Golf Shake (1.7)

Is this golf? no rain, no waiting, no lost balls, warm weather

Doesn't sound like golf does it? but is this the new thing, indoor golf?  

If you fancy a quick solo round in 45 minutes, hitting a drive on the road hole of the old course at St Andrews, a round at Valderrama or even Pebble Beach, then indoor golf gives you this opportunity. Plus it's within the confines and comfort of an indoor venue sometimes with waiter service and free food!  For around £25 per hour it's also not to badly priced if there are a few of you.

Over the last 18 months several venues have started cropping in London and around the UK provided by the market leader in golf simulation Full Swing Golf.  If it's good enough for DJ Spooney, frequent attendee at Urban golf, and Ricky Gervais, who's supposed to be having one installed in his basement games room, then is this something for all golfers?

It's definitely not real golf because you miss out on so much that happens on the course but it can be very addictive.  The system is very accurate and true and really does give you a true reflection of your real life golf game, you get the benefit of never taking divots before the ball which means your shot percentage increases.  The only flaw is to me it is extremely difficult to judge your short game from about 50 yards, bunker play and putting.

I found the practice system excellent. No different to a range, hitting balls off a mat but the software will show you stats on carry, distance, launch angle, offset angle and so much more.  At present my driving is dire and I am working hard to get rid of very bad slice.  Hitting 20 balls on the simulator really helped me concentrate on my new swing and gave me a really good overview of how swing changes affected the ball flight, distance and deviation.   I definitely be going back just for the practice system, thankfully the venue I visited only charges £10 for one person during off peak.

Word of advice though. Don't play too much on the courses as I'm sure it would detract from your real game, given the difficulties to learn the short game, but the practice simulator is invaluable and so much better than a driving range.

In essence, you may miss out on the course banter, contending with weather conditions, awkward lies and the walk between shots but indoor golf gives you the opportunity for a different type of game.  It's maybe not for golf connoisseurs but it's definitely a new way to play, practice, introduce new people to golf and entertain clients and a bit of fun.  Plus you can play at night!