Pick Your Clubs, Set the Mood: Golf with Friends

A good indoor golf outing does not need to feel like a lesson or a serious tournament. For friends planning a session in Metro Vancouver, the best starting point is a quick conversation: does everyone want to learn, compete a little, or simply spend time together? Agreeing on that before choosing clubs helps keep the experience comfortable for different skill levels.

Make a few decisions before you arrive

Check the venue’s current booking requirements, group capacity, and equipment arrangements. Ask whether clubs are available, whether suitable left-handed options are offered if needed, and what you should bring. Do not assume every simulator provides the same courses or game formats.

Share those details with your friends beforehand. If someone is new to golf, explain that they can begin with short shots rather than immediately hitting a driver. Ask staff about setup and controls so one person does not have to guess on everyone’s behalf.

Choose a comfortable starting club

At the club rack, resist the urge to select whichever club looks most powerful. A shorter iron or wedge can be a useful starting point for small, controlled swings. Club suitability varies with the player, so ask for help if the length, grip, or available options feel unfamiliar.

• Check that the club is for the correct hand.
• Start with one club rather than carrying several into the hitting area.
• Inspect the grip and clubhead; report loose or damaged parts rather than using the club.
• Return unused clubs to the designated storage area.

Agree on what counts as a good shot

Different abilities do not have to make a shared game awkward. Before starting, choose a goal that everyone understands. Instead of comparing maximum distance, try sending a ball toward a broad target or finishing within a chosen distance range. Select targets suited to each player rather than expecting a beginner to match an experienced golfer.

If the system supports it, a team format can reduce the focus on individual mistakes. Otherwise, take turns attempting the same simple challenge and celebrate progress without keeping a running score.

Keep conversation outside the swing space

Chatting is part of the outing, but the hitting area needs a clear boundary. Follow the venue’s safety instructions and keep only the active player in the designated swing area. Everyone else should stay in the waiting area, clear of the club’s full path. Never step forward to collect a ball while someone is preparing to swing.

Pause conversation when the player is ready, especially if they find it distracting. Keep drinks, bags, and spare clubs away from the hitting mat and walking routes.

Offer encouragement before advice

Ask whether a friend wants a suggestion before commenting on their swing. Several people offering instructions at once can make a simple shot feel complicated. If advice is welcome, keep it to one manageable idea, and leave detailed technique questions for a qualified instructor.

Let each player choose their own level of involvement. Someone may enjoy a few careful shots and plenty of conversation; another may want to track results. Neither approach needs to set the standard for the whole group.

Before leaving, each person can name one thing they enjoyed and one thing they would try next time. That gives your next indoor golf outing a shared starting point without turning a friendly session into homework.