Indoor golf: The game’s next chapter?

Indoor golf: The game’s next chapter? | Daily Tribune

It was a huge success. The only problem? It went well past my bedtime. Apparently, even indoor golf can keep a senior citizen up late.

And the home team made sure the late night was worth it.

The Philippines won in convincing fashion, 7-2, in what could politely be described as a one-sided affair — or, to put it mildly, a massacre.

The biggest win came from 14-year-old Nicole Gan, the lone rose among the thorns, who demolished her singles opponent 8&7. In match-play terms, Nicole was already eight holes ahead with seven holes remaining, so the match ended after just 11 holes.

The Koreans were gracious in defeat, although they admitted they wished they could have put up more of a fight. Perhaps next time, they’ll bring reinforcements.

Six hitting bays were used throughout the tournament, eliminating the need for caddies, marshals, referees and golf carts. There was also no need to worry about finding your ball after sending it into the trees.

In fact, you don’t even have to bring your own golf balls.

You simply select your club, adjust your aim using the monitor, take your stance and fire away at the giant screen displaying the hole. The simulator takes care of the rest.

It’s pretty much golf — with the walking, searching for errant shots and arguing with your caddie taken out of the equation.

But one thing really caught my attention: the noise.

I’m used to the quiet atmosphere of a golf course when a player addresses the ball. At Break 100, however, the atmosphere was almost festive, with singers performing in the background while players took their shots.

It felt less like a traditional golf tournament and more like golf had walked into the 21st century.

Which got me thinking:

Is this what golf looks like in the future?

Indoor golf will not replace traditional golf, nor should it. Nothing can quite replicate standing on a real tee box, feeling the wind, seeing the trees and watching your ball sail into the distance.

But it offers a compelling alternative for people who cannot afford to spend five hours under the sun — or, for that matter, the rain.

It could also be particularly useful for beginners. You can play a virtual golf course without worrying about the group behind you, holding anyone up or accidentally sending an errant shot toward another golfer. You can simply hit, learn and have fun.

Break 100 may have blazed the trail for more indoor golf tournaments. The challenge, however, could be space. Six bays are enough for a small showdown, but a bigger tournament would require a much bigger facility.

And then there is the Olympic question.

Will indoor golf ever become an Olympic sport?

Maybe not anytime soon. Simulator golf was featured in the 2023 Olympic Esports Series, but its inclusion in the planned inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2027 remains uncertain.

For now, perhaps that’s not the point.

The Philippine-Korea showdown showed that golf does not always need 18 holes of grass, a caddie and four hours to be competitive and entertaining.

Maybe the future of golf is not about replacing the course.

Maybe it’s about giving more people another way to experience the game.

And if that future includes comfortable chairs, cold drinks and no lost balls, count me in.

Just schedule the next tournament before my bedtime.