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Golf Simulators
A Fad or Here to Stay?
by Ron Underwood, Just Rambiln’
Indoor Par Fore Blue Springs, MO.
Is this technology a fad, or is it here to stay? I’ m talking about the Golf Simulator. What does it do, and how can it help your real-life game experience?
A simple definition of a simulator is that it is essentially a computer that captures the golf swing and the characteristics associated with the impact to the ball. It then sends this data to the simulator software, and that software displays the information in terms the player can understand. A major benefit of this data is that it assists the player in understanding what happens during the swing sequence, leading to a more successful outcome, which hopefully lowers their score. Another advantage of the simulator is the library of courses that can be displayed to enhance the overall experience.
So, is it a fad or here to stay? I say STAY! The data produced requires the player to delve into the mechanics of the golf swing and forces them to adjust for a better outcome. Before this technology, swing changes were from a long series of costly lessons or, as Ben Hogan responded to a fellow pro once when asked if he could help with his swing faults,“ Dig it out of the dirt as I did!” His metaphor simply means, perfecting the golf swing requires a lot of driving range time, lessons, and selfdiscovery.
Another factor that will benefit this model is AI technology. As artificial intelligence( AI) continues to grow, simulators will become a game-changer for wintertime golf fun and swing improvements. Improved graphics with more realistic playing enhancements provide more entertainment and practice value. For now, you have the ability to purchase an in-home system or visit a simulator location that rents out space. Most of these locations feature fullservice bars and big-screen TVs for social gatherings and entertainment, and you can rent a simulator by the hour. These businesses are certainly gaining popularity. Over the last few years, they have popped up all over the KC area.
20 March 2025 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE
My crystal ball sees this: One day, we will be challenged by the AI simulator to play against ourselves. The AI software will compare our skill and our shot history and then challenge us to a one-on-one game of either total score or match play. We will be playing against our own skill level to create a sense of challenge. Whoa— I can’ t wait for those arguments at the bar.
So, looking into my crystal ball, golf simulators are here to stay for the foreseeable future, and there will be more to come, so be prepared for the newest challenges.
Want to try your skills on a golf simulator? Here are a few golf simulator locations around the KC area, Lake of the Ozarks, Branson, and Springfield areas. Some have full-service bars; others do not. Go have fun this year on a golf simulator. With a bit of“ Digging it out of the dirt,” you’ ll improve, or at least have fun trying.
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Business Name Address City State Zip Phone Number GolfTRK 11207 Strang Line Rd. Lenexa KS 66215 816-529-0093 GofTRK 7325 W 161st St. Stilwell KS 66085 913-303-9526 XGolf 4825 W 17th St. Leawood KS 66211 913-499-6569
The Back Nine Golf 6921 W 75th St. Overland Park KS 66204 913-427-8777 True Aim Indoor Golf KC 14870 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park KS 66223 913-283-7044
Pin High Indoor Golf 23726 College Blvd. Olathe KS 660261 913-738-4843
Sim Suite 5562 Hedge Lane Ter Shawnee KS 66226 913-777-0826 Swing Time Golf 5819 Nieman Rd. Shawnee KS 66203 913-850-3372 The Back Nine Golf 6921 W. 75th St. Overland Park KS 66204 913-427-8777
X-Golf Parkville 15325 Old Town Dr. Suite 1213 Parkville MO 64152 816-505-5986 AMP Golf 8 NE Skyline Dr. Lee Summit MO 64086 816-434-0801
Indoor Par Fore 1326 NW Hwy 7 Blue Springs MO 64014 816-988-708 Birdies Indoor Golf 1863 MO-7 Blue Springs MO 64015 816-988-8463 Bird Doggs Golf Shop 109 5th Ave. S Greenwood MO 64034 816-366-000 Tee Time Golf Lounge 1866 S 20th St. Suite B Ozark MO 56721 417-551-4471 X-Golf Springfield 225 E. Primrose St. Springfield MO 65807 417-202-2400 LOZ Golf Lounge 5384 Osage Beach Pkwy Osage Beach MO 65065 573-723-1832
MetaPlex 1217 Branson Landing Blvd. Branson MO 65616 417-544-1344