The Hidden Hazards of the
Off-Season

Why your sim time needs a plan, not just power.

Simulator golf is a game-changer for maintaining your swing through the winter. But without the right approach, treating indoor sessions like casual practice can lead to unexpected injuries. Here is why your off-season needs a strategy.

1. The "Cold" Muscle Danger

Even in a heated indoor facility, your body likely enters from the cold outdoors. Research shows that a 10-degree drop in ambient temperature can result in a 2-yard loss of carry distance, often tempting golfers to swing harder to compensate. Cold muscles have reduced elasticity and are significantly more prone to strain.

The Fix: Never skip the warm-up. A 10-minute dynamic routine (not static stretching) increases blood flow and prepares your joints for explosive movement.

2. The Mat Effect & Ground Forces

Not all mats are created equal. Traditional range mats can produce significantly higher peak deceleration forces than natural turf. While turf shears away to absorb energy, a firm mat reflects that shockwave back up the shaft.

Additionally, Trackman data suggests that hitting off mats can artificially inflate launch angles and spin rates (up to 2,000 RPM difference on poor strikes), masking the feedback you need to fast-track improvement.

3. Volume Overload

In a simulator, there is no walking between shots. You can hit 100 balls in 30 minutes. This rapid accumulation of swings leads to fatigue. Our Eagle Membership allows for unlimited simulator time, meaning you don't have to rush your bucket—you can practice at a pace that suits your body.

Ideally, Your 10-Minute Dynamic Warm-Up Should Include:

  • Leg Swings: Front-to-back and side-to-side to loosen hips.
  • Torso Twists: Holding a club across your chest to activate the core.
  • Arm Circles: Gradually increasing size to warm up shoulders.
  • Squats with Rotation: engaging glutes and thoracic spine.

Progressive Practice Plan

Don't start at 100%. Treat your first few weeks of off-season sim work like a preseason camp.

  • Week 1: Focus on contact and tempo. 50-70% swing speed.
  • Week 2: Introduce target drills. 70-80% speed.
  • Week 3+: Start chasing numbers, but always end with tempo drills.

Practice Without the Pain

Don't let a winter tweak ruin your spring season. Join a club that prioritizes your health with expert feedback and world-class facilities.

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