How do you Simulator Golf?

[goldyml]

I live in a northern state, and started simulator golf this winter. I think it is helpful to fine-tune my swing, but my handicap has increased! I like to play at various world-wide courses, to get a variety of clubs in. How do you use a simulator? And, do you use it during golf season?

[Hacker60521]

@goldyml a simulator can definitely help keep you in “mid season” shape since it can basically extend your golf season to the full year. I don’t know if you have your own simulator or going to a commercial facility. But I have easy access to a sim. So during the off season I’ll try to get to the sim about five times a week. Typically I’ll focus on 3-4 specific practice sessions on either specific clubs — wedges, irons, hybrids/woods or techniques — chip/pitch. If I’m getting bored, I’ll also just hit those improv shots like a low running hybrid that I’d use get out from under trees, etc. This is usually 60-90 min. Then once or twice a week, I’ll play a simulated 9/18 holes. 

[Triple_Putt]

I play in a winter sim league, and while it keeps my swing in shape, I don't think it helps too much with on the course honestly as you can get away with so much more on the computer than you can in reality.  I use it more for practicing my iron and short game and so that im not out there in the freezing cold at the driving range.  Once the weather is above 45 consistently then I don't come back to the sim till winter returns 

[slash25rc]

We have a Full Swing Sim at a family beach house, and when we are down there, it is great to play rounds against the family members and I enjoy practicing on it. I think it really helps determine stock yardages for clubs in perfect conditions for those who may have gapping issues. It gets hot down there this time of the year, so the a/c is nice! I plan on putting one in the garage in the next few years for just the ease of use. We can play year round here, but its nice to just walk up and hit a couple balls or play a few holes at the house.

[garrett5]

I've got little kids and a demanding career that I could be called into at any time so dut to all of that I spend a good amount at the local trackman simulator. It's nice being able to do other courses around the world. It definitely doesn't fully replace getting out on the fairways and greens but I've been able to lower my handicap a couple strokes. I like the data it provides with swing speed and spin rate and some of those things it provides as well. 

[Brooky03]

I'll go occasionally in the months when golf isn't possible (winter+); not enough to keep my swing in good shape.  It's mostly a social thing for me.

For somebody who goes to a simulator often in the offseason, I could see one thing about simulators that could mess with your swing on the course.  It's the turf interaction on balls not hit from tees.  Hitting on artificial surfaces is usually easier than grass.  You can get away with slightly fatter strikes.  Also, simulator feedback isn't perfect.  That baby fade on the sim might've actually been a slice.  If the feedback the computer is spitting out doesn't match what the ball actually did, you're not going to adjust accordingly.

[SDunne]

I go to a nearby sim range every so often especially as we're now in winter so my ability to nip down the local course for a bit has suffered as tougher to do early mornings or after work. They're really useful for a few reasons imho:

• High tech ones will show you things like face angle/swing speed etc that will give you more detail into your swing and what you're doing.
• Knowing my carry distances would be so much tougher without them - don't forget you'll need these for shooting over water! I have definitely done it before where I think my total distance will get me there, forgetting my carry was about 10-15 less...
• If you're working on something new, chasing balls is not an issue on a sim! We've all gone through a bit of a swing change at some point and it's tough work - being able to shrug it off rather than go find a lost ball is a lot easier to deal with.
• You can play courses that will challenge you without travelling. I play my local course well and know it like the back of my hand and want/need a new challenge sometimes - this is great to try longer courses/more hazards etc
• They're great for using like a range and comparing your shots - how good is your grouping, where do you miss etc - the data is awesome.

 

[PrismFlopper]

I play in a sim league in the winter months and every now and then with a group of buddies but yeah it definitely did hurt my swing. My numbers we all messed up and I found myself chunking the ball cause obv you can strike off turf like you do actual grass. It did help my driver and 3wood off the tee, but I think that’s more cause well hitting off a tee is different than the turf.