For generations, golfers have headed to the driving range or course to put in the hours. The fresh air, the feel of turf under your feet, and the challenge of changing conditions are all part of the game. But technology has changed how we practise. Today, golf simulators aren’t just novelty toys. They’re high-tech training tools used by professionals, clubs, and serious golfers who want to sharpen their skills and enjoy the game year-round.
So, which is better: practising outdoors or using a golf simulator? The truth is, both have their strengths. Let’s break it down.
The Experience of Outdoor Practice
There’s no denying the appeal of hitting balls outside. Golf is, at its heart, a game played in nature. On the course, you’re dealing with wind, rain, sunshine, slopes, and grass conditions that can change daily. That unpredictability is part of what makes outdoor practice so valuable.
Benefits of outdoor practice:
- Real conditions. Nothing replicates the feeling of hitting from real turf and watching the ball flight in open space.
- Short game work. Chipping, pitching, bunker shots, and putting are best honed on real greens and sand.
- Course management. Being on a course forces you to make decisions, play to targets, and strategise.
But outdoor practice also has limitations. Bad weather can shut down play for weeks at a time. Travel time to and from the course eats into your day. Range buckets add up in cost, and if you live in a city, access to facilities may be limited.
The Rise of Golf Simulators
High-end simulators are more than just screens and software. With advanced sensors, cameras, radar, and high-definition graphics, they deliver data and realism that can transform practice sessions. It’s no surprise that tour professionals and coaches use them extensively.
Benefits of golf simulators:
- Convenience. Practise whenever you like, regardless of weather, daylight, or travel.
- Data-driven feedback. Every shot is analysed. You’ll see club path, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and dispersion instantly. That detail is difficult to capture outdoors without specialist equipment.
- Play the world’s best courses. From St Andrews to Pebble Beach, you can tee it up virtually without booking a flight.
- Versatility. Simulators can double up as entertainment systems, giving you family fun and social golf nights in your own home.
Of course, simulators aren’t perfect. They can’t fully replicate the feel of grass underfoot or the unpredictability of outdoor lies. And while putting and chipping indoors has improved dramatically, the short game still benefits from outdoor work.
Cost Comparisons
Outdoor practice costs:
- Driving range: typically £5–£10 per bucket of 50 balls. If you hit three buckets twice a week, that’s around £150 a month.
- Green fees: anywhere from £20 at a local course to £100+ for premium clubs. Memberships add another layer of expense.
- Travel: petrol, tolls, and time all add hidden costs.
Golf simulator costs:
- A premium home golf simulator room ranges from £20,000 upwards depending on the technology, installation, and design. While that’s a significant upfront investment, the long-term cost can actually be lower than years of range visits, memberships, and travel.
- Once installed, ongoing costs are minimal. Software updates or add-ons are optional, and electricity use is low.
For businesses—golf clubs, pubs, hotels—the economics are even more compelling. A simulator can generate revenue through bookings, events, and memberships, paying back its cost surprisingly quickly.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Outdoor practice pros:
- Real conditions and ball flight
- Best for short game and course strategy
- Fresh air and physical activity
Outdoor practice cons:
- Weather dependent
- Travel time and costs
- Limited data feedback
Simulator practice pros:
- Year-round access at any time
- Detailed data on every shot
- Play global courses virtually
- Convenient for home or business use
Simulator practice cons:
- Upfront cost
- Short game realism is limited
- Requires dedicated space indoors
Finding the Balance
The real answer isn’t choosing one over the other. The best golfers use both. Outdoor practice keeps you sharp in real conditions and develops your touch around the greens. Simulators give you the ability to train with precision, track progress, and put in consistent hours without weather or time constraints.
For many golfers, a simulator is the missing piece. It doesn’t replace the course, but it makes regular practice possible in a way outdoor play often can’t. And for families, it’s more than training—it’s entertainment, socialising, and a way to bring golf into everyday life.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about improving, a golf simulator isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a practical tool that pays dividends in performance, enjoyment, and convenience. Pair it with outdoor practice, and you’ll have the best of both worlds.At Elite Golf Rooms, we’ve seen how transformative this combination can be. From scratch players chasing marginal gains to weekend golfers looking to play more often, the results speak for themselves. Whether you’re building a dedicated space at home or exploring options for your business, the question isn’t whether simulators are better than outdoor practice. It’s how the two can work together to elevate your game.
