Forget your tee time. Both professional golfers and novice-level enthusiasts are embracing new technologies to level up their game. Yes, a record-level number of consumers are taking their golf game off-course to year-round at destinations like X-Golf and TopGolf, but many of those same people are also investing in indoor golf simulators for their own homes. Whether you're an amateur or an experienced golfer, there's no denying that having a basic golf simulator setup in your home is a true game-changer.
Brands like PGA TOUR Superstore and Carl's Place have been raising the bar by packaging very fun, very versatile DIY systems with advanced golf technology. Haven't experienced one for yourself yet? We recommend it.
Trends Highlight a Rise in Off-Course Golfing
"Last year was the first year off-course golf participation surpassed on-course participation," shared Ben Helmrath, VP of hard goods at PGA TOUR Superstore. "In fact, an estimated 6.2 million Americans hit golf balls with a club in a simulator last year, a total that’s jumped 73 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to the National Golf Foundation."
In the last year alone, searches for “basement simulator golf” climbed more than 1900 percent, a stat echoed by other sources including home trends platform, Houzz, which reported a 20-times uptick for golf simulators in its Emerging Trends report.
"Like anything digital, golf simulators continue to improve and evolve," shares Helmrath. "We now have better technology, with more choices, and the costs of in-home golf simulation have come down over the past few years." In fact, not only has the price come down, but the tech advancements are making it easier than ever to adopt a DIY golf simulator package. He adds, "It can be as simple as downloading software to your iPad, along with a net and a mat; and many are opting to create something more permanent in their house as a 'golf loft.' It’s a bit like a home theatre space but with a 'get-up-and-exercise' mentality and an array of activities for friends and family."
The Advantages of Using Indoor Golfing Simulators
Indoor play has a variety of advantages, one main benefit being that athletes can play no matter what the weather. "There are many markets where you simply cannot play golf outdoors in the winter months, and many of us here in southern states do not want to play in 95-degree heat," Helmrath shares. "Another huge plus we’ve seen is that regardless of your skill level, avid golfers—or even beginner or 'emerging' golfers—can work on refining one’s game in the comfort of your own home."
The struggle to balance home/work schedules was always the biggest thing keeping me off the course, and naturally, this is a workaround for that, too. "There’s a built-in benefit for those with limited time to golf who can 'play nine' around family or work responsibilities," he notes. "In under an hour, with the simulator software at home, you can avoid filled-up tee sheets, play in a climate-controlled environment, and avoid the time it takes to travel back and forth."
He adds, "We’ve also heard stories from many users who have invited their friends over to watch the big games and and play golf at the same time." Some home golfing enthusiasts have taken it even further. Carl's Place shared how a customer from Wisconsin remodeled his barn to create a space that now hosts an indoor golf league with 20 players.
Things to Consider Before You Invest
- Find the right space in your home, and be particular about ceiling height and launch angle. A simulator room layout needs to take into account how you use the space in your home. "You first want to consider where the best space is for your in-home golf simulator and whether that space in your basement, playroom or garage is needed for something else," notes Helmrath. "This will help you determine whether you want something permanent or portable. No matter what version you choose, plan to allow space for approximately nine feet in height."
- Determine its purpose. Are you investing in it for skill development or entertainment value? Sure, you'll need an impact screen, plenty of space to swing a golf club, and advanced tools to get the most real-time data for an immersive experience, but you should also design the system to your interests. "It's important to identify what you want out of your residential golf simulator experience, and how you plan to use it, whether it’s for game improvement, personal entertainment, socializing or all the above," adds Helmrath. "This will help you prioritize how much you may want to budget for your bundle."
- Lock in your budget. "Lastly, as a complement to how you plan to use your in-home simulator, your budget is an important consideration," reminds Helmrath. "Whether you just want to practice to see your game improve by hitting golf balls into the net or want to play renowned courses and use the device for other forms of entertainment. That’s why we wanted to be able offer bundles and packages to meet people where they are in terms of budget."
