Indoor golf

Indoor golf is the umbrella term for all golf- related activities that are carried out in a hall or room. These include indoor driving range, chipping area, putting green and golf simulators.

Indoor golf is played with conventional clubs and balls. It is used both for training and for playing on a virtual golf course using a golf simulator.

Golf simulator

A golf simulator is a technical system that enables golfers to practice their sport regardless of the weather and time of day in a converted room (indoor golf). The real golf shot is projected into a virtual golf landscape. There are also simulators with natural images. A PC uses the data from the measuring unit (e.g. 3D dual camera system, infrared, ultrasound, radar) to calculate the trajectory of the golf ball with a slight time delay, which is then projected onto the screen using a projector. There are different systems that detect either the flying golf ball, the golf club / golf swing or both and use complex algorithms to calculate the golf ball's trajectory from the data obtained. Both classic 18-hole golf courses can be played realistically on a golf simulator or the player can practice on the driving range. Depending on the system, the player can also practice at various academies such as the Driving Academy, Chipping Academy, Putting Academy and even do a club fitting. The basic equipment of a modern golf simulator includes measurement technology, a PC, a projector / beamer, a teeing mat and an impact-resistant screen that also represents a safety net for the golf ball (integrated in a closed cabin). The game is played with conventional golf balls and clubs (wood, iron, putter). The first golf simulators already existed at the beginning of the 1980s. The typical dimensions of a golf simulator are around 4 × 6 meters in the base area and a good 3 meters in height, so that an unhindered execution of the golf swing is possible.

It should be noted that systems such as B. Radar must meet very strict licensing requirements in individual countries. Are these not met z. B. through proof of an official license or similar. The closure of the plant threatens.

In the early years of golf simulation, the measurement systems were very inaccurate and shots were often not recognized. This has improved significantly in the 2000s, albeit at a high cost. So-called full-size golf simulators of good quality were available from around 35,000 euros.

The technical development, especially in the field of photometric measurement (with so-called high-speed cameras) has in recent years led to a new entry-level class and investments can now be significantly lower.

Training facilities

Comprehensive training options are also offered indoors.

Indoor driving range

An indoor driving range can enable a ball flight between 4 and 35 meters and is an alternative for practicing the golf swing, regardless of the weather and time of day. Occasionally, there are also evaluation options for swing speed and swing path. In addition, automation with automatic ball return and so-called tee-up machines is possible.

Chipping area

For practicing a short game of golf (chipping, pitching) there are practice greens, occasionally enriched with rough areas and sand bunkers.

Putting green

Putting the ball is practiced here. In the indoor area, the playing conditions of the “real” green are modeled through the use of special materials. Various types of undulations are also possible.

Areas of application

Indoor golf can be found in different areas. A training area or a golf simulator can be installed wherever there is enough space to swing the club.

hotel

Golf simulators and putting greens are often found in good hotels. These are used for entertainment for the guests and are used by golfers as well as to get a taste of this sport.

Sports center

A classic indoor golf center consists of several golf simulators and a practice area, such as an indoor driving range, chipping area and putting green.

At home

Anyone who has a room in which a full golf swing is possible can have a golf simulator installed. There are more private golf simulators around the world than public ones.