What is the Ideal Number of Golf Simulators for a Facility

This is a tricky question as it really depends on the facility. In China for example, 100 simulators in one facility is not unheard of. Similarly, in a driving range facility, there is plenty of space to install as many as 10 separate bays. It really boils down to your customer base and finance. Cowlens Golf recommend that it is best to start small – that could be just one simulator. You will soon see if the demand requires further investment. In general two or three simulators works very well. If users on one simulator over run, you can start of your next booking on another simulator that is available for use. Essentially though, it all boils down to cash. Golf simulators can be purchased from around £15,000. It can be a very expensive startup to plunge for three simulators straight away - unless you are certain that you will attract an immediate market. Alternatively consider a profit share scheme to 'test the water'. This reduces your capital outlay which in turn reduces your risk.

What Locations Suit a Golf Simulator

First of all, the space needs to be 3m high to allow for a club swing. That immediately narrows down a number of possible locations before you even consider the demographic. However, there will still be plenty of hot spots that will suit. Find a location that is easy to access. It should be located where it is visible from the road, has parking space for a couple of cars and in a place that does not attract extortiionate High Street rents. The best places are just on the edge of town. Players would probably drive for 20-25 minutes to access your facility. Golf simulators work well in bowling alleys, leisure centres, golf clubs, and even airports as they attract passing custom. If however, you are focusing on the local demographic and intend to set up your facility in its own premises, then you should consider locations that are quite near to golf clubs.

Whilst you are considering your location, look at other amenities in the area. Spend some time looking at people traffic and see which areas seem to have a relatively steady flow of people - such as near supermarkets, a post office, health club etc.

What to Look For in a Golf Simulator

Golfers and Simulators do make a nice match - but customers are not always golfers! You need to offer entertainment and value in addition to offering an accurate golf simulator. A quality indoor golf center can offer this. When considering a golf simulator, the first and foremost requirement is simplicity. Players should be able to understand the system easily so they can get started and play straight away.

Secondly, look for a simulator that is rich in features. You should draw up a list of requirements and compare several systems together. Look first of all for the quality of data - such as spin, distance, carry, roll, launch angle, club face angle etc. The more data that is offered, will suggest a more accurate simulator. Look for the variety of play modes - for example, how many courses can be played, can a team of four players play a game? What types of game can be played - e.g Medal stroke play, Greensomes, four ball etc. Look for quick game modes for small groups that don't really want to play a whole round - for example longest drive competitions, nearest the pin, putting competitions and so on. Finally, consider the simulator as a training aid for serious players - does the simulator have a driving range, analysis feature, or short game training modes?

The best golf simulators mix both high quality feedback for serious golfers with entertainment for customers that are playing for fun.