Golf simulators first appeared in high-end pro shops to help golfers find the right size and fit of clubs. While custom club making will help improve your game, nothing works better to correct mistakes and hone your shot like practice.
Having a golf simulator is an expense many have to plan for. Are golf simulators worth the investment, though? The answer lies not only in the cost vs. value debate but also in answering what you hope to get out of the experience. Let’s take a look at the various situations to find out if buying a golf simulator is right for you.
Value Based on Budget
Your budget will go a long way into deciding which simulator you can purchase. With some of the top-end systems topping out at a few thousand dollars, it can be a burden to those on a tighter budget.
If you are looking to get your feet wet and experience the benefits of a golf simulator without going-all in, there are options for you. The OptiShot 2 Golf in a Box retails for a few hundred and is a decent enough system.
You won’t get the benefits of multi-monitor setups (unless you upgrade to the Home Package), but the basic system will get you going. You will be able to monitor your swing, ball contact, and ball launch mechanics. These small features alone will help you improve your golf shot and overall game, which is what you want, right?
Value Based on Skill Level
Scratch golfers aren’t going to get a lot out of a simulator. It’s true that many simulators are marketed to beginners. But for scratch golfers and those that only play once a month (or less), the truth is they aren’t going to help you.
They won’t hurt your game, but the value they bring at the price they cost isn’t a worthwhile investment. However, if you are an avid golfer, looking to shave those last few strokes off your game, or compete at your Country Club, a golf simulator is invaluable.
For you, the SkyTrak system is probably going to be the best option. As long as you have room in your home (a garage is nice, too), you can learn more about your style of play, problems you may have, and correct any issues with dedicated daily training.
Value Based on Your Goals
Finally, the most valuable asset of a golf simulator is the ability for the simulator to help you achieve your golf goals.
Before you purchase a simulator, you should ask yourself why you think you need one. What is it that the simulator is going to do for you that a trip to the driving range can’t do? For many, the idea of owning a simulator is an envious purchase. However, if the novelty is going to wear off after a few months, you won’t reach your goals.
On the other hand, if you are looking to perfect your swing, learn how you strike the ball and want to improve trajectory, your club’s head speed, and ball impact, then a simulator will bring you great value.
Given enough time with the simulator, dialing in the settings and studying the data, your game will begin to improve without you even realizing it.
Have you used a golf simulator, or own one? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. Did it help you reach your goals? What went wrong (or right)? Did you find the cost to value ratio worth the investment? Let us know!