A Beginner's Guide to Simulator Golf

Never played golf indoors?

Good.

You don't need to know anything before walking into a simulator bay.

The basic experience is surprisingly simple.

You hit a real golf ball with a real golf club.

Sensors measure what happens at impact and the simulator recreates the resulting shot on the screen.

Drive it 250 yards and you'll watch the ball travel down a virtual fairway.

Miss it badly and, unfortunately, technology is equally capable of showing that.

What should you bring?

If you own clubs, bring them.

If equipment is available at the venue, beginners may not need anything beyond comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes.

Can beginners play?

Absolutely.

In some ways, indoor golf is less intimidating than learning on a crowded golf course.

There is no group waiting impatiently on the tee behind you.

No searching through the woods for a golf ball.

No worrying about course etiquette before you understand the game.

You can simply swing.

How does putting work?

Simulator systems handle putting differently, but generally the player hits toward the screen and the system measures direction and speed.

Do you need a handicap?

No.

Groups can adjust settings and formats to make competition enjoyable for different ability levels.

Is it only for serious golfers?

Not remotely.

Some people use simulators for highly technical practice.

Others play eighteen holes with friends and barely look at the numbers.

That's part of the appeal.

Indoor golf can be training, competition, entertainment or all three in the same evening.

Your first round doesn't need to be good.

It just needs a first swing.