Trying virtual golf for the first time is exciting, especially if you’re stepping into a modern indoor golf lounge like Mashies, where the tech is high-end and the vibes are more speakeasy than sports bar. But here’s the thing: even seasoned outdoor golfers make rookie mistakes their first time on a simulator. And if you’re brand new to the sport entirely? These tips will save you from frustration, embarrassment, and wasted swings.
Let’s break down the five most common mistakes beginners make, and how to avoid them so your first session actually feels fun and confident instead of chaotic.
1. Ignoring the Warm-Up (Yes, Even Indoors)
Just because you’re not stepping onto a real tee box doesn’t mean your body magically wakes up ready to swing. Indoors, you’re in a controlled space, but your body still needs to loosen up.
The mistake: Walking in, grabbing a club, and swinging full speed immediately.
Why it matters: Your mechanics are tight, your timing is off, and the simulator will read every tiny wobble.
Fix it: Spend 3–5 minutes warming up — shoulder circles, light torso rotation, a few half-swings. It makes your swing more consistent once the simulator starts tracking your numbers.
2. Standing Too Close (or Too Far) From the Ball
Simulators are forgiving in a lot of ways, but your distance from the ball isn’t one of them.
The mistake: Setting up too close because the screen feels “right there” — or backing up too far because you’re scared to hit the screen.
Why it matters: TrackMan (or any launch monitor) needs clean readings. Messy setup = messy data.
Fix it: Trust the space. At a place like Mashies, the bays are designed so you won’t hit the screen too hard or the ceiling at all. Play the ball like you would outside: arms comfortably extended, not cramped.
3. Choosing a Course That’s Way Too Hard
You should absolutely be a little brave with your first course choice, but you don’t need to punish yourself.
The mistake: Picking PGA-level courses with long carries, narrow fairways, or intense elevation changes.
Why it matters: Nothing kills confidence faster than needing four shots just to reach the fairway.
Fix it: Start with something friendly and forgiving. The goal your first time is getting used to the tech. Once you’re comfortable, then go after the hard stuff.
4. Swinging Harder Because You Think “It’s Just a Simulator”
This is the fastest way to shank balls into the side wall.
The mistake: Boosting your swing speed because you feel “safer” indoors.
Why it matters: Simulators capture everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Overswinging magnifies the ugly.
Fix it: Swing at 70–80% effort until you find your rhythm. Once your shots are consistent, then build power. Virtual golf rewards control, not chaos.
5. Not Using the Data That’s Right in Front of You
TrackMan gives you the kind of data PGA coaches use, and most first-timers ignore it completely.
The mistake: Treating the simulator like just a video game.
Why it matters: You’re missing out on the biggest advantage of Indoor Golf, instant feedback.
Fix it: Start with three numbers:
- Club path
- Face angle
- Carry distance
If your shot shape feels random outdoors, the simulator will finally tell you why. Use that data. It’s the cheat code to a better swing.
Final Thoughts
Your first time playing virtual golf should feel fun, relaxed, and honestly… kind of addicting. Avoid these five mistakes and you’ll walk into your bay with way more confidence, and walk out playing better golf than when you arrived.
