Will you play indoor golf lounge

Hi everyone,

I'm studying the feasibility of starting an indoor golf lounge, I heard these are everywhere in US and S.Korea but I don't really see them here in SG. There are some questions in my mind and I hope some folks here can give me opinions...

Indoor golf lounge concept:

Golf simulators equipped with motion sensor and clubs, fitted in a drinking lounge. You can be golfing and boozing with friends in the comfort of air conditioning.

Questions:
1. Would you pay to play indoor golf?
2. If you would, what would be a reasonable fee?
3. What would you expect of the system - realistic simulation complete with swing analyzer etc or good enough to simulate a game?
4. Do you think you would patronize this concept frequently?

I've been discussing with some golfers and these are the Likes and Dislikes:

Likes:
- it's two of my fave hobbies combined, beer and golf!
- air con, no need to walk, no need to wait...
- I can just pop by to play a round
- no need to coordinate with other friends
- less stressful than playing the real thing
- score and rules are auto played out
- it's not cheap but it's still cheaper than real golf

Dislikes:
- I'd rather go to the range and practice my swing
- nothing beats the real thing
- expensive leh...


So far more Likes over Dislikes...what do you think?

I used to frequent VirtualGolf near Bugis...not sure if it is still around

Loved it as can bring my 4 year old son there to whack balls. Very fun... he whack balls, I drink beer. Wife read magazine on couch and eat pizza.Like a great family outing (only that it is indoors).

However, looking at the space required and the amount of customers, it may be hard for the company to survive unless it has a loyal customer base as the novelty will wear off.

check out altitude one, nice set up. I like it there, I'd go.

Been to a couple.. One was V Golf in Bras Basah http://e-clubbing.com/review/v-golf-sports-bar/ which opened with quite a big bang a couple of years ago... i joined for a one year membership and then it shut down .. prob not enuf business to sustain .. quite sad .. ..... Nice simulators lots of space and other facilitites eg pool table darts etc

then theres another one called Swing Perfection somewhere in Killiney Rd which was quite good.. Reasonable F&B... that also closed shop this year according to its website http://www.swingperfection.com.sg/content.aspx?uc=10
Both were in town with parking fees and not v convenient parking esp on weekends...

Questions..
1. Would you pay to play indoor golf? yes
2. If you would, what would be a reasonable fee? $20-25 per hr plus annual membership say $200 with discount for drinks + booking priority
3. What would you expect of the system - realistic simulation complete with swing analyzer etc or good enough to simulate a game? yes good realistic simulator (like flightscope r trackman type) together with simulations of great golf courses around the world + selection of nice current golf clubs to use r BYO
4. Do you think you would patronize this concept frequently? sure but usually after work hours weekends esp if its raining LOL at least 2 times a month on average (I hope)

Becos I could not get the 'full PGA card' this season like all other seasons, I can only play very selectively. Hence, i won't go indoor golf

Questions..
1. Would you pay to play indoor golf? Probably not...cos limited time to play golf...as much a possible every golf experiecne shuld be outdoor for me..
2. If you would, what would be a reasonable fee?Less than 10 per hr plus and 100 for annuanl memb.
3. What would you expect of the system - practice mode (Swing speed, meet rate, ball speed, carry distance, direction of shot...type of shot)..putting simulator...

4. Do you think you would patronize this concept frequently? probably during lunch to get a quick fix instead of the driving range..must have private rooms...so not so embaressing...

Hi Holesinwant, perhaps we should have a chat about this? As you can't send PMs yet, could you make a few more post until that option is unlocked for you? I will PM you my number.

Alternatively, drop me an email at chanyk@mygolfkaki.com

Cheers!

interesting concept if there is some popular courses and reasonable charges. It will also be great if there is a kids golfing area and hopefully not in town area as the rental will add cost to consumer.
This should also be in line with some gaming concept for prizes like the one from toa payoh range if i remember correctly. (think its not available recently).

My take:
1. Nice and realistic course.
2. Reasonable price such as $20 plus per hour. This can be done if setup done not in town and aircon or not is not important...
3. Promotion of prizes for gaming with friends. Such as HIO honor...
4. Can have some F&B and kids golfing area for family to gather....

I have a group of friends that golf regularly, out of this group about half don't mind meeting up at a screen golf place on weekday evenings and about 15% really liked screen golf, more as a game by itself, not so much a replacement for golf. Sometimes we were crazy enough to head there after an actual game to carry on drinking and playing.

The other half thought it was a complete waste of time

I think screen golf appeals to a certain demographic, and the key to success is identifying who they are, what they want and what they are willing to pay for.

Let's talk more in person.

Yes I would, especially in Dec when its raining season.

However, in my experience, such places are patronised by both golfers and none golfers...

So the atmosphere is abit casual.

Such places are great when u feel the need to hit the golf clubs after 11pm and hv a drink w frens

I have been to the few that Jeffman mentioned, even the one at Gallery hotel many years back... however, these usually do not last very long, which is consistent with how the clubbing industry based on my interactions with many club owners. Anyway, i felt that as long as the place is nice and affordable to the general public, there will be people interested.

Questions:
1. Would you pay to play indoor golf? Yes, usually at night.
2. If you would, what would be a reasonable fee? $10-15/hr, or should be equivalent to a round of golf ie. $60-80 max for 5 hrs.
3. What would you expect of the system - realistic simulation complete with swing analyzer etc or good enough to simulate a game? Ideally yes to encourage people to try out. Better if you could have realistic golf course.
4. Do you think you would patronize this concept frequently? Maybe, depends on availability of the simulators also.

Good luck and all the best!

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your opinions so far, these are great feedback for me. I will have to meditate on this for awhile. But yea, I think screen golf lacks the critical mass at this point in time unlike other countries where they have winter months which drive people indoors.

Anyway, do keep your comments coming. I'm gonna clarify my doubts with some suppliers these few days. These screens costs like $40k - $80k each...I wonder what's the diff?

Swingperfection and MaxSwing have closed down recently .. Suggest you speak candidly with their owners and see what issues they found difficult to overcome ... You may also be able to buy off their simulators at a good price

I liked Swing Perfections simulators a lot http://www.hdgolf.com/

answer = no

mulligan wrote:

answer = no

Why?

i have played before...

Ok friends,

Thanks for your feedback so far. I've worked out a draft pricing, let me know your thoughts...

Off Peak Rates: $18/hr (mon - fri, 7am - 6pm)
Peak Rates: $25/hr (all other times)

Membership: $360/ann ($30/ mth)
- 2 hours free play per month
- enjoy members rate at $15/ $18 for off peak and peak periods respectively
- once a month members night, free play whole night

The place will sell booze and finger food as well. Possible locations are town and east coast.

Sounds like something you will do?

Holesinwant wrote:

Ok friends,

Thanks for your feedback so far. I've worked out a draft pricing, let me know your thoughts...

Off Peak Rates: $18/hr (mon - fri, 7am - 6pm)
Peak Rates: $25/hr (all other times)

Membership: $360/ann ($30/ mth)
- 2 hours free play per month
- enjoy members rate at $15/ $18 for off peak and peak periods respectively
- once a month members night, free play whole night

The place will sell booze and finger food as well. Possible locations are town and east coast.

Sounds like something you will do?

Is it 24hrs? Would love to drop by to try it out. the charges is per pax I suppose? How is the parking availability?

east coast i will !!!!

yups ur membership package looks reasonably attractive...

Did tried out twice b4 on e credit card promo by HSBC n another card just cant rem e bank fr island par 3.
Interestg n pretty real.
So i dun mind hve a try fr it if its avail fr indoor full 18holes.

angyongshen wrote:

Holesinwant wrote:

Ok friends,

Thanks for your feedback so far. I've worked out a draft pricing, let me know your thoughts...

Off Peak Rates: $18/hr (mon - fri, 7am - 6pm)
Peak Rates: $25/hr (all other times)

Membership: $360/ann ($30/ mth)
- 2 hours free play per month
- enjoy members rate at $15/ $18 for off peak and peak periods respectively
- once a month members night, free play whole night

The place will sell booze and finger food as well. Possible locations are town and east coast.

Sounds like something you will do?

Is it 24hrs? Would love to drop by to try it out. the charges is per pax I suppose? How is the parking availability?

Fwah... if its really 24hrs then my midnight golf itch finally got cure!

East coast - yes, i stay there
Town - there are other choices, so not sure