There are multitudes of golfing innovations that can help with all aspects of our game. From putting to chipping, we all have parts of our game that need to be worked on. However, we may feel bombarded with all the different golf tools out there. It leaves us overwhelmed deciding what tool would actually improve our golf game.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have something that could give you instant insight on your golf game without having to purchase a variety of golfing products? There’s now a device that can give you everything you’re looking for in your quest to your lower handicap, and have an overall better golf game. Introducing the revolutionary indoor golf product, the OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator.
The device is a virtual golf simulator with the goal of providing an accurate depiction of your golf shot every time you hit. Whether you’re a 30 handicap or a scratch golfer, the OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator will record your swing data and estimate where the ball would land as if you were actually playing. This revolutionary product comes with the essential golfing needs to help your indoor golf experience feel like you’re playing on a real golf course.
The simulator includes an driving range, as well as many well-known courses.
Let’s take a closer look at what this product has to offer, and how it can be an essential tool in improving your golf game.
How does it work?
The OptiShot 2 is an indoor golf simulator that utilizes infrared sensors. The simulator’s turf is lined with 48 total infrared sensors to accurately read your club face angle, face contact, club head speed, tempo, and swing path. These measurements combine to allow the simulator to predict your shot. The values are provided after each shot.
How well does it work?
The Optishot 2 does seem to give accurate readings that match real life yardages and swing speed. It is important to go into the range to see what distance you are hitting with each club. You then are able to adjust your distances to more accurately match what you’d hit out on the course.
As with many simulators, distances from less than 30-40 yards are not always accurate. Putting can also be a headache. Nonetheless, the indoor simulator is great at analyzing swings with the driver, woods, hybrids, and irons.
How do you set it up?
After purchasing the OptiShot 2 product, a link will be sent to your email to download the OptiShot software right to your computer. You will then plug the USB cable into both your computer and the OptiShot simulator. Bring up the OptiShot program and choose from one of the 15 available golf courses. You can use the provided foam balls, real balls, or no golf balls at all; it’s completely up to you. The sensor is only detecting your golf club.
You can play individually or have up to four players. All clubs can be used when playing the OptiShot 2, including your putter. Each club will be analyzed and tracked, so that you can get an idea on what you may need to work on before you hit the real course.
You can also pair your computer to your TV or to a projector so that you can get a real golf feel with this device. It’s always nice to see everything on the ‘big screen’, especially when you are trying to make it feel like you’re teeing off on a real golf course.
Complete Indoor Setup with the Optishot 2
What are the system requirements for the OptiShot 2?
It’s important to have the right computer system in order to get the best use out of the OptiShot 2 indoor simulator. Luckily, it’s compatible for both Macs and PCs users. The program is also fairly light on your computer, so most should be able to run the program on their PC.
If you have a PC, the system requirements are Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 10. On a Mac, the minimum requirements are a Mac OS X 10.8 and Intel Core 2 Duo.
Both systems require the following elements to ensure that this program can run appropriately on your computer:
• USB 2.0 Port
• 4GB RAM
• 3GB Hard Drive Storage
• An internet connection is needed to play online as well as for important system updates and to download the software
What comes with it?
- Golf simulator unit which has turf
- Adjustable rubber golf tees
- Foam golf balls (you can use real balls as well)
- USB cable and extension cable that connects the simulator to your computer
What will you need to set this up?
- A computer/laptop
- An indoor place with a high ceiling and enough space to swing a golf club
- Optional: TV/Projector to hook your computer up to
Should you buy the Optishot 2?
The OptiShot 2 makes golf fun for both avid and beginner golfers. While it mirrors the look of a video game, this virtual golf experience will give you a thorough reading of your shot on every swing. From club face angle to swing speed and tempo, you will immediately see how your ball would play as if you were golfing on a real course.
- Can be played with real, fake, or no golf balls at all
- Gives you an accurate reading of your swing speed, face angle, face contact, tempo, and swing path
- Ability to adjust green speed, rough, fairway, and wind
- Better than hitting into nets with no feedback
- Many well-known courses
- Driving Range
- Ability to customize your club distances for more accurate rounds
- Durable (otherwise, a one year warranty is included)
- A very fun way to practice during rainy days or off months
- Short game is not very accurate
- Occasional shot is not read (but rare if setup correctly)
- Does not always work well outdoors in bright sunlight (although, why use this outside?)
- Requires a good amount of space indoors
You can start to improve your swing with every club in your golf bag, without the hassle of losing golf balls. Have your friends join in on the fun and play a round of golf with you. Since you’re playing golf indoors and virtually, you won’t have to worry about the pace of play of those around you. There’s also no chance of hitting the range, only to be crammed with other golfers around you. This indoor golf range is always open!
The included driving range mode is a useful feature
If you are like me and live somewhere where golf courses are covered with snow three months out of the year, then this virtual simulator is great for those us who long to swing a club again. The device gives you close to a real golf experience, while sharpening your skills at the same time. Figure out what you’re vulnerability is and then head on over to Golf Digest’s instruction section to improve those parts of your golf game.
Other accessories are available to help enhance your indoor golf experience. You can purchase a net to catch the golf balls you hit, as well as a larger mat in which the simulator can be placed into.
The OptiShot 2 Golf Simulator does come with a somewhat hefty price tag: around $290.00 and up. However, this is a very reasonable price compared to other simulators. Don’t be afraid to spend some money on something that could improve your golf game during otherwise off days or months. The Optishot 2 provides a unique opportunity to use an indoor driving range or play on a well-known course all within the comfort of your own home. Now get out there and shoot your low round! Check it out on Amazon (usually the cheapest place to purchase):
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