Golf simulator hire for your corporate event: how to make it work
By Bojan & Victor ·
· 5 min read
A corporate event has to work for everyone. For the keen athlete and for the colleague who would rather watch from the sidelines. For the new intern and for the managing director. A golf simulator on location fits that brief surprisingly well: everyone can join in, nobody needs to know how to play and there is a natural element of competition.
In this article you will read how to use a golf simulator at your corporate event, how many people realistically get a turn and what to look out for when organising it.
Why golf works as a team activity
Golf has a few qualities that make it ideal for groups with mixed abilities:
- Everyone starts equal. On a simulator a beginner sometimes hits a better shot than someone who has played for years. That leads to surprising results and plenty of laughter.
- You take turns. One person is on the mat while the rest watch, cheer and comment. That keeps it social, even for those who are not hitting.
- It is instantly measurable. The simulator shows exactly how far and how straight you hit. That makes a friendly competition fair and exciting.
- Low physical threshold. You do not need to run or be fit. Colleagues of all ages can take part.
How many colleagues can take part?
One person hits at a time. With short game modes, such as one shot each for a longest drive or nearest to the pin, around 30 people per hour get their turn.
A few examples:
| Group size | Time for one round of challenges |
|---|---|
| 15 people | about half an hour |
| 30 people | about an hour |
| 60 people | about two hours, or spread over the afternoon |
Have a larger group? Then the simulator works best as one part of a wider programme. For example as an activity during drinks, with people coming and going, or alongside other activities on a sports day.
A programme that works
A set-up we often recommend for an afternoon of two to three hours:
- Warm-up and instructions (15 minutes). Everyone hits a few balls to get used to it. A host briefly explains how to hold the club and what to focus on.
- Nearest to the pin. Everyone gets one shot on a short hole. Whoever gets closest to the flag wins.
- Longest drive. One shot each again, now with the driver. The simulator measures the distance to the metre.
- Matchplay final. The best players face each other in a one-on-one knockout. One hole per match, the winner goes through.
- Prize-giving. A golf prize for the winners. And if anyone hits a hole-in-one, they win a green fee of their choice at a Dutch golf course.
Read more about these game modes in our rules for longest drive, nearest to the pin and matchplay.
What do you need on location?
A golf simulator is more mobile than you might think. We bring everything: the launch monitor, the impact screen, the projector, the hitting net, the mat, clubs and balls. All we need from you is:
- Space: a flat area of about 3 by 5 metres.
- Height: indoors, a ceiling of at least 3 metres so everyone can swing freely.
- Power: one regular socket within 25 metres.
Outdoors works too. We then put up a tent so you can keep playing in wind or a shower. Think of a car park, a lawn next to the office or the grounds of an event venue.
Play on your own or fully hosted?
There are two ways to go about it:
Set-up & take-down. We deliver the simulator, get everything ready and collect it afterwards. Your group plays on its own, for example as a free activity during drinks. This works well if someone in the group enjoys organising it.
Fully hosted. One of our hosts stays at the event. They explain and share tips, manage the order, keep the leaderboard, run the challenges and hand out the prizes. You do not have to do anything except take part. For corporate events this is usually the best choice: the pace stays high and nobody waits too long. The programme can be run in English for international teams.
What both options cost is explained in what does golf simulator hire cost.
Tips for a successful golf event
- Make teams. Pair experienced golfers with beginners. Count the best score per team, or the average. That way everyone has a role.
- Put the leaderboard where people can see it. Nothing motivates like seeing your own name on the board.
- Plan it around drinks. The simulator becomes a natural focal point. People gather around it, even when they are not hitting.
- Combine it with another sport. A sports day with golf and pickleball works well for larger groups. Read how in combining golf and pickleball on your team day.
- Book in good time. Two to three weeks ahead is ideal, especially in spring and around the holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Do colleagues need to be able to play golf?
No. Most participants have never held a golf club. With a short explanation everyone can join in. For beginners a simulator is actually an easy first introduction. More on that in golf for beginners.
Can it be done indoors at the office?
Yes, if there is a room of about 3 by 5 metres with a ceiling of at least 3 metres. A canteen, hall or meeting room without low lights is often suitable.
How long does set-up take?
Allow about an hour. So we are there well before your programme starts.
Ready to tee off?
Would you like a golf simulator at your corporate event? Request a free quote and tell us briefly what you have in mind. You will hear from us within 24 hours.