Today, there are a number of ways that you can golf without actually going to a golf course. Three of the most popular alternatives to playing at a course are playing at a simulator, visiting TopGolf, or heading over to a mini-golf spot. Whether you are looking for a way to hone your game in the winter or an entertaining place for date night, each of these other methods offer a twist on the game of golf that we all love.
For those who want more of an authentic and traditional golf course experience, then playing on a simulator is likely the best option for you. At a simulator, actual courses such as Pebble Beach or Bethpage Black, will be projected onto a screen for you to play. Once you have selected the course you’d like to play, you swing into a screen. From there, the simulator uses computer technology to track and analyze your swing and projects a shot on the virtual course. The simulator also provides a plethora of data, such as distance, swing speed, and launch angle.
Pros of the simulator include that you are able to play at a faster pace because you do not need to walk or drive a cart up to your next shot; instead, you merely walk back from your seat up to the screen. On one hand, the indoor locations of simulators allow you to work your golf skills in a warm location when courses are covered with snow, but on the other, you do not get to experience the beauty of the course during the sun-filled spring and summer.
Another golf variation is TopGolf. TopGolf is similar to a driving range, but when you hit your shots, there is a dart board that you can aim for. All of the TopGolf balls have a tracker in them that will register where your shot landed and how many points it corresponds to based on the scoring of the dartboard. Also, gone is the need to grind through the last few holes of your round with a grumbling stomach — one perk of TopGolf is that there are restaurants at the locations, so you can eat as you are still hitting. TopGolf often has flashy lights to provide an exciting atmosphere — the Baylor Bears football team certainly looked like they enjoyed it.
The pros better watch out—especially @PhilMickelson ? https://t.co/RSZFg0BVem
— Topgolf (@Topgolf) June 9, 2021
As it is more similar to a driving range rather than an actual course, TopGolf has marketed itself as more appealing to beginner golfers while still providing a challenge for more experienced golfers.
In the same vein as TopGolf, a number of upscale minigolf places are starting to pop-up that are designed more for adults. These games are not your grandfather’s putt-putt. These new courses, many of which are 21+, are designed as places for adults to have fun and are starting to grow rapidly. For those looking for a nice date-night spot, these offer a fantastic blend of golf and fun in a casual environment.
And of course, even with all these places with fancy technology and the latest advancements in golf, few places are able to beat the old fashioned fun of mini golf. Few things scream summer more than experiencing the thrills of hitting a ball over a water hazard or watching the ball fall through a trick hole at a mini-golf course. Taking your kids out on the actual course has the potential for disaster, whereas when you take your kids mini-golfing, they can have fun and even learn a thing or two about putting and golf etiquette.
Few places rival the entertainment and relaxation of a well-manicured golf course; however, the latest trends, such as simulators and TopGolf, provide viable alternatives for both the rookie and the pro.
Picture Credit: Google Creative Commons Licenses
