Simulators keep golfers golfing when rain stops play

The wet weather continues to have an adverse impact on golfers, and last week some driving ranges advised customers that they were closed or operating on reduced hours due to the weather. 

The soft ground has meant that collecting balls is challenging, especially when tractors and other machinery is used.

That of course is on the back of many courses remaining closed in the past five weeks, leading to continued frustration for golfers who want to get out and play. 

One option for playing which is not affected by the outside weather is playing in a simulator studio. 

The studios offer golfers that chance to practice many elements of their game, and they have the added benefit of playing some of the best courses in the world.

Many golfers will be familiar with Trackman and Flightscope simulators, and several clubs have invested in simulator studios for their members. Fermoy, Mahon and Lee Valley are among the clubs with studios available to members, and there are a number of PGA professional and private studios also available.

Wayne O’Callaghan operates from Cork Golf Centre outside Ballincollig, and he also has a studio in Carrigaline. 

The studios can be rented in hour long slots. The Trackman studio in Cork Golf Centre has the added benefit of having a moveable platform. 

This can aid practice but the platform also changes profile to match the slope of the course when playing.

Jack Howard recently launched SIMply Golf 365 which is a modular mobile studio. He is currently based in Raffeen Creek and in addition to studio hire, Jack offers coaching and he is also running leagues on a monthly basis. 

Darren Kelleher has a Trackman studio available for hire in Donoghmore, just 15 minutes from Tower and Blarney Golf Course. 

Bookings can be made by contacting Darren on 0852109199.

The Mount Oval Bar also has a Trackman studio and bookings are available from 1pm daily, details on bookings are available on their website. Including clubs and club Pro’s there are over a dozen simulator studios in the county.

James Sugrue found himself in the unfortunate position of being first reserve when the Hotel Planner Tour Johnson workwear Open got underway last week. 

Sugrue was first reserve on Monday afternoon but there were no further withdrawals meaning Sugrue missed out on a start.

The Mallow golfer ended up with one start from the four South African events, but he should gain entry into the European events as these are not co-sanctioned with another tour.

LET golfer Sara Byrne has had to delay her start to the season after sustaining an injury to her arm. 

Byrne made the announcement on social media last week that an unfortunate accident when leaving the gym has delayed her 2026 plans.

“Unfortunately in early January while walking out of the gym I had a bit of an accident and managed to fracture my radial head in my right elbow and partially Tara bought my UCL an MCL ligaments,” said Byne on Instagram.

“It has been a tough few weeks of acceptance and a lot of rehab and physio, but we are certainly on the mend. 

"We're six weeks into recovery as thankfully I did not need surgery. I am working as hard as possible to get back to walking the fairways once again, and I will be back stronger than ever.

“I don't know exactly when I'll be back on tour but I will certainly be back very soon. 

"2026 golf is just on pause for right now and I can't wait to press the play button again some time soon.”

At the time of her withdrawal she was the number one reserve for the Aramco PIF event, and as all of the golfers in her category got in, the week will go down as a missed opportunity for the 25-year-old. 

The Aramco Series events attract golfers from all over the world and Byrne will be hoping to get a chance to compete in the five remaining big money events.

The LET heads for Australia for the next four weeks before moving to South Africa. 

The first European event takes place in May with a run of 17 events taking the tour through to October.

While Byrne doesn’t have a definitive timeline on her return to competitive action, she will have plenty of opportunities once she does get back on the course.

Byrne is entering into her second full season as a professional golfer, last year she retained her LET tour card by finishing in the top 70 in the order of merit.