The simulator round involved bringing our real golf bags to a real golf course. Out on an enclosed patio with space heaters, they'd set up a computer and hitting bay with a screen. It cost $45 an hour, which was enough time to play 9 holes. Using the computer, you pick a famous course you'd like to play -- we picked Pebble Beach. Before each shot, you drag a pointer in the direction you're aiming, and the screen view adjusts so it looks like you're facing that way.
The big projector screen reflects whatever is shown on the computer. Then, it's up to you to take a swing at a real ball with your real club. There's a lighted box area on the turf where you can tee up your ball or hit it off the mat and a camera device will register your swing. After you take your shot, the computer will show you some stats like your clubhead speed, yardage, etc. Both hubby and my shots were tracking about 20-50 yards shorter than normal, but this could have been due to the fact that it was about 30 degrees on the covered patio, even with space heaters around.
If you hit a bad shot, like I did when I was still getting used to the whole set up, you can end up off in the deep rough. But fortunately there aren't any bugs.
The computer will even show you the break on the green. On one shot, I had to hit out of a bunker. It's much easier when the sand isn't real. Once on the green, it's virtually impossible to make a decent putt. We were advised to set the game so that putts within 10 feet were gimmies. Otherwise, it might take a half hour to get through one hole.
Hubby and I got through 10 holes in the allotted hour, and we didn't do half bad. Hubby made a birdie and I made a few pars. Overall, it was fun, but I don't think I'd make a regular habit out of it. The projected screen didn't have high enough resolution to transport me to Pebble Beach in any way. While it was enjoyable to watch the computer-generated flyovers between holes on the screen, the rest of the scenery was uninspiring. There's nothing like looking out at the real ocean and feeling the warmth of real sun when you're playing in real life.
The other golf substitute we tried was Top Golf. The outpost we went to was in a modern building with an industrial vibe.
You have to pay $5 to become a member, then you get charged by the hour for up to 6 people in one hitting bay. At the location we went to, it was $35 per hour.
A guest attendant brings you and your party to a covered hitting bay, where they have men's and ladies' clubs to use. You can also bring your own clubs. There's a computer screen where you can try a variety of target games and keep score. There's also a big coffee table surrounded by comfy sectional furniture, and you can order from a bar menu of things to eat and drink. Top Golf seems to be more of a social activity, like bowling, where even novices can enjoy themselves without pressure.
Of course, I was there to get my swing on. I wasn't impressed with the stock clubs, but even if I had brought my own, the balls they make you use are limited-flight balls, which really takes the air out of the whole venture. The farthest target was around 180 yards, and the net behind it was about 200, so the focus was more on taking aim at a flag and hitting straight. The hitting bay is completely open in the front, so even with heat on the other sides, you can feel the chill on a cold winter day.
The Top Golf tab was about $105 for 2 hours with food and drink, so it was pricier than the simulator round. Would I do either again? Well, I'm glad I tried these substitutes and I did have fun. But I'd rather wait for a spring thaw since neither was as good as the real thing.
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