Louis Marr, Contributing Editor to Golf Features
The 7th hole on the Dunluce course at Royal Portrush plunges through the dunes, following its own playful route like a happy dog skirting waves on the beach. Although sheltered from the North Atlantic by a ridge of high marram grass, it will expose your game, even on a peach of a summer’s day like this.
On the tee, I puff out my cheeks. Narrow my gaze. Just avoid that enormous bunker on the right and I should be fine. In the sun, the tall grass bows in waves to Irish zephyrs.
My playing partner murmurs that if we’re to catch our train from Wandsworth Town, I’d better hurry up and play my shot. Ah yes. I remember that I am not in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. This is London. It is December. I am in Zone 2.
I wipe my drive into the bunker.
I find myself at the Scratch Golf simulator in South London, one of an increasing number of small-scale indoor golf facilities in the capital. This particular simulator (or “sim”) is powered by Trackman technology by way of a camera situated overhead.
The software extrapolates ball flight data from my strike of the ball, taking into account contact placement and angle of attack. After taking a swing, my predicted ball flight is instantaneously overlayed onto the enormous screen in front of me.
Scratch Golf operates two adjacent simulators in Wandsworth. Booking a slot can be done online, which provides you with a key-code to unlock the un-staffed simulator room. An hour’s session for a non-member costs £44, although this covers any guests you bring. Memberships providing effectively unlimited use are available for the truly committed.
The fully soundproofed simulator room is a manifestation of the idle dreams of all those with the golfing bug. Sofas are arranged facing the screen and there is a fridge for players to use, a Bluetooth speaker,and a decent set of Srixon irons and Cleveland wedges for those without their own clubs.
The true attraction is the technology. The computer programme allows for a variety of playing modes, including standard range practice, real-world iconic courses, and zany hit-and-giggle golf games.
For those serious about game improvement, using a high-spec simulator like this provides unparalleled insight. For the first time in my golfing life, I can take a deep dive into my swing metrics with precise information covering launch and attack angles, spin rate, club path, smash factor and ball and club speeds. I feel that a lesson here might be invaluable.
Many players remain sim-sceptical. As ball-tracking technology improves, it has inveigled its way into the golfing world in surprising ways. The Golf League (TGL) incorporates the technology on a grand scale, with an enormous rotating green for short game. While there have been some fun moments and the players appear to be having a marvellous time, TGL has thus far lacked high-quality sporting spectacle and competition.
I confess that I am with those who believe that the finest golfing experiences, both amateur and professional, will always occur on the course. There is no substitute for the enjoyment (and frustrations) that the infinite combinations of turf and weather provide.
Nevertheless, in these bleak winter months, when many courses remain unplayable, the increasing prevalence of simulator facilities provide the opportunity to scratch the golfing itch. I’ve been lucky enough to visit a couple of similar facilities recently in South London, and I can see that they are a fantastic entry point for those interested in golf but without easy access to a full course or equipment.
While you probably won’t catch me in a simulator when June rolls around, for now I fancy a quick nine holes on the West Course at Wentworth. Care to join me?
Louis Marr is a contributing editor to Golf Features and a very fine golfer.