How do I judge the age and support of a golf simulator lounge’s technology?

Start with a walk-through of every bay. Note the make and model of the launch monitor, the projector or screen, the hitting mat and the computer driving it. Ask for purchase invoices and installation dates, and compare what you see with what the seller’s equipment list claims. Mismatches are worth a question. Photograph the model plates and serial numbers as you go, so you can check them against the vendor’s records later.

Next, look at support. Ask whether the software licences are paid up, who renews them, and whether they transfer to a new owner or must be re-issued. Contact the vendor yourself, with the seller’s permission, and ask whether the model is still supported, whether parts are available, and what an upgrade would involve. Ask what happens if the vendor stops supporting a model, and whether the seller has ever had to work around a discontinued part.

Finally, ask for the repair history. Service tickets, downtime on busy evenings and any bays that sit unused tell you more than a brochure. Have a technician who knows the equipment look at one or two bays, and ask your accountant how replacement costs should be reflected in your plans. If one bay is much older than the rest, ask how it is priced to customers and whether it is booked less often.

Key takeaways

• Match every bay’s hardware to invoices and installation dates.
• Confirm licences transfer, and ask the vendor directly about support.
• Review service tickets and unused bays before trusting the equipment list.