Frequently Asked Questions
What courses does OptiShot include?
Our current core library of courses includes:
- The Golf Club Scottsdale - an exclusive golf club in Scottsdale, AZ
- Long Island Black - a replication of Bethpage Black in Long Island, NY
- Torrey Black - a replication of Torrey Pines South in La Jolla, CA
- Torrey White - a replication of Torrey Pines North in La Jolla, CA
- Palm Desert Mountains - a replication of Big Horn Mountains in Palm Desert, CA
- Palm Desert Canyons - a replication of Big Horn Canyons in Palm Desert, CA
- Barseback Golf & Country Club - home of the Scandanavian Masters
- Black Mountain Golf Club - premier course in Thailand
- Canadian Club Golf Course - a replication of a course in St George, Canada
- Österåkers Golf Club - premier course outside of Stockholm, Sweden
- West Maui Plantation - a replication of Maui’s most high-profile course
- Warwick Hills - one of the highest rated courses in Michigan.
Premium courses can easily be added to your library and include:
- Monterey Classic - a replication of a world famous Northern California course
- Old Scot - a replication of the oldest course in the world
- Whispering Dunes - a replication of the layout of a famous Midwestern course sculpted into the Lake Michigan Shoreline.
- Ponte Vedra - a replication of the layout of one of the game's most challenging, and infamous, venues
- Capitol Club - a replication of the layout of a prestigious course located near our nation's Capital.
- Royal St. Marks - a replication of the layout of a championship course located in Sandwhich, England.
- Atlanta Highlands - a replication of the layout of a legendary Southeastern US course, which has played host to many major championships.
- Cogs Corner - a replication of the layout of a top public golf course located in the Midwest.
- Jones Lake - a replication of the layout of a historic Atlanta area course, home to legendary golfer Bobby Jones.
- Melbourne Golf Club - a replication of the layout of the oldest course in Australia.
- Golden Gate Club - a replication of the layout of a prominent course located in the heart of San Francisco.
- Fylde Links - a replication of the layout of a championship course located in Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, England.
- Carolina Ocean Course - a replication of the layout of a famed course along the Atlantic Ocean.
- Windy City Club - a replication of the layout of a private course in West Chicago, host of 3 of the most renowned international golf events in history.
- Red Wickers - a replication of the layout of an iconic course on the Pennsylvania Main Line.
- Firth of Forth - a replication of the layout of Muirfield located in East Lothian, Scotland. Muirfield has hosted The Open Championship sixteen times, most recently in 2013.
We are constantly developing and releasing new courses and core updates are free to current users.
Dancin' Dogg Golf is not affiliated with The Golf Club Scottsdale, Torrey Pines Golf Courses, Big Mountain Golf Courses, Bethpage State Park Course, Black Mountain Golf Club, Barsebäck Golf & Country Club, Warwick Hills or Muirfield. The use of Golf Club Scottsdale, Torrey Pines, Big Horn, Bethpage, Black Mountain, Barsebäck Warwick Hills and Muirfield are registered trademarks of their respective owners; this site is for reference only and does not imply any connection or relationship between Dancin' Dogg Golf and these companies.
What statistics does OptiShot provide?
Accurate Swing Analysis
- Club head speed
- Face angle
- Swing path
- Toe/center/heel - Face contact
- Visual feedback of each shot
What is included for $399.95?
Inside the box:
- Infrared Optical Swing Pad
- OptiShot Software
- OptiShot 3DD Golf Software with Practice & Play Mode
- USB cable (10 ft.)
- Foam practice balls
- Adjustable rubber tees
- Digital Quick-start Guide
What about left-handed players?
OptiShot allows both R & L handed players to use the simulator at the same time, it is a per player setting.
How many players can use OptiShot at the same time?
OptiShot supports preferences and tracks shot information for up to 4 different players
How accurate is it?
OptiShot has been expertly tested under proper operating conditions to have club head speed accuracy of +/- 2.0 miles per hour. Face angle accuracy is within +/- 1.5 degrees and swing path within +/- 2.0 degrees. These accuracy standards compete favorably with launch monitors costing thousands of dollars. OptiShot is comparable to $50,000 simulators for not only its graphics - but also its accuracy.
How does putting work?
OptiShot allows you to putt the same way you would on the course and features an auto-putt option allowing you to focus on your irons and woods. OptShot also features a green speed control and color-coded putting green.
Is it durable?
Yes. We have optimized the base unit to take a beating. We have commercial installations using the product. (Even though it was not initially designed for commercial use.)
Is it possible to break a sensor?
We have done extensive durability testing. OptiShot is installed in commercial training facilities and has received thousands of really bad swings without breaking a sensor. If you somehow find a way to break a sensor the entire unit falls under our 180 day Limited Warranty. If there are any issues beyond that, we offer a replacement for the Optical Swing Pad, so you don't have to buy a whole new OptiShot.
Where are the infrared sensors located?
There are two rows of sensors. One row is behind the tee and one row is beyond the impact zone. They sit below the hitting mat and are protected by the mat and housing.
What is your Warranty policy?
180 Day Limited Warranty. Our return rate, for repairs, is less than 2%!
Can I use an official golf ball, or just the foam practice ball?
You can use real golf balls, practice balls, or no ball at all when using the simulator. The different types of golf balls have a small impact on the calculation of the club head speed but we account for that via a ball type selection made through the OptiShot software.
We provide foam balls with the product so that you can use it right away even if you don't have a net to hit into. If you have a hitting net and an area that you can practice with real balls, this is a great way to use the OptiShot.
Can I use my own clubs?
You can truly use your whole bag with OptiShot (from Driver to Putter).
Are woods as accurate as irons?
While iron designs have remained consistent throughout the years and are fine tuned for OptiShot, woods are always changing. Inconsistent club head material, size and shape of standard woods have made it difficult to engineer a simulator fine-tuned with precise shot analysis. Therefore, we have engineered the ultimate driver for OptiShot, the OptiStix Simulation Driver.
Do I have to buy a mat?
No. The mat provides a level hitting surface. You can build up your stance to be level with the Optical Swing Pad in a multitude of ways.
Do I need to use tape on my clubs?
No. OptiShot has been tested to work well with standard irons and most drivers. Reflective tape solutions are messy, error prone, inaccurate, and virtually render your golf club unusable for normal play. For those reasons, we never recommend this method.
How much room do I need to use OptiShot?
You need to be able to safely swing a golf club. All of that depends on your height, the steepness of your swing and the length of the golf club. You should try taking some swings with a shaft or a stick the length of the club you intend to use to see if a space is suitable.
In order to setup a practice area where you can take full swings into a net with your longest clubs and have the best experience, we recommend an area 10' x 10' with 8.5' ceilings.
What if I don’t have enough room to swing a driver but space for irons?
OptiShot features a Par 3 Tee feature which is available on all the courses in the OptiShot library. This feature is particularly great for confined spaces.
Do I have to use the rubber tee?
You can hit the ball off the grass pad or use the tee.
Is the ball attached to the unit?
The ball is not attached to the unit. The unit tracks the club head so technically you do not need a ball at all. We ship with a soft foam practice ball that you can hit into anything that it will not bounce off.
If I already own a Dancin' Dogg how can I upgrade to OptiShot 2010?
OptiShot features an automatic update feature (internet connection required) which notifies you of any new updates. If you already own an OptiShot then you can also download the new OptiShot 2010 release from our website. If you own an earlier Shot Making Simulator then you need to purchase the upgrade from our online store.
