Simulator or clubs

[Thebogeyman]

New to register to the forum but have been reading the topics for months whilst researching launch monitors and simulators. Some great information here so thanks very much for that.

I have joined because I would like people's opinions if possible on this topic.

I have a set budget for golf at the moment and currently sit with an 15 handicap. My goal is to get down to single figure in 2018 and can't decide if the best way to invest my budget is in a skytrak or in a new set of fitted clubs? I think the fact that I could play golf daily in the garage and get feedback on my swing and distances would really help but I could also get a very good set of clubs at that price.

Any thoughts?

[mthunt]

Given it's the Indian, not the arrow, I'd say go the practice route.

[Yrrdead81]

I mean as a 15 handicap, if you are on a serious budget you don't even need a launch monitor. I'm not saying they aren't helpful or really neat. Just that if I were you I would get the hitting area knocked out first. Quality mat, enclosure, etc. Then really work on your strike/impact. Plenty of drills and aids but realistically a towel and some foot spray are all you need. Well and a notebook to quantify and track your practice sessions. Don't just block practice, gamify and add variability.

After you have your sim/practice area completed and you start getting some practice in, then start thinking about a LM+Comp+Software.

A new set of fitted clubs would be last on my list** if what you care about is getting into single digits. Depending on where you live you might be better served by some sort of membership option. Sim golf is good but real golf is better.

**That is assuming that you don't have an extremely abnormal WtF measurement and are using off the rack clubs.

[andygg1986]

I would take your clubs to a golf store that can adjust lie angles and just hit a few shots on a lie board. If they are +/-1 degree of what you need, that should be fine. If they are off more than that, you should be able to get the set of irons adjusted for around $25. They should be able to give you an idea on shaft flex too. Most people who are a 15 handicap would be fine with either a regular or stiff flex shaft. If you are way off on flex (like you need a regular but have X flex) I would look at selling your set on ebay and buying a similarly priced set with better specs for you. Golf clubs depreciate a lot and there are lots of great 3-5 year old sets of irons for around $150. As a 15 handicap, I wouldn't spend more than that at this point since your swing will hopefully be improving. After you get to mid single digits, it gets significantly harder to shave shots off. At that point, custom fit clubs might make more sense.

As far as a simulator budget, be aware that pretty much everyone will spend more than they originally thought. Setting up your hitting station (mat, enclosure, screen) first is a good idea. Those are areas where it is easy to spend more than you anticipate. The Skytrak is a fixed, known price, so if you budgeted well and have a little under $2k left, then you can go ahead and buy it. If you overspend on the enclosure you can still hit balls. Set up your phone to record your swing and work on your mechanics without worrying about where the ball goes. Working on swing mechanics and solid contact on a daily basis should be enough to get you down to single digits.

[Thebogeyman]

Thanks for the replies guys