There is no question that at-home golf simulators are exploding in popularity. A rise in simulator technology, coupled with a boost from those of us stuck indoors during the pandemic, has brought demand from golfers all over the world.
One brand with a unique offering in this space is Phigolf. The Phigolf 2 and World Tour edition home simulators allow golfers to play in a video game-style setting without the need for traditional golf equipment or an expensive installation. Both simulators are among the most affordable golf simulator products on the market, giving golfers better access to the fun of simulator golf.
Because of that, Phigolf has built a community of more than 150,000 golfers and is becoming one of the more intriguing simulator brands to follow.
What is Phigolf?
Phigolf is a brand within the South Korea-based PhiNetworks company. PhiNetworks was founded in 2008 by Young Hun Kim, who came into the golf industry with a background in IT. He is obsessed with golf and started the company in hopes of creating influential golf technology.
PhiNetworks started with a focus on distance measurement and voice caddie apps, launching the Golf Navi product in 2013. Golf Navi is a GPS-powered automatic golf navigation app that supports smartwatches and smartphones. The app provides distance measurement, altitude and a green view. In 2015, PhiNetworks became a premium partner of Samsung, developing and providing Golf Navi for Samsung users.
Phigolf was launched in 2017 and the brand quickly signed a licensing deal with Topgolf, allowing Phigolf simulators to be integrated with the World Golf Tour platform (it is also compatible with E6 Connect). Those include some of the most famous layouts in the world, such as St Andrews, Pebble Beach and Pinehurst No. 2. The Phigolf World Tour edition simulator launched in 2022, letting users play more than 38,000 courses.
The Phigolf app is available on Amazon Fire, Apple TV and Google TV while also being compatible on smart TVs. The World Tour edition simulator is available on Amazon for $249 while the Phigolf 2 can be found for $299. The World Tour edition offers more courses including access to play your local club if it belongs to the vast network of courses available.
Since 2018, more than 90,000 Phigolf simulators have been sold in the U.S., many recently as more than 6,000 units were sold on Amazon just last month. That earned Phigolf status as an Amazon bestseller within the golf swing trainer category.
Most units have been sold in the U.S. but Phigolf sells in other countries as well. Last month, more than 700 units were sold in Canada compared to about 150 units in November 2022.
“We have more than 70 or 80 percent of market share of indoor golf simulators where you don’t hit a real ball,” said Brandon Sul, Phigolf’s Director of Global Marketing and Sales. “The launch monitor market is a different story. I think every year more than 10 new products launch. So the competition is becoming tough. That could be another challenge.”
How do you use the Phigolf simulators?
The Phigolf simulator platform revolves around a nine-axis swing-capturing sensor attached to the end of a weighted swing stick. The sensor can also be attached to the grip of any club if you don’t want to use the swing stick. However, the stick is smaller than a golf club and allows users to swing safely, even in smaller rooms.
All that is needed to set up the simulator is to download the Phigolf app and then turn the sensor on via Bluetooth. From there, you choose your game mode. Options include normal stroke play, driving range, nearest to the pin, approach play, putting game, tournaments, speed golf and a rush game.
You can learn more about the details of the game here but you play by swinging the stick like a normal club. The avatar on the screen mirrors your motion in real time. Phigolf users in different locations have the ability to play against each other by utilizing the online mode.
After each swing, users receive immediate feedback. That includes how far the shot went and other swing-related details like clubhead speed, club path, swing tempo, face angle and angle of attack.
Users also have the ability to putt using a green-reading grid that shows the break.
“Our product is not as accurate as a Trackman or Foresight or something like that but I think it is accurate enough for the family using the TV and enjoying all the app has to offer,” Sul said.
What sets the Phigolf simulator apart?
While there are many benefits to building your own at-home golf simulator equipped with a professional-grade launch monitor, the expense is a major drawback. Costs vary but it’s often several thousand dollars or more. The space requirements can also be limiting for many golfers.
Phigolf offers a simulator experience at a price that is a fraction of that of professional launch monitors. It is also less expensive than many mobile launch monitors. The ability to play in any location without the need for a golf ball is also unique among simulators.
While it is not necessarily meant to replace high-quality launch monitors, the Phigolf simulator provides interesting data and can be a useful indoor practice tool. The ability to play your own home course is a standout feature.
Sul says the feedback they have received the most is about the fun families or groups of friends have.
As a result, Phigolf might have plans to expand beyond golf in the future.
“We are focused on the bond and family and indoor, those kinds of keywords,” Sul said. “Our CEO, he’s planning finance talks to be the one of the best sports simulator companies. So now we are planning to expand to not only golf but we are looking for a new strategic partner to be involved in tennis and basketball and sports like that.”
Editor’s Note: This article was written in partnership with Phigolf.
bob
4 months ago
I was able to knock 8 strokes off of my GHIN after using this product through the last winter. Went from a 38 to a very salty 30 in about 3 months. I was able to make hella cash off my buddies playing weekends as my handicap plummeted after all of that video practice.