GOLFZON’s new GDR MAX emulator has it all (and more)

A few weeks ago I visited Chantilly, VA to find out what is the best kept secret in the world of simulators. So what exactly is GOLFZON’s new GDR MAX? Why should you care? I’m glad you asked.

The first thing I realized during my time at GOLFZON’s US headquarters is that GDR MAX is a well thought out simulator solution. It has it all: an easy-to-use touchscreen, a display, pressure plates under your feet, and plenty of cameras. (Oh, and they’ll include projectors and gaming computers, too.) You can also double the launch monitor, front-facing camera, and screen for less than the cost of another launch monitor unit. This is a value worth exploring.

One misconception I had going in though was that these were built for commercial purposes, meant to be installed in areas within businesses with multiple units, or for use by coaches and fitters. But I was wrong! These versions are ready for home installation. Once your structure is in place (screens, booths, batting surface, etc.) they can come in and help you set up your GDR MAX and you’ll be on your way.

Here are four more things I know about the GOLFZON GDR MAX. (Click here to learn more or inquire about pricing options, which vary based on customizable options.)

1.GOLFZON vertical integration

The most underrated part of the entire GOLFZON experience is that they own, operate, manage and build everything themselves. They have all the hardware and all the software so the experience is completely seamless. Ultra-low latency from impact to visual effects on screen. Seamless transitions in the software when changing screens. Responsive touch screen. There is very little lag in the menus or software when switching between holes while golfing. Experience is never a barrier. Everything is structure, everything works together. There is no such thing as a software problem being blocked by a hardware problem or a hardware problem being blocked by software.

They can also adjust the software as needed. More features will continue to be rolled out, so as the experience evolves there are always adjustments to be made in the software, courses to be updated and new coaching and try-on features to be added.

2. I will feel comfortable wearing GDR MAX

If you know me, you know that my golf world revolves around club fitting, testing, and data. If I were to use a simulator system, or just play indoor golf with my friends, I would be extremely annoyed knowing that the data is not giving me accurate numbers. My standard is the Foresight QuadMax, and I know where my numbers should fall whether I’m having a good day or a rough day.

But I can confidently say that I would happily use a GDR MAX system for a friend for several reasons. First, I tested it against my own standards, and the numbers were about as similar as they should be. Another reason is the data they capture and the installers have access to, especially dynamic data. I firmly believe that dynamic club data (data that measures actual club movement, as opposed to static measurements of the club) is more important in club fitting than anything else. Club performance is the north star of club fitting, and there was nothing missing from the GDR MAX experience that I would have experienced using more commonly accepted fitting techniques in the fitting area.

The user interface has also been improved to a higher level. In today’s tech world, using a touch screen feels like a natural progression, and everything you want it to do doesn’t require too much “searching.” It’s easy to switch in and out of the exact data you want to see, and the software can be navigated seamlessly without feeling like you need a guide. User experience is the quickest way to turn people off of a simulated system – but that’s not the case here.

3. Both coaches and fitters have families

I’m not a very “coaching” oriented golfer. I think coaching techniques are great, but my philosophy is that coaches need to use every tool possible because every golfer learns differently. Some golfers or learners want the visuals in general, some want the feel, some want it to be super technical, and some want to be left to their own devices to figure things out. This is the best part of the GDR MAX system. they thought of it everything. Pressure plate? Check. camera? Check. Body joint position tracking and swing path tracking? Check. Change entire screen to data block? certainly. When you play simulated golf, turn everything off and work with your instructor? complete. Every student has the ability to learn the way they want.

To me, this is the best approach in terms of coaching. Give them all the tools to scale down how they want. As students progress with the coach, they can add more tools, change methods, or unlock new goals without having to add a new subscription, download a new package, or enter a new part of the software.

4. Very simple

We’ve talked a lot about data, hardware, and software, but the good news is that it’s all simple. Even if you don’t have a demo (like I did), you can spend a few minutes pressing buttons and figuring out how to navigate every part of the software, including playing simulated golf, using the fitting tools, and all the coaching tools.

This is where the connection to home users is great. The ability to load four friends into the software and start playing golf at home is simple. There are tons of courses to choose from, you can set the round parameters just the way you want, and bingo, you’ll be playing golf in no time. There is virtually no downtime between holes or shots, and the GDR MAX system never interrupts the flow of golf. It just got taller.

Parting thoughts

The GDR MAX system surprised me. That’s the best way I can explain it. I didn’t even know about GOLFZON’s consumer options at first. I only knew about their business system and super-high-end GOLFZON social network. But I feel confident using GDR MAX in any golf simulation situation. Accessories? no problem. Counseling? no problem. Playing indoor golf with friends at home? superb. You get the premium fitting or coaching experience you’d expect at the most high-end club or facility, plus the user golf experience you’d expect at home in a gated community. What’s not to like about it?

For more information about the GOLFZON GDR MAX, including pricing and build information, you can visit their website:

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