Golf Year Round in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a great golf town, offering “perhaps the best combination of affordable golf, quality course design and fun non-golf activities in the United States,” according to golf review site friedegg.com.

But our golf courses tend to close in November, as cold weather and snow moves in, and they don’t usually open again until March or April. What’s a golf lover to do during the winter months? 

How about spending the off-season golfing some of the world’s best courses? You can do that right here in Grand Rapids, courtesy of a number of golf simulators that create incredibly realistic, immersive experiences to make you feel like you’re playing a PGA tour event. They’re a great way to keep your skills fresh and stay connected with your golfing buddies. (Many simulators offer multi-player capabilities).

Of course, you don’t have to wait for the snow to fly  – golf simulators are great for rainy days and late nights any time of year, and they’re also an excellent way to work on problem areas, as they can provide feedback to help you perfect your game. That feedback can also help novice golfers get better faster.

Here are the golf simulators our social media followers recommended when we asked for their favorite places to play indoors. Note that most encourage golfers to bring their own clubs, though rentals are usually available, and recommend you wear tennis shoes rather than golf shoes.

Golf 616

Located in Comstock Park, about 10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, Golf 616 provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for golf enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. State-of-the-art Trackman iO Technology enhances realism and accuracy, and provides precise analytics to guide improvements in your swing and overall performance.

Golf 616 offers open play, personalized lessons, leagues, tournaments, clinics, contests and the option to host private events. An on-site Pro Shop is stocked with a wide range of golfing equipment and apparel, and an in-house snack bar serves a variety of snacks and drinks (including craft beer).

Visit the Golf 616 website to reserve a tee time.

The Leaderboard Indoor Golf

The Leaderboard, on Plainfield Avenue 15 minutes from downtown GR, lets golfers play hundreds of courses around Michigan and the world. It utilizes  GSPro 4k golf simulation software for stunning graphics and realistic ball physics, along with constant updates to incorporate new features and courses.

The Leaderboard allows up to 10 players on a course and supports stroke play, match play, alternate shot, scramble and team modes. Memberships and league play area available. Relax before or after your game with a local craft beer or craft cocktail in the Birdie Bar.

Book a tee time on The Leaderboard website.

The Lumberyard Country Club

About 20 minutes south of downtown GR in Wayland, The Lumberyard Event Center is an 1898-era barn converted into a one-of-kind destination for weddings, parties and corporate event. But you don’t have to be an event guest to golf the world-renowned golf courses at the facility’s “Country Club.” You can gather friends and family for a round or practice and improve your game every day of the week – from October-April, at least. Unlike other golf simulators on our list, The Lumberyard operates in the fall and winter only.

The Country Club doesn’t serve food or drink, but it does allow guests to bring in beverages (including adult beverages). Reserve your tee time.

24/7 Golf

This indoor golf course on Alpine Avenue, 10 or so minutes from downtown GR, is open around the clock so you can play any time of day or night, 365 days a year. 24/7 Golf features six state-of-the-art aboutGOLF simulators that let you choose from 85+ courses and multiple driving ranges, while multiple high-speed cameras and a digital swing analysis help you improve both your long and short games.

In addition to its golf simulators, 24/7 Golf houses a standard-size indoor pickleball court, also available for 24/7 play. Visit the Online Reservations page to book golf and pickleball times.

X-Golf

X-Golf Grand Rapids (in Cascade) and X-Golf Grandville claim to offer “the world’s most accurate golf simulator,” offering players unparalleled accuracy and realism through a combination of camera systems, infrared lasers, impact sensors and advanced gaming software. The Grand Rapids location has six golf simulators and the Grandville location has eight, each of them accommodating up to six people at a time.

Both locations offer a bar/restaurant stocked with beer by the glass or tap, cocktails and wines, along with appetizers, snacks, pizzas and more. Game assessments and lessons are offered by appointment.

Book a tee time in Grand Rapids or Grandville.

Ada Indoor Country Club

Located just outside of the Ada Downtown District, about 20 minutes from downtown GR, Ada Indoor Country Club provides guests with a comfortable and intimate place to hit the virtual links on Golf Digest’s top-ranked Golfzon simulators. Though the facility is open to the public, all the simulator studios here are private and soundproof for an elite experience.

The venue includes a bar and allows carry-in food. Book your tee time.

GOLFTEC

GOLFTEC is an international chain dedicated to helping players improve their game. You’ll start with an evaluation to assess your swing and identify what is holding you back from progressing, then you can purchase a membership that will include one-on-one lessons with a coach, practice time in simulator bays, Optimotion technology for visualizing the mechanics of your swing, club fitting and more. GOLFTEC claims their method results in an average improvement of 7 shots and 20.5 yards farther.

GOLFTEC Grand Rapids, located next to Celebration! Cinema GR North, and GOLFTEC Grandville, close to RiverTown Crossings Mall, both offer the full GOLFTEC experience.

Pickle & Pin

Pickle & Pin includes three private golf simulators that tilt the surface the player is standing on to mimic the incline and decline of the course where the ball is being played. It also has three premium full-size pickleball courts, a full bar and lounge with TVs to watch your favorite sports. The venue is membership-based but also offers hourly rates for non-members. It’s located on Leonard Street, not far from The Mitten Brewing Company and The People’s Cider Co.

Other Local Simulators

Bestside Golf Lounge accommodates up to 16 players at two golf simulators. Guests enjoy access to food and drink from Bestside Bar & Grill, a relaxed West Side hangout right next door.

Brandon Roby’s Golf Performance Center includes six Trackman simulator bays, a 1,300 sq. ft. putting green and 270 sq. ft. putting green utilizing PuttView technology to enable true interaction with everything happening in front of you.

Gimme’s Par & Grill in downtown GR pairs indoor simulation bays with craveable bites and delicious drinks. The bays are also equipped for other spots, including cornhole, basketball, baseball, football and dodgeball.

LiveGolf Studios at Thornapple Pointe Golf Club provides access to 200+ golf courses, various challenge games and multiple practice ranges  along with delicious food and drinks.  

Maple Hill Golf Course augments its 18-hole outdoor golf course with indoor play on four Trackman iO golf simulator bays for immersive gameplay on a range of virtual courses.

Dream Grand and Golf, indoors and out, in Grand Rapids!