Where you will try Virtual Golf

The game of golf has changed markedly over the last decade. Once the preserve of the wealthy people, golf is now more glamorous than before with the introduction of the technology…

With an estimated 60 million golfers worldwide, there is no mistaking the popularity of this sport as an outdoor game. Now, thanks to the latest in game programming, golfing enthusiasts can play a number of the world’s greatest courses in air-conditioned comfort. From the dizzying heights of the 61^st floor of the highest building in Singapore, to the depths of the United Kingdom’s capital, humidity free in Malaysia or admits the incessant bustle of downtown Tokyo, now-a-days virtual golf is sweeping the whole world!

This game is ideal for the new comer in town; urban golf centers have no need for memberships, outdated dress codes, or even your own clubs. Here, you pay by the hour; enjoy a drink while you play, and bask in the adoration of your fans spectating from the bar. All for a fraction of the time and money usually committed to the real thing.

This is an ideal way to mix business with pleasure; virtual golf venues are fast becoming the meeting places of choice. For a regular virtual –golfer here the atmosphere is conducive to getting business done in a relaxed environment. An American real estate developer situated in Indonesia, finds the virtual golf a highly effective business tool. Playing a couple of rounds of virtual golf with clients takes two or three hours and is profitable as well as enjoyable, “ it is better than a real course because you are not frustrating your buddies by holding them up if your are bad.” This is very advantageous. And your game will never be halted due to thunderstorms or torrential rains.

Rain or shine, continent to continent, the weather at a virtual golf game stays the same, whichever of the world’s courses you decide to play. Tom Sarginson, director of City Golf Malaysia, says, “We have turned a number of complete novices into a good golfers over the years. City Golf’s simulators are so accurate that you can play real golf, just as you would out doors. And when it takes half the time of real golf, people have more time to practice and play, hence the speed at which they can become accomplished golfers are more…” Golf is enjoyed the world over, but given the time and resources it takes, it is not an overly accessible sport for the masses. Certainly not in Asia. As the game continues to grow in the region, indoor golf will be an important element in bringing the too more and more people, Sarginson adds.





Internationally, keen virtual golfers can even find a website that gives them the chance to join a society where they can meet fellow enthusiastic from around the world and (really) take part in (virtual) tournaments across the globe. At City Golf in Singapore, which is the highest place to enjoy a round of virtual golf in the country, they see up to 600 golfers a week brushing up on their skills. In between the rounds, golfers can turn around and enjoy the view across the magnificent city skyline. From complete newbies to corporate eventers, it seems that this newest of sport is rapidly coming into its own!



In Japan, the virtual golf bars have become hotter than karaoke, as the new meeting places for young trendsetters. Thanks to younger and more dynamic players, a surge in participation by women and a spike in the fashion stakes! This virtual gaming technology is spreading it’s branches almost everywhere with a luxury cuisine where corporate groups can meet, practice and even exchange pro tips—to swot up for their next weekend appearance on the green…





Try Virtual Golf at :

SINGAPORE

www.citygolf.com.sg

KUALA LUMPUR

www.citygolf.com.my

LONDON

www.urbangolf.co.uk