there‘a lot of cool gear in the world of golf that doesn’t always fit The most requested tests OR Buyers Guides. You still want to know how it works. In our We Tried it series, we put the equipment to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.
What did we try?
Your reviewer
Phillip Bishop – The most sought-after test supervisor, die-hard Pittsburgh sports fan, adaptive golfer and game night aficionado.
We tried it: Phigolf 2
Figolf 2 (Phinetworks Ltd) is new and improved. Between Phinetworks and Second Chance Ltd, North America and EU have one of the most user-friendly, cost-effective golf simulator distribution on the market.
The most obvious improvements are a new sensor, a new weighted training stick and increased accuracy. With subscription packages, you can access as much as possible 38,000 golf coursesincluding courses in your own backyard (more on that later). After all, it’s a unique and innovative way to bring golf into your living room. Think Wii Golf on steroids.
Here’s a list of what to expect with Phigolf 2:
- Compatible with WTE, Phigolf and E6 Connect apps
- Weighted training stick
- 3D swing graph and live feedback
- Speed ​​and Rush golf game mode
- High quality courses
- Monthly tours
- Online and local multiplayer
- The ability to hit the ball
- Compatible with iOS and Android
- E6 Connect courses require a subscription
The perfect game night accessory
Perhaps the best part of it Figolf 2 it is its usability. Anyone can play it. It doesn’t require you to hit a real golf ball. You can have friends over for a game night or go out with Phigolf 2 on vacation with the family. It’s fun for everyone, young or old. There are settings that enable even more fun. For example, you can set the swing ranges after you are on the green. You can even max mulligans (I believe nine can be the max).
If golf is not your forte or interest, you can download the Crazy Birdie app. (Yes, it’s similar to that game involving birds.) This will provide fun and enjoyment for the whole group or keep your kids busy.
For the golf purist, the new sensor allows users to play Phigolf 2 using a real golf club.
Golf everywhere. At any time.
Perhaps the biggest selling point is the ability to play golf anywhere at any time (as long as you have WiFi).
Figolf 2 it is compatible with iOS and Android devices. I used the iPad and iPhone and played golf at home and at our headquarters. As long as I had one of the devices, the Bluetooth sensor, a golf club, or the swing trainer, I could use the software. It’s that easy.
The swing trainer is compact which makes it easy to transport. It is weighted though, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with it. Alternatively, it can fit in your golf bag or car without a problem.
For some of you, winter limits your golf. Phigolf has you covered with monthly tournaments, online games and local multiplayer games. I have a few friends who have gotten into golf over the past few years but don’t live nearby. Phigolf offers a great way to connect with non-local friends by having a multiplayer game mode. The only catch? You have to convince your friends to buy it.
First the gameplay
Going into this I wasn’t sure what to expect from a gameplay perspective, but I wanted to keep an open mind. Having potential access to 38,000 golf courses worldwide is astounding. There’s no way I’m going to play 38,000 rounds of golf. However, you can search by address or by course name.
A key integration with the game is the ability to use real golf clubs. I wanted to see if performance and playability were different using the swing trainer versus a real club. The swing trainer is weighted to simulate the feel of a golf club which is a great idea (in theory).
Swing trainer round
Upon your first login, Figolf 2 provides a test of ability to play. It walks you through some key elements of the game using the swing trainer: full swings, mid-range, short range, pitching, setting. The entire process is goal-based and tracks your score. I could immediately see how the performance would be with the swing trainer. My normal shot form is right to left (draw) which can be complicated by a closed clubface.
Most of the shots in this tutorial started on a good line but drifted to the left of my intended target. The swing trainer shows club head speed, face angle, club path, attack angle and swing rate. The whole time, the corner of my face was closed.
One of the coolest features of Phigolf 2 is access to 38,000 courses, including the ability to search for nearby ones. So it was time to test my game and I searched for courses nearby. Low and behold, Phigolf 2 had the local golf course that I grew up playing and still play to this day. I know this golf course like the back of my hand.
I was impressed. Sure, there are little nuances that aren’t right, but the hole layouts and overall map are pretty accurate. The scorecard and steps were also accurate. Being able to play local courses really adds to the experience.
As for golf, I saw similar performance trends that I had to take note of. Most shots with a driver to a short iron had a moderate ball flight. To accommodate, I moved my app focus further to the right. Shots from 110 yards and up were straighter and performance was more natural. Placement is by far the most sensitive part of the game. Trying to gauge how much force to use on a 15-foot putt takes time to get used to. My advice is to set a range of shots to ensure you won’t be disappointed once you get to the green.
Despite the excessive left shots, I was able to put together a solid round. Game performance is impressive and the app runs smoothly and efficiently.
Round of real golf clubs
As I said, I wanted to compare the game play experience using the swing trainer to an actual golf club. Now, you can use any club you want: driver, 7-iron, pitching wedge, etc. I went with a split wedge – shorter length but still offers comfort with a full swing.
I immediately saw a positive difference in my facial angle control. The benefit of using a real club is to approach the game in a realistic way. You can hit the shot with a square face and feel like you’re hitting a normal putt. For me, this enhances the overall gameplay of the game tremendously. Furthermore, the placement seems to be less sensitive and more controllable.
Instead of playing a popular golf course, I chose to search for and play a golf course I visited in the fall of 2023: Highlands at McLemore. There’s a sense of excitement playing virtually courses you’ve played in real life. Are there similarities, and if so, how accurate are they? Again, the layout and map of the golf course is accurate, which is outstanding.
Additional highlights
- E6 Connect – Another way to experience online gaming featuring events, peer-to-peer gaming, non-premium or premium courses (all related to the subscription service you choose).
- 3D Swing Chart – Neat feature, but I’d take its accuracy with a grain of salt.
- Premium tour – 8 additional high-definition courses that appeal to those looking for an upgrade in graphics.
Indoor golf is here to stay
Phigolf 2 hits a sweet place. For $299.99, you’re getting a significant amount of entertainment in an easy-to-use device. With the potential to play 38,000 courses, you’ll never be short of choice. In addition, you have the opportunity to play Crazy Birdie, integrate your Phigolf 2 account in the WGT (World Golf Tour) or challenge your friend in Speed ​​Golf and much more.
If entertainment is your No. 1 priority. 1, Figolf 2 may be right for you. Golf purists will find fault with it and that’s okay. It’s not a piece of equipment I would use to really sharpen my golf game. Ultimately, you need to determine which features are important to you.
In the end, an affordable, indoor golf simulator is a good option. It makes golf fun and accessible: anytime, anywhere.
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