Topgolf indoor simulators debuted at Houston Four Seasons

[nevets88]

I never really looked around at its ranges enough to see if they had indoor simulators, I just assumed they did. I just find this very meta. A range simulating a range, range within a range.

http://www.golf.com/courses-and-travel/2017/02/03/top-golf-opens-its-first-swing-suite-four-seasons-houston

[Finman]

I like the concept of making the golf simulator a night out, almost like bowling.  The simulator allows for Topgolf to be in places where real estate is tight, so I hope this catches on (SF maybe???).

I guess the range within the range maintains the simplicity of Topgolf's target/point system, which is fun for all participants..  I would much rather throw darts on a simulated Pebble Beach, but thats just me.  

[No Mulligans]

This makes more sense to me than the TopGolf with the large outdoor range area.  Much lighter on the maintenance and land purchase/lease.  Hopefully they would have a lower price point for the customer.

These could be placed in bowling alleys along with the billiards room.

[nevets88]

10 minutes ago, Finman said:

I like the concept of making the golf simulator a night out, almost like bowling.  The simulator allows for Topgolf to be in places where real estate is tight, so I hope this catches on (SF maybe???).

I guess the range within the range maintains the simplicity of Topgolf's target/point system, which is fun for all participants..  I would much rather throw darts on a simulated Pebble Beach, but thats just me.  

Exactly, you pay for a simulator, to simulate a range?

[Finman]

Just now, nevets88 said:

Exactly, you pay for a simulator, to simulate a range?

Maybe they want to keep the identity that is Topgolf and their game types involving the targets.  Its simple enough for the non-golfer to play.  

I agree with you though, it would be cool if they could incorporate an option to play actual holes instead of the range games.  

[No Mulligans]

1 minute ago, Finman said:

Maybe they want to keep the identity that is Topgolf and their game types involving the targets.  Its simple enough for the non-golfer to play.  

I agree with you though, it would be cool if they could incorporate an option to play actual holes instead of the range games.  

I would think bunkers, rough and putting greens would be problematic to simulate.

[Finman]

True, especially if it is not the direction Topgolf is trying to go.  Maybe just have a % decrease of shot power like in golden tee when you are in the rough..

[sirsteveo55]

3 hours ago, No Mulligans said:

I would think bunkers, rough and putting greens would be problematic to simulate.

I know the technology for putting is out there. I know there was a company at the 2017 PGA Merch. show. https://www.fullswinggolf.com/virtual-green/ Its just going to be hard to combine all the technology into one simulator. In general I think all the tech is already there, its just who owns the tech. Someone would have to buy all of it and put it into one simulator. That company would also have to be willing to sell their tech or get some kind of licensing deal.

This kind of technology (golf simulators in general) is good for cruise ships, I know last summer when I went on a cruise they had a simulator similar to this. It was a lot of fun to do on sea days with friends while drinking.

Edited February 7, 2017 by sirsteveo55

[cutchemist42]

In Wpg, we have a few sports bars that now have simulator bays. Hard to tell if they are doing good business.  A month ago I tried a Trugolf simulator at one using the range mode. I had fun swinging in winter, but tried not to take the numbers seriously. It produces the following, but not sure how accurate it is.

 

Edited February 7, 2017 by cutchemist42

[1badbadger]

17 hours ago, Finman said:

Maybe they want to keep the identity that is Topgolf and their game types involving the targets.  Its simple enough for the non-golfer to play.  

I agree with you though, it would be cool if they could incorporate an option to play actual holes instead of the range games.  

This makes sense to me.  I think it's important that they keep the TopGolf concept, which really isn't a driving range...it's a game.  Actually, there are a handful of different games now, but if you take that part of it away, it's just like every other range.

I've been to the one in Austin, TX, and I was blown away.  I wouldn't be going out on a limb to say I've been to more driving ranges and practice facilities then most people, so I've seen from one end of the spectrum to the other, but TopGolf has truly created a unique concept that is very different than anything else out there. I went on a weeknight (I think it was a Wed or Thur) and the place was packed.  They have 102 hitting bays, and there was a waiting list. I learned that some nights, it can be a 2 hour + wait.  What blew me away was how many non-golfers were there. There were groups of friends, couples, some younger, some older...and everyone was having fun.  The beginners were not intimidated at all because they were afraid of being embarrassed or everyone was looking at them like you would see at a traditional range.  I think a lot of that has to do with the game itself...they were playing a game, not golf.  At least the way they looked at it.  I don't know how many of these people will take up golf for real, but it sure exposes a lot of people who normally wouldn't play.

[cutchemist42]

I've heard the Vegas one is turning into quite the spot.

[MrDC]

Seems silly to me but I have no doubt people get into it. Its all too Dave and Buster for my taste and this looks to be taking it to another level, more "chic", loose ties and fancy mixed drinks while hitting a few, no thanks.

Edited February 7, 2017 by MrDC

[1badbadger]

8 minutes ago, MrDC said:

Seems silly to me but I have no doubt people get into it. Its all too Dave and Buster for my taste and this looks to be taking it to another level, more "chic", loose ties and fancy mixed drinks while hitting a few, no thanks.

There is no doubt that it's not the kind of place you'd go to for a hardcore practice session, just like I wouldn't go to D&B to play serious 9-ball, but it does offer a unique experience that you could enjoy with non-golf friends.

[No Mulligans]

1 hour ago, 1badbadger said:

There is no doubt that it's not the kind of place you'd go to for a hardcore practice session, just like I wouldn't go to D&B to play serious 9-ball, but it does offer a unique experience that you could enjoy with non-golf friends.

 

1 hour ago, MrDC said:

Seems silly to me but I have no doubt people get into it. Its all too Dave and Buster for my taste and this looks to be taking it to another level, more "chic", loose ties and fancy mixed drinks while hitting a few, no thanks.

For me, TopGolf would be much better than going to a bar with friends... especially since I don't drink.  But, come to think about it I'd probably prefer a bowling alley to TopGolf or a bar.  And this is only because I already get to play golf 2 to 3 times a week.

Just speculation at this point as I haven't experienced TopGolf.

[nevets88]

7 hours ago, 1badbadger said:

This makes sense to me.  I think it's important that they keep the TopGolf concept, which really isn't a driving range...it's a game.  Actually, there are a handful of different games now, but if you take that part of it away, it's just like every other range.

I've been to the one in Austin, TX, and I was blown away.  I wouldn't be going out on a limb to say I've been to more driving ranges and practice facilities then most people, so I've seen from one end of the spectrum to the other, but TopGolf has truly created a unique concept that is very different than anything else out there. I went on a weeknight (I think it was a Wed or Thur) and the place was packed.  They have 102 hitting bays, and there was a waiting list. I learned that some nights, it can be a 2 hour + wait.  What blew me away was how many non-golfers were there. There were groups of friends, couples, some younger, some older...and everyone was having fun.  The beginners were not intimidated at all because they were afraid of being embarrassed or everyone was looking at them like you would see at a traditional range.  I think a lot of that has to do with the game itself...they were playing a game, not golf.  At least the way they looked at it.  I don't know how many of these people will take up golf for real, but it sure exposes a lot of people who normally wouldn't play.

Never would I have imagined that a company that has ranges all over the country, some not located near large cities, can charge twice what Chelsea Piers does IN MANHATTAN (which also has a liquor license), have longer queues, and longer opening hours - CP closes at midnight, TG at 2. Clearly they're on to something because I keep thinking this isn't sustainable - goes to show I have no business acumen. 

First time ever during a lesson I got stopped multiple times by a waitress to ask if I wanted to order food or drink. To be honest, it's not the greatest venue for lessons, if you take one there, try and get one as early as possible.

[No Mulligans]

8 minutes ago, nevets88 said:

Never would I have imagined that a company that has ranges all over the country, some not located near large cities, can charge twice what Chelsea Piers does IN MANHATTAN (which also has a liquor license), have longer queues, and longer opening hours - CP closes at midnight, TG at 2. Clearly they're on to something because I keep thinking this isn't sustainable - goes to show I have no business acumen. 

First time ever during a lesson I got stopped multiple times by a waitress to ask if I wanted to order food or drink. To be honest, it's not the greatest venue for lessons, if you take one there, try and get one as early as possible.

Talking about no business acumen... In the mid 90s I was looking at Amazon with a coworker and said, "how can anyone pay that much for stock in a company that is projecting losses for the next five years". Doh!

[Kalnoky]

26 minutes ago, No Mulligans said:

Talking about no business acumen... In the mid 90s I was looking at Amazon with a coworker and said, "how can anyone pay that much for stock in a company that is projecting losses for the next five years". Doh!

When I was in college, I interned with an investment group that turned down Howard Schultz (Starbucks). Nobody will pay $5 for coffee, they said. 

36 minutes ago, nevets88 said:

First time ever during a lesson I got stopped multiple times by a waitress to ask if I wanted to order food or drink. 

This reminds me of a gripe I have w/ my home course, which is, why don't the drink cart girls come out to the range? Especially during summer.. It gets really hot out there, I would love even just a cold Gatorade (without having to walk all the way back to the clubhouse). I think that is a real missed $$$ opportunity.

Edited February 7, 2017 by Kalnoky

[Wanzo]

2 hours ago, 1badbadger said:

There is no doubt that it's not the kind of place you'd go to for a hardcore practice session, just like I wouldn't go to D&B to play serious 9-ball, but it does offer a unique experience that you could enjoy with non-golf friends.

Yep, I'll be Dallas this weekend with a group of 25 and I'm the only serious golfer, but the group wanted to go to top golf because we did it last year and had a blast. Reserve a spot with couches, waitress, food, basically a fun outdoor bar setting in good weather and if you wanna step up and hit a few golf shots it's the secondary activity...,at least for our group. But yeah I won't even think about trying to hit a "real" golf shot. Especiallly since I won't have my clubs. Just about hanging out.