You could be forgiven for thinking that a golf simulator integrated into the home theatre is a complicated, cumbersome installation as up until now they have required dedicated rooms, specifically built to their specifications, however the reality is that it is not as troublesome as you might think.

The Konstruct is a realistic golf simulator that incorporates concealable, motorised screens and minimal hardware with software from TruGolf – long time developer of golf simulation engines with over 20 years of experience.

This software, combined with strategically placed dual sensor technology provides even the most proficient golfer with precise results to improve their swing and even develop their short game.

Sonar and IR sensors are combined to collect ball flight data which then map the distance and trajectory of the ball and translates it to the 3D physics based software. A sonar system ‘hears’ the impact of the ball and triangulates the ball flight and an array of IR sensors are strategically positioned on the floor to read club-head and swing information. The combination of the two aims to present an accurate representation of where the golf ball would have landed in a real-life setting.

The display is made up of three individual screens on separate rollers that are connected to the same motor. As they roll down from the ceiling they zip together – forming a ‘booth’ that unzips again when raised.

The system can be integrated into any home automation setup. The Konstruct can be selected as a source on Crestron, Control4 and other systems, so it is just a matter of switching between projectors and rolling down the screens.

The ball is hit directly into the screens as they are built to withstand the impact of a ball. This also means that the player is able to use equipment they are comfortable with – the system is designed to be compatible with regular golf balls and clubs and they don’t have to be modified in any way.

The Konstruct president Todd Astill says the technology has been received well by custom installers and end users alike.

“We pride ourselves in knowing the needs of the custom installation industry. We have developed a product that is unique, easy to install, reliable and has good margins.

“For home owners this is one of the only solutions available to have golf in the home. Home owners do not want to dedicate an entire room to golf; however, because this can be incorporated into the home theatre, media room or games room, it provides great flexibility.”

It is a common thought that the enjoyment of golf lies with the appreciation of the great outdoors and the setting, therefore TruGolf has endeavoured to reflect a dynamic environment that replicates grass texture, wind direction, speed and other weather variables. There is also the ability to choose from a wide range of legendary courses from around the world such as St. Andrews, Pebble Beach and Royal Melbourne.

This is a feature that has caused many PGA tour players and golfing professionals to look to the software, as they can familiarise themselves with a particular course before a competition. Additionally, they can improve on a specific aspect of their game as it gives detailed feedback on golf swing that would ordinarily be unavailable in a real life setting – even with the most seasoned caddy – including ball speed, launch angles and how open or closed the clubface is.

Who knows, maybe it’s just a matter of time before the PGA tour will be played in your living room.

Contacts:
Konstruct
www.thekonstruct.com

TruGolf
www.trugolf.com