【BenQ Celebrates 21 Years】 Guiding Golfers to Great Indoor Experiences During the Pandemic

Back in the fall of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was at its height worldwide and particularly intense in the United States. As a result of strict local regulations across the nation, golf courses were shut down and golf fans were not able to enjoy their pastime, even with weather permitting.

Thus, the demand for a virtual golfing experience skyrocketed. Golf simulator provider TrackMan Golf of San Diego soon experienced a 50% rise in sales to home users, which was quite remarkable. Golf simulators bring the golfing experience from the big outdoors to the comfortable indoors while maintaining a high degree of realism. Golfers of all levels get to enjoy the game and work on their skills without having to go outside. During the pandemic, this proved extremely helpful to many golfers, providing a morale boost while also helping players stay in form.

Arguably the most important part of a golf simulator setup is the projector, which is where BenQ comes in.

When setting up a golf simulator at home in a dedicated room or space, finding the most suitable projector presents a challenge. A lot of factors that require precise calculations and measurements go into this, including the size of the space, the size of the screen, the location of the projector relative to the screen, and much more. Additionally, projector specifications are vital when figuring out what’s needed for a great golf sim experience. Brightness, resolution, and throw ratio are just a few of the features buyers need to consider.

All of this makes for a daunting first impression, which often frustrates golfers, especially those considering their first home golf sim. Many feel like they’re on their own with no one to provide guidance, with one notable case being that of Mr. S. Moving to a new home in the midst of the pandemic, Mr. S wanted to build a golf simulator room in his new house but was having trouble finding the right components, especially with regards to the projector. Looking on the internet, the first thing that grabbed his attention on YouTube were videos introducing BenQ projectors for home golf sim setups, and Mr. S found these very helpful and appealing.

He then proceeded to do more research online, visiting golfing forums and checking social media. Mr. S found plenty of threads and discussions about BenQ projectors and concluded that BenQ must be a brand he should look into. He then went on the official BenQ golf sim site to get more information.

BenQ has the expertise needed to alleviate the concerns of DIY golfers like Mr. S, as we’ve been in the segment for quite some time and have dedicated teams with complete knowledge of what it takes to set up the perfect home golf simulator.

BenQ USA began a project to address the rising demand for home golf simulators, not just as a business opportunity, but as a way to help people during a difficult time. With lockdowns at their height in many parts of the world and the US, people like Mr. S were understandably looking for happiness where they could find it in rather depressing times. For golfers, being away from their hobby was torture, and a home golf sim could go a long way towards relieving that suffering. All they needed was someone to guide them through the process. We may think of home golf sims as a luxury, but in difficult periods of life, entertainment makes a huge difference and gives people the strength to carry on.

The new approach by BenQ USA involves personal contact with golf sim fans via email, phone, or chat. An entire e-commerce team was established, dedicated to understanding the needs of home golf sim buyers and helping them make the right projector buying choice. The team helps people regardless of whether they buy something or not, and of course at no charge.

Mr. S eventually got in touch with the support team after several visits to BenQ. He was still not sure which projector to get, and so needed further help. Feeling frustrated with himself, Mr. S was very happy to have professional guidance and someone to talk to who understood his passion for home golf simulators and just how important a hobby was for mental well-being during times like the pandemic. Our support staff considered all of Mr. S’s needs and recommended the BenQ LK936ST, which Mr. S indeed purchased and found perfect once installed at his home.

While of course, our ultimate goal is to sell our products, in cases like that of Mr. S the primary intention is to help people. And indeed, the personal approach works, as does helping people. By the end of 2021, the BenQ LK936ST 4K projector was the best-selling model in the US for home golf simulators. Checking golfing forums, praise for BenQ’s willingness to provide pre-sales support and advice was frequent and elaborate. Golfers like Mr. S were appreciative of the guidance BenQ offered them during their home golf simulator journey.

For everyone involved, the importance of reaching out to potential customers with a genuine desire to help became very obvious. Even if the entire purchase journey is digital, with no in-person interaction, the passion and commitment of BenQ team members do not diminish. We are dedicated to having a deep understanding of customer needs, providing guidance and care, and delivering unmatched value.

BenQ has won over many golfers and has gained lifelong customers that will continue to work with us long after the pandemic is a distant memory. And for that, we are grateful.