Frequently Asked Questions

Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows a full range of motion. Most importantly, bring clean, flat-soled shoes or golf shoes - many venues require indoor footwear to protect their turf and screens. Avoid boots, heels, or dirty outdoor shoes. Some venues provide shoe covers if needed.

Most golf simulator venues provide a full set of clubs for guests to use at no extra charge. However, if you have your own clubs and want to practice with them or get accurate data for club fitting purposes, you're welcome to bring them. Just make sure they're clean to protect the simulator equipment.

Absolutely! Golf simulators are perfect for beginners. They provide a pressure-free environment to learn the basics, instant feedback on your swing, and many venues offer lessons specifically designed for new golfers. The technology helps you understand what you're doing right and wrong without the intimidation of a busy driving range.

For beginners, entertainment-focused systems offer the best experience. Toptracer (at Topgolf venues) provides fun target games that make learning enjoyable without overwhelming data. X-Golf offers a relaxed sports bar atmosphere with intuitive technology. Golfzon's immersive moving platform makes it feel like real golf while being forgiving for new players. These systems prioritize fun and accessibility over tour-level precision. As you develop your skills, you can graduate to venues with TrackMan or GCQuad for more detailed swing analysis.

Most venues offer online booking through their website, though some accept phone reservations or walk-ins. We recommend booking in advance, especially for peak times like evenings and weekends. Check each venue's listing for their specific booking options and contact information.

Prices typically range from $30-80 per hour depending on the venue, technology, and time of day. Premium technology like TrackMan tends to cost more than other systems. Many venues offer off-peak discounts, membership packages, or group rates that can significantly reduce the per-session cost.

If you plan to play regularly (2+ times per week), memberships often provide significant savings - sometimes 30-50% off hourly rates. Many memberships also include perks like priority booking, guest passes, and discounts on lessons or merchandise. Calculate your expected usage to determine if a membership makes sense for you.

The hourly rate typically covers simulator time for your group. Additional costs may include food and beverages, professional lessons, club rentals (rare), or premium game modes. Most venues are transparent about pricing, but it's always good to confirm what's included when booking.

Most simulator bays comfortably accommodate 4-6 players, making it a cost-effective group activity. When you split the hourly rate among friends, the per-person cost becomes very reasonable. Some venues may have maximum occupancy limits for safety reasons.

Modern premium simulators like TrackMan and GCQuad are remarkably accurate - within 1-2 yards for carry distance and 1-2 degrees for launch angle. These are the same systems used by PGA Tour professionals. Budget systems may have slightly less precision but still provide valuable feedback for practice and entertainment.

There are several major simulator technologies, each with unique strengths. TrackMan uses dual radar and is the tour professional standard. GCQuad uses high-speed cameras for exceptional club and impact data, making it ideal for club fitting. Full Swing combines infrared and radar for great graphics - it's Tiger Woods' choice. Uneekor uses overhead cameras for accurate tracking at a more accessible price. Golfzon features a moving platform that tilts to simulate slopes. Toptracer powers Topgolf venues with camera-based ball tracking for entertainment. X-Golf operates franchise venues with hybrid tracking in a sports bar atmosphere. Other systems like SkyTrak, FlightScope, and Mevo+ offer various balances of accuracy and price. Check our Technology Guide for detailed comparisons.

For beginners, entertainment-focused systems are often the best choice. Toptracer (found at Topgolf venues) offers interactive games that make learning fun without overwhelming you with data. X-Golf provides a comfortable sports bar atmosphere with straightforward technology. Golfzon's immersive experience with moving platforms makes it feel like real golf. These systems focus on enjoyment while still providing helpful feedback. As you progress, you might seek out venues with TrackMan or GCQuad for more detailed swing analysis.

Golfzon simulators feature a patented moving platform that tilts up to 4 degrees to simulate uphill, downhill, and sidehill lies - just like on a real golf course. When your ball lands on a slope, the platform adjusts before your next shot, forcing you to adapt your stance and swing. This creates a more realistic and immersive experience than flat-surface simulators. With 240+ licensed courses, Golfzon is especially popular for golfers who want the closest experience to playing actual rounds.

Toptracer is the technology, and Topgolf is the venue that uses it. Toptracer uses high-speed cameras to track your ball flight in real-time - you may have seen it on TV broadcasts showing shot trajectories. Topgolf venues feature heated bays, interactive target games, full food and bar service, and a social atmosphere. While Toptracer focuses on entertainment rather than tour-level precision, it provides instant feedback and makes practice engaging for all skill levels. Some driving ranges also use Toptracer technology without being full Topgolf venues.

Simulator distances are typically very close to real-world performance, though factors like altitude, temperature, and wind aren't always perfectly replicated. Most golfers find their simulator distances match their outdoor game within 5-10 yards. The real value is in the consistency of feedback for practice.

Yes! Simulators provide instant, objective feedback on every swing - data like club speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate. This information helps you understand cause and effect in your swing. Combined with professional instruction, simulators are one of the most effective practice tools available.

Golf simulators offer impressive course libraries ranging from 80 to over 200 courses. You can play legendary venues like Pebble Beach, St Andrews Old Course, TPC Sawgrass, Torrey Pines, Pinehurst No. 2, and Bethpage Black. Some systems include Augusta National and other exclusive private clubs you'd never otherwise access. TrackMan typically offers 80+ courses, Golfzon features 190+ including many Asian and international tracks, and Full Swing provides 100+ premium courses. Course availability varies by simulator brand and the venue's subscription level - ask your local venue about their specific library.

Absolutely! Most golfers use simulators for range practice as much as playing rounds. You'll get detailed data on every shot, can work on specific clubs, and practice in any weather. Many venues also offer target games and challenges to make practice more engaging.

Golf simulator leagues typically run weekly over 8-16 week seasons. Common formats include stroke play (lowest total score wins), match play (head-to-head hole competition), and scramble events for team play. Most leagues use handicap systems to level the playing field between skill levels. Sessions are usually 1-2 hours, and you can often choose between weekday evening or weekend time slots. Leagues range from highly competitive to social and casual - many venues offer different tiers. It's a great way to meet other golfers, add structure to your practice, and enjoy friendly competition year-round.

Many venues offer professional club fitting services using their simulator technology. Systems like GCQuad and TrackMan provide the detailed club and ball data needed for accurate fittings. This is often more thorough than outdoor fittings since every variable is controlled and measured precisely.

Yes! Golf simulators are fantastic for parties and group events. Many venues specialize in birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette celebrations, corporate team-building events, and holiday gatherings. Most bays accommodate 4-6 players comfortably, and venues with food and drink service can provide catering packages. The interactive games and competitive formats make it engaging for golfers and non-golfers alike. Book early for weekend events, as party slots fill up quickly - especially during peak seasons.

A full 18-hole round typically takes 60-90 minutes for a single player, or 2-3 hours for a foursome. If you're new to simulators or playing with a group, book extra time. For practice sessions, 30-60 minutes is usually sufficient to work on your game without fatigue affecting your swing.

Respect your time slot and the next group's booking. Keep noise levels reasonable, especially in venues with multiple bays. Clean up after yourself, report any equipment issues, and follow the venue's specific rules about food, drinks, and footwear. Most importantly, have fun and be courteous to staff and other guests.

Policies vary by venue. Many simulator facilities have on-site bars and restaurants and prefer you purchase from them. Some allow outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. Always check with the venue beforehand - bringing outside alcohol is typically prohibited everywhere.

Most venues welcome golfers of all ages, though children typically need adult supervision. Some venues have minimum height requirements for safety reasons. Simulators can be excellent tools for junior golfers to develop their skills year-round. Contact specific venues for their policies on young players.