Efficient, realistic and surprisingly fun: Daan Huizing on training with TrackMan

Daan Huizing is a well-known Dutch professional golfer who has been competing on the international circuit for many years. Born in Zwolle and turning professional in 2012, he is known for his technically sound game, strong putting and genuine love for golf. He made an early breakthrough with wins at the Northern Ireland Open Challenge and the Kharkov Superior Cup. This season, Huizing is playing on the HotelPlanner Tour.

Efficient, realistic and surprisingly fun: Daan Huizing on training with TrackMan

Indoor training has become a valuable addition to Daan’s routine. While he had previously worked briefly with different simulators, it was during sessions at Ruff Utrecht that he really noticed how much indoor golf has evolved in recent years.

“The TrackMan hanging from the ceiling picks everything up incredibly quickly – especially direction,” says Daan. “You see the ball launch and the line just makes sense. If you pull it slightly or cut it, you feel it and you see it straight away. It matches very closely with what you’d expect outdoors.”

Maximum focus
Daan already knew TrackMan delivers strong data, but he was particularly impressed by how seamlessly everything comes together. “You’re straight into it. The comfortable indoor temperature helps too – no distractions – and you can easily switch between focused practice and playing modes. You get into the zone very quickly.”

During practice, he mainly looks at club speed and ball speed, supported by carry, side, spin and the relationship between club path and club face. “Once you see path and face, you basically know what’s going on. Especially when you combine that with impact video. You try something in your swing and immediately see what it does to the ball flight. That makes every shot count.” Together with his coach, he uses the data to fine-tune technical changes. “That instant feedback is huge. There’s no guessing – you can literally see it happen.”

Purposeful practice, without the hassle
For Daan, efficiency is one of the biggest advantages of indoor training. “Every ball gives you feedback. You’re not walking around, picking up balls or cleaning clubs. In a short space of time, you can do a lot of high-quality work.”

The simulator also allows you to practise situations that are difficult to recreate outdoors. “Take tough tee shots. On Wentworth, for example, hole 17 calls for a draw. Indoors, you can practise that exact shot over and over without having to play the whole hole first. That makes practice far more targeted.”

Mentally, he sees benefits too. “You build a picture of those situations. I’m curious to see how that fully transfers outdoors, but it already feels like you stand over the ball with more confidence.”

An honest picture of your game
Daan is realistic about the limitations. “Pitching and wedge shots are different off a mat. Ball speed can be a bit higher and spin a bit lower, so the ball tends to fly slightly further.” Still, he doesn’t see that as a major issue. “It’s consistent. Everything goes proportionally further, so you can still practise shots and attack tricky pins properly.”

He especially values the ability to practise demanding scenarios. “Tucked pins left or right, bunkers, awkward greens. Which shot do you choose? You can set all of that up easily and repeat it.”

Big benefits for club golfers
According to Daan, recreational golfers in particular have a lot to gain. “The quick feedback, impact video, club path and face make things very clear. You immediately see where you strike the ball and how that affects the flight.”

He also highlights gapping, distance control and course management. “You can quickly check whether your distances are right and if your set is properly dialled in. And in an hour, you can cover so much. Just turn up in your everyday wear, grab a drink and play. That makes it accessible and fun.”

Just give it a go
For golfers who haven’t tried indoor golf yet, his advice is simple: “Just go and experience it. Play a course, spend time on the range or bring your coach along. See what it’s like to have a lesson with this kind of data.”

And not unimportant: “In winter, you can play indoors in a T-shirt. No cold hands, no muddy gear. That helps as well.”

For Daan, indoor training doesn’t replace playing outside, but it is a logical part of modern practice. “It’s efficient, realistic and allows you to improve in a very focused way. That’s what makes it so valuable.”

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