New Golf Simulators for 2012 - What to Lookout for This Coming Year

 

As 2012 finally arrives the buzz in the golf world always seems to focus on the PGA show in Orlando and the latest and greatest club and ball technology. Often left out from this conversation are the coming changes in the world of golf simulation. We beg to differ..

I can remember years ago when golf simulator technology first hit the market there were a visible lack of realism between hitting a ball into a screen versus hitting a ball outside. And, while one can never truly replace the other, it is undeniable that golf simulator technology has advanced so far that today, even the world's elite professionals are tapping into the technology to improve their games.

In countries such as Korea, golf simulation is so popular that it is played by people who may never have the chance to play on a real golf course due to the cost prohibitive nature of the game in Asia. Instead, players take to the neighborhood screen golf centers to feed their golfing appetite.

And with golf simulation so much in demand, it only makes sense that supply will follow. For us in North America, this means better technology, more fun, more courses, and lower prices.

For manufacturers of golf simulators, this means that "keeping up with the Joneses" means improving their technology on an annual basis. And 2012 will be no different.

For 2012, manufacturers have focused on a better golf simulator solution. And with this, the focus has been on several important areas of the technology and playing environment:

  • More customization
  • Increased ball flight accuracy
  • New courses (global and local)
  • Better hitting surfaces (turf and simulated bunker shots)
  • More feedback from the simulator (for player improvement)

In the coming weeks, we will start to review and analyze the latest improvements to the top golf simulators on the market today. We expect that you will see a trend amongst all manufacturers that touch on the points above.

For us golfers, this is great news. But, with new innovation and research comes a cost: pricing. If you want the best, you are still going to have to pay top dollar for better technology. So, the question arises, which manufacturer will target lower price - while still providing innovative technology? We think you'll be pleasantly surprised.