Why simulator centres have a role to play in growing the game

Indoor golf simulator centres are becoming increasingly popular across the UK, offering golfers a faster, more social and weather-proof way to play. After visiting Norwich-based City Greens, Derek Clements discovers how modern simulator venues could help attract new players and become an important part of golf’s future.

EVERYBODY who loves this sport of ours has surely at some point spoken about “growing the game”. We probably all have our own ideas about how this happens but the reality is that if you have come up with a solution, somebody else probably has too, and without success.

It is a tough one.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy spoke about growing the game when they launched their indoor golf league. The PGA Tour and DP World Tour constantly talk about growing the reach of golf.

Organisations such as England Golf exist for the sole purpose of growing the game.

Blimey, even the Saudis claimed when they launched LIV Golf tried to convince us that they were doing so in order to grow the game and had their players spouting the same thing. I suspect you all know where I stand on that one. 

When I think about attracting new players I immediately consider what we have to do in order to see golf club memberships being increased - and that means asking what clubs need to do.

I spend a lot of time at the driving range and am always struck by the cross-section of people you see. I use a range that features Trackman Technology because I want to know how far I hit the ball with each club, but many if not most who use driving ranges are there simply for the joy of hitting the golf ball and I suspect that very few of them ever get near a proper golf course.

But perhaps there is another way.

I watched a couple of episodes of the indoor golf league and, to be honest, it left me cold. But there were lots of youngsters at the venue and I have little doubt that the razzamatazz did it for some people.

I have also become increasingly aware of the number of indoor golf simulator centres that are popping up all over the country. And in my home city of Norwich one of those has recently opened. It is called City Greens and it is located in what used to be an estate agents office, spread over three floors.

So I decided that it was about time I discovered what all the fuss is about, and that is how myself and a friend found ourselves teeing it up at the Old Course at St Andrews, one of more than 500 available courses.

City Greens charges between £15-£30 per person per hour for a private simulator room and also offers an assortment of membership schemes. Signature Membership entitles you to 40 simulator sessions per month, with a complimentary guest pass included and all-day access. Club Membership offers 16 sessions per month and Social Membership offers eight sessions a month.

City Greens has three state-of-the-art simulators with the latest Trackman technology. That means you can use it to work on your game or take the opportunity to have a proper round of golf but without all the walking and hunting for golf balls!

You get the opportunity to play just about any golf course on the planet - and if the urge takes you then you can have the wind howling. Although why you would want to do that is beyond me. You can also tackle a host of fun golf-related challenges.

You can bring your own clubs or, like most other simulator centres, they will provide you with equipment at no extra charge. Proper equipment!

Co-owner Fred Anthony explained: “We approached some of the major golf-club manufacturers about providing us with equipment and they all wanted to charge us a fortune but then we contacted Takomo and they sent us six sets of irons free of charge.”

Takomo is a Finnish company that is making some serious waves. Their irons, which cost around £500 for a full set, are absolutely superb. And you are provided with brand new TaylorMade golf balls.

Of course, one of the issues with golf is the time that it takes to complete 18 holes. But that is not the case if you head to a simulator centre. We managed to complete our 18 holes at the Old Course in an hour. And it has to be said that the graphics are sensational. It actually felt like we were out there - other than the fact that we were able to control the weather!

And that brings me to another huge advantage of centres such as this - they are not weather dependent.

For the record, I found parts of the Old Course I did not know existed but I also almost holed a wedge. I was especially impressed with the way my shot landed on the green and stopped dead.

Anthony said: “A number of local businesses have started using the facility and a senior executive told me that if one of his people was taking a client for a round of golf they would be gone for the entire day but by coming here they can hit some golf balls, do their business in our lounge and be back in the office within a couple of hours.”

The lounge is stunning. Quite clearly, no expense has been spared in equipping it with comfortable sofas, and there is a fully-stocked bar.

Like most simulator centres, City Greens aims to become part of the community and to provide a venue for social events. A Golf and Gin night sounds like a whole lot of fun.

So, do simulator centres have a role to play in attracting new golfers and helping to grow our sport? If this one is anything to go by then the answer is a resounding yes.

For further details go to www.citygreensgolf.co.uk