There is no such thing as a query that at-home golf simulators are exploding in recognition. An increase in simulator expertise, coupled with a lift from these of us caught indoors throughout the pandemic, has introduced demand from golfers all around the world.

One model with a singular providing on this area is Phigolf. The Phigolf 2 and World Tour version residence simulators permit golfers to play in a video game-style setting with out the necessity for conventional golf gear or an costly set up. Each simulators are among the many most inexpensive golf simulator merchandise in the marketplace, giving golfers higher entry to the enjoyable of simulator golf.

Due to that, Phigolf has constructed a group of greater than 150,000 golfers and is turning into one of many extra intriguing simulator manufacturers to observe.

What’s Phigolf?

Phigolf is a model throughout the South Korea-based PhiNetworks firm. PhiNetworks was based in 2008 by Younger Hun Kim, who got here into the golf business with a background in IT. He’s obsessive about golf and began the corporate in hopes of making influential golf expertise. 

PhiNetworks began with a deal with distance measurement and voice caddie apps, launching the Golf Navi product in 2013. Golf Navi is a GPS-powered automated golf navigation app that helps smartwatches and smartphones. The app offers distance measurement, altitude and a inexperienced view. In 2015, PhiNetworks grew to become a premium associate of Samsung, creating and offering Golf Navi for Samsung customers. 

Phigolf was launched in 2017 and the model shortly signed a licensing take care of Topgolf, permitting Phigolf simulators to be built-in with the World Golf Tour platform (additionally it is suitable with E6 Join). These embody among the most well-known layouts on the earth, equivalent to St Andrews, Pebble Seaside and Pinehurst No. 2. The Phigolf World Tour version simulator launched in 2022, letting customers play greater than 38,000 programs.

The Phigolf app is offered on Amazon Fireplace, Apple TV and Google TV whereas additionally being suitable on good TVs. The World Tour version simulator is offered on Amazon for $249 whereas the Phigolf 2 will be discovered for $299. The World Tour version presents extra programs together with entry to play your native membership if it belongs to the huge community of programs accessible. 

Since 2018, greater than 90,000 Phigolf simulators have been bought within the U.S., many just lately as greater than 6,000 models have been bought on Amazon simply final month. That earned Phigolf standing as an Amazon bestseller throughout the golf swing coach class.

Most models have been bought within the U.S. however Phigolf sells in different nations as properly. Final month, greater than 700 models have been bought in Canada in comparison with about 150 models in November 2022. 

“We’ve greater than 70 or 80 p.c of market share of indoor golf simulators the place you don’t hit an actual ball,” mentioned Brandon Sul, Phigolf’s Director of International Advertising and Gross sales. “The launch monitor market is a unique story. I believe yearly greater than 10 new merchandise launch. So the competitors is turning into powerful. That could possibly be one other problem.”

How do you utilize the Phigolf simulators?

The Phigolf simulator platform revolves round a nine-axis swing-capturing sensor connected to the top of a weighted swing stick. The sensor may also be connected to the grip of any membership should you don’t need to use the swing stick. Nevertheless, the stick is smaller than a golf membership and permits customers to swing safely, even in smaller rooms.  

All that’s wanted to arrange the simulator is to obtain the Phigolf app after which flip the sensor on by way of Bluetooth. From there, you select your recreation mode. Choices embody regular stroke play, driving vary, nearest to the pin, method play, placing recreation, tournaments, pace golf and a rush recreation. 

You may be taught extra in regards to the particulars of the sport right here however you play by swinging the stick like a traditional membership. The avatar on the display screen mirrors your movement in actual time. Phigolf customers in several places have the flexibility to play towards one another by using the web mode. 

After every swing, customers obtain instant suggestions. That features how far the shot went and different swing-related particulars like clubhead pace, membership path, swing tempo, face angle and angle of assault. 

Customers even have the flexibility to putt utilizing a green-reading grid that exhibits the break. 

“Our product just isn’t as correct as a Trackman or Foresight or one thing like that however I believe it’s correct sufficient for the household utilizing the TV and having fun with all of the app has to supply,” Sul mentioned.

What units the Phigolf simulator aside?

Whereas there are numerous advantages to constructing your personal at-home golf simulator outfitted with a professional-grade launch monitor, the expense is a significant disadvantage. Prices range but it surely’s usually a number of thousand {dollars} or extra. The area necessities may also be limiting for a lot of golfers. 

Phigolf presents a simulator expertise at a value that could be a fraction of that {of professional} launch displays. It’s also cheaper than many cellular launch displays. The power to play in any location with out the necessity for a golf ball can be distinctive amongst simulators. 

Whereas it’s not essentially meant to exchange high-quality launch displays, the Phigolf simulator offers fascinating information and is usually a helpful indoor follow software. The power to play your personal residence course is a standout function. 

Sul says the suggestions they’ve acquired essentially the most is in regards to the enjoyable households or teams of pals have. 

In consequence, Phigolf might need plans to increase past golf sooner or later. 

“We’re centered on the bond and household and indoor, these sorts of key phrases,” Sul mentioned. “Our CEO, he’s planning finance talks to be the among the best sports activities simulator firms. So now we’re planning to increase to not solely golf however we’re on the lookout for a brand new strategic associate to be concerned in tennis and basketball and sports activities like that.”

Editor’s Word: This text was written in partnership with Phigolf.