I used to play golf twice a week (Best ever score was 82 on a par 74, but I usually shoot in the low 90s). I don’t really have any opportunities to play a real round of golf these days, so I have visited some driving ranges here in Tokyo to hit some balls. The really short ranges are awful, but if the distance is at least 200 yards it’s fine, just expensive.
I’ve never been to those golf simulator places where you hit the ball against the video screen because I have no idea how they work. Frankly going to a driving range gets a bit boring, so I’m wondering if anybody has any comments about these simulators?
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I’ve gone to a few and I am by no means an expert but I think there are huge differences in performance out there. The cheap simulators that you might find at a place like a pool hall will have a lot of trouble giving you accurate ball flight projections and the putting will be a nightmare. There are dedicated places however that are using top of the line equipment that will be ‘close enough’ by many intermediate player’s standards. Lounge-range dot com springs to mind. It is membership based and serves as as a pretty good substitute for the real thing.
I would try something middle of the road first. It’s fun even if it’s not perfect. And at least it’s not 35C and 2 hours away!
It’s a different experience and worth trying once. Ideally with a friend and having a few drinks.
I wouldn’t place it over the range unless you had your own simulator and wanted to save money. I agree ranges are expensive in Tokyo. Still pricey further out..
From Tohoku region, but we still have some simulators around.
For the recreational style, you’ll see a lot of GOLFZON. It’s from Korea and is really feature rich. It is great for just getting some fun instead of smashing balls. As noted, the spin might be a little off but from my experience, the swing speed, ball speed, and club face is relatively accurate. It is a little generous towards beginners with club path. Some mega-slicers on the real course somehow have baby-fades and brag about their sim scores.
If you find a specialist place, they do have Trackman or CQ2/Quad. In Tokyo, these must be exclusive and expensive I’d imagine. Think of a specialty shop that does fittings. Sometimes they will rent out time on the machine for club gapping, course style practice (changing club after 1 stroke). It might be a regular customer only type of situation.
But all-in-all, the GOLFZON is really fun. If it’s maintained well, the different sections do imitate real situations. And the higher end models also mimic varying lies like sidehill/downhill/uphill. That’s where they have the greatest value. Varying lies and club changing without getting into a pattern really helps to improve.
Driving range is much better. As you mentioned, distance is the limiting factor. Even 70m is better than a simulator if you want to practice. Main complaint is most of the balls are in poor condition.
Simulators are similar to arcade darts. Go with friends, have some food and drinks and be the amazing golf ball whacker guy.
Not sure where you are in Tokyo but these are the three I frequent.
https://goo.gl/maps/YErB7oHHfagUJW7t7
https://goo.gl/maps/wbo3KYyrnexEmT74A
https://goo.gl/maps/WVbsFYsZbvKqeDueA