Most golfers know that the sport is one of the most difficult to master in the world. Even when you are somehow hitting it well, you know that a change in form is just around the corner, so maintaining a practice schedule is vital.

But where are you supposed to practise when the weather is terrible, and the course is closed for a week? You could hit some balls at the driving range and still face the chill or relax with a golf simulator in the warmth.

Simulators also allow you to test your skills with various challenges, courses and shot types. But are golf simulators worth it? Especially when compared to visiting the range and hitting some balls. Let’s take a look at five reasons why you should choose a golf simulator over the driving range.

Play golf at home

Unless you’re someone like Tiger Woods with a golf complex in their garden, the chances are you don’t have the space at home for a driving range. But you can still bring the driving range to you, and so much more, with a golf simulator.

With a golf simulator, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to go and hit balls at the range. You can stay warm in your spare room, basement, garage, or bespoke Golf Swing Systems simulation cabin.

Working a full week makes it hard to fit playing golf into your schedule, especially during the winter with limited light. But you can get in a quick round on your simulator and scratch the itch to hit some shots with great convenience. Nipping out for just 10 minutes to your golf simulator is way more convenient than making the trip to the driving range.

Enjoy courses from around the world

Most golfers want to try as many courses from around the world as possible. You probably have your own bucket list of courses to play before you die, and you can make that happen much easier with a golf simulator.

Depending on the type of golf simulator you have, you can download some of the most famous courses in the world and play them at home. You can’t do that at a driving range! Simulators like the Bravo Golf Simulator or SkyTrak Launch Monitor & Golf Simulator come with real-world courses pre-installed.

Another benefit of using a golf simulator is that you can squeeze in 18 holes much quicker than if you’re out on the course. A simulator isn’t a replacement for the course, but if you don’t have the time for a regular 18 holes you can complete them on a simulator in around an hour.

With some of the world’s top courses available on a golf simulator, you can put your skills to the test against the real-world pros during live events. Can you outscore Dustin Johnson or Rory McIlroy at St. Andrews? Can you outdrive Bryson DeChambeau at Augusta? Test yourself on a golf simulator to find out!

Develop a range of skills

Golf simulators test the full range of your shot repertoire, offering more variety than what you typically get at a driving range. Some of the skills you can hone with a simulator include shot shaping, consistent distance control, short game and gaining extra yards from your shots.

Simulators also replicate adverse weather, so you can hone your skills playing in the wind without the need for wrapping up. It’s possible to set up at different spots on a course using a simulator, for instance drilling shots from either side of a fairway into the green. You can even test your putting skills with the Exputt Putting Simulator, a highly accurate and easy to use aid.

Use feedback to constantly get better

Can a golf simulator improve your game? Unlike a driving range, golf simulators give you helpful feedback on the shots you take. Unless you have a coach to help you at the range, the chances are you might not even know where your swing or shots are going wrong.

Golf simulators give you immediate feedback on how your swing looks and what improvements you can make. You can even use the golf driving range simulator function for target practice to improve your shot accuracy.

Thanks to the statistics and data you get from a golf simulator, you can learn exactly how far you hit each club in your bag. Knowing your hitting distance to the nearest yard will help improve your course management and understanding of club selection.

Enjoy your golf, whatever the weather

Let’s be honest; some of us are fair-weather golfers, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, putting your golf swing into hibernation for six months of the year means you can be pretty rusty when the sun comes back out.

If you feel the chill, you might even avoid the driving range during cold months but golf simulators don’t have that problem. No matter the weather, you can keep swinging as you’re indoors! Simulators allow you to invite some friends over, play a round and keep up the social aspect of golf that so many people love.

Keep improving with a golf simulator

Playing golf requires plenty of practice to keep getting better but we don’t always have the time to get out on the course or visit the driving range. Thankfully, golf simulators are allowing the world’s golfers to hone their skills from the comfort of their own homes.

Here at Golf Swing Systems, we have a range of golf training aids and simulators that help you practise your game at home. If you would like to find out more or consult one of our experts to see which equipment is best for you, get in touch!