Indoor vs. Outdoor Golf: Differences, Similarities, and Cost

Despite the country’s affinity for hockey, Canada’s top sport—at least in terms of participants—is actually golf, played by more than 5.7 million people annually. New players pick up a club every year and experience the unmistakable (and sometimes unrepeatable) feeling of putting it a few feet from the pin. 

But with Canada’s varied climate, the golf season in many places is limited to just a few months of the year. That has players constantly looking for new ways to practice their game. 

The answer? Indoor golf. 

Below, we’ll examine indoor vs. outdoor golf and the key similarities and differences between the two. We’ll also discuss some of the benefits virtual golf simulators offer and give you some tips on how to get started. 

Ready to get started? Let’s tee off!

What is indoor golf?

Indoor golf is a catch-all term for the different ways to experience golf indoors. It includes driving ranges with nets, putting greens, chipping areas, and—most importantly—virtual golf simulators. 

These high-tech simulators allow players to compete on 3D renders of the most iconic courses in the world or practice their game with detailed swing, launch, and ball flight information. 

Some of the most popular golf simulators are:

  • TrackMan: Considered the gold standard for virtual golf, TrackMan simulators recreate the feeling of outdoor golf and provide the most precise, accurate swing information. Optically Enhanced Radar Tracking (OERT) allows you to practice and play like a pro.

  • HD Golf: A more affordable system that can be used for at-home installation, HD Golf is a good option for casual players who are more interested in taking a break and enjoying a few swings. 

  • Golfzon: This Korean-made simulator includes innovative features like a moving swing plate that can help you practice different lies. Golfzon is a rising contender in the simulator space. Unfortunately, it lacks access to a North American course list, meaning you’ll play on unfamiliar fairways.

Other experiences also qualify as indoor golf, though they aren’t trying to simulate the feeling of a traditional round. Topgolf, for instance, positions itself as an entertainment venue and was acquired by Callaway in 2021 for $2.6 billion. Its interactive driving range and games allow a younger crowd to be introduced to the game. 

Benefits of indoor vs. outdoor golf

In the battle of indoor vs. outdoor golf, the former can provide several benefits. Let’s break down a few of the most significant.

Quick rounds

“How’s the pace today?” 

That dreaded question from a marshall as you wait at the tee box for the group ahead of you to finish their 23 practice swings. With so much volatility to the pace of play at outdoor golf courses, rounds can routinely stretch into four (or even five-plus) hour marathons. 

At an indoor golf simulator, a single player can finish a full 18-hole round in under an hour. While a foursome will likely take at least three hours, you won’t have to wait around in the hot sun or scrape through the tree line to find a lost ball. 

The speed of virtual golf means you can easily fit it into a busy weekend schedule or even get in a full round before work in the morning.

All-weather availability

Ever had a round canceled because of rain? That will never happen at an indoor golf facility, meaning you can plan a round weeks or even months ahead without issue. 

There’s also no such thing as the “golf season” with simulators. It can be the dead of winter, three hours after the sun went down, and you’ll still be enjoying the Stadium Course at PGA West. 

This assurance that your round won’t be rained out is a huge benefit for corporate team-building events, bachelor parties, or birthdays. 

More accessible

One of golf’s greatest attributes is its accessibility. Unlike many other sports, you can play it well into your senior years and even see improvements decades after picking up a club for the first time. 

But for some people, the physicality of walking a course or even just being out in the heat all day can be challenging. Those with mobility restrictions can still participate in the climate-controlled bays of indoor golf simulators. 

Added information

Unless you’re setting up a TrackMan for every shot, you aren’t going to have nearly as much swing feedback during outdoor golf. Indoor practice sessions can provide you with extremely detailed information so that you can make adjustments and ensure you’re tweaking the right part of your movement.

Fun for all skill levels

One of the toughest parts about getting into golf is your first few rounds. Getting paired up with more experienced people, losing countless balls into water hazards, or feeling nervous about the complicated etiquette. 

At indoor golf, you don’t have to worry about any of that. Take your time, have fun, and get comfortable swinging a club at your own pace. It doesn't matter how fast you play when you pay by the hour instead of by the round.

What do you need for indoor golf?

Most indoor golf simulators only need a set of clubs and clean shoes. Some locations may have rental options, while others allow you to share clubs with the entire group. 

When compared to outdoor golf, you don’t have to worry about things like:

  • Balls

  • Tees

  • Rangefinders

  • Ball markers

  • Divot repair tools

  • Scorecards

Without all the extra equipment, new golfers can just focus on having fun without spending much money on accessories.

How much does indoor golf cost?

Indoor golf simulator rates vary by location but are usually charged per hour and are comparable to a nice driving range. Given that a single golfer can play an entire round in under an hour, it is a much cheaper option when compared to outdoor golf courses. 

For lessons, the benefit of a TrackMan system can add significant value as you will have actionable swing data at your fingertips. 

Where can you play indoor golf?

Several indoor golf facilities are popping up across Edmonton, but there’s nothing quite like 1 Putt Virtual Golf. We feature six TrackMan-equipped semi-private bays that can house a total of 24 golfers with a common area and full-service bar to complement the game's social side. 

With competitive rates, private event booking options, and class-leading simulator technology, indoor golf at 1 Putt has become one of the best group activities in Edmonton. 

Book online or reach out for more information today. Can’t wait to see you on the links!