SES Blog Articles on Golf Simulators and Virtual Sports

The New Technique Golf Simulator...

2011-09-08T15:51:00.000-06:00

...has been released!
The new Technique golf simulator is now available in three different models and price levels. Pre-order now to take advantage of the limited time $1,100 savings we are offering!

Check it out here!

10 Things to Know when Opening an Indoor Golf Facility

2011-08-10T15:38:00.001-06:00

Check out our new article:

10 Things to Know when Opening an Indoor Golf Facility
Each "thing" is full explained in the article here...

Here a sneak peek at the list:

1 - Golf is a game — Don’t forget it!
2 - Know your customer!
3 - Location, Location, Location
4 - Don’t give away the Farm
5 - Size Matters
6 - To Pro or Not to Pro?
7 - What’s the Weather Like?
8 - What are you Selling?
9 - Time is Money!
10 - Be Creative

Check out full article here!

Football Simulators For Training and Entertainment

2011-04-19T15:49:00.002-06:00

Virtual football raises the bar by taking advantage of the most advanced technology to give players accurate analysis of their game, thus providing important data allowing players to make adjustments to their performance. Football simulators allow one to play the sport inside in a safe environment. They are easy to use and simulate getting out there on the gridiron without ever having to strap on the pads.

Football simulators allow the athlete to take the role of a quarterback and throw passes with a real football to different moving receivers. They also allow the player to become a kicker where they kick the football through the uprights. The features of football simulators include life-size receivers and defenders each with realistic responses. The player kicks the ball against a virtual stadium backdrop and the crowd cheering adds another element of realism, adding pressure and tension to the game, like what actual athletes have to deal with in reality.

In contrast to computer games, football simulators provide more realistic play by letting the player handle real equipment such as a football. Add the benefits of being able to practice whether it is snowing or freezing cold outside, there is a great training advantage utilizing this technology. Imagine how impressed your coaches and fellow players will be upon seeing how much your passing or kicking abilities have improved over the school break.

During each session, the football simulator tracks the speed of each kick or pass, the percentage of successful field goals or pass completions and generates a report summary at the conclusion of each game. The statistics are then broken down to develop the player's skill and improve his future games. After honing his game, a player can invite his buddies to play against each other. Family members can have hours of entertainment over a game and children can be kept fit despite staying indoors. Businessmen can use the simulators to bring in more customers to their establishments or use the technology to entertain their important clients. As a training device, for enjoyment or as a revenue generation tool for commercial use, football simulators can be a valuable add on and a lot of fun.

Sports Fan's Man Cave: More Than Mere Video Games

2011-03-24T20:25:00.000-06:00

Of all the man caves around, from motor heads to computer nerds, the sports fan’s is probably the most popular. A sports fan’s man cave is furnished with a big screen television to watch the big game, numerous couches and sitting areas for friends to get comfortable, perhaps a bar – or at least a refrigerator – containing beer to fuel the fiery fanatics, and several pieces of sports souvenirs hanging off the walls, mocking the wife or girlfriend as mementos of her husband’s or boyfriend’s strong love for a sport.

Still, a sports fan’s man room can be more than a simple theater for enjoying televised sports. Some sports fans like to spice it up with a video game console equipped with football games, like Madden, or NBA Live. This is because, men like silly competition. For the sports fan, this is sparked by watching competitive sports, which only motivates delusional ideas of extraordinary prowess.

Yet, video games aren’t the only pieces of modern technology that can improve the man room, for instance, the sports simulator. Specific simulators, like a mini home sports simulator, can fit comfortably inside the sports fan’s man room while also using the television.

Sports simulators may not resemble virtual reality, but they provide a very engaging experience to sports fans. They not only allow men to beat each other at sports, but allow them to fantasize about becoming professional athletes. Sports simulators engage the user by allowing the use of real sports gear. For instance, users can throw a football, or shoot a hockey puck into the simulator.

A home sports simulator has all the capabilities a normal sports simulator has, but is more practical for a man cave. It doesn’t use up the room required for friends to stretch out their legs and snack on nachos and beer.

For those die-hard sports fans, you are a good candidate for a serious man cave. No rec room is complete without a home sports simulator to battle against a virtual opponent or even your buddies.

Most sports simulators need a backdrop for the projection of the simulated sport. Nevertheless, with a home sports simulator, it can be hooked up into a television. The sports fan with the big screen can use his massive television as the simulator’s back drop and projection. Clearly, a miniature home sports simulator requires a net to be set up in front of the television, or else many a crazed sports fan would have shattered televisions.

No man wants a broken television. The mini sports simulator can become the staple for the man cave. No longer will it be a room used during game days, but a room that can be used every day. After work, or into the wee hours of the night, you can enjoy spending more time in the man room, even if the wife or girlfriend hates it.

Correct Your Golf Technique With Modern Gadgets

2011-03-18T15:13:00.000-06:00

Many touring pros will tell you that correct technique is paramount to hitting the golf ball solidly. For the golfer that is looking to take the next step, modern gadgets like golf swing analyzers can provide you the info to hit the ball pure.

Nearly every swing on the pro tour is unique, but there is one part of every swing that is very similar; the club at impact. A pro’s solid technique allows them to square up the clubface through impact with a downward strike on the back of the ball. While their swing path may vary slightly from inside-out to outside-in, the best golfers swing down the target line through impact.

So why does the ordinary golfer’s technique leave them aggravated and constantly looking for their ball? For most golfers, the reason is they don’t understand what is going on with their club through the moment of impact. The fact is, even with the keenest eyesight, this part of the swing is not possible to observe with the naked eye. Here’s where technology helps.

A golf swing analyzer can record the club head path and face angle which allows you to detect lots of problems and make micro corrections until you are finally striking the ball purely. Your golf swing technique can be additionally improved with the additional information the golf swing analyzer offers. Included is monitoring the club head speed, impact location on the club face, ball speed, spin, launch angle and shot direction.

Establishing good golf technique normally takes many years of patience and practice. Even though a golf swing analyzer may not offer immediate results for most golfers, it can drastically hasten the process. You will be able to correct your muscle memory and hard wire your technique after only several practice sessions with its guidance.

By training with these gadgets you will learn the secrets to solid contact. The mystery of your slices, hooks, miss-hits or shanks will be history. Plus with the guidance of the golf swing analyzer will be able to ingrain the correct muscle memory and perfect your technique.

It is an exciting time to be an aspiring golfer with the terrific technology out there. From the numerous revolutionary swing analyzers to golf simulators, we can feel like a pro, even if we are not actually golfing like one… yet.

Golf Simulators Boost Appeal at Trade Shows

2011-03-10T11:33:00.001-07:00

Not many of the things at a golf trade show could you group under the umbrella term of "golf." When you first enter a golf trade show you might notice a variety of promotions, like teeth bleaching, tacos, and birds of prey. Many of the unrelated novelties at the golf expo draw no serious interest or produce genuine sales, even though it would be awesome to have a falconer as a caddy and an eagle to find your lost golf balls.

What can best capture people's attention (and most importantly, increase sales) at a golf expo - or any type of convention for that matter - is a simulator. At some golf expos, several golf simulators are set up to help sell products. The tactic is a wise move, because the salespeople who use the golf simulators have customers wrapped around their fingers.

Golf simulators can enhance the allure of your booth at any trade show, especially ones that center on golf. First, people are drawn to the brightly lit virtual world projected on the screen. These golf simulators are huge and colorful, appealing to consumers' inner most interest for big, shiny things. Next, people might want to try the golf simulator. What's important is to always have a golfer using the simulator - even if he's somebody on your sales team - because this also feeds into another one of people's most inner desires: jealousy. If prospective customers see someone else trying the simulator, they will want to also.

By utilizing some of the many exceptional golf simulators with awesome presentations out there, salespeople gather crowds who gaze eagerly at their booth. At this point, it's best to put your merchandise into action. For instance, if it's a golf wedge, have a volunteer try out the club by hitting shots into the simulator.

The volunteer will immediately notice the difference in his putt, chip, drive, etc. if you have a good product. By providing more empirical evidence to the customers, the golf simulator assists the sale. Furthermore, golf simulators help with club-fitting. By repeatedly practicing his swing, experimenting, measuring and fitting, a customer can have his clubs fit properly. People won't challenge your promises. Instead, they will be able to observe how the product functions right in front of them.

Also present at golf trade shows are practice putting greens. Like golf simulators, practice putting greens are used to draw customers in for an interactive experience. They also provide more empirical evidence of a product's improvements and also help with putter-fitting.

By using either a practice putting green and golf simulator, you can harness a crowd of mesmerized potential customers. In this scenario, you can also show off your product to generate sales. Still, if a simulator or a putting green doesn't generate many immediate sales, they still make a lasting impression on people. Their neat presentation and interactive nature create an appearance of legitimacy and success toward consumers who highly-regard successful businesses.

At this year's Denver Golf Expo on Feb. 11-13 at the Denver Merchandise Mart, Sports Entertainment Specialists showed off the Newport golf simulator. Here's a video of the Newport in action:

Keeping Your Golf Game Hot During the Cold

2011-03-03T10:08:00.001-07:00

When the winter months arrive and freeze the courses, you lie in bed dreaming about next year. You dream of future golf glory. The perfect swing. The ideal put. You think if it could just be next season already. Of course, if only you could get out on the course right now.

But the truth is, what are you actually doing to improve your golf game over the offseason? Isn't it every spring you need to pretty much start over again, warming up your swing, making oh-so-slight changes in your stance and so on? What a futile routine!

You know, you can keep your game hot during the cold. Just as the ice melts from the fairway, you'll undoubtedly remain in your prime. You may have possibly developed a few improvements, too!

Virtual Golf Helps You Remain Physically Adept:

So perhaps you're not as in-shape as Tiger Woods, although that doesn't suggest that you can't maintain your muscle memory for your swing.

Every winter, when you tuck your golf clubs in for a very long winter's sleep, your golf game falls into hibernation as well. After that, when your muscles are rudely woken up from that first swing of the new season, its memory sometimes suffers from confusion.

Now, you're left guessing where your game went. In scientific groups, that's called atrophy - whenever muscles decline, decrease, or degenerate, as from disuse. In normal terminology, atrophy means you really should to use it, or lose it.

By keeping you muscles busy, you can stop your golf game from sliding. You can do this by playing as if you were on a real course.

Of course you don't want to play when the weather is wintry out. That's why technologically inclined golfers invented virtual golf. Golfers can stay warm and cozy inside and keep their game sharp.

Virtual Golf Keeps You Psychologically Ready:

A golfer named Bobby Jones once explained that golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course - the distance between your ears. What virtual golf can do for a golfer is keep this five-inch course ready.

Anxiety is created by new and unfamiliar situations. Tension can have a bad effect on your golf game. Therefore, what better way to cope with high-pressure situations than to become more familiar with them? You may find yourself in problematic situations playing virtual golf such as having to carry 180 yards of water, hitting a tight fairway or sticking your shot on an island green. Having encountered these mental tests virtually, you will be far better ready during the summer to manage similar predicaments. You can keep loose and self-confident just by applying virtual golf.

Stay Technically Sound With the Golf Swing Analyzer:

Golf simulators can provide a golf swing analyzer system to help golfers make breakthroughs in their game. Taking golf swings frequently may keep you in "golf shape," and digging yourself out of hard situations may keep you mentally ready. However, you still may be hunting for that discovery inside your game.

Without proper coaching, players can find themselves running into a hidden wall with their game. The difference between an average Joe and a pro is what occurs during the contact of the club face against the ball.

A golf swing analyzer allows you to see the spin, launch angle, club head speed, ball speed, direction, club face angle, and club path angle of your shot when the club strikes the ball. Seems overwhelming, but a golf swing analyzer gives info that allows you to refine your swing, so that you may finally execute it flawlessly.

By putting your golfing on hiatus in the winter season, you have to unavoidably rebound from that awful golf-less opening on the calendar. Virtual golf is the cure to keep your golf game sharp.

Chase Perfection with a Sports Simulator

2011-02-24T12:35:00.001-07:00

Need more speed on your fast ball? How's your slap shot? You can strengthen your technique playing on a sports simulator. Whether you are tossing the ball or slapping the puck into a virtual environment, virtual sports provide you the feedback to perform at your highest level possible.

Try playing on a sports simulator and engage yourself in a remarkable virtual experience. Pitch against an aggressive batter, chuck tight spirals to receivers, or shoot pucks at a nimble goalie. Unlike video games, sports simulators are not totally digital. You're given a more real feeling of the sport by handling actual elements from the sport in your hands, like a baseball cradled between your fingers or a football squeezed firmly between your hands.

The same goes for any other sport on a modern simulator. You can practice nearly every situation of many sports, like a penalty kick in soccer, or a shot from the bunker in golf. And, if you focus on a single sport, the virtual experience can help you quickly improve within that particular sport.

In a baseball simulator, you can pitch in the middle of a simulated game situation. You know that timeless scenario: your team leads by one run. You get up on the mound against the opponent's best batter. With two outs in bottom of the ninth, the bases are loaded. The count is three balls and two strikes. Now you need to step up and actually make that pitch against your simulated opponent. Say you opt to hurdle some heat; a simulator can measure how quick you're throwing with its built-in speed gun. But if you hit the batter, he'll flinch and take his base. At the end of your session, a simulator can report back all the stats including how many pitches were tossed, the percentage of strikes versus balls, the number of strikeouts, hits and runs.

Maybe America's pastime isn't your thing. There are other virtual sports you can enjoy too. In a hockey simulator, you'll be able to shoot at a life sized goalie guarding a regulation sized net. The goalie will react and move to every shot. He may even rob you with a nice glove save. Or you can play target practice against plates located in the bottom and top corners of the net as well as the five hole. In either case, a hockey simulator can keep track of your shots' velocities, their average velocity, goals, saves and the placement of your shots.

A soccer simulator is very comparable to hockey in that you shoot against a goaltender that reacts to your shot. Don't be surprised if the goalie dives and catches your bending shot.

In the football simulator, you may play as either a glorified quarterback, or an underrated kicker. As a quarterback, the sports simulator projects moving receivers onto the field at different spots. These receivers can be covered by defenders. You must precisely throw to the receivers for a completion.

When kicking the football, you're provided the yellow uprights against a stadium backdrop. The virtual experience allows you to feel the tension that professional kickers have to deal with. You're also given a breakdown of your performance, including your completions, field goals made, misses as well as interceptions.

Virtual sports also feature basketball and golf. In hoops, it is possible to relentlessly shoot a variety of shots from various different angles, including threes. In golf, most systems allow you to play and practice on multiple virtual courses, and swing from just about anywhere like the tee box, fairway, rough, and you're even able to putt on the green.

You can monitor your progress and success by collecting the statistics presented to you by the simulator. You can improve your technique, work on your accuracy and track how well you're progressing with statistical results. In addition, experiencing the actual feel of the game's equipment - like a football, or a hockey stick - is a benefit. Sports simulators are not simply some video game you play with your thumbs.

The difference between just practicing and practicing smart is significant. While using a sports simulator, you can perfect your game by overseeing your practice. Additionally, you can play on the simulator with your pals, talk smack and enjoy hours of fun.

Golfer’s Man Cave: The Ultimate Game Room

2011-02-17T13:04:00.004-07:00

The man cave is defined as the last, real male refuge in the contemporary world, not an actual chasm in the side of a mountain. The term man cave is a metaphor for the last bastion of manliness. The man cave is usually a garage, a basement or a spare bedroom that is left without an elegant female touch. Who needs that when you can have posters of scantily clad ladies, or perhaps the portrait of dogs playing poker?

Besides the animal head hanging on the wall or the lit neon beer light, almost everything within a man cave has a function. The television serves as entertainment. Video games provide an escape for the male mind. The pool table is a battle ground. And the electric guitar is a lingering token of fading rock star dreams. Very little inside the man cave is regarded as decoration.

Years ago, the man cave was a safe haven only the rich businessman could afford. However, in these cost-effective times, even the everyman can retreat into his man cave. The best part of the man cave is the ability to personalize it to the things you like.

For a gambling man, his man cave may be equipped with billiard and poker tables. A sports fan may have a foosball table and a massive television to watch the game every Sunday. An avid golfer’s cave may look something like this…

Every man cave has a centerpiece. It’s the object that ties the entire room together. These centerpieces include air hockey tables, pin ball machines, etc. It’s the pride-and-joy of the man room. For a golfer, a virtual golf simulator is the icon of the room.

Guys can gather around for friendly competition with many of these centerpieces. Competitive golfers can take part in a series of contests with a golf simulator. One in particular may be the longest drive. Nothing appeals to a man’s dimwitted, caveman ego than a competition of who can smash the ball the farthest.

Nevertheless, a man cave should always carry an element of sophistication, like a great cigar, to combat the steady low-brow state of affairs. Contests can certainly be as sophisticated as an 18-hole round of golf at some of the most refined and classy courses in the world, such as St. Andrews and Augusta.

The man room also holds complementary items. A man will need other conquests to satisfy his self esteem. Perhaps alongside the pin-ball machine stands a Pac-man game, and beside the golf simulator may sit a practice putting green.

For a golfer, putting is a key factor to his golf game and must be relentlessly practiced. The routine of repetitive putting can put an aggravated man at ease, like slowly rocking a cradle to sooth a screaming baby. It’s a distraction, making a practice putting green the perfect piece to the man room puzzle. A golfer can develop a more zen-like approach to his putting game by using a practice green.

As stated previously, the man room is only obligated to the delights of its owner. Since there is no sensible design or dogma to a man cave, the room requires no theme or blueprint. The valuables in a man cave shouldn’t end as swiftly as this article, because the man room is infinite.

The Evolution of Golf Simulators

2011-01-21T15:46:00.001-07:00

Thanks to golf simulators, avid golfers from the 1970s and beyond have had the chance to practice and perfect their technique indoors and safe from poor weather. Added kudos goes to the game developers, software engineers and golfers who have refined the golf simulator during more than a quarter-century into what is now an advanced piece of technological hardware.

From the days of Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods, rudimentary golf simulators underwent many technological advancements to become more enhanced systems. They were hardly respected as helpful tools for golf training and were considered as novelties. But the technology has improved greatly. Just think how much the telephone has progressed into what they are today -- same thing is true of golf simulators.

Long ago, the archaic systems projected grainy pictures of golf courses on the screen for golfers to whack balls into. Once contact was made, the golf simulator measured the time it took for the ball to cross two points. With some calculations, the device would surmise how far golfers hit the ball and deposited them at their next location.

The next generation of golf simulators had a different look - a more pixilated Super Mario version of the game. Fairways were green strips peppered with yellow and blue geometric shapes that represented what were supposedly bunkers and water hazards. Dictating where the ball went didn’t much improve either.

Today, we don't deal with lame golf course recreations. Instead, golf simulators transport you into an immersive 3D environment, complete with software that allows players to choose what time of day their playing and the weather. Also, simulators measure way more than just the golf ball’s journey between two spots. Some simulators are even equipped with cutting-edge camera technology that takes 2,000 photos per second allowing them to calculate the exact ballistics of the golf ball.
After years of collecting data from swings and golf balls soaring through the air, there is no shot today’s simulators haven’t seen. They measure the speed, trajectory and direction of the ball with such precision that you can actually watch the virtual version fly through the air and land right where it would in real life.

The golf simulator software also allows golfers to play famous courses from all over the world. From the United States to Abu Dhabi, players have the chance to play around the world. Each course has been carefully studied, so that any digital tilt of the green is exactly like the real one. The system’s software also regulates the ball’s collision to real-life specifications . Now hitting a tree won’t yield the identical results as hitting a rock. (Digital people have not been added to spare you the trouble of yelling, “Fore!”)

In all actuality, the shortcomings of your father's golf simulator might have been hurting his game rather than improving it. In the 1980s, a good-looking drive may trun out to be a poor shot by the standards of today's golf simulators. Also, old simulators did not factor in weather. Any good golfer knows that a ball’s trajectory and speed can differ from the wind’s direction and gust.

Now, golfers can better practice during the winter months indoors. Golf simulation has become more life like, and for the better. A terrible swing will result in a horrible shot, allowing players to better pin-point their problems. Golfers aren’t simply having batting practice against a screen. New and improved golf simulation deserves a try. Test it out for yourself.

Great News!

2011-01-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

SES, Inc. is very proud to announce that we were awarded the “The #1 Trugolf Reseller of 2010”. We take a lot of pride in this achievement and look to repeat it for years to come. Thank you to all our customers and supporters.

http://www.sportsentertainmentspecialists.com/whychooseses.html

The Newport golf simulator is now available with E6 software!

2010-12-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

Breaking news in the golf simulator world. Our most popular simulator, the Newport, is now available with the best golf software on the market…E6! This golf software gives the player the most realistic golfing experience while playing indoors. E6 offers state-of-the-art graphics which enable a player to change weather conditions as they play, four different camera angles for unprecedented views of the round being played. The E6 course library contains some of the World’s most prestigious courses, which are mapped with incredible detail and accuracy.

Previously, this software was only available on the higher-end, more expensive models. Now for the first time you can get all the advantages of the Newport; its compact size, portability and affordable price point, with all the incredible benefits of E6. The combination of the Newport golf simulator and E6 software, make a truly unique and impressive golf simulator that can be enjoyed in both residential and commercial applications.

Contact us today at Sports Entertainment Specialists, Inc. to learn more about this exciting news. The Newport Golf Simulator with E6

25% Off Shooting Simulator Packages!

2010-11-10T08:39:00.003-07:00

For a limited time Sports Entertainment Specialists, Inc. is offering 25% off our most popular Laser Shot packages. This discounts applies to the HT-105, HT-115, HT-130, and the HTC. Orders must be placed by 2:00PM (MST) on December 31st, 2010. These prices are the best prices we have ever offered on our shooting simulators. Take advantage of this great offer...order today!

http://www.sportsentertainmentspecialists.com/ShootingSimulators/hometheater.html

Golf Vacation Package 6 is Now Available for the Newport

2010-10-14T09:37:00.004-06:00

With the release of this great software package, the Newport golf simulator is available with 90 courses! Vacation Package 6 includes 12 great courses like, Bethpage Black, Avocet at West Wind and Brown Deer Golf Club. Please contact us for details. http://www.sportsentertainmentspecialists.com/TruGolfSimulators/ls3golfcourses.html

A Few Benefits of a Golf Simulator

2010-08-23T23:34:00.001-06:00

A golf simulator will allow you to practice your swing and develop your technique in many ways that are better than going to the driving range or course. Maybe the weather has forced the range to shut down, or you simply do not want to display your relatively poor technique in front of other golfers. Whatever the situation, a golf simulator will enable you to practice and practice as often as you like from home. There are certainly a number of different benefits aside from this, so let's check these out briefly now.

A golf simulator is something that can be set up anywhere within your home. As long as you have space to hold the system, which will include a green carpet, screen, projector and computer. Golf simulators have all sorts of different sensors technologies. These sensors accurately measure the velocity and angle of the ball so that it can predict exactly where it might travel to on the course.

With most golf simulators, you have the choice between a wide variety of different courses to play. Many allow you to tee it up on some of the most famous courses in the world. So if ever you have had a yearning to play at Oakmont or Carnoustie, just launch the course in you simulator and your golfing dreams will be realized.

Of course, when you actually go out and play golf there are all sorts of different factors that affect your game. The variations in the grass and the lie of the land, the weather conditions, wind, and many other factors can affect how you play. When you play on a simulator you can easily wipe these factors out and create the conditions that you prefer most. This may not be true to life, but it will certainly allow you to gain more enjoyment from the game.

Another great benefit of a simulator is for injury prevention. The fact that you are regularly swinging a club, as opposed to being just a weekend warrior, will keep your core and golf muscles in shape. Plus, if you do get injured, you will be able to rehabilitate your swing on the simulator. If you injure your leg you may well find it difficult getting around the course. With a simulator you don't have to walk, or even climb in and out of the cart, making it a lot easier than hobbling around the course.

Of course, with a golf simulator you can use your own clubs and really get to know how they react to certain swings. This will make you feel more comfortable and help you gain confidence. At the same time, your club selection will be developed as you can play the same shot on the same hole over and over again without having to be concerned about holding someone up.

As a side benefit, you will also be able to use the simulator in order to entertain your friends and family. They will be impressed by the fact that you have a golf simulator set-up within your home, but they will really love the fact the simulator doubles as a home theater, with an HD projector and giant big screen.

All in all, anyone who wants to improve their golf game and give themselves the opportunity to practice whenever they desire, should really consider one of these simulators. Feel free to contact us today for more information.

Our Television debut tomorrow on Versus!

2010-08-04T09:56:00.003-06:00

SES will be making our television debut tomorrow on the Versus Network. Our shooting simulator was used in an episode of Goin' Country with Kristy Lee Cook. This episode will air tomorrow at 8:30 am (MST) and again at 7:00 am on Sunday. We traveled to Wisconsin to display our shooting simulator using laser inserts, in two new Browning Citori shotguns. Please check out this show and contact us to learn more about the shooting simulators and other exciting products offered by Sports Entertainment Specialists.

Great News

2010-07-27T09:43:00.002-06:00

SES, Inc. is very pleased to announce an alliance with Hoosier Sports and Chiropractic in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hoosier Sports and Chiropractic has taken a new and energizing approach to sport chiropractic services with the serious golfers in mind by using the Newport Golf Simulator. HSC has an approach to keep golfers in golfing shape year round, by focusing on injury prevention and increased core stability. Golfers are plagued with all types of injuries, everything from sore muscles to serious disc injury. Dr. Jennifer Nunnally will work with you to help to avoid these injuries by focusing on the four major areas which cause many of these issues; poor posture, flexibility, balance and improper swing bio-mechanics. By incorporating proper techniques from Tony James, a local golf professional, golfers can get a golf lesson on the Newport golf simulator and learn how to keep themselves in golf shape year round; all under one roof. Please check them out online. http://www.hoosiersportsandchiro.com/

Golf Vacation Package 5 - JUST RELEASED!

2010-07-01T07:29:00.000-06:00

SES is very excited to announce the LS3 course library has become even larger. Golf Vacation Package 5, offers 12 brand new international courses available to play on the Newport Golf simulator. This package lets you play incredible courses from Ireland to South Africa. Up to eight players can enjoy playing full rounds of golf on the Newport. Please contact us for more details about how you can own a golf simulator with 78 remarkable courses!
http://www.sportsentertainmentspecialists.com/TruGolfSimulators/ls3golfcourses.html

Law Enforcement Training

2010-05-18T09:41:00.001-06:00

SES, Inc and Laser Shot are teaming up to present a demonstration of the latest Law Enforcement Training Simulators. On June 8th and 9th we will be holding product demonstrations at 1194 Diamond Circle Lafayette Colorado 80026. This is a great opportunity for you to use and experience our system. We will have a portable training unit with a variety of training weapons such as Glock and 1911 pistols, M-4 / AR-15 rifles, Shotguns, Tasers and OC Spray units. All of these weapons are designed to interact with the user in a training environment where the actions of the participant can steer the outcome of the presented scenario as well as work on the participant’s use of force skills. If you are interested in attending please contact me at 303-926-1003.

Searching for an Adjustable Practice Putting Green?

2010-04-27T08:41:00.002-06:00

Looking for the most accurate practice putting green on the market? I have found it! Perfect for both residential and commercial applications, this system makes a great addition to any indoor or outdoor golf facility, clubhouse, retail store or the golf enthusiast’s basement, garage or backyard.

I set out to find the best, most realistic practice putting green on the market. I wanted something that offered more than just a straight putting; I needed a product which accurately simulated real life putts. After searching the internet and talking to my friends in the golf industry, I have finally found a putting green, where I can adjust the slope of the green and practice true to life putting scenarios. The product I found is made by Extreme Green. These putting greens works great for both indoor and outdoor use. It is fully adjustable and offers many different size greens as well as hole locations. The putting surface has a true roll to the ball, smooth from when the putter strikes the ball to when it falls into the cup.

You can take short game practice to the next level by adding a chipping mat. Now you can practice short chips off the rough, just like you encounter on the course. Chip your ball onto the putting surface and watch it break toward to the cup. If you want to make changes to the green, just slide the adjustable segments in or out for a completely different slope. There are literally thousands of different combinations of the adjustable segments.

I set out to find a good putting green to practice my putting game with adjustable slope. What I found was much more than I expected. Now I can practice putting as well as short chips on the same adjustable green. The system is easy to setup and store when not in use and its price is around the same as a flat straight putting green.

This putting green is the most versatile and realistic practice green I have come across and I would highly recommend this to my friends and golfing buddies. Please check out my website to learn more about this product.

New Product Line Added

2010-04-21T13:13:00.001-06:00

SES has just secured a deal with Extreme Greens to sell their adjustable putting greens. We have the putting greens up on the website for purchase. These greens are fully adjustable, enabling the player to practice putts with a double break. Check out the link for details. http://www.sportsentertainmentspecialists.com/ExtremeGreen/index.html

Laser Shot Products Available Now Online:

2010-04-07T09:31:00.000-06:00

SES is proud to announce our customers now have the ability to purchase their shooting simulator packages through the internet. We have placed our most popular packages on our website for secure and convenient online shopping. Keep an eye on this section of the website, later this spring you will have the ability to purchase all available software titles as well as all of our replica laser firearms.

The Newport Golf Simulator-Revolutionizing the Simulator Rental World:

2010-02-18T08:31:00.002-07:00

Before the debut of the Newport simulator, renting a golf simulator was next to impossible. The older, larger simulators were hard to move, took a long time to setup and were very expensive to rent. I have researched the rental prices of a full size golf simulator and the rental prices ranged from $850-$3200 a day! Many of these simulators were between five to ten years old with outdated technology and requiring a footprint of over 350sqft. Due to the price, complexity of setting up and moving these mammoth units really limited the demand for renting golf simulators. This has all changed with the Newport.

The Newport golf simulator is smaller; it has a footprint of only 160sqft. and only requires a 9 foot ceiling. It plugs into one single outlet and runs off a standard 110V household current. Thus this simulator can go just about anywhere. Setup is a breeze; the unit is designed to be setup and ready to use in about 30 minutes (less, once you have some experience). It is lightweight and very portable. It can be moved via a pickup truck and the entire unit can be stored in a small storage unit.

Due to the fact this golf simulator is designed to be portable, it will open doors in the rental market for years to come. Corporate events, team building, awards ceremonies, birthday parties and even bachelor parties now have an affordable entertainment option with the Newport. In the past owners of golf simulators had to relay on customer traffic coming to the simulator, now with the Newport you can take the simulator to your customers.

You get all of the benefits of a smaller, affordable, portable simulator without sacrificing performance. This is not some stripped down model; the Newport has all the options and capabilities of the larger more expensive simulators. 15 courses, driving range programs, a multitude of game modes and the very popular contest modes all come standard with the Newport. You can have you patrons or guests compete for the longest drive or closest to the pin, with the contest modes. There are optional add-on packages which can round out your course library with over 60 playable golf courses.

Although this product is new, it has already changed the simulator rental market for good. You will start to see this product at trade show, business events and yes at your local golf course. Rental companies will be adding the Newport to their inventory very soon. Check the internet for the best deals and enjoy playing on the best portable golf simulator on the market.

For information on renting or purchasing the Newport please contact us through the website.

Sharpen Your Shooting Skills…Indoors:

2010-02-16T19:00:00.001-07:00

Shooting simulators are cost effective, easy to use systems which can provide hours of entertainment and skill development for the whole family. You can use one of many replica laser firearms which are available or use you own gun on the simulator. New technology allows you to use your own personal firearm on the simulator, in conjunction with special laser-insert cartridges. Consistency is a key element for good shooting, now you can practice with the same gun on the simulator as you’ll take out into the field.

There are over 30 hunting and shooting games available for the system. Everything from bear hunting to dove shooting are options on the shooting simulator. Want to teach you kids about Hunter’s Safety?…there is a program for that, want to practice your shooting skills in a non-violent setting?…there are programs for that as well. Easy to setup and easy to use, you can be up and shooting in a matter of minutes. Do you find yourself uneasy at the shooting range? Always worried about someone else and their shooting ethics? All of this can be avoided by using a simulator in your own home. It is a fabulous way to provide a safe and effective learning environment for new shooters.

Want to introduce yourself or a friend to the exciting world of archery? It is a simple add on to the simulator. You can hold a competition with your friends for the high score, all the time building and improving you skills. Save time and money on your trips to the range, by practicing your shooting in your home. Getting ready for the first hunt of the season? Want to make sure you hit your target with poise? Build the confidence you need by practicing on an indoor shooting simulator, all from the comfort of your own living room or basement.

Denver Golf Expo News:

2010-01-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

Its official! SES will have a large display area at the 2010 Denver Golf Expo. We will have the “Newport Simulator”; the newest golf simulator on the market, available to demonstrate at the expo. Come visit our booth at the show, February 12th – 14th, at the Denver Merchandise Mart. We will be offering show specials and holding “closest to the pin” contest each day of the show. Tell your friends and family and hope to see you there!

The Newport Simulator: A Compact, Affordable, Portable Golf Simulator.

2010-01-18T09:17:00.001-07:00

Just hitting the market this month, the Newport is an innovative new golf simulator, which meets the needs of the demanding golfer. Smaller, portable and affordable, this structure will change the golf simulator industry for years to come. This simulator was designed to solve many of the problems of the full size simulators on the market: size, price and flexibility of use; without sacrificing the simulated experience.

Size:
The Newport is a smaller more compact structure than other golf simulators structures on the market. Its total footprint is 160 square feet and can be place in a room with 9 foot ceilings! No more running wires through the ceiling for the projector, the projector is located in the floor of the structure. The Newport gives you the full simulated experience on a smaller platform.

Price:
Many of the full size golf simulators on the market today can start around $40,000. Now you can get the same experience for about half the cost. The Newport features LS3 golf software, one of the most popular golf software packages in the industry. There are more than 60 playable courses available for the system and it comes standard with the “Driving Range and “Post-Shot” swing analyzer. Integrated with the base software package which includes 15 courses; is a longest drive and closest to the pin competitions. In addition to the software there is a thirty day money back guarantee and a three year warranty on the enclosure. A fully loaded system, with all available courses will run just under $25,000.

Flexibility of Use:
Because of the compact design of the Newport, it allows a simulator to be place in areas previously impossible. In the past, if you had 9 foot ceilings there were vary few options in the golf simulator world for you. Now with this design you can put one in your basement, garage, den or even your office. The fact the Newport is also portable, opens many other doors as well. It sets up in about 20 minutes and only requires a standard outlet to run the computer and projector. So, you could have it set up in your garage one day and move it to your office to entertain clients the next day. There are other portable simulator structures on the market, but they still take hours and multiple people to set up, not the Newport.

The Newport golf simulator fills a void in the simulator industry, with an affordable, compact, innovative simulator which meets the needs of the everyday golfer. Keep an eye out for this simulator; it will start popping everywhere…enjoy!

Turn Your Basement Into a Virtual Shooting Gallery:

2009-12-02T12:10:00.001-07:00

Imagine hunting Elk, Deer, waterfowl or practicing you’re shooting skills on simulated moving targets, all from the comfort and warmth of your basement. All this and more can be achieved with the latest indoor shooting simulator.
An indoor shooting simulator is easy to add on to most projection based home theater systems, and in most cases is an inexpensive way to add hours of entertainment for the whole family. People of all ages enjoy playing the wide range of games that are available for the system, everything from “Baseball Challenge” to “Elephant Hunter” will keep your family and friends entertained. Utilizing a shooting simulator is not only a great way to add excitement to your home theater room; it is also a get way to keep your shooting skills sharp.

System Basics:
There are a few basic requirements for adding a shooting simulator to an existing home theater. The simulator runs on a normal Windows based computer, software is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. The image is broadcast through a projector to a screen, which most projectors and home theater screens will be suitable for use with this simulator. Now all you need to add is a basic simulator package, which includes a rifle, case, camera and five games. Installation of the simulator will only take about thirty minutes to setup and install the new software and hardware. Now you are ready to start enjoying the very best of simulated shooting. To recap the items you need: computer, projector, screen and a simulator package.

Benefits of Indoor Shooting:
There are many advantages to adding an indoor shooting simulator to you home theater room, these are just a few. Convenience- having the ability to practice your shooting skills from within your own house, cuts down on drive time to the range and you can fire up your system anytime you want. Cost Savings- ammunition is expensive! You will save a lot of money practicing your skills using a true to life replica laser firearm verses using live ammo. Safety- using a laser firearm is a much safer weapon to practice will and it’s a lot better for your hearing. Shooting Variety - with a shooting simulator you have the ability to practice your skills on a wide range of software titles. You can practice shooting skeet and with just a touch of a button you can switch over to another game and practice your marksmanship on simulated popup targets. Entertainment-Gather you friends and family, challenge them for the highest score or for bragging rights.

Packages and Software:
With this system, there are many packages of both hardware and software available. Looking for a portable package or maybe a complete package if you don’t have a projector, computer and screen? Those packages and more are available. There are over 35 software titles currently available, which can be purchased separately or in 15 game packages. Software titles are being added, so you will always have the option to buy the latest games on the market. Do you have the best Halloween party on your block? There is a Halloween software package that will insure your party is unforgettable. Do you have a young hunter or marksman that could benefit from “Hunter’s Education” software? It is an option on this simulator. Teach them everything from ethical shooting to animal anatomy, with the hunter’s Ed package. Looking to hone your archery skills? This simulator has packages available for you bow enthusiasts. There are several optional firearms which can be added to the system, to maximize the skill development and enjoyment of the simulator.

Adding a shooting simulator to your theater room is easy and a cost effective way of increasing the entertainment value of your room as well as improve shooting skills. If you would like some more information on the shooting simulators or have any questions please contact me through the website.

How to Generate Revenues with Your Golf Simulator:

2009-12-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Now that you have made the investment in a golf simulator, here are a few ideas to generate revenues by using your golf simulator. With a little bit of time and planning you can create programs which will drive people and money to your indoor golf simulator.

An enormous advantage with utilizing a golf simulator in your business is…”the sun never sets on a simulator”. Golf courses are always dependent upon the weather to cooperate and when the sun sets the day is over. This is not the case on a simulator, schedules will be more consistent and total billable hours can be extended, while using a golf pro. With a golf simulator you can determine how late you want to stay open. If your establishment provides food and drink, you can anticipate your customers staying around longer, while they play a round or get a lesson after normal golf courses are closed.

The history behind golf simulators is important to understand. Golf simulators have spawned from it’s infancy as a golf training tool, providing a way to play indoors and also receive feedback on a players shot. This same training aspect is still the underlying advantage to most golf simulators. Now with the evolution of software and sensor technology, these training tools have become so much more…they have become an entertainment experience. An experience people are willing to pay for. The key to driving customers to your golf simulator and thus revenues to your business; is understanding these two key elements: training and entertainment.

Training:
Golfers are always looking to improve their game. A golf simulator can help greatly with this pursuit, by providing swing analysis, club fitting and the advantage of playing indoors year round. So you need to open your business to the people who are looking to improve their game. The best way to do this is to work with or hire a golf professional. A golf pro can charge their client for time on the simulator and use of the sophisticated training tools which are offered on most of the golf simulators on the market. Many golf pros are turned off by the simulators, because they think it will steal their normal business clients. The truth is a golf simulator can help a golf pro to better understand where the problem areas are with a client’s game and in turn make them a more effective teacher. And at the same time allow golf pros to work year round and charge the same if not more money for an indoor lesson. Do you offer club fitting? With most golf simulators, a pro is given the feedback required to offer club fitting to your customers, thus increased sales to your pro shop.

Teaming with a golf pro is the easiest way to generate revenues on your golf simulator. I would recommend working with the pro to create programs which incorporate both indoor and outdoor lessons. Check with your local golf courses to see what golf pros are charging for lessons and use that information to price your packages competitively.

Entertainment:
This is the element of your simulator which can drive revenues through repeat business. Offering your customers a true entertaining experience will have them coming back for more (and with their friends). Using your simulator to create entertainment is easy. You are offering your customers the ability to play some of the worlds best golf courses all from the comfort of your establishment. Golfers love to try out new courses; a golf simulator gives them the ability to play a round in California, the next round in New Zealand, or where ever they choose to play from your course library. Marketing this feature will create a buzz for your business, create a league, host a tournament, and hold contests: “like longest drive” or “closest to the pin”. All of these are easy ways to drive individuals and teams of players to your system. Again this is a great way to extend business hours. A two-some will play 18 holes of golf on a simulator, in about an hour and fifteen minutes, so host a league night of eight players and you could have golfers at your establishment; eating, drinking, and playing golf, well into the wee hours of the night, if you choose.

I would recommend surveying your customers to see how much interest there is in specific events. If you currently run a summer league, I would roll that league into an indoor fall or winter league. Talk to your sponsors and see if they would offer prizes for a “closest to the pin” contest or to the winner team of a tournament. Market the idea of being able to play a different golf course every week, incorporate this into your leagues and tournaments. I recommend setting up nine hole leagues and have the league last no more than eight weeks.

By creating a few simple programs and working with a golf pro, you can easily set up your golf simulator to start generating revenues for your business. One last piece of advice: Market your programs! Let your current and potential customers know about your system and programs, this will greatly increase player participation and customer awareness. These are simply suggestions and performance will vary on location, market competition and other factors. When setting up your programs keep in mind the two key factors: Training and Entertainment. Please feel free to contact me through my website if you have any questions on generating revenues with your golf simulator.

Simple Tips to Care for Your Indoor Golf Simulator:

2009-11-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

I have come up with a few simple maintenance tips to keep your indoor golf simulator, running and looking great. The best part; it won’t take more than 15 minutes a week.

Now that you have made the investment in a golf simulator for your home or business, you’ll need to maintain it so looks and performs like new. Your manufacturer will have the proper recommendations for their systems, and you should always follow the directions per their instructions. Each simulator on the market is different and although the simulators are similar there are still significant differences in the care of the units.

Control the Dust!
Always demand players use clean clubs! If you allow players to use clubs that are even a little dirty, all that dirt will end up on and around your simulator. Dirt and dust don’t mix with computer and sensors. Dust can be a huge problem for your system, especially in commercial settings. I have a set of showroom clubs that I have available for player to use, I will wipe these clubs down with a wet rag about once a month, just to control the dust. I have my players wipe down their clubs every time they play just to eliminate as much dirt as possible. Even if a club looks clean, it might have a little dirt in the groves of the club; this dirt will end up on your simulator within a few strokes.
The same goes for the golf balls, I only let players use house balls (which are new, never used outside) or new balls that I inspect before they play. If a ball has a few scuff marks on it, when the ball hits the screen it can worsen friction burns on the screen or even damage the screen over time. You want to keep an eye on the balls being used, over time they can crack or even break, while being used on a simulator.

I recommend eliminating as much dirt as possible (describe above) before the players set foot on the simulator. I would dust around the computer, once a week and I would also vacuum the area where the ball is struck by the player at least once a week. If you are running a commercial golf center, I would recommend doing these tasks every day. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for cleaning the projector. Making sure the lens of the projector is clear of debris; can greatly extend the life of the projector bulb, which is very expensive to replace. Most projector manufacturers won’t warrantee the bulb at all. So, preventative maintenance for your projector may save you hundreds even thousands of dollars over time.

Keeping your Sensor Area Clean!
All golf simulators use some type of sensor technology to track and interpret the data, to insure good results your sensors must be clean. Again each manufacturer will offer the proper way to clean the sensors, but an easy tip is to keep the area free of debris. Often tiny pieces of the turf will break off and over time this can block or disrupt a sensor. If you have a camera based system, make sure nothing is in view of the camera’s path. Even a small pebble can cause a misread by a camera based simulator. My advice vacuum often and keep all your sensors as clean as possible.

Screen Maintenance:
Friction burns will occur on most simulators. This is when the golf ball hits the screen and makes a small mark. You can help to minimize these balls marks by keeping your screen clean. Contact your manufacturer for tips on cleaning their screen. Many of the screens you can just wipe down with a damp cloth (not a paper towel), to remove dust and dirt. Please contact your manufacturer before using any water; some screens will be damaged by the use of water. If it has been a while since you have cleaned your screen you will be surprised with all the dust and dirt that comes off on your cloth.
If you follow these simple tips, it can help to extend the life and reliability of your simulator.

What is the Best Golf Ball to Use on a Golf Simulator?

2009-11-18T16:40:00.001-07:00

I tested four different golf balls on my golf simulator to see which ball would hold up the best in commercial use. The four balls I tested were: Callaway HX Hot Plus, Nike Power Distance Soft, Noodle + (long & soft), and Titleist NXT Extreme.

I wanted to test a series of balls which were relatively inexpensive and readily available in most golf retail stores and pro shops. I choose not to use the top of the line of golf balls, for this test, because all playable golf balls will break down eventually and most of the advantages of the high end golf balls have negligible affect on a simulator. In my option it is a waste of money to use a $4 golf ball on an indoor golf simulator, when you can use a $1 ball and get the same results.

The Test:
I ran an indoor golf league from my business; I used a different group of 6 balls for each week. The same players played 9 holes each week on the same golf simulator. I limited the variables for the study, by holding everything constant except for the golf balls. I had 8 players, each player using their own golf clubs. At the end of each week, I traded out the balls and replaced them with six new test balls. The six test balls were placed in a bin next to the simulator, and the players were only allowed to use the balls, I had provided.

The Results:
At the end of the test, which ran for four weeks; 8 players and 9 holes per week, the results are as follows:

Callaway HX Hot Plus
The Callaway ball held up great! There was a little wear and tear on the balls, mostly due to friction from using wedges and the grooves cutting the exterior of the ball. There was only one out of six balls which were used, that I wouldn’t use again on another round.

Nike Power Distance Soft
The Nike held up pretty good, there was one ball which had a small crack in the shell. Three of the six balls showed a fair amount of friction cuts. I threw away three of the six balls used.

Noodle +
This ball held up great for the first few weeks…but then it fell apart. I had one ball completely break into two pieces. An additional two balls had cracks on the shell and were removed from the test before the fourth week. But for the price, I was surprised they lasted as long as they did.

Titleist NXT Extreme
Overall the ball held up very well, there was a little friction cuts on a few of the balls and only one small crack on one of the golf balls. I only threw away that one ball.

The Winner:
Based on the results of my small study I would recommend the Callaway and the Titleist balls. They both held up well and I was able to use the balls for many rounds after the study was complete. The price is right for both of the balls. If I had to declare a winner: Callaway takes the prize.

Honorable Mention:
Again for the price the Noodle was a good ball, you might just need to get good at picking up shards of golf ball off your floor.

The Looser:
The Nike Power Distance Soft really surprised me. I thought the soft ball would have held up better than it did. Yes the Callaway and Titleist are a few bucks more than the Nike, but it’s worth it.

Turn Your Basement into the Ultimate Sports Experience

2009-11-02T09:05:00.003-07:00

Why have just a projection based home theater system when you can have an interactive sports experience?

A Visual Sports multi sport simulator allows you to play 5 great sports games all on one simulator. This system comes with football, baseball, soccer, basketball and hockey; all included in the base package. The true advantage of this system is you are using all REAL equipment, which makes the system not only fun but it can be used as a training system as well. Your kids can compete against the computer or their friends for hours of fun, while at the same time improving their skills. Picture it, being able to practice your slap shot one minute and work on your fastball the next. All while getting feedback from the system on your game performance. The simulator doubles as a complete home theater system, watch TV, DVDs or switch over to your video game console like Wii and Playstation 3 and continue the fun on the big projection screen. Image watching your favorite football team play a game on the big screen, when the commercials come on, switch over and practice passing a real football to simulated receivers. New games are being added, a great new release for 2009 was “Zombie Dodge ball”

The Simulator Doesn’t Stop There:
If you are a golfer, you will find the latest and greatest software with the new VG9.You can purchase 1 to over 30 courses, and the best part is you get to choose the courses you want. Practice your game on the built in driving range or test your skills and play a full round of golf against your buddies. If you are in the market for a golf simulator why settle for a system you can only play golf on? Why not add the other sports for the same price point as the others?

The Simulator:
This simulator uses a camera based system; there are four cameras, each camera takes 2000 pictures per second! This feature is great because you don’t have to dedicate permanent floor space for the sensors, unlike many other simulators on the market. When you want to play golf you simply drop down the hitting mat and start playing, when your done put the mat back in the closet. Thus removing tripping hazards and allowing you to keep your room open.
If you are interested in learning more about this exciting product please contact my company Sports Entertainment Specialists, through our website. Please look for my other articles on how to add excitement through simulated gaming, to your residence or business.

Factors In Choosing A Golf Simulator: Structures

2009-10-30T16:00:00.004-06:00

Structures:

Structures can vary from greatly from company to company and your needs for a structure will depend on you application. A great advantage for golf simulators is the ability to add the systems to an existing projection based system, because of this many times a true structure is not necessary or can be customized to suit your needs.
The industry trend for golf simulator structures is getting smaller and smaller. The average structure size is around 10’X10’X10’. Most of the structures on the market today are large and are designed to be placed in a semi-permanent location. Keep an eye on the PGA show in January for something very new.

If you are looking to add a golf simulator to a commercial application here are a few things to consider:

The cost of a replacement screen can run you anywhere between $300 and $1500. All high impact screens I’ve come across will get what are called “friction burns”. These are made by the golf balls hitting the screen at high velocity. While the screen and system will work just fine with a lot of friction burns, the screen will look warn. Most screens will last around three years in a commercial setting. Using clean, undamaged golf balls will help to maximize the life of your screen.

What is the structure made of?

Use common sense if you are looking at a commercial setting, does it make sense to go with a simulator with plastic curtains as sidewalls?

What warranties are available for structures?

Manufacturers will offer between 1 and 3 year warranty on the structures… but some don’t so make sure to ask. This is also a major pitfall in buying a used simulator without a warranty it can be a gamble.

Which structure you choose will most likely come down you how much space you have and how much money you are willing to spend. If you have any questions about golf simulator structures please feel free to contact us.

Factors In Choosing A Golf Simulator: Sensor Technology

2009-10-30T15:59:00.004-06:00

Simulator Sensor Technology:

Sensor technology really breaks down into, how the raw data from the swing is collected and communicated to the system to determine how the golf ball was hit and how it is shown on the course. This breaks down into three major categories of sensors: Radar, Camera and Infrared based systems. In my personal experience infrared and camera based systems tend to be more accurate and will give more feed back through the swing analysis software.

Radar:

The data is collected in much of the same way a radar gun collects its data. In my option it is not very accurate and is poor for giving feedback for a swing.

Camera:

Camera technology can be great due to the fact all of the data is collected when the ball passes through the view of the cameras (a small area) and requires no sensors in the ground. I would recommend this system to the people who cannot dedicate the floor space to an infrared based system (sensors in the ground or walls).

Infrared:

Infrared systems will give the best feedback for club fitting and swing analysis. I have found the best simulators use infrared based technology and I prefer an in-ground sensor. The data for a swing analyzer is most accurately taken at the point where the club meets the ball, again advantage in-ground infrared. The in-ground sensors make putting much more realistic. The draw back is the floor space which is required for these types of systems.

Putting:

Putting can be the most frustrating part of playing on a golf simulator, much of this is due to the placement of the sensors. On a radar based system the sensors are usually placed above the ball striking area. Many golfers’ upper body will block the sensors and this tends to lead to miss reads by the sensors. Camera and infrared systems are the best for putting, but beware there are many simulators where the sensors will impede the path of the putt. Again creating errors and misreads, better have those mulligan’s ready. Be weary of systems which have any sensor on the putting surface, the ball will not travel over the sensors accurately. The best system for putting is an in-ground infrared based system.

Sensor technology will have a major impact on the overall performance and playability of your simulator. There are also two more articles on the topic of “Three Main Factors in Choosing a Golf Simulator” Please feel free to contact us, if you have any questions on golf simulator sensor technology.

Factors In Choosing A Golf Simulator: Software

2009-10-30T15:57:00.003-06:00

Before you start it is important to know whether the simulator will be used for Residential or Commercial use. This will greatly affect your decision-making process.
Software:

• Game Play:

There are several different options to consider here. How many courses are available? How many courses come with the base unit? How many of the courses are renditions of real courses? Are the courses computer based images (3D) or is it a picture based images (2D)? What I would suggest looking for here is: The number of courses which suits your needs, there is no reason to pay for 50 courses if you are only going to play 10. It takes a long time to get board playing a course on a good golf simulator. The major problem with a picture based system, is you can only play your shot from where there has been a picture taken. So if you hit the ball into the rough or out of bounds and there has not been a photo taken of that area, you will be atomically taken back to your pervious shot with a one stroke penalty. Now for a PGA player this might not be a big deal but for the rest of us, who do hit the ball into the rough, it makes for a very slow and very frustrating round of golf.

• The Latest and Greatest Software:

There are a few companies who have released new software this year (2009). The new software adds cool new features to the game play. New features include variable weather options, time of day options. Now you can play your round of golf in the afternoon with a stiff breeze which is constantly changing as you play your round, watch the sky darken as your round nears nightfall. As you play your favorite round on the cost, see the waves move in and out on the surf, hear the waves crash along the coastline. With the new software you will also notice the true to life fairway and greens. When you hit a drive the ball should roll with the slope of the course. Beware, there are some simulators on the market, when you hit a ball it will only go straight and will not follow the slope of the course. If you are looking for the most realistic round of simulated golf this is a must feature and one to not over look.

• Number of Golfers:

One feature which is important for all applications is the number of golfer who can play at one time. All simulators will allow one golfer to shoot their shot one at a time. But there are some simulators out there which limits to the total players to just two or four golfers per round. I have found in commercial applications it is best to have up to eight players per round. This makes tournaments and leagues much easier to manage and drive revenues for your business.

• Swing Analysis

Swing analysis software is the most important tool for people who want to use their simulator as a training instrument. A good swing analyzer will enable you to do club fitting as well as dissect a customer’s swing to determine problem areas. But again some simulators have this software built in and others offer it as an add-on which is not compatible the simulator software and can cost upwards of $15,000. What really makes a swing analyzer a useful tool is the information and feedback it provides. Features to look for are club speed, launch angle, ball speed, club and ball path and spin. Many of the variables which will determine what type of swing analyzer will come with your simulator will depend on the simulator’s sensor technology. This and more will be discussed in the article dedicated to the topic of “Sensor Technology”.
The software you choose will have a major outcome on the overall performance and playability of your simulator. There are also two more articles on the topic of “Three Main Factors in Choosing a Golf Simulator” Please feel free to contact us, if you have any questions on golf simulator software.

With so many different golf simulators on the market today how can you find the right one for you?

2009-10-30T15:53:00.005-06:00

I have boiled it down to three key factors which can help you to determine what the best golf simulator is. I have an article on each of the key factors for choosing a golf simulator.

My company Sports Entertainment Specialists is directly involved with the sales of indoor golf simulators. When starting my company, I was very new to the industry and knew very little about the simulators. I didn’t understand all the functions and capabilities of the different golf simulators on the market. I knew it was an exciting, cutting edge industry with many different options and price ranges. Originally, I was looking to open an up scale sports bar, directly adjacent to a local (very busy) golf course. The thought was to have a nice restaurant/bar where the players could come have a bite to eat, a few drinks and play a round of golf on the simulators. Everything looked great except for the fact the commercial space I was looking at, did not have any type of kitchen at all. I was looking at about a $450,000.00 investment just to get the kitchen and bar into this location. I was unwilling to invest that amount of money, into an unproven business idea. So I stepped back and looked at what I really liked about the business plan. What I came up with was the golf simulators. The golf simulators were what made my idea exciting and unique.

So, I started contacting companies and visiting local establishments who already had a simulator, in order to get a better understanding of what I was dealing with. After several months of research on multiple companies and multiple products, I was ready to start my business. My goal was to help to bring to the market the exciting world of simulated gaming. I wanted to help new and existing business drive revenues and customer satisfaction through the roof, by implementing a golf simulator into their business. By offering the best simulators on the market, I set out to save my customers the months of research it took me to find the cream of the crop in the world of golf simulators.

I have approached sports bars, restaurants, hotels, golf courses, cruise lines, home owners and many others and have found this gigantic process can be simplified into three key factors. These factors are what I feel are the areas which need the most attention to detail, to determine which simulator is best for you or your business.
As my business had grown, I constantly run into someone who was just like I was. I talk to people all the time who ask “what should I be looking for in a golf simulator?” This question is the motivation for writing this article. Because I don’t directly work for any manufacturer, I am able to present a non bias point of view. Because I have gone through this process for my own business, I have reach a conclusion as to what is the best simulator for my needs and will happily sell those units, the key factors to look for are the same for all simulators on the market.
Please look for my articles on the “Factors in Choosing a Golf Simulator”. If you have any questions or would like some additional information please feel free to contact us.