SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) \u2014 Golf simulators are gaining popularity among Arizona homeowners as the technology rapidly improves.<\/p>\n
Jeff Thiessen knew he wanted a golf simulator when planning his home renovation. <\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted a golf simulator so I could improve my game and have some fun with my son, but I didn\u2019t know the rest of it,\u201d Thiessen said. \u201cSo I spent a lot of time on YouTube going, which package should I get?\u201d<\/p>\n
The technology is constantly changing as artificial intelligence is integrated into systems, according to Sean Kelley, who owns Virtual Tee in Arizona.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll these different vendors are trying to compete with each other and up the ante as far as what the different offerings are,\u201d Kelley said.<\/p>\n
AI integration makes systems more interactive<\/p>\n
The systems are becoming more interactive with verbal feedback capabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe device will talk back to you and give that verbal communication and verbal feedback,\u201d Kelley said. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kelley said his company can work with many different spaces for installations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Installation costs and timeline<\/p>\n
Projects typically take less than a week from start to finish. Kelley said his company\u2019s average installation costs $20,000 to $30,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d Kelley said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Arizona heat drives demand<\/p>\n
For Thiessen, the practice is worth the investment, especially given Arizona\u2019s climate.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of us love to golf, and it\u2019s a great way to connect and when you can do it here in an atmosphere where you\u2019re not sweating the whole time or freezing or rain, it\u2019s just been awesome,\u201d Thiessen said.<\/p>\n
The systems have ongoing costs, including upgrades for extra courses and screen replacements approximately every five years.<\/p>\n
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