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The purchase of indoor golf simulators requires
a significant investment. They are high tech electronic
devices that cost up to $50,000 per unit. The
last time we counted there were eight suppliers
of simulators, all of who advertise that they
sell the best simulator in the whole wide world.
It is difficult for a buyer unfamiliar with the
technology to make an informed decision. We have
a few suggestions that can be used during the
evaluation phase that might help you decide which
system best fits your needs.
- First, check out the company history of those
who you are considering as possible suppliers.
You do not want to buy from a company who may
not be in business 3 years from now. It has
happened before in this industry.
- If there is one single feature that will impress
the simulator golfer and bring him back to play
again, it is realism of play on the golf course.
If he shoots a score that is 7 or 8 strokes
better than his handicap, he will consider the
machine as an expensive video arcade game and
probably won’t come back.
- There are several basic features that directly
affect realism of play. There are two types
of picture graphics available: one is computer-generated
graphics; the other is computer reproduction
of photos. The golf simulators that use photo graphics
are not 3-dimensional. They do not recognize
contours or vertical obstacles on the golf course
and the realism is lost. Computer generated
graphics have the advantage of being truly 3-diminsional
and can provide the user with many viewing options
not available on other simulators. However,
all systems that use computer graphics are not
equal. There are a couple of good ones and some
very mediocre systems.
- The type of sensor system must be considered.
Some systems can calculate ball spin and others
cannot (although they may try to convince you
they can). If the simulator cannot accurately
calculate ball spin, it cannot display true
ball flight. The machine cannot differentiate
between a pull, hook, slice or push. The result
is diminished realism.
- Putting options on a golf simulator are important.
Some provide on-screen putts that are influenced
by the contours of the green. Many do not. Some
have no on-screen putting at all. One system
limits the minimum putt length at 6 feet while
some others allow putts down to 2 feet which
is much more realistic.
- Cost is necessarily a primary consideration.
However, be careful about buying the “low
cost” version from any manufacturer. This
usually means you will get a cheaper enclosure,
a low performance computer and a projector that
is not top-of-line. You can save a few dollars
only at the expense of quality performance.
What about the expensive 45 to 50 thousand dollar
units? Simply put, they are way overpriced.
You can get the same performance from machines
in the 30 thousand-dollar price range. Seriously
consider how that affects your return on investment.
You can pay $135,000 for 3 of the $45,000 units
or you can pay $120,000 for 4 units priced at
$30,000 each. The return on investment from
4 units is 33 percent higher than that of 3
units. That is an extremely important issue.
You also save $15,000 on the initial purchase
price. Do not be fooled by an aggressive and
exaggerated sales pitch: if you buy the high
priced machines, it is really a waste of money
and you will not get better performance, accuracy
or reliability.
- To those who are considering the purchase
of a single simulator for the purpose of making
a living from rental time alone: you will probably
be disappointed. On the other hand, if you add
a simulator to a facility with other sources
of income, it will attract more customers and
become a profitable investment due to additional
overall income.
- Very few simulator systems include golf swing
analysis software that can be used to provide
the customer with professional clubfitting and
teaching services. This is a very attractive
feature to have during times when simulator
play is slow because it allows you to generate
income in other ways. During the peak golfing
season, simulator play will always decrease
but the demand for golf instruction and new
equipment will increase. You need the golf swing
analysis feature to provide that service. It
is an added operational mode not available in
most simulators.
- We are always available to answer your questions.
Take advantage of our 30 years of experience
in the golf business and give us a call. You
will receive honest straightforward answers.
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