
We all love to compete, and even more so now in this world of gamification we like to demonstrate our skills and knowledge in competition with others. It’s difficult to find a household that doesn’t include at least one “gamer” of some kind, especially with the increase in gaming apps for mobile phones, tablets, computers, and other advanced technological features.
With 25 million golfers in the US, there are some 300 million remainings who have yet to take up the game. The emergence of golf entertainment dates back to 1997 when the idea for TopGolf hit the scene, and after some explosive growth in 2014 the “game” of golf has become a source of entertainment for millions, both golfers and non-golfers.
TopGolf has helped to bring together both avid golfers and non-golfers into the fold, attracting players of all age groups. The mass appeal of the attraction is what is key to its success, bringing a full-scale entertainment experience that centers around the golfing experience.
Topgolf has recently introduced the “Swing Suite.” The game played in Swing Suite is done on a simulator (screen golf) version of the TopGolf game delivered by Full Swing Golf Simulators. There are even new games that have been added that don't involve golf at all. While simulators have been around for years, the founders of these companies were mostly focussed on golfers as a way to practice, Swing Suite can be a form of entertainment for everyone.
For a private country club or public golf course to capture the concept of an “interactive driving range,” it would be extremely difficult, as using the technology, utilizing tracking-chip balls and huge targets would in no way be possible. But there are ways you can create a game while on the traditional range to help make all that “practice” more enjoyable.
In order for your practice to benefit your golf game, along with working on all those tips and tricks, it’s a good idea for your sessions to include a challenge, including a goal and a score. This concept helps to make your practice similar to your time on the course and also helps to train your body and mind to respond to the situations you’ll likely find when you hit the course.
So when you do play around, it’s not very likely you’ll hit twenty 7-irons in a row from a nice, neat flat lie as you do on the range. So, make your practice more like that on the course by “gamifying” your range time.
Too often, after spending time on the range, just before the bucket is empty, the goal is to hit that perfect “last shot” to close your session. But that’s not it will work on the course, so try this game instead.
Start with your highest lofted wedge, and move through your bag hitting one ball to a target with each club in your bag. Be sure to use your pre-shot routine, just like you would on the course, and NO MULLIGANS - if you miss, you miss, just like how it is on the course. Experiencing frustration during your practice is a good thing, as it will help to deal with it better when you’re on the course. Keep track of how many successful shots you hit out of the 13, and try to beat your score next time.
It’s important to practice just how you plan to play, and by doing so you’ll better prepare your game to meet the challenges that will inevitably occur during every round of golf.