How I got the indoor golf bug

1/13/2013

I visited my in-laws over this summer and accidentally discovered indoor golf while we were out for lunch. As we were parking near the restaurant, I noticed the shop next door was putting up a sign about golf.

A Lifelong Passion for Golf

Having been a golf nut all my life, golf stuff always catches my eye. I haven't been playing as much of late, so maybe my lack of play drove a little extra interest in investigating.

As we were walking up to the restaurant, The sign came into full view and it indicated that this was an indoor golf shop. Right then and there, I decided to check it out after lunch. I remember my reaction when I entered the store. I thought to myself this could be the coolest thing I've ever seen. At the time, it was totally empty and the owner approached to see if he could help.

A Unique Experience

It turns out the store was opening in the next week or so. I asked all sorts of questions about how it worked, how much it cost to play, how he had the idea and on and on. Being from the south, I'd never seen anything like it. It had 6 simulators, couches, a bar, rental clubs and an awesome atmosphere.

Don't get me wrong, I've seen these at Golf Galaxy or Dicks Sporting Goods, but never set up like this. I started to wonder if there was one near me. I did find one, but it was a single simulator in a very spartan environment. I've played it a few times and it is a lot of fun, but I wish there was one more like my first in the area.

Finding Your Local Indoor Golf Gem

If you’ve never visited an indoor golf facility, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. They’re popping up in more places, and each one offers its own unique setup. Some might be simple, like the one near me, but others will have the full package like the first one I stumbled upon. Either way, it’s a great way to keep up with your game, no matter the weather or time constraints.

Indoor golf has genuinely rekindled my love for the sport during times when I thought my opportunities to play would dwindle. It’s more than just hitting golf balls; it’s about finding new ways to enjoy the game, all while having fun with friends or practicing in a comfortable, accessible environment.

So, if your busy schedule, local course closures, or unpredictable weather have kept you away from the sport you love, indoor golf could be the answer. Who knows, like me, you might find that it becomes a regular part of your golfing journey.

As my time to play golf became increasingly limited and the local courses started to get more expensive—or worse, close down altogether—indoor golf felt like the perfect solution. While it may not replicate the feeling of hitting the links, it certainly offers a fun and engaging alternative that keeps the spirit of golf alive.

Indoor golf has captured my heart, and I can't wait to explore more facilities and experiences in the future. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot! Who knows, you might catch the indoor golf bug too!