Simulator Room Acoustics at Warrnambool Golf Club

The Challenge

When the Warrnambool Golf Club decided to expand its facilities with a new specialty simulator room, the team envisioned a premium environment where members and guests could enjoy state-of-the-art golfing technology in comfort. However, as with many new builds, acoustics weren’t front of mind during construction.

The new room was built with hard surfaces, high ceilings and minimal soft furnishings. While this created a sleek and modern look, it also introduced a significant acoustic challenge. The space quickly revealed itself to be a loud hall environment. Sound bounced freely between walls and ceiling, creating a long reverberation time. Members immediately noticed the issue. Conversations became difficult, simulator instructions were muffled and the overall experience felt chaotic. The problem was not just inconvenience—it risked undermining the premium positioning of the club’s new facility. The golf club management quickly realised that to protect their investment and create the right environment, they needed a professional acoustic solution tailored to the space.

The Solution

SoundFix Acoustics was engaged to carry out a full acoustic assessment of the new specialty room. Using professional measurement equipment and adhering to AS/NZS 2107:2016 acoustic standards, the reverberation times were analysed across key frequency bands. The data confirmed the members’ experience: reverberation levels were far above acceptable levels for hospitality acoustics. For a specialty simulator room designed for instruction, leisure, and gatherings, the reverberation needed to be reduced to within 0.6 to 0.8 seconds at mid-band frequencies. To achieve this, SoundFix designed a solution using high-performance ceiling acoustic panels and wall panels. Unlike thin decorative polyester, which provide minimal absorption, these panels were engineered for professional echo reduction and broad-spectrum sound absorption.

Key elements of the solution included:

Installing a calculated percentage of ceiling coverage to absorb reflections.

Using 50 mm specialty ceiling acoustic panels tuned for speech intelligibility.

Ensuring panels blended into the architecture, maintaining the sleek golf club aesthetic.

Creating a layout that targeted the most reflective surfaces while leaving the space open and uncluttered.

This solution offered maximum noise control with minimal disruption to the design of the room.

The Installation

The installation was carefully planned to minimise disruption to the golf club’s operations. The SoundFix Acoustics team coordinated directly with the club’s management to ensure a smooth process.

In just one day, the ceiling acoustic panels were installed across the specialty room. The panels were strategically placed, ensuring the most effective balance between performance and coverage.

The panels were fitted seamlessly into the ceiling grid, appearing as part of the architecture rather than an afterthought. This was important for the club, where presentation and atmosphere are as vital as functionality.

By covering the most reflective ceiling zones, the design delivered maximum noise control while blending seamlessly into the architecture.

The Outcome

For hospitality venues, clubs, and leisure facilities, acoustics are not optional—they are essential. A space may look beautiful, but if it sounds harsh and chaotic, it undermines the entire experience.

At Warrnambool Golf Club, this project proved how acoustic solutions elevate spaces:

Better member experience – conversations flow easily and people feel relaxed.

Improved functionality – simulator instructions are heard clearly, improving training and enjoyment.

Enhanced value – the room delivers on its promise of premium hospitality acoustics.

Futureproofing – the investment in professional noise solutions ensures the space remains comfortable no matter how busy it becomes.

This dramatic reduction in reverberation time transformed the specialty room. Instead of a loud hall, the club now has a refined, acoustically balanced space where members can enjoy the simulator, gather for lessons and socialise without strain.

Before-and-After Acoustic Results

The results were immediate and measurable.

Before installation:

• 500 Hz: 0.69

• 1K Hz: 0.79

Average Reverberation Time (RT60): 0.67
Sound bounced across the room, creating a loud, echo-filled environment

After installation:

• 500 Hz: 33% Reduction

• 1K Hz: 38% Reduction

This shows a dramatic echo reduction where it matters most for clarity of speech and communication — making the space far more comfortable and functional.

The reverberation time dropped to 0.47 seconds—a 36% reduction. Sound now decays almost twice as fast, allowing residents to hear and be heard without strain.

Is your club or venue dealing with hospitality acoustics challenges? Whether it’s a specialty room, loud hall, or a busy hospitality space, SoundFix Acoustics delivers proven acoustic solutions with measurable results.

📞 Contact SoundFix today for professional advice and expert installation, to find out how noise solutions like ceiling acoustic panels can transform your space.