Next week Playgolf Northwick Park will become the first golf centre in the world to introduce new state-of-the-art HiSpeed Golf simulators – which combine the skills of real golf with the thrill of virtual reality gaming technology.
Four HiSpeed Golf simulators will be permanently in action at the Harrow, Middlesex centre’s driving range from Wednesday, 14th May.
Golfers are being invited to have a free trial on the simulators. From 2pm -8pm Wednesday 14th May to Friday 16th there are 15-minute free sessions with tuition.
The simulators feature the most advanced golf analysis and computer game technology available. While golfers hit real golf balls down the range, a computer monitor in the driving range bay assesses swing performance and accuracy in a ‘game-playing‘ environment.
For serious golfers, an ‘analysis‘ mode can be used which records the ball spin rate, trajectory and distance hit as well as the shape and direction of the shot.
Players can select nine or 18 holes of ‘virtual golf‘ and enjoy a helicopter view of each target hole before taking a shot. Depending on the quality and accuracy of the player’s shot the software calculates the outcome.
Or they can select ‘driving range‘ and ‘challenges‘ functions, which are designed to test their skill levels. The driving range function is a practice facility with targets ranging from 50 to 225 yards and run-off over 400 yards, while the ‘challenge‘ mode includes longest drive and nearest the pin tests.
But golfers can also benefit from the simulator’s advanced computer game technology – which means they can test their skills against other golfers around the world in live online competitions.
HiSpeed Golf simulators are owned and operated by London-based Global Play Golf Ltd. They feature software developed by renowned Oxfordshire-based Gusto Games, whose previous projects include Championship Manager and ProStroke Golf.
Jimmy Wallace, Playgolf Northwick Park general manager, said, “We are really excited about being the first in the world to install the new HiSpeed Golf simulators, which will be a great addition to the driving range.
“They are a truly unique experience and I am confident that golfers of all abilities – whether new to the game or seasoned players – will find them enjoyable.
“We are always looking at ways to improve what we offer members and visitors and this new equipment combines valuable golf tuition with top-level virtual reality entertainment.”
Playgolf Northwick Park opened in 2005 and is home to the revolutionary ‘Majors‘ golf course, featuring full-size ‘tributes‘ to great golf holes from the world’s great championship courses, including Augusta National, Royal Troon, Royal Birkdale and The Belfry.
Last month it became permanently set up to play PowerPlay Golf and is now regarded as London’s premier 9-hole course.
Peter Kershaw, of Global Play Golf Ltd, said, “Realistic graphics and an advanced synthetic striking surface make HiSpeed Golf the most comprehensive golf and gaming facility ever developed.
“It brings together the virtual and physical world of golf and we are delighted that such an innovative centre as Playgolf Northwick Park has become the first in the world to feature our unique product.”
A website at www.hi-speedgolf.com will launch soon.
Playgolf Northwick Park www.northwickpark.com