Golf simulator

A golf simulator is a system or device that allows one to play golf on a graphically or photographically simulated driving range or golf course (usually) in an indoor setting. Golf simulators have been available since the early 1970s and range in size and cost from systems worth tens of thousands of dollars, utilizing a dedicated room, hitting screen, projector and other paraphernalia, to compact units costing well under $200 dollars that work with a computer or video game console such as the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. This type of simulator does not use its own built in software, rather it takes the inputted measurements and fees that to the video game that is running in such a way that the game believes a shot has been played. Some simulators also come with their own software, allowing the user to use the system like a driving range, the software tracks each shot and represents the entire shot, from impact to how the ball bounces visually on screen. In this way, the golfer has a detailed analysis of the entire flight of the ball and can be used to practice/training.

Advantages of using a golf simulator

The principal advantage of a golf simulator is the ability to conveniently play and practice in a controlled environment. Often that includes the ability to play without playing pressure, green fees, tee times and the drive to and from the course, but the advent of "indoor golf centers" which provide simulators for commercial play, bring many of these competitive and social aspects into the simulated game. For those who live in wintry climes or urban settings, golf simulators offer the ability to play and practice year-round or within the confines of their locale. The space requirements can range from just needing an 8-ft ceiling to an entire wall upon which the game's screen is attached.

How they work

There are a number of different technologies in use presently. Principally they either track ball flight or track club head motion. Ball flight is typically tracked via wavelength sensors, such as from infrared, or through audio, by which the ball's flight properties are tracked, namely launch angle, ball speed and ball direction. Club motion is similarly tracked via wavelength sensors or other devices such tethers or cameras, with the motion of the club tracked, namely club head speed, direction and impact point of the ball on the club.

The data collected is extrapolated to provide ball flight trajectory and roll out according to certain calculated relationships to the ball's flight performance per the tracked motion of the ball or club, adding environmental aspects through which the ball is projected, including terrain, wind, rain and other such influences or obstacles.

The way that the information is tracked varies as much as having a wall-sized screen recording ball speed and placement upon impact, to sensors that record the moments before, during and after the impact between the ball and club, in which case, the ball is held by a tether.

Accuracy

A key attribute of any simulator is accuracy. Ball flight is the primary determinant of a system's accuracy. Speed of the calculations and a predictable projected image of the ball in flight is one measurement of a system's accuracy. Predictability or the plausibility of prediction is a measure according to known ball flight properties among golf experts.

A ball's flight depends upon many things, including the ball itself, the strike and impact of the club upon the ball, the ball's launch angle, direction, spin rate and velocity, as well as the hitting surface from which the ball is struck and the simulated environment through which the ball virtually flies, suggesting wind, rain, and other environmental aspects that may affect ball flight. The battle for superiority in this market exists between the technologies utilized to track ball flight or club motion, and it is not within the scope of this article to advocate one brand or technology over another.

Realism

Combined with accuracy, realism is a collection of factors that make the simulation seem realistic and life-like. Factors such as the graphical realism of the course, 3D motion graphics, sound and visual effects such as the sound of the ball when it strikes the green or splashes into a lake make the game that much more realistic and lifelike.