TOLEDO, Ohio — If you’re serious about golf, chances are you’ve spent countless hours at the range, taken lessons, and played round after round trying to get better. But there’s a growing number of dedicated golfers turning to a different approach — launch monitors in home golf simulators, at their local golf club, or indoor golf centers.
Once something you’d only see at a high-end facility or in a pro’s basement, simulators and launch monitors are now more accessible than ever. And they’re delivering real results.
Ace Indoor Golf is a golf simulator manufacturer and retailer that sells launch monitors, simulator screens, DYI golf simulator packages, and custom designed and installed home and commercial sims.
In a recent study, Ace found that 88% of sim owners reported their launch monitor improved their game. Ace. On average? They cut 5.27 strokes off their score.
Let’s break down why simulators are proving to be game-changers.
Simulator users aren’t just young techies. In fact, the age spread is pretty even — with golfers in their teens through their 70s using them. And it’s not just the elite players or club members either. Half of simulator owners don’t even belong to a private club. What they all share is passion and commitment: 97% of them play more than 25 rounds a year — and they’re using simulators to practice smarter.
With quality launch monitors available for under $700, more golfers are building home setups that fit their space and budget. Whether it’s a spare room, garage, or basement, these tools are helping everyday golfers get better — and faster.
Here’s where things get really interesting: 68% of simulator owners use their simulator 10+ times per month. That’s every other day or more. The convenience factor is huge — you can practice whenever you want, regardless of weather, time, or season.
This kind of frequent, feedback-rich practice leads to real results. Instead of guessing what went wrong with a shot, simulators give you instant data: swing path, launch angle, spin rate, club speed — all the details that help you adjust and improve, one swing at a time.
Nick Dimengo, Golf.com Instruction Editor commented in a September 29, 2023 article, “I’ve never had more fun practicing than I have when using a launch monitor. Helping me discover my ‘why,’ the device has taken the guesswork out of improving my swing.”
So does it actually work? The short answer: absolutely.
- 96% of simulator owners saw improvement
- Average score dropped by 5.27 strokes per round
- 80% improved accuracy
- 44% increased distance
- 53% saw lower scores
Accuracy improvements topped the list — which makes sense when you’re seeing shot-by-shot feedback on your club path and face angle. Distance gains often come from better contact and more efficient swings, and of course, all of that adds up to lower scores.
One mid-handicap user from Chicago commented, “I use my simulator three times per week and have seen dramatic improvements. I was able to improve my driving distance by as much as 40 yards, gained 10 yards with my 7-iron and have lowered by score by about four strokes per round. I am now using it to work on my short wedges. Buying a simulator was a great investment in my game.”
These are meaningful improvements, especially for mid- and high-handicappers. And even low-handicap players — who often struggle to shave off a stroke — benefit from the data and repetition simulators provide.
One underrated benefit of practicing on a simulator? Confidence. You’re in your own space, no pressure, no distractions. You can hit the same shot 20 times until you dial it in and can repeat it every time.
In addition, most launch monitors include bag assessment software that allows you to identify the average distance you hit the ball with each club and your shot tendencies for more consistent shot making. This kind of focused, repeatable training builds mental toughness — and it shows on the course.
While 96% of simulator owners use them for practice and 76% play full virtual rounds, owners also use them for other sports like shooting, soccer, baseball, or football. They also double as home theaters and video gaming rooms by twenty-five percent of those surveyed.
If you’re already playing regularly and want to see meaningful improvement, a golf simulator is more than a fun gadget — it’s a proven tool for getting better. With clear gains in accuracy, distance, and scoring, plus the convenience of anytime practice, it’s one of the smartest investments a serious golfer can make.
For information on purchasing a golf launch monitor and or installing a custom golf simulator, visit aceindoorgolf.com