It's as real as it gets - your very own high-tech home simulator for just under US$80,000
What do you buy the golfer who has everything? How about a simulator that is about as real as it gets.
You only need 250 square feet of space - and a cool US$80,000.
John Levett of Full Swing Golf says: 'This system has become increasingly popular in homes as well as offices. You only need 250 square feet of space. Gone are the days when people put a snooker table in their home or office. Nowadays, they want the cutting edge of modern technology. It's as hi-tech as it gets.
'This year in Asia, we've sold 100 units. Asia accounts for around a quarter of our annual sales. The system costs between US$70,000 to US$80,000.'
Levett, who has been a pro for over 20 years, is the man behind the simulator system that was set up in Chater Garden in Central before the tournament launch this week, and is now based in the hospitality area at Fanling.
'I taught simulator at the Hong Kong Cricket Club for three years, and I got to know it well. No other system reads the ball; they all read the club. This system reads it in real time. While other systems guess what the ball is doing, this one is tracking it.
'This is the only system where you can put a spin on the ball. Really, 'simulator' is a bit of a misnomer, as this is operating in real time. This simulator draws it, fades it and allows a golfer to do all the things they can do on a golf course.
'Nick Faldo tried in it in Central this week. He sussed out the system in an instant. There are certain points on the ball and where is the best place to aim, what is the best type of shot, and which is the best club to use for it.
'The hole we had set up in Central was the 12th on the Fanling championship course. We have the capability to go and map any hole and put it on the system. In the new year, we will have mapped the Fanling course in its entirety.'
