A golf bar is a far easier way to try golf than heading out to a course. There is no need to worry about not knowing the rules, or about the embarrassment of missing the ball entirely.
Nobody expects you to play eighteen holes from the start; short games and one-shot challenges are just as enjoyable. Here is how a visit works and how to play, so that a first time never feels awkward.
What a golf bar is
A golf bar combines simulation golf, where you hit a real ball into a screen and sensors measure its flight, with drinks and conversation in the same room.
As well as playing a faithfully reproduced course, you can choose driving distance, closest-to-the-pin or practice modes. Because it is indoors, neither the weather nor the sunset limits when you play.
From arrival to your first shot
Give your booking name and party size at reception, then choose your rental equipment once you are shown to the booth. On a first visit, ask staff to run through the simulator controls and the safety points.
When you are ready, enter the players' names and which hand each plays with, and start the game. Order drinks before or during play, and keep glasses on a table well away from the hitting area.
- Check in and confirm the plan
- Sort out clubs, shoes and the rest
- Set up the simulator
- Start playing once the area is clear
How beginners can enjoy it
Among beginners, games about getting close to a target work better than games about hitting it far. A few shots each keeps the waiting short and the turns moving.
Even with an experienced player in the group, setting a handicap or asking them to use a harder club keeps the competition even. Above all, the trick is an atmosphere where a complete miss is part of the fun.
Safety etiquette worth remembering
Stay clear of the area behind and beside whoever is swinging, and wait where you are asked to until it is your turn. Before you swing, always check that nobody and nothing is within range.
Precisely because drinks are part of the evening, avoid forcing a full swing or playing once you have had too much. Handle the clubs and equipment carefully and follow the staff's guidance.
What to wear and bring
Most venues are happy with ordinary clothes you can move in, and there is no need to buy a full set of golf wear. Pick a top that lets your shoulders turn and shoes you can plant your feet in.
At a venue where clubs, gloves and shoes can be borrowed, you can arrive with nothing at all. Check rental charges, sizes and left-handed availability before you book.
A first golf bar in Gion
Gion Country Club is a golf and bar lounge where beginners and experienced players can each go at their own pace. The golf equipment you need is provided free of charge, so a first visit can be empty-handed.
Alongside the golf there is a bar, darts and karaoke, which makes it work for groups that include people who have never played. If you are unsure about the controls or how to play, just ask a member of staff when you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Is it fine if I do not know the rules of golf?
It is. Short games and practice modes are enjoyable without knowing any rules.
Does the simulator still register a complete miss?
That depends on the machine and the settings. Start with a small, unforced swing rather than trying to hit hard.
Can I visit without drinking alcohol?
Conditions vary by venue, but many golf bars have soft drinks available.
