Golf sims, who knew?

[berettafan]

Hate the game but trying to learn so i can spend time with son who has found a love for it and as well some friends and clients who invite me from time to time.

Have you guys seen this new tech with the launch monitors? It's crazy! For less than a grand i've set up an area in my garage where i can play all sorts of games including full rounds of golf. I'm just blown away at the tech used in these. Radar based and more expensive photo based stuff; both work well. You get things like club and ball speed, spin rates, attack angle, launch angle, etc. etc.

[craigster59]

I’ve been playing golf since my teens. Always a casual player, I was never a fanatic or low handicap player. In fact I haven’t swung a club since the Covid debacle.

I’ve always found that grabbing a few clubs and hitting a Par 3 course is best. Learn the game from the pin back, drive for show putt for dough and all that. Your short game and approach shots are where it’s at.

[Rusty Heap]

I hate golf.

Windmill always knocks the ball out the Clowns Mouth.

Seriously, I'll never play the "sport"

[A930Rocket]

I’ve only played a few times with coworkers. I end up hitting the big ball (earth) all the time.

[berettafan]

I'm terrible at it but hoping to get better.

Was talking to a fitter and mentioned i got the Garmin and set it up in my garage. He says 'oh how are you liking it?'. I said 'it's pretty neat but i've already lost two sleeves of balls'. He got a great laugh out of it. And it's true. All manner of nooks and crannies in there.

[billybek]

When I was young, I was a poor golfer.
After years of practice and countless rounds of golf, I am no longer young.

I picked up the clubs last year after 25 years away from the game.
I have been enjoying my time on the course and dropping into the indoor "bubble" range once or twice a week.

Tried a simulator a few weeks ago and it was pretty much TMI for my knowledge level. Was fun to try it though.

[strupgolf]

I shot my age last summer, 72.

[Steve F]

I have been in the golf industry for the last 25 years and never once played golf

[billybek]

Originally Posted by strupgolf

I shot my age last summer, 72.

9 hole course?

That is awesome, congrats.

[Norm K]

Originally Posted by strupgolf

I shot my age last summer, 72.

Then you made the turn?

_

[berettafan]

That's just crazy right? I'm absolutely certain i've shot a 72 then was too worn out to keep up the effort on the back nine.

My neighbor stopped over yesterday afternoon and we played nine holes in 'Awesome Golf' app. I don't know his handicap but he's typically in the 70's iirc. Just amazing consistency and his swing looks so much more relaxed than what i feel like i'm doing. I currently have a cheap thin hitting mat directly on concrete and he grabbed a friggin 3 wood (not fairway wood, an actual 3 wood) that he's never touched and with zero drama put a perfect hit on the ball right off the damn deck.

[911 Rod]

They are cool and on my list of wants.
My concern is the damage to the clubs when NOT hitting off a tee.

[berettafan]

Current mat leaves green crap on the bottom of clubs but it just wipes off. It's a cheapie though. New mat coming in today uses some sort of tall bristle hitting strip that is supposed to keep you from bottoming out and injuring wrists, elbows and such. Expensive but highly recommended.

I've been using a set with black heads that really don't suit me and i don't see any real wear on them. The green crap on heavy shots just wipes off and the finish looks no different. Have to think it would eventually start showing wear but in the few weeks i've had this setup i've probably played about 12 rounds of golf plus multiple range sessions which at winter prices would be roughly $500. My fitted irons (silly for a noob but my arms are way short for std length) aren't costing much more than that. AND my beers are approx. $1.50 per at home vs $5 from the cart girl. So 15 rounds/range sessions x 3 beers is 45 at a savings of $3.50 each for $157.50 ahead on drinks! Heck i can't afford NOT to have this setup!

[porsche tech]

Careful. It’s addictive.

[berettafan]

Please excuse the mess. I'll do a heavy spring cleanout in late Feb early March if we get some warm weather. Still have some finish work to do with the mats, etc. but for now it's working well if not looking nice.



Here's a screen shot from one of the sims. Graphics are plenty good for me.

[MMiller]

Looks like a great setup! Don't shank a ball and dent that tool box!

I've used the indoor tech at Golftec for lessons and practice and it's fun and impressive.

If you don't mind saying, what brand did you go with for your setup?

M

[berettafan]

oh there are a few dings in the box.

Monitor is a Garmin R10. Mat is a fiberbuilt pro something or other. Just got it today and played a few holes. Gamechanger for me as i had become afraid to hit down at all with my irons. The hitting strip on this is perfect for that.

[MMiller]

Is the Garmin hooked to the monitor/TV that is on top off your tool box?

[berettafan]

No garmin connects to my phone via bluetooth and phone is hooked to tv via apple hdmi adapter.

[billybek]

That looks like a Fiberbuilt mat.
A friend from high school invented that style of golf mat back in the late 80s or early 90s. (He started Fiberbuilt out of an existing company that produced commercial brushes)

Most of the ranges I go to have the commercial version of that.