Urban Golf - Golfshake Visit

Urban Golf should be on everyone’s bucket list in London whether you’re capital resident, City commuter or just enjoying the sites during a weekend away.

Situated in three locations across the City; South Kensington, Soho and Smithfields all of which have their own unique style and contrast which will guarantee you hours of fun during your visit.

You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the experience either. Anyone from a beginner to a professional can walk in off the street to play, practice or learn in one of the state-of-the-art simulators Urban Golf have at their disposal.

What is it?

If you haven’t been or even heard of Urban Golf before then you’re missing out. The terrible weather in the UK means that golfers are more often than not on the fairways cold and wet dreaming about playing in the sunshine. Well you need not worry anymore as indoor golf could be your answer or at least somewhere for you to practice in the warm and cosy surroundings at Urban Golf.

You hit the ball just as you would if you were out playing golf for real as Urban Golf uses the most up-to-date technology meaning you can play on one of 60 of the World’s best courses by just popping out on your lunch break.

How realistic is it?

For the skeptic out there I know what you’re thinking. ‘There’s no way that me hitting a ball into screen can be real?’ Well that is where you are wrong. The new simulators at Urban Golf use 3Trak, a revolutionary ball tracking system developed by AboutGolf. The camera tracking system is the only accurate way to track a golf ball indoors and 3Trak is the first one to be applied to an indoor golf simulator. As well as measuring the golf ball's speed and trajectory it is the only system to accurately measure spin, unlike all other golf simulators available this is the only system that makes no assumptions about what the golf ball is doing.
 
If you hit your driver 250yds off the tee outdoors you'll hit it 250yds at Urban Golf. If you hit a fade, draw, slice, hook, lob or shank, the ball will react exactly as you would expect it to in the real world.

AboutGolf is unique with the fact it boasts visually stunning graphics with 3D rendering of real world features. Not only does this make the game-play more immersive but, if your ball hits an obstacle it reacts in a realistic way. The improved graphics aid depth perception which makes the short game much more natural than on other simulators. It also makes it easier to read the run of the greens.

Unlike other golf simulators the courses you can pick to play are recreated in painstaking detail using GPS and topographic scans meaning every real world undulation and feature is precisely reproduced on the simulator.

So If you’ve ever wondered what you would hit and score at the famous Island 17^th at Sawgrass....There’s only one way to find out.

My Experience

I was invited over to the Kensington National where I was met by manager Ed Neale who couldn’t have been any more accommodating. He showed me exactly how the simulators work which will be the same for your visit if you haven’t been before and everything was explained to make my Urban Golf Experience all the more special. I had a quick practice on the range feature and then chose to play the final few holes at Pebble Beach which without flying out to the Western coast of America it’s the closest thing I’ve had to being able to plot my way around a US Open venue.

The realism is out of this world and it picked up my natural shot shape in an instant. I was surprised by how natural and real the effects where around and on the greens  as your short game is tested to the same extent as it would be on any course and you still need a good touch with the putter. A gimme feature is an option which I recommend using which also makes your round a bit quicker if you’re on a short break from work.

I have no doubt that I’m going back again with some mates as it really is a great idea at a great venue. The ability to have a laugh, a few drinks whilst having some friendly competition on some of the best golf courses in the World should appeal to every golfer, I’d recommend Urban Golf to anyone.

Fun for the non-golfer?

I was intrigued as to how many non-golfers turn up to play at the venues. Ed explained they get a lot thanks to the conferences and parties they hold so if you do have a non-golfer in your ranks, tell them not to worry they’re not alone. A modified handicap buffer is available to help out during the playing of the simulation with options of 25% (they’ve played a bit before but not a regular), 50% (held a club before but never played a single hole) or the 75% (never even thought about playing golf). This buffer will be needed for the non-player as it makes a big difference to not only their score but their playing ability. I took my flat-mate along who is a non-golfer and he had a great time proving that it is fun for someone that hasn’t played the game before which is why Urban Golf is so appealing as it can be played and enjoyed by everyone.

Venues

Kensington National

Situated literally on top of High Street Kensington tube station, the stylish venue is the biggest out of the three locations with seven simulators and ample space to sit and relax before, during or after your round whilst watching the latest sports event on a number of HD screens they have situated in the seating areas. Practice your putting, get a coaching session in the designated coaching bay or browse the in-house shop whilst you wait for your ordered food from the new golf inspired menu. I fully recommend the Crooked Stick burger which was out of this world. A fully licensed bar can company you after a hard day’s work or if you need some Dutch courage to get up and play.

Soho Golf and Country Club

Described as the World’s first fashionable golf venue with styled in 1950’s chic decor, the Central London location houses six simulators with the option of hanging out at the cocktail and lounge bar after your round.

Time Out magazine describes it as a ‘brilliant idea stylishly executed’ and that I certainly can’t argue with.

Royal Smithfield

Before taking to the simulated fairways you should appreciate the clubhouse design by award-winning architects, Squire and Partners which houses seven simulators with a workshop, putting green, bar and lounge to keep you entertained. Like its Kensington sister venue several giant HD screens are available to watch from the comfort of the large sofas.

Birthday parties, stag and hen groups, corporate gatherings and conferences are all welcome at the venues with special offers and group discounts readily available. Contact Urban Golf for more details.

Other features

• Monthly membership
• Golf Lessons
• Customised club options
• Practice sessions
• Lunchtime promotional offers
• Friday night specials
• Sunday and Monday specials

Prices start from £25/hour for simulator hire (up to a maximum of four players per simulator).

Kensington National and Soho Golf and Country Club are open 12pm - 10pm Mon - Fri, 12pm - 8pm Saturdays and 12pm - 6pm on Sundays. Royal Smithfield is closed on Sundays.

To enjoy everything Urban Golf has to offer visit www.urbangolf.co.uk or call their booking line on 0207 248 8600 and to keep up-to-date with all their offers and promotions follow them on twitter @urbangolf