7 Golf Simulators For Rain-Or-Shine Fun

Worried about the weather? Take tee time indoors and enjoy a round of 18 on a climate-controlled course.

When summer heat makes the idea of spending four hours on the course feel more punishing than relaxing, indoor golf simulators offer a perfect alternative. With cutting-edge technology and air conditioning, these high-tech setups let you work on your swing—or play a full round at Pebble Beach—without breaking a sweat.

Here’s how simulators work, in short:

You select the course to play, then a series of sensors determines your swing classification and calculates the true distance and spin of each hit before positioning you on the green (instead of in the virtual sand trap, we hope). This gives you the chance to enjoy a full 18 holes without the worry of weather, the exhaustion of walking and the troubles of driving a finicky cart. Real-time, computerized feedback can even help you improve your game as you play—no more relying on know-it-all buddies for advice.

So, when you need a reprieve from the blazing sun or shelter from rain, be sure you set up a tee time at any of these local golf simulators:

All Seasons Golf & Social Club, Cedar Knolls. As its name suggests, this facility allows you to golf any time of year. Stop by to practice your form or challenge friends while enjoying cocktails and light bites.
*235 Ridgedale Ave., Cedar Knolls, 973.606.7429

The Clubhouse, Fairfield. Reserve a golf suite for yourself or for your party of up to 10 people—there are eight simulators for everyone to play, practice and have fun. Don’t want to play a full 18? Virtual mini golf is available too!
*410 Rte. 46, Fairfield, 973.396.0515

GolfCave, Livingston, Randolph. With locations in both Morris and Essex counties, this center gives golfers access to private rooms, simulators and more. Those who purchase a membership have greater access: They can golf anytime, 24/7.
*455 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Livingston, 973.765.2283; 477 Rte. 10 E., Randolph, 973.566.2283

Golf Paradise Club, Verona. It feels like paradise all year long at this facility, which has 24 bays for simulated play, driving practice and plenty of fun. Still learning the game? Sign up for indoor lessons with on-site instructors.
*311 Pompton Ave., Verona, 201.808.3723

The Greens Golf Lounge, Caldwell. Enjoy the thrill of the game no matter your skill level or the weather outdoors. Golfers also will appreciate the automatic tees, which are programmable to your height so you’ll no longer have to guess when setting up to drive.
*459 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, 908.936.1627

Montclair Indoor Golf Club, Montclair. This 2-year-old golf center allows members to tee off 24/7 in climate-controlled, private bays. Non-members can play too, though reservations must be made a week in advance.
*396 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973.960.0406

X Golf, Denville. This chain offers all you need for a day of entertainment: indoor golf in state-of-the-art simulators, equipment rentals, a full bar and lounge, food and drinks, Wi-Fi (so you can post videos of your swing on social media!) and more.
*3130 Rte. 10, Denville, 973.685.0250

Share your photos from the green—indoors or out—with us on Instagram @morrisandessexmag.