SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Golf simulators are gaining popularity among Arizona homeowners as the technology rapidly improves.
Jeff Thiessen knew he wanted a golf simulator when planning his home renovation.
“I wanted a golf simulator so I could improve my game and have some fun with my son, but I didn’t know the rest of it,” Thiessen said. “So I spent a lot of time on YouTube going, which package should I get?”
The technology is constantly changing as artificial intelligence is integrated into systems, according to Sean Kelley, who owns Virtual Tee in Arizona.
“All these different vendors are trying to compete with each other and up the ante as far as what the different offerings are,” Kelley said.
AI integration makes systems more interactive
The systems are becoming more interactive with verbal feedback capabilities.
“The device will talk back to you and give that verbal communication and verbal feedback,” Kelley said. “It will say things like your swing is not where it should be, your stance might not be correct, but ultimately what it will do is help you improve.”
Kelley said his company can work with many different spaces for installations.
“We build these not only in just basements like you see here but also garages. We do outdoor systems. We do these in interior bedrooms. We do them even in front foyer rooms, believe it or not,” he said.
Installation costs and timeline
Projects typically take less than a week from start to finish. Kelley said his company’s average installation costs $20,000 to $30,000.
“We can do something as low as a DIY package where we simply provide the equipment to the end user and they construct it themselves, or we can come in and do full custom builds like you see here,” Kelley said.
The installations can increase home value by 5% to 10% depending on the size of the buildout, according to Kelley. He said the simulators often replace other main features in homes such as wine cellars, large fish tank spaces or theater spaces.
Arizona heat drives demand
For Thiessen, the practice is worth the investment, especially given Arizona’s climate.
“A lot of us love to golf, and it’s a great way to connect and when you can do it here in an atmosphere where you’re not sweating the whole time or freezing or rain, it’s just been awesome,” Thiessen said.
The systems have ongoing costs, including upgrades for extra courses and screen replacements approximately every five years.
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