Is a $300 Golf Simulator Any Good?

There‘s a lot of cool gear in the golf world that doesn’t always fit into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.

What We Tried

Phigolf 2

Your Reviewer

Phillip Bishop – Most Wanted Testing supervisor, die-hard Pittsburgh sports fan, adaptive golfer and fan of game nights.

We Tried It: Phigolf 2

Phigolf 2 (Phinetworks Ltd) is new and improved. Between Phinetworks and Second Chance Ltd, North America and EU have distribution of one of most user friendly, cost friendly, golf simulators on the market.

The most notable improvements are a new sensor, a new weighted training stick and enhanced accuracy. With subscription packages, you can have access to as many as 38,000 golf courses, including courses in your own backyard (more on this later). Ultimately, it is a unique and innovative way to bring golf to your living room. Think of Wii Golf on steroids.

Here is a list of what to expect with Phigolf 2:

• Compatible with Phigolf and E6 Connect Apps
• Weighted training stick
• 3D swing graph and live feedback
• Speed golf and Rush game mode
• High-quality courses
• Monthly tournaments
• Online and local multiplayer
• Ability to hit ball
• iOS and Android compatible
• E6 Connect courses require subscription

The perfect game night accessory

Arguably the best part of Phigolf 2 is its usability. Anyone can play it. It doesn’t require you to hit an actual golf ball. You can have friends over for a game night or break out Phigolf 2 over the holidays with family. It is fun for everyone, young or old. There are settings that allow for even more fun. For example, you can set gimmie ranges once you’re on the green. You can even maximize mulligans (I believe nine might be the max).

If golf isn’t your forte or interest, you can download the Crazy Birdie application. (Yes, it is similar to that one game that involves birds.) This will provide fun and enjoyment for the entire group or keep your kids busy.

For the golf purist, the new sensor enables users to play Phigolf 2 using a real golf club.

Golf anywhere. Anytime.

Perhaps the biggest selling point is the ability to literally play golf anywhere at any time (as long as you have WiFi).

Phigolf 2 is compatible with iOS and Android devices. I used my iPad and iPhone and played golf at home and at our HQ. As long as I had one of the devices, the Bluetooth sensor, a golf club or the swing trainer, I could use the software. It is that easy.

The swing trainer is compact which makes it easy to transport. However, it is weighted so be mindful of that if you’re traveling with it. Otherwise, it can go in your golf bag or in your car without a problem.

For some of you, winter limits your golf. Phigolf has you covered with monthly tournaments, online game play and local multiplayer. I have a few buddies who have gotten into golf over the past few years but don’t live nearby. Phigolf offers a great avenue to connect with friends who aren’t local by having a multiplayer game mode. The only catch? You have to convince your friends to buy it.

Phi-nally the gameplay

Going into this, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a game-play perspective but I wanted to keep an open mind. Having potential access to 38,000 golf courses around the world is mind-boggling. There is zero chance I am playing 38,000 rounds of golf. However, you can search by address or by name of the course.

A key integration with the game play is the ability to use real golf clubs. I wanted to see if performance and playability were different using the swing trainer versus a real club. The swing trainer is weighted to simulate the feel of a golf club which is a great idea (in theory).

Swing trainer round

Upon your first login, Phigolf 2 provides a playing ability test. This walks you through some key elements of the game using the swing trainer: full shots, mid-range shots, short range, pitching, putting. The entire process is target-based and tracks your score. I was able to see immediately how performance with the swing trainer would be. My normal shot shape is right-to-left (draw) which can be compounded by a closed clubface.

The majority of the shots in this tutorial started on a good line but moved left of my intended target. The swing trainer shows clubhead speed, face angle, club path, angle of attack and swing tempo. Throughout, my face angle was closed.

One of the coolest features of Phigolf 2 is access to 38,000 courses including the ability to search for nearby ones. So it was time to test out my game and I searched for courses nearby. Low and behold, Phigolf 2 had the local golf course I grew up playing and still play to this day. I know this golf course like the back of my hand.

I was impressed. Sure, there are little nuances that aren’t accurate but the hole layouts and overall mapping are quite accurate. The scorecard and yardages were accurate as well. Being able to play local courses really enhances the experience.

As for playing golf, I saw similar performance trends that I had to take into account. Most shots with a driver down to a short iron had a moderate draw ball flight. To adjust, I moved my aim on the application more to the right. Hitting shots from 110 yards and in were straighter and performance was more natural. Putting is by far the most sensitive part of the game play. Trying to gauge how much force to use on a 15-foot putt takes time to get used to. My advice is to set a gimmie range to ensure you aren’t getting frustrated once you make it on the green.

Despite the excessive shots to the left, I was able to put together a solid round. The game-play performance is impressive and the application runs smoothly and effectively.

Real golf clubs round

Like I said, I wanted to compare the game-play experience using the swing trainer to an actual golf club. Now, you can use any club you want: driver, 7-iron, pitching wedge, etc. I went with a gap wedge – shorter length but still provides comfort with a full swing.

I promptly saw a positive difference in face-angle control. The benefit of using a real club is approaching the game play in a realistic manner. You can address the shot with a square clubface and feel like you’re hitting a normal shot. To me, this enhances the overall game play tremendously. Furthermore, putting seems to be less sensitive and more controllable.

Instead of playing a well-known golf course, I opted to search for and play a golf course I visited in the fall of 2023: The Highlands at McLemore. There is a feeling of excitement virtually playing courses you’ve played in real life. Are there similarities and if there are, how accurate are they? Again, golf course layout and mapping is accurate which is outstanding.

Additional highlights

• E6 Connect – Another avenue to experience online gaming that features events, peer-to-peer games, non-premium or premium courses (all relative to the subscription service you choose).
• 3D Swing Graph – Neat feature but I would take its accuracy with a grain of salt.
• Premium Tour – 8 extra high-definition courses that appeal to those looking for an enhancement in graphics.

Indoor golf is here to stay

Phigolf 2 hits a sweet spot. At $299.99, you are getting a substantial amount of fun in an easy-to-use device. With the potential of playing 38,000 courses, you’ll never be lacking a choice. Additionally, you have the ability to play Crazy Birdie, challenge your buddy in Speed Golf, and so much more.

If fun is your No. 1 priority, Phigolf 2 might be right for you. Golf purists will find faults with it and that’s OK. It isn’t a device I’d use to truly sharpen my golf game. Ultimately, you have to determine what features are important to you.

In the end, an affordable, indoor golf simulator is a heck of an option. It makes golf fun and accessible: anytime, anywhere.