The year is 2011. Luke Donald is the world number one, the News of the World is closing down and I began working in the world of golf simulators.
At the time there were a handful of golf simulator companies working with different hardware solutions and their own software packages. Installing a simulator in your home was the preserve of the super-rich, and although some commercial operations existed, golfers were still sceptical that simulator golf was more than just a gimmick.
In the intervening years, both hardware and software have come a long way. But that’s not the only thing that has changed.
A decade ago, very little consideration was given to the design and functionality of the simulator environment. Installations were black boxes with green floors, and if you wanted to add an AV or entertainment system, you had to prepared to navigate an ungodly number of remote controls and menu options. The blue screen of death was never far away.
Our partnership with aboutGolf has always provided us with the best possible simulator experience, with accurate ball tracking and a level of playability that’s the closest thing to playing outdoors. But both build and usability left a bit to be desired, and we knew that discerning clients wanted more – they wanted a simulator that worked for them as a golfer, but also an entertainment space that worked for the whole family.
And that’s what led to the creation of Urban Golf at Home – a dedicated business unit that aims to combine our expertise in indoor golf with a team of architects, designers, AV specialists and expert tradespeople.
The wider team allows us to create the best possible indoor golf experience without compromising on other elements. We added a second viewing screen so a projector can function as a cinema without golf ball marks appearing on the screen. We developed bespoke grilles to protect speakers, so we didn’t have to compromise on audio by moving speakers for fear of golf balls hitting them. And we developed a range of functional and stylish wall coverings so the sim space could match the rest of the room or property.
The world of indoor golf continues to evolve. Cheaper cameras and processors are making accurate simulators more affordable than ever, and the de-coupling of hardware and software has created fierce competition and lots of innovation.
We no longer have to convince golfers that simulator golf offers an accurate and enjoyable playing experience. But we also know that golf is only part of the experience – the key is creating spaces that work for the whole household.
A space for everyone
The year is 2011. Luke Donald is the world number one, the News of the World is closing down and I began working in the world of golf simulators.
At the time there were a handful of golf simulator companies working with different hardware solutions and their own software packages. Installing a simulator in your home was the preserve of the super-rich, and although some commercial operations existed, golfers were still sceptical that simulator golf was more than just a gimmick.
In the intervening years, both hardware and software have come a long way. But that’s not the only thing that has changed.
A decade ago, very little consideration was given to the design and functionality of the simulator environment. Installations were black boxes with green floors, and if you wanted to add an AV or entertainment system, you had to prepared to navigate an ungodly number of remote controls and menu options. The blue screen of death was never far away.
Our partnership with aboutGolf has always provided us with the best possible simulator experience, with accurate ball tracking and a level of playability that’s the closest thing to playing outdoors. But both build and usability left a bit to be desired, and we knew that discerning clients wanted more – they wanted a simulator that worked for them as a golfer, but also an entertainment space that worked for the whole family.
And that’s what led to the creation of Urban Golf at Home – a dedicated business unit that aims to combine our expertise in indoor golf with a team of architects, designers, AV specialists and expert tradespeople.
The wider team allows us to create the best possible indoor golf experience without compromising on other elements. We added a second viewing screen so a projector can function as a cinema without golf ball marks appearing on the screen. We developed bespoke grilles to protect speakers, so we didn’t have to compromise on audio by moving speakers for fear of golf balls hitting them. And we developed a range of functional and stylish wall coverings so the sim space could match the rest of the room or property.
The world of indoor golf continues to evolve. Cheaper cameras and processors are making accurate simulators more affordable than ever, and the de-coupling of hardware and software has created fierce competition and lots of innovation.
We no longer have to convince golfers that simulator golf offers an accurate and enjoyable playing experience. But we also know that golf is only part of the experience – the key is creating spaces that work for the whole household.