TIPS: A Practical Guide to Indoor Golf with Friends
Indoor golf gives friends a way to share a round without planning around Metro Vancouver’s rain. The best group sessions are not necessarily the most competitive: they are the ones where everyone understands the format, gets time to hit, and feels comfortable joining in. When planning a visit to Birdie Golf Center, use this checklist to keep the focus on playing together.
1. Agree on the kind of outing you want
Before booking, ask whether the group wants a relaxed introduction, a friendly match, or time to practise together. Confirm the player count, booking duration, equipment arrangements, and any relevant venue rules directly with the centre. Do not assume that every simulator offers the same courses or game modes.
If someone is new to golf, explain the basics beforehand: players take turns hitting real balls into a screen, while the simulator estimates the shot result. Bring any equipment the centre asks you to provide, and wear clothing that allows an unrestricted swing.
2. Choose a format that includes everyone
A full round is not the only worthwhile goal. For a mixed-ability group, choose a manageable activity and leave room to adjust once you see the pace.
- Short course session: Start with a few holes rather than committing to eighteen.
- Team scramble: If supported, each teammate hits, the team chooses one result, and everyone plays the next shot from that position.
- Target challenge: Choose an agreed target and give everyone the same number of attempts. Use a distance that is realistic for the whole group.
Ask staff which options are available before building your plans around a particular format.
3. Set the rules before the first hole
Check tee selection, putting options, and any automatic conceded-putt setting, which can finish a hole without requiring every short putt. Players do not need to use identical tees to enjoy a friendly game; shorter tees can make the course more manageable for less experienced golfers.
Agree on how to handle a shot that does not register, whether mulligans are allowed, and when to stop counting strokes on a difficult hole. Keep those agreements consistent. Sorting them out early prevents a casual round from turning into a debate over the score.
4. Keep turns smooth and the hitting area clear
Decide on a hitting order and keep track of whose turn comes next. Choose your club while waiting, but remain outside the hitting area until the previous player has finished and stepped away.
Only the active golfer should be in the swing area. Keep bags, drinks, and spare clubs out of that space, and never retrieve a ball while someone is preparing to swing. Follow staff instructions about ball placement and simulator operation rather than moving equipment yourself.
5. Make encouragement more useful than commentary
Ask before offering swing advice. A beginner may prefer one clear explanation of the controls to several technical suggestions after every shot. Celebrate a solid strike or a sensible decision, not just the longest drive. If someone wants another try, use the agreed rules rather than interrupting the flow with an unplanned lesson.
6. Finish at a natural stopping point
Check the remaining session time before starting more holes. If time is limited, finish the current hole or choose a brief final challenge instead of rushing. Leave time to gather your belongings and follow the centre’s end-of-session instructions. A relaxed finish makes the outing feel complete, even if you have not played a full round.