As long-time followers of trends in sport and leisure, we’ve watched indoor experiences surge in popularity – and in 2025, indoor golf is clearly having its moment. Local media coverage throughout the year has highlighted a wave of new golf simulator venues opening across the country, reflecting a growing appetite among all demographics to try this evolving form of play.
According to Golfzon*, the global indoor golf market is on a strong growth trajectory. South Korea alone has more than 8,700 indoor venues powered by Golfzon technology and built around a social golf experience, compared with just 1,050 across the rest of the world.
This rise fits perfectly within the wider competitive-socialising boom. Bowling alleys like All Star Lanes, darts bars such as Flight Club, and table-tennis spots like Bounce have already cemented the category. Now golf is joining the lineup, offering the same blend of games with great food, drinks, and a lively social atmosphere.
Search interest backs it up too: “golf simulator near me” is up 150% on Google Trends. And with Christmas around the corner, golf bars across the UK are booking up fast for festive nights out that mix fun, food, and friendly competition.
We analysed more than 80 indoor golf venues across the UK to uncover the very best places to swing and socialise, from high-tech simulator hubs in London to independent studios across corners of the country.
What makes a great indoor golf venue?
Based on reviews there are some key factors that customers comment on what they value from a golf sim venue, these are the main reasons:
- Simulator technology (TrackMan, Golfzon, Foresight, etc.)
- Social atmosphere (bars, food, private hire)
- Accessibility (price per hour, club hire, group size)
- Setup for groups considered plus private function areas.
Bearing this in mind we assessed these various factors across multiple venues around the country to come up with a “Social Swing Score.” if you will.
We’ve looked at technology, cost to play, tuition available, social appeal, other facilities, event accessibility and venue reviews from google, to make an assessment.
The Top Indoor Golf Venues
Top 5 (Based on social facilities)
Swings Golf
Nottingham
5* Google rating
Customers consistently highlight the vibrant atmosphere and impressive Trackman IO setup. Visitors say it caters brilliantly to all ages and abilities—ideal for total beginners through to seasoned players. It’s frequently praised as a fun spot for parties, with a well-stocked bar and knowledgeable staff who make the experience smooth and welcoming. Many comment on how polished and modern the whole place feels.
Pitch Golf
London / Manchester
4.9* / 5 Google rating
Guests love the attentive team and top-tier facilities, often describing the environment as stylish, lively and “surprisingly premium” for events like Christmas parties. Both locations earn praise for creating an inclusive, social atmosphere, and for hosting special events that run smoothly thanks to the staff’s organisation and energy.
Goin Golf
Stoke-on-Trent
4.9* / 5 Google rating
Visitors rave about the Trackman technology and the friendly, hands-on service. It’s seen as a reliable go-to for keeping your game sharp through winter or whenever the weather turns. Families and mixed-ability groups say it works well for birthdays and casual sessions alike, with plenty of space and a relaxed, welcoming feel.
Caddi Club
London & Wimbledon
4.3* / 5 Google rating
Customers enjoy the club-style vibe, more like a members’ lounge than a standard indoor golf centre. Reviews highlight the tech, coaching opportunities, and sociable setting that encourages meeting other golfers. It’s recommended both for improving your game and for occasions like birthdays, thanks to attentive staff and a polished setup.
Urban Golf
London
4.4* / 5 Google rating
Well-liked for group nights out, from birthdays to after-work sessions, Urban Golf earns praise for being fun for golfers and non-golfers equally. Guests mention the convenient location, great bar and food options, and the sociable layout that makes it easy to spend an evening there.
London & South-East
Grip Golf
Tower Bridge
A premium coaching environment with a more performance-focused tone. Customers appreciate the expert instruction, high-quality equipment, and the flexibility of 24/7 access, making it ideal for serious practice sessions or regular coaching blocks.
The Golf Rooms
Brentford
Reviews highlight its versatility, suited to complete beginners, improving golfers, and social groups. People often mention the friendly, engaged staff who help create a relaxed atmosphere. It’s praised for both practice-focused visits and fun events thanks to a well-rounded setup.
V Golf
Brighton
Guests love the modern tech and upbeat environment, mentioning that it works brilliantly for birthdays and mixed-age groups. Staff get credit for being helpful and making setup easy. The venue’s clean, well-organised facilities and seaside-city vibe add to the appeal.
1Iron Golf
Milton Keynes
With its new, premium facilities, customers often describe it as a polished and exciting addition to the local area. The venue provides a mix of serious practice options and light-hearted entertainment. Beginners, families, and groups all report having a great time thanks to the wide range of activities.
Patrick from 1Iron Golf comments…
Who’s coming – We regularly host birthday celebrations, stag dos, date nights, corporate events, sports socials, and much more. Our Trackman technology makes the experience accessible to everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned golfers, as we can tailor the level of play to each guest’s ability. In addition to golf, we offer a Zen moving putting stage, pool tables, and shuffleboard, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Level of golf – We see a strong mix of both novice and experienced golfers. Trackman allows us to cater for all skill levels, whether guests are looking to have fun or refine their performance. Regular golfers use our bays to fine-tune their numbers or play world-class courses with friends and family. We also provide golf lessons, club fittings, and repairs, giving players the chance to further develop their game.
For beginners, our selection of mini-games—ranging from adventure golf to points challenges, long-drive competitions, and closest-to-the-pin—offers a fun and approachable introduction to the sport.
Midlands
Par4 Golf
Redditch
Visitors enjoy the sports-bar feel combined with high-end TrackMan simulators. It’s frequently mentioned as a strong choice for groups with mixed abilities. Guests appreciate the food, drinks and additional entertainment options as well as the consistently strong service from staff.
Nineteen Golf Club
Leicester
Customers say the service goes above and beyond. It’s often noted as a great local choice for social gatherings or casual evenings out, with a welcoming sports-bar atmosphere. The tech and range of facilities make it appealing to both learners and regular players.
Social Sticks
Bromsgrove
Known for its high-spec setup and lively vibe, Social Sticks earns praise for hosting all kinds of events from birthdays to corporate groups. Reviewers enjoy the food, drinks, games and the upbeat atmosphere created by the staff, making it a reliable spot for fun nights out.
North
Virtuoso Golf
Merseyside
Families appreciate how accessible it is for players of any age or skill level. Visitors also value having a weather-proof alternative for practice and play. It’s considered a solid place to genuinely improve your game in a comfortable, friendly environment.
Steph from Virtuoso golf comments…
Who’s coming – We have a complete mix of groups. Our customers book the facility out for Birthday parties/ Stag do’s/ Xmas parties etc. We host corporate events for team building days/evenings. We have children’s sports teams book it out for celebrations.
We have had as young as 3 years old to a 93-year-old. We also run a Junior only night for under 18’s to play throughout the year.
We have groups of friends that come in regularly as well as singles in order to get their golf fix in during the winter months and practise during the Summer.
Level of golf – This is from novice to Pro. We have a PGA pro, coach in the one of the bays. With the mix of options on Trackman from up to 400 courses with a mix of difficulty levels as well as practice tabs and both adult and children’s games it accessible to everyone. We have a complete range of customer ability. We have England golfers and PGA pros use the facility to practise and every other ability.
Fliers Indoor Golf
Liverpool
Guests love the sociable, energetic atmosphere ideal for birthdays, stag dos or group events. The tech is praised as top-quality, and reviewers mention the spacious bays and overall high-end feel. Food and drink options round out the experience, making it a popular bad-weather destination.
Scotland & Wales
The Golf Bar
Glasgow
Frequently described as a go-to for group bookings, whether for parties, work socials or casual nights out. Customers enjoy the lively environment and event-friendly setup.
SIMU Golf
Cardiff
Visitors praise the warm welcome and excellent tech. Staff are frequently noted for their knowledge and attention to detail. Reviewers say it’s ideal for larger group socials, casual play, and anyone wanting a tech-driven golf experience in a friendly setting.
Why indoor golf has taken off
Part of indoor golf’s meteoric rise comes from the top: with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy backing the new TGL indoor golf league*, the sport has been reimagined for a modern audience. The league’s tech-driven approach is being hailed as the next evolution of golf and insiders are already predicting its popularity will only grow.
Indoor venues are also hitting the sweet spot for new audiences. Women, beginners, young professionals, and groups who might never have considered traditional golf are stepping into simulators. The vibe is different at every venue, some fun and casual, some sleek and clubhouse-chic, but all share the same ambition: to make golf more accessible, welcoming, and easy to enjoy.
Then there’s the tech. High-speed cameras, ultra-realistic graphics, instant feedback, and challenges that feel more like games than drills make indoor golf surprisingly addictive. Players can tee off at iconic courses in the UK and overseas many of which would usually be out of reach and even use equipment similar to what the pros train on.
Dan Viney, a twenty something outdoor golfer explains why he’s taken to the indoor game.
“I’ve started getting into indoor golf this Autumn, with a local golf sim venue opening up – the tech’s impressive and actually shows you what to fix in your swing. Plus, the venue runs a winter league, so it keeps things competitive when the weather kills real golf.
If there was a place nearby with a bar and food, it’d be a no-brainer for a night out with friends, golfers or non-golfers.”
Who’s going to indoor golf
One of the biggest reasons indoor golf is booming is that it brings together wildly different audiences under one roof.
You’ve got the traditional golfers who use simulators to work on their swing or keep sharp during the colder months. For them, it’s a controlled space to practise with no slow groups ahead and no fear of losing another £4 ball.
Then there’s the younger, social crowd drawn in by competitive games, neon interiors, and the chance to do something fun that isn’t just going to the pub. They want an activity that’s interactive, a bit silly, and perfect for light-hearted group outings.
And increasingly, the corporate scene is joining the party. Just like bowling, table tennis, and darts bars, indoor golf is becoming a staple option for team socials — structured enough to feel like an event, low-pressure enough that everyone can get involved.
Moving from indoor to outdoor golf? You’ll need golf insurance
If you find yourself hooked on the game, playing virtual courses and refining your swing it might be time to try your skills out on an outdoor golf course. With fresh air, scenery and racking up a few more steps golfing outdoors has plenty of pros. Yet it does come with a few more risks. That’s why having a golf insurance policy is essential to protect yourself from a few of the worst-case scenarios.
SportsCover Direct’s golf insurance is designed to protect you, your financial wellbeing, and your equipment. Comprehensive coverage encompasses personal liability, assuring coverage for potential legal and medical expenses in the unfortunate event of accidentally causing injury or property damage.
Furthermore, the insurance extends its protective umbrella to cover personal belongings, offering financial security in cases of loss, theft, or damage. Then there’s personal accident cover, aiming to offer support through a lump sum payment in the unfortunate event of a serious accident happening to you.
Find out more and get a quote tailored to your needs. Contact our team if you have any questions.
Sources:
* https://golf.com/news/golf-fixation-inside-south-koreas-obsessive-love-golf
Variety of indoor golf venue websites.
Google trends data
Google reviews
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.