Ive heard a lot about golf simulators aboard todays ships. How do they work?
The simulator equipment includes a small enclosure, about twelve by sixteen feet. At the far end is a projection screen that displays the view of the fairway or green. When you strike the ball, an infrared tracking system records the balls speed, direction, and spin. At the exact moment your ball strikes the screen, the computer calculates its continued projected path through the air, or if youre putting, along the ground. A computer generated ball takes over from there and continues the travel path, but now shown on the screen. Usually, up to eight players may play an entire 18-hole course at a time, using their own equipment or the balls and clubs provided by the cruise line. Costs vary by cruise line but expect to pay about $20 for a 30-minute session.
