Build it and virtual golfers will come

The idea of taking something and messing up a virtual version on a simulator video game is usually a lot of fun. Half of the time you make something impossible. Other times though, you get a chance to test out an idea that would be awesome in reality.

Video games like the Sims, RollerCoaster Tycoon and Minecraft have all been  games that have allowed many to do just that. You want to make your own amusement park where all of the coasters are only made of loops? Done. Sure the simulated visitors may need extra trashcans around the park, but you can force them to take on loopy coaster after loopy coaster all day.

Earlier this summer I came across a post on gamespot.com that discusses a new golf simulator that gives you the same kind of power. The Golf Club allows you to not only play golf on a beautiful digital representation of courses, but to also modify them to your heart’s content. You can move bunkers, trees, buildings and more within the game.

According to the GameSpot article, Greg Norman Golf Course Design uses the game to demonstrate potential designs to clients. Just like in the Sims, where you can test out the idea of having a light-up disco floor in the living room before committing to it in reality, clients could play a round of virtual golf before committing to the new course design.

Beyond test-driving a possible course design, could superintendents use something like this when proposing changes to the course? Possibly show how redoing the contours of a green or the shape of a bunker could benefit the course? What do you think?