Plenty of people could benefit from owning an indoor golf simulator, giving them the option to keep practicing even if they can’t get to the course when the weather is bad or other factors get in the way.
Of course, if you have never purchased a simulator before, you might not know what to look for. To address this, here are the main factors to keep in mind as you start your search.
Play area
There are lots of different home golf simulators to choose between, and the main aspect that will determine which is the most suitable for you is the amount of space they need to work as intended.
You need to not only take into account the floor space required, but also the amount of ceiling height that will let you swing your club unhindered.
Low ceilings or low-hanging light fittings, as well as nearby ornaments and other fragile objects will obviously create an obstruction, so check the space specifications of a simulator carefully, measure the room you intend to set it up in and take some test swings to be certain that you can enjoy it to its fullest.
Additional equipment
While some simulator kits will come with everything you need to get started, with no additional purchases necessary, others will rely on you supplying extra gear to bring the setup to life.
This will vary on the cost and complexity of the simulator, but you can expect to need at least a separate PC, laptop or tablet to power the software, in addition to either a projector or a fixed display.
The moral of the story is to always check the specifications and requirements before committing to a particular simulator, so that you know what you are getting yourself in with regards to required add-ons.
Installation options
The diversity within the golf simulator space even extends to the portability of these setups. Some are designed to be entirely flexible, allowing you to set them up quickly and then remove them when your session is over so that the room can be used for other activities. Others are permanent fixtures, effectively requiring you to turn the space over to golf simulation indefinitely.
If you have a spare room that is not being used for anything specific, then a permanent simulator solution could be the most convenient, albeit the most costly option as well. For those with less space available and smaller budgets, a portable or free-standing simulator will be better.
Software features
Finally, look into the quality, capabilities and functionality of the simulator software itself. Many providers offer comprehensive lists of included real-world courses that have been digitized for virtual play, so you may want to check this to ensure your preferred course is featured.
You may also be interested in community-driven functions, such as player-made courses being downloadable. Overall it is necessary to do your research, set a budget and check customer feedback to find the ideal indoor golf simulator for you.
