How accurate are golf simulators?

Question

I was just wondering what people think about their accuracy.

Answer 1

One of the simulators that I tried had not been calibrated yet and it was like I was golfing on the moon. There was very little gravity and so the ball, even though it was not well hit, flew close to 400 yards. There were several times that the machine had to be reset for one reason or another.

That being said, if the machine is calibrated correctly they can be accurate. However, I don't trust when they say I hit the ball 280 yards. I like that they can tell you if the club face is open or closed at impact and some of the other feedback.

Regardless, it was fun to play a round of golf indoors. It did get a bit expensive for the time I played. The simulator that I played was simply an indoor golf simulator establishment. Not one to sell clubs or other services.

Answer 2

I would say + or - about 10%.  There is a Golf Galaxy a block from my office and a golfing buddy of mine works there so I have made quite a few swings in it.  I rarely have golf shoes on when I do it so maybe I swing a littler slower, but for me it always shows me hitting the ball much shorter than I know I do on the golf course.  For my pal it seems to show him hitting it much further than he really can outdoors.

Answer 3

not very accurate

i went once for a lesson on one and it tole me i could hit a pw 190 yrds off the floor in a headwind

there a load of rubbish

and usually more expensive than normal golf

Answer 4

It depends.  Launch monitors are more accurate than simulators.  I work at a local golf store in which we have a simulator.  It is accurate to a certain degree.  Ball speed and launch angle seem to be the most accurate aspect.  Distance and accuracy are questionable at best.  Simulators have distance "boost" settings which you can boost distance by a minimal 5-10% so the customer thinks you are hitting it further.  If the simulator is able to read ball spin (which the one I've referred to does not) they tend to be more accurate.  Bottom line, if thinking about purchasing a club and you are less than a 12-15 handicap, I wouldn't suggest buying clubs unless you hit them outdoors first.

Answer 5

NOT accurate at all.  Places up the yardage so they can sell you clubs.  Okay... example... I was on one at Golfsmith and supposedly hit a Cleveland Hibore 285 yards (which is bullshit).  When I took it to the course I was maxing out at 265.  But I can now occasionally hit 285 but thats with a Titleist 905r Proforce V2 stiff shaft.