The Simulator Golf Tour (SGT) has rapidly gained popularity as the premier virtual golfing tour, offering a unique and immersive golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
In this detailed article I’ll explore What Is Simulator Golf Tour, the various aspects of SGT, including the sign-up process, how the tour works, calculating your handicap, earning points, the ranking system, and the supportive community on Discord.
What is Simulator Golf Tour?
The Simulator Golf Tour (SGT) is a global online community that organizes golf tournaments for players using their golf simulator software.
Members can compete against golfers from around the world and follow a schedule similar to the PGA Tour.
To participate, individuals need to create an SGT account, obtain a GSPro ID, pay a membership fee of $80 for one year, and register for tournaments.
How to Sign Up for the Simulator Golf Tour
Signing up for the Simulator Golf Tour is a straightforward process. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit the official website at simulatorgolftour.com.
- Create an SGT account using the SIGN UP page.
- Purchase GSPro (if you don’t already own it) from gsprogolf.com.
- After registration, your username and GSPro ID will be used within GSPro to compete in tournaments.
- Your GSPro ID and username are visible on your MYPROFILE page.
- Join the Simulator Golf Tour group on Discord by creating an account and then joining the group.
- Pay the membership fee for one year of access to the Simulator Golf Tour by logging into your account and visiting the MY PROFILE page. Use the PayPal button to pay the membership dues.
- Register for SGT tournaments and start competing!
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll officially be a member of the Simulator Golf Tour. Now you can start exploring the features and participating in tournaments to test your golfing skills.
Calculating Handicap
Q School
In the Simulator Golf Tour (SGT), the Qualifying School, or Q-School, is a crucial event for players looking to establish their tour handicap and gain access to the SGT tours.
During Q-School, players compete in a series of rounds to determine their initial tour handicap, which is used to place them in the appropriate tour based on their skill level.
The Q-School rounds are typically the first step for new players to gain entry into the SGT competitive structure and are essential for existing players to maintain or adjust their tour handicap.
Upon completing the Q-School rounds, players are assigned a simulated golf tour handicap, which determines their eligibility for different SGT tours and events.
This process ensures that players are placed in tours that align with their skill level, providing a fair and competitive environment for all participants.
Ongoing Handicap Calculation
Every Tour will maintain its independent handicap system, ensuring that handicaps are monitored distinctly for each tour.
Within the three primary tours (WEB/SGT/PRO), there exists a unified handicap known as COMBO.
This comprehensive handicap is constructed by incorporating all rounds played across any of these three tours. The following outlines the steps involved in computing your handicaps:
- Your gross score for each hole is rounded down via Double Bogey ESC (equitable stroke control). That means a double bogey is the highest score that will count towards your handicap per hole.
- After each round the handicap is updated using the formula Handicap Differential = (Round Adjusted Gross Score – Course Rating) X 120/Slope Rating. Course and Slope ratings for each round are calculated on by the tee length and course difficulty.
- They then select the lowest handicap differentials to use dependent on how many rounds have been played.
- The average of the lowest handicap differentials, is multiplied by 96%, then rounded off the decimals, and that becomes your current tour handicap.
Understanding How the Tour Works
The Simulator Golf Tour operates through a system of different tours, each offering unique opportunities for players to compete and progress. Let’s take a closer look at how each tour works:
Different Tours (Web Tour, SGT Tour, Pro Tour)
The Simulator Golf Tour consists of various tours that cater to different skill levels and provide distinct experiences for golfers. Here are the three main tours:
| Tour | Description | Restrictions | Tees |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEB | For players driving the ball shorter than 250 yards. | If a player shoots better than or equal to -2 and meets specific ball speed criteria, their scores will be voided. | Around 6000 yards |
| SGT | For players comfortable with driving the ball over 250 yards | If your handicap reaches a -7 or better, you will no longer be able to play SGT Tour | Around 6500 yards |
| PRO | Highest level of competition. | None | Around 6600 yards |
WEB Tour
- Description: Designed for players who drive the ball shorter than 250 yards and/or are starting SIM golf. It is a stepping stone for shorter hitters, and players are encouraged to use irons off the tee.
- Restrictions: Players scoring -2 or better, hitting two or more shots over 145 Ball Speed in a round, or five or more such shots in a season on any other tour will have their scores voided that week.
- Tees: The tees are set around 6,000 yards
SGT Tour
- Description: The SGT Tour is the next step up in competition from the WEB Tour. It is open to players comfortable with their game and driving the ball over 250 yards. The tour follows the schedule of the professional golf tour and is mostly played on the best courses on GSPro.
- Restrictions: Once your handicap (HCP) attains -7 or lower, participation in SGT Tour events will be restricted, limiting you to exclusively partake in PRO Tour events. Other handicaps are still permissible within this tour.
- Tees: The tees are set around 6,500 yards
Pro Tour
- Description: The PRO Tour is the highest level of competition in the SGT. It is open to all players with no specific restrictions.
- Restrictions: There are no specific restrictions for participating in the PRO Tour2.
- Tees: The tees can vary based on the specific course being played
There is also a few specified tours below:
- Autoputt Tour: This tour follows the same format as the aforementioned SGT Tour but excludes putting. Instead, a fixed putting number is assigned per hole, determined by the proximity to the hole after hitting the green. Within 10 feet, it’s counted as one putt; within 40 feet, two putts; and outside 40 feet, three putts
- Par 3 Course: This tour plays only the par 3 holes for the course selected for the week.
- Scramble Tour: A tour using two-man scramble teams.
- Blitz Events: The Blitz is a pay-to-participate competition usually scheduled for Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, adjusting based on demand. It involves a 9-hole or 18-hole scramble format.
- The Dogfight Tour: is tour with a real money and weekly cash prize payouts.
Earning Points and The Ranking System
The Simulator Golf Tour (SGT) awards World Golf Ranking (WGR) points to players based on their performance in eligible tournaments. Each tour that is eligible for WGR standings has its own table for awarding WGR points. For example, the PRO TOUR awards WGR points as follows:
- 1st place: 160.000 (REG), 200.000 (MAJOR)
- 2nd place: 80.000 (REG), 100.000 (MAJOR)
- 3rd place: 53.333 (REG), 66.667 (MAJOR)
The WGR points earned contribute to a player’s WGR standing and reflect their performance in the respective tours. These points are an important aspect of competitive golf, allowing players to track their progress and compare their performance on a global scale.
Social Community
The Simulator Golf Tour provides a social community for golfers to connect and engage with fellow players. This community-building aspect enhances the overall experience of participating in the tour. As a member of the Simulator Golf Tour, you’ll have access to a vibrant community of golf enthusiasts who share your passion for the game.
Discord
The SGT community is primarily run through Discord. Members need to create an account on Discord and join the SGT group to participate in the tour and interact with other members.
The community provides immediate help from members worldwide and facilitates tournament registration and competition. Additionally, SGT Squads allows a group of friends, whether online or local, to form a squad and compete together in SGT events.
The community is known for being active, helpful, and organized, making it a valuable resource for indoor golfers looking to participate in competitive tours or connect with like-minded individuals
Benefits
Being part of the Simulator Golf Tour’s community comes with numerous benefits:
- Networking opportunities: Connect with golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players, and expand your network within the golfing community.
- Learning and improvement: Engage in discussions, exchange strategies, and learn from experienced players to enhance your skills and elevate your game.
- Friendly competition: Participate in friendly matches, challenge fellow players, and measure your progress against a diverse range of opponents.
- Community support: Receive encouragement, support, and motivation from like-minded golfers who understand the joys and challenges of the game.
Joining the Simulator Golf Tour not only gives you the opportunity to compete in virtual golf tournaments but also connects you with a community that shares your passion. Together, you can celebrate victories, overcome obstacles, and forge lifelong connections.
Conclusion
Participating in Simulator Golf Tour offers an enjoyable experience that most amateur golfers never have the opportunity to try. The tour provides a platform for golf enthusiasts to compete in PGA-like events, allowing them to experience the thrill and excitement of high-stakes competition.
The sense of achievement and the opportunity to measure one’s skills against others can be incredibly rewarding.
The Simulator Golf Tour offers a unique and exciting opportunity for amateur golfers to hone their skills by competing against fellow enthusiasts globally. Using competition as both a motivational tool, and a barometer of their skills against their peers.
With no risks involved and only potential gains on the horizon, why not sign up for the tour today?
FAQ
What is Simulator Golf Tour?
Simulator Golf Tour is a virtual golf tournament platform that allows golfers to compete in tournaments from the comfort of their own homes using advanced golf simulator technology.
What are the features of the Simulator Golf Tour?
The Simulator Golf Tour offers realistic golf simulations, online tournaments, and eliminates the need to travel to physical golf courses. It provides opportunities for golfers of all skill levels to join competitive tournaments and connect with a community of players.
How can I sign up for the Simulator Golf Tour?
Signing up for the Simulator Golf Tour is a straightforward process. You can visit the official website and follow the registration instructions to create an account.
How does the tour work?
The Simulator Golf Tour operates through a system of different tours, including the Web Tour, PGA Tour, and Pro Tour. Players compete in tournaments within these tours, earning points based on their performance. The ranking system determines the players’ positions in the tour standings.
How do I compete in tournaments?
To compete in tournaments, players need to participate in the designated tournament rounds within their chosen tour. They can compete against other players’ scores, aiming for the best possible performance to earn higher rankings.
How do I earn points and navigate the ranking system?
Points are earned based on tournament results, with higher finishes resulting in more points. The ranking system determines players’ positions in the tour standings, which are regularly updated to reflect their performances.
Is there a social community associated with the Simulator Golf Tour?
Yes, there is a social community for golfers to connect and engage with fellow players. The community-building aspect enhances the overall experience of participating in the tour, allowing players to share their experiences and engage in friendly competition.
What is the Discord community for the Simulator Golf Tour?
The Discord community for the Simulator Golf Tour is a platform where players can interact, join discussions, and stay updated on the latest news and events related to the tour.
What are the benefits of joining the Simulator Golf Tour?
By joining the Simulator Golf Tour, golfers can enjoy the thrill of tournament play, improve their skills, and connect with a community of like-minded players. It provides a unique opportunity to participate in competitive tournaments from the comfort of their own homes.
How does the Simulator Golf Tour enhance my golfing experience?
The Simulator Golf Tour utilizes advanced golf simulator technology to provide a realistic and immersive golfing experience. It allows players to enjoy competitive tournaments, improve their skills, and connect with a community of golf enthusiasts.
How can I improve my skills through the Simulator Golf Tour?
By participating in tournaments and competing against other players, the Simulator Golf Tour provides the opportunity to refine your golfing skills and learn from other talented golfers. Additionally, the social community allows for exchanging tips, advice, and strategies.
Is the Simulator Golf Tour suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, the Simulator Golf Tour welcomes golfers of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or just starting out, you can participate in tournaments that align with your skill level and progress through the different tours.
How can I hone my skills at home with the Simulator Golf Tour?
The Simulator Golf Tour allows you to practice and play golf from the comfort of your own home. With the advanced golf simulator technology, you can work on your swing, improve your accuracy, and simulate real-life golfing scenarios.
How do I join the Simulator Golf Tour?
To join the Simulator Golf Tour, you can visit the official website and follow the registration instructions to create an account. Once you have registered, you can start participating in tournaments and enjoying the virtual golfing experience.
Jeff Ross
Hi, I'm Jeff Ross, and my golfing journey began over 25 years ago, marked by a shaky swing and more slices than I'd like to admit. Despite the initial challenges, my profound love for the game took root, and I realized that golf had a hold on me—an enduring grip that pushed me to improve daily. Today, with half my life still ahead, I remain committed to this beautiful game, viewing each mulligan and unexpected success as a chapter in a larger narrative of growth. Eager to share my passion for golf, I'm driven by a desire to assist others on their own journeys. Together, let's explore new skills, embrace evolving technology, and delve into teachings that propel us forward while maintaining an unwavering passion for this beautiful game.
