Simulators

[TimK1]

I talked to a couple of guys yesterday who were using the simulator at the practice dome. I found this interesting, they told me that they only play simulated golf. They have zero interest in the outdoor game. When I acted surprised at this they told me they know a lot of people who only play simulated golf.

They have no interest in the time or money it takes to practice and play the outdoor game but they like golf. I see these simulators becoming more and more mainstream and starting to come down in price do you actually think this could impact the outdoor game enough where many courses will close in the future.

There are simulated leagues and tournaments all run on simulators. I had no idea. I know it sounds crazy but maybe not.

With water becoming more and more of an issue to maintain these courses I could see it improving enough to maybe become more popular that the outdoor game. I'm 56 so it won't be in my lifetime but I can see it way off in the future.

[Yank8823]

I hit an indoor simulator a few times over the winter months here in the Northeast, but its only for entertainment and do something golf-oriented in the off-season. I definitely prefer the outdoor game hands down. I know golf simulators are booming in many different parts of the world. I remember reading this article last year, it's becoming especially popular in Asia.https://www.golfdigest.com/story/this-is-a-simulation-and-its-still-golf-golf-simulators

[kmay__]

^ I'm in the same boat up north we hit the sims a bunch of times over the winter season (gets expensive though) I cant see not wanting to play the real game outside and experience all that golf offers. Maybe they just like the gimmie putts and not having to walk.... doesn't make sense to me though. Local golf shop where we go for the sim has a winter sim league you can sign up for as well. I only see it as a tool for keeping the swing goin through a long off season, not a replacement for the real thing.

[TimK1]

I don't either but these guys surprised me when they said they only play simulator golf. I'm in these places at least four to five days a week working on my game. I have never went near one of these simulators or do I care too. It doesn't really interest me.

It is very popular, especially with the younger people.

[Springsteennut]

I use them in the winter and I am thinking about getting one for home since our new house has plenty of room in the basement. I would much prefer to play outside. Simulators are just something to use to keep playing in the winter.

[TimK1]

They said once summer comes they do other things but not golf outside.

Good news is that so far it has been a mild winter here and hopefully we can get outside again early this year. Last year it was to wet until early june to get any qualtiy golf in.

[TimK1]

That's a great article. There is a top golf coming here. It is a huge mega golf center. They published the plans in the paper.

[SkeetShooter]

I sim golf (but only to work on my game) at least 3 times a week. I need all the help I can. It really helps me work on dialing my swing in. I play outdoors when I can in any weather, but ultimately, I use sim golf to make myself better so that I can be better on the course. Nothing replicates that experience of playing outside and the variables you run into.

[Tekray]

They're not quite the same game but I love them both. Play out when I can but I play indoors everyday. Tourneys, season points, handicaps, its all there if you want it. 18 holes in an hour or less, so easy to fit in a busy life with kids, work etc.

[Sean2]

Sim golf is okay in the winter months, but comparing it to real golf is like comparing reading about a wine as opposed to actually drinking it.

*I tried to use a different analogy, but got lots of ****, lol.