If you’ve never tried indoor golf before, it’s totally normal to feel a little weird about it.
Maybe you’re thinking: Do I need to be good? Do I bring clubs? Is it like an arcade game? Am I going to look ridiculous swinging in a room while a screen judges me?
Well, here’s the truth: indoor golf is one of the easiest, lowest-pressure ways to start playing golf. It’s private, beginner-friendly, and way more “show up and have fun” than most people expect. You can practice, play a virtual round, grab food and drinks at some spots, and still be home at a reasonable hour.
This guide walks you through what it’s actually like: what happens when you arrive, what to bring, how the simulators work, and how to find a spot near you that fits what you’re looking for.
What is Indoor Golf?
Indoor golf is real golf, just…indoors.
You hit real golf balls with real clubs into a net or impact screen. A simulator tracks your shot (ball speed, launch angle, spin, direction) and shows the result on a screen. You can play famous courses, hit balls on a driving range mode, practice wedges, or even do putting depending on the setup.
It’s not a video game. If you slice it indoors, you’ll slice it outdoors too. The difference is: you get feedback instantly and you don’t lose balls.
What Happens When You Arrive?
Most first-time visits go like this:
-
You check in
Some places have a front desk, some use online check-in, and some have a simple kiosk setup. -
They assign you a bay
A “bay” is basically your private hitting area. Think: bowling lane meets a mini golf studio. -
Someone shows you the basics
If you tell them it’s your first time, they’ll usually help you pick a mode (practice or course), show you how to set the tee height, and explain how the scoring works. Many places have a tutorial on their website too. -
You start swinging
You’ll pick a course or range mode and you’re off. Most places book in blocks like 30 minutes or 1 hour.
Pro tip: if you’re with friends, don’t stress about taking it too seriously or finishing 18 holes. For your first time, it’s way more fun to hit shots, laugh at the occasional shank, and get comfortable.
What Should You Bring?
You don’t need much.
Bring this:
- Comfortable clothes: athletic wear is fine
- Regular sneakers: most places don’t require golf shoes (if you do bring them, metal spikes are usually forbidden)
- A glove (optional): if you normally use one, bring one. They do help with blisters though!
Bring clubs if you want, but you don’t have to
A lot of indoor golf places have rental clubs or sets to borrow (we note that in our listings!). If you do bring your own, even better, but make sure they’re clean. If you don’t own clubs yet, that’s fine too.
You probably don’t need:
- “Golf attire” - leave that for the stuffy country clubs
- A full bag with 14 clubs
- Anything fancy
Indoor golf tends to be a lot more relaxed than a course or even some driving ranges.
Do I Need To Be Good at Golf?
Nope. In fact, indoor golf is a great place to be a beginner.
Here’s why beginners usually like it:
- You’re not holding anyone up behind you
- You can take your time
- You can practice the same shot over and over
- You get quick feedback without having to guess what went wrong
It’s also a lot easier to learn when you’re not battling wind, uneven lies, and the pressure of strangers watching you.
Will I Embarrass Myself?
This is the #1 fear, and we get it.
Most bays are private or semi-private. People aren’t standing behind you like they would on a real course or a driving range. And honestly, everyone is focused on their own game anyway. Indoor golf is one of the least judgmental “sports environments” you’ll find.
Also: everyone hits bad shots in a simulator, even good golfers! The screen just makes it more obvious…and usually funnier. At least you don’t have to dig through the bushes for lost balls.
Indoor Golf vs Outdoor Golf: What’s Actually Better?
They’re different, and that’s why indoor golf works so well.
Indoor golf wins on convenience:
- Play regardless of weather: rain, snow, heat, wind… doesn’t matter
- Play after work: many places are open late or 24/7
- Shorter experience: you can play a full round in 60–90 minutes
- Instant feedback: you see shot data right away
Outdoor golf still wins on:
- Real turf interaction
- Course management decisions
- The overall “golf day” experience
For beginners though: indoor golf is often a better starting point because it removes a lot of stress and pressure
What Can You Do At An Indoor Golf Facility?
Different places specialize in different things, but most offer some mix of the following:
1) Open play (just hit balls or play a course)
This is the most common. You can play solo, with friends, or even with the kids.
2) Practice mode
Want to work on irons? Wedges? Driver? Simulators make this easy.
3) Lessons
If you’re a true beginner, one lesson indoors can speed up your progress a lot because the coach can see your numbers and your swing immediately.
4) Leagues
Indoor leagues are huge during fall/winter. If you’ve ever wanted to play golf socially without the full commitment of outdoor rounds, leagues are a great way to do it.
5) Food and drinks (at some locations)
A lot of indoor golf spots are built to be social. Some feel more like a training studio, others feel more like a sports bar with golf bays.
Pro Tip: Golf Indoor Near Me gives you all of this information for every one of our listings. Hit the filter to quickly find what you need on each page.
How Realistic Are Golf Simulators?
Modern simulators are surprisingly legit. Most track:
- Ball speed
- Launch angle
- Spin
- Direction
- Distance (carry and total)
The best ones feel extremely realistic, especially for full swings. Putting varies more from venue to venue, and “rough/sand” depends on the software and settings.
For a beginner, it’s more than realistic enough. The main point is: you’re practicing your real swing, with real clubs, and you can see what your ball is doing right away.
How Much Does Indoor Golf Cost?
Prices vary a lot by city and by facility style. Most charge:
- Per hour per bay (most common, on average $20 to $60 an hour)
- Memberships (on average $200/month, but pays for itself if you go regularly enough)
- Lesson packages (varies)
If you’re going with friends, splitting a bay often makes it feel very reasonable compared to a full outdoor round.
How To Find Indoor Golf Near You
If you Google “indoor golf near me” or “golf simulator near me,” you’ll usually get a mix of:
- serious training studios
- entertainment spots
- golf academies
- bars with simulators
When you’re choosing a place for your first time, look for:
- clear booking options (online scheduling helps)
- beginner-friendly wording on the website
- whether they offer rentals or clubs to borrow
- whether it’s a training-focused spot or a social spot
- hours that work with your schedule
If you want to compare options quickly, a dedicated indoor golf directory can help you filter by what matters: lessons, leagues, food/drinks, rentals, and more - that’s where Golf Indoor Near Me shines, but we might be biased.
Is Indoor Golf Worth it For Beginners?
Yes. If you’re curious about golf, indoor golf is one of the best ways to get started without the pressure of a course.
Indoor golf is especially good for:
- people trying golf for the first time
- busy schedules (after-work sessions)
- cold or rainy weather areas
- anyone who wants a lower-pressure environment
- golfers who want feedback and improvement
Quick FAQ: Indoor Golf For First-timers
Do I need clubs?
No. Many places have rentals.
What should I wear?
Anything comfortable. Sneakers are usually fine.
Can I go alone?
Yes. Solo indoor golf sessions are common.
How long should I book?
For a first time: 60 minutes is usually perfect.
Is indoor golf good for learning?
Yes. It’s one of the fastest ways to improve because you get instant feedback.
Your first indoor golf session doesn’t need to be a “serious” golf thing. Book a bay, bring a friend if you want, hit some shots, and get a feel for it. Grab some drinks and some food and make it a night out. Most people walk out thinking, “Wow…I need to do this more often!”
If you’re ready to try it, start by finding an indoor golf spot near you, pick a time that works, and don’t overthink it. The whole point is: golf, made easier.