First Time on a Golf Simulator? What to Expect (and 9 Tips to Get the Most From Your Session)
May 2026 • FlexTee
Trying an indoor golf simulator for the first time is a bit like stepping onto a driving range where everything is measured. You get instant feedback, you can play famous courses in an hour, and you don't have to worry about the weather.
If you're new to simulator golf, this guide will walk you through what actually happens in a session — and share a few simple tips that will help you hit better shots, understand the screen, and enjoy it from the first ball.
What happens in a simulator session?
A typical session is straightforward:
- You book a bay and arrive a few minutes early.
- You choose a mode: Driving Range, Skills/Practice, or Play a Course.
- You hit real golf balls into the impact screen.
- The launch monitor tracks your shot and the software shows the result — carry, total distance, direction, and more.
At FlexTee, you can use the range to warm up, then jump into a course on GSPro, or keep it simple and work on a few key shots.
What should you bring?
You don't need much:
- Your clubs (or just a few favourites if you’re travelling light)
- Clean golf shoes (trainers are usually fine too)
- A glove if you normally wear one
- A drink — you’ll hit more balls than you think
If you're not sure what's allowed or what's best for the bay surface, ask when you arrive.
9 beginner golf simulator tips (so you enjoy it and improve faster)
Start with the driving range for 10 minutes
Even if you're excited to play a course, begin on the range.
Why: you'll get used to the screen, the lighting, and the feel of hitting indoors.
Don't chase distance on your first session
Most first-timers swing harder because the numbers are right there.
Better goal: centred contact and a consistent start line. Distance comes naturally once you're striking it well.
Use a tee height that suits you
For driver, tee height matters indoors just as much as outdoors.
Simple rule: set the ball so about half of it sits above the top of the driver face.
Learn the 3 numbers that matter most
Simulators can show loads of data. As a beginner, focus on:
- Carry distance (how far it flies in the air)
- Start direction (did it launch left or right?)
- Ball speed (a great indicator of strike quality)
Expect your distances to look different (and that's normal)
Indoor distances can vary slightly from what you see on the course.
Tip: use your first session to establish a baseline, then compare your numbers to your own future sessions.
Pick a simple target and aim properly
A common simulator mistake is aiming at the screen without a clear alignment.
Do this: pick a target line on the screen, set your clubface first, then set your feet/hips/shoulders parallel to that line.
If you're slicing it, don't panic — use it as feedback
Many golfers see their usual miss more clearly indoors. That's a good thing: patterns become obvious, which is the first step to fixing them.
If you want a quick win, book a coaching session and we'll help you understand what the numbers mean and what to change (without overcomplicating it).
Play a shorter format to keep it fun
Instead of trying to play 18 holes straight away, try:
- Front 9
- A par-3 course
- Closest-to-the-pin challenges with friends
Finish with 5 “confidence shots”
End your session by hitting five shots you're comfortable with (often a wedge or 7-iron).
Why: you'll leave feeling good, and you'll build a repeatable routine for next time.
A simple first-session plan (60 minutes)
1. Warm-up
Wedges and short irons
2. Build confidence
7-iron to one target
3. Try driver
Smooth swings, focus on centre contact
4. Play
3–6 holes on a course
5. Cool down
5 confidence shots
Ready for your first session at FlexTee?
Indoor golf is one of the fastest ways to improve because you get immediate feedback — and you can practise or play whatever the weather is doing outside.
Book a bay or ask about coaching. Message us on Instagram and tell us your handicap (or if you're brand new) and what you want to improve.