This Indoor Golf Simulator Lets You Practice Any Time, Any Day

For someone like me with zero knowledge about golf, it looks like it's just plenty of whacking a small white ball with a metal stick. There's also a lot of walking under the sun on some grass in a city where green spaces are scarce. But an afternoon at GolfX Sports Hub in Bonifacio Global City emphasized something we probably already know anyway but forget: it's a sport. And like any other sport, it requires practice and precision—both of which you can get at the indoor golf simulator.

GolfX Sports Hub is at the basement of Citi Plaza

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GolfX Sports Hub's GC Hawk Virtual Golf Technology

GolfX Sports Hub BGC merges cutting-edge virtual golf technology with the allure of some of the world’s most exclusive courses, offering an unparalleled experience for golf aficionados. The facility features nine bays, each equipped with state-of-the-art GC Hawk, an overhead-mounted launch monitor fitted with highspeed cameras and infrared sensors. It's loaded with FSX2020 software from Foresight Sports.

Basically, golfers can tee off and launch the ball on a large polyester sheet that's projected with a computer simulation of a golf course. Don't worry about the ball bouncing off and landing on your face because the sheet can take the hit. Aside from showing you where your ball lands on the course, the simulator also measures and reveals the ball speed, launch angle, azimuth, total spin, spin-tilt axis, club speed, impact point, face angle at impact, lie angle at impact, loft at impact, closure rate, and many more. One-on-one pro coaches are available to complement your training.

During a quick tutorial with GolfX co-founder and resident pro coach Kris Etter, he said these metrics are important for golfers who are going pro. It's hard to replicate conditions when outdoors, but in an indoor golf simulator, players can eliminate variables and focus on skills that they want to develop.

"Teaching with the technology at GolfX takes out the guesswork in breaking down and understanding a player’s golf swing. It helps the coach and student better understand and create a plan on how to improve the student’s golf game," Etter said in his profile on the GolfX website.

If the virtual driving range allows for focused practice, the simulation of renowned golf courses lets players test their skills in varied and challenging environments. Players can switch from different golf courses across the world, such as the iconic Pebbles Beach or the Old Course at St. Andrews. 

However, he clarifies that GolfX is not only for seasoned golfers, as the technology gives beginners real-time feedback. For a novice like me, it was gratifying to see the numbers improve every time I hit the ball. It was easy to use these stats for some friendly competition with fellow beginners, like trying to beat one another's speed or distance.

The overhead monitor also allows players to play with their right hand or their left hand, and it even allows changing to other sports like football virtual simulation.

More Than Golf

GolfX is not just about golf; it’s about creating a comprehensive leisure experience. It also features a gym (with shower rooms) in case players want to cross-train through dumbbells, treadmills, and other gym equipment.

More importantly, the in-house bar and restaurant called The Bunker offers a full menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, and draft beers of various brands. They got cocktails with golf-themed names, such as First Tee (P450), which is smoked whiskey with Mezcal, maraschino, muscovado, and lemon; Caddies Delight (P400), which is vodka mixed with coconut, ginger beer, mint, and lime; and Azelea Slice (P400), which has Mezcal, tequila, jalapeno, grapefruit, and lime. Of course, they have the good ol' classics like Negroni (P350), Old Fashioned (P350), and Paloma (P350).

First Tee (P450) is one of their best-sellers. It is smoked whiskey with Mezcal, maraschino, muscovado, and lemon.

After a game or two, golfers can take a break and hang out near the bar, where there's a dart board and a couple of table footballs.

GolfX is also available as an event space for rent, providing a unique setting for large gatherings, parties, and other events with DJs and live bands. It can accommodate up to 100 pax. Sometimes, they hold viewing parties for various sports like football, just follow their pages for announcements.

GolfX BGC Sports Hub Rates

Range per Hour

• Single Bay - P1,800
• Event Bay - P3,000

Fairway per Person

9 Holes

• 1 person - P1,500
• 2 or more - P1,300

18 Holes

• 1 person - P1,800
• 2 or more - P1,800

GolfX Membership Packages

• Annual Membership: P5,000
• Casual Golfer Elite: P32,999 for six months with two-hour unlimited bay usage per day
• Avid Golfer Elite: P42,999 for six months with two-hour unlimited bay usage per day
• Premium Membership: P5,000 with exclusive access to discounts and promos

GolfX BGC Events Packages

Package A: P50,000

• Two event bay and six regular bays
• Four hours stay
• Good for 30-32 pax
• P16,000 F&B consumable

Package B: P30,000

• Six regular bays
• Four hours stay
• Good for 20-24 pax
• P12,000 F&B consumable

Package C: P22,000

• Two event bays
• Four hours stay
• Good for eight to 12 pax
• P6,000 F&B consumable

Exclusive Package A: P100,000

• Four hours stay
• P50,000 F&B consumable

GolfX is at 34th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. They also have a branch at 160 Luna Mencia Street, San Juan; open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are through: +63 927 186 6517 (GolfX BGC), +63 966 438 1475 (GolfX San Juan), or [email protected].