courses are built under large domes and have features like rolling hills and sand hazards to make the indoor game as realistic as possible. There are also indoor driving ranges, par-three-courses and centers where you can use golf simulators. It's even possible to set up an indoor golf practice area at home with artificial turf and a practice net. In any form, indoor golf can help golfers who use the sport for fitness keep up with their play in any season.

Pros and Cons of Indoor Golfing

Compared to golfing outside, indoor golfing has some distinct advantages, such as:

• All weather-play: No matter what the weather is like outside, you can golf indoors or use a golf simulator. This can prevent you from getting rusty during the winter months.
• Fitness: Golf is a great form of exercise. Indoor golf lets you hit the course more regularly despite cold and wet weather.
• Accessibility: If you live far from a golf course, indoor golf and golf simulators may be more readily accessible, allowing you to play more often.
• Variety: With indoor golf simulators, you can put your skills to the test on many different courses.
• Ability to focus on your goals: Because indoor golf removes some of the distractions and difficulties of outdoor play like wind and other players on the course, you may find it easier to maintain your overall focus. In addition, golf simulators can give you the ability to practice specific skills or work on improving a single aspect of your form because you can select courses based on your needs.

For all their benefits, indoor golf simulators do have some disadvantages, including:

• Lack of accuracy: If you're relying on golf simulators to assess your performance, you're at the mercy of the systems' levels of accuracy. A system with low accuracy could lead to an unpleasant surprise when you hit the outdoor course and find you're not playing as well as the simulator led you to believe.
• Not getting acclimated to climate: Endurance is an important part of golf. Practicing outside lets you get used to playing in sweltering hot or chilly conditions, so you're in a better position to remain focused outside.
• Inability to fully replicate outdoor conditions: There are some things that a simulator or indoor course simply can't recreate, such as the effects of wind or different types of grass.
• Inadequate prep for tournaments: Although indoor golf is becoming more and more popular, most tournaments still take place on outdoor courses. If you're playing exclusively indoors, you may find it difficult to adjust and play your best.

Indoors or Outdoors? Golf in Style

As you can see, there are many reasons why you may want to use an at-home golf simulator or visit an indoor golf course. Because there are some disadvantages to golfing inside and relying on simulators, a great approach is to combine indoor and outdoor play and practice.

Wherever you choose to golf, Devereux can have you looking impressive. Our collection of golf apparel and accessories draws inspiration from streetwear, so you can golf in style and stand out when you're in the clubhouse. At the same time, our gear boasts technical features to help you stay cool, dry and comfortable in all types of weather. Shop our new arrivals and get ready to play anywhere.