10 Things to Know About Driving Range Vs. Virtual Golf Course

A game of golf is not as easy as it may seem. It takes years of practice and consistency to perfect your golf skills. Before you hit the turf on a golf course, you need to make sure that your drive can get a significant distance and your putting is on par. In fact, there are several driving ranges and virtual golf courses in Nevada and other parts of the US where you can hone your skills.

If you are in Las Vegas, do check out the latest golf entertainment center on the STRAT—Atomic Golf. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of golf games, including a 212-yard-long driving range, a virtual golf course, and more. There is a dedicated golf district where you can showcase your skills to your friends while enjoying the electric atmosphere. If you are looking for a place to practice your long shots or putting skills in Vegas, Atomic Golf is a great option to consider.

Driving Range vs Virtual Golf Course: Things You Should Know

The Conditions

Both driving ranges and virtual golf courses are good for practice. Most driving ranges have mats from which players can hit. If you do a driving range vs. golf course comparison, you can find more similarities between the two in terms of conditions.

On the other hand, the virtual golf course can be set up in a room that is at least 9’ to 10’ wide. To compensate for the lack of space, the virtual golf course uses multiple high-speed motion cameras and advanced technology to create an atmosphere similar to the real golf course.

Cost

At a driving range, you get a bucket of golf balls to practice your shots. On average, a bucket of golf balls costs around $10, which encourages newbies to try their hands at the game of golf. While it is nowhere close to the real turf experience, you get your money’s worth. 

A session at a virtual golf course, which gives you an immersive experience, is slightly more expensive. You need to pay somewhere around $55 per hour to enjoy the virtual golf course and hone your skills. While the setup does not require a lot of space, it requires costly equipment to run, which explains the higher charges. Also, the immersive and personalized experience is worth the price.

Accessibility

At a driving range, you get an open slot for practice most of the time. You can visit the place any time of the week during their operational hours and work on your game. This is one aspect of the driving range vs. golf course comparison where the driving range offers better accessibility. If you want to practice on a real golf course, you get a limited practice round and need to wait for your slot.

You need to book your slot at virtual golf courses, as they can get really crowded during the weekends and holidays. You can talk to the people who run the virtual golf course to know when the space usually remains less crowded. Even though it is more accessible than the real golf courses, always book your slot in advance to avoid waiting for your turn.

Practice Versatility

Driving ranges are best for long drives, irons, and short games. You also get real-world conditions, which help with your practice. Even though the conditions are not completely similar to a real golf course, you get to swing your club under an open sky.

In a virtual golf course, you can practice different shots, including putting and playing entire courses, which you cannot do at a driving course. The virtual golf courses promise an immersive experience with a bunch of twists that keep things interesting all the time.

Impact on Your Skills

When it comes to honing your skills in golf, there is no alternative to spending hours practicing on a golf course. However, it may not be practical to spend hundreds of dollars on every visit if you do it only for fun. This is where driving ranges come into play. While you practice your shots on a driving range, you can improve your wrist action, balance your weight, shallow your swing plane, and do a lot more to level up your game.

On a virtual golf course, you can practice your drives as well as your putting. You can experiment with different swings, learn how to chip, and practice a few putts to improve your accuracy. Also, you get detailed data on your swing as you play. The feedback can help you understand exactly where you need to improve.

Practical Application of Learning

As discussed, both driving ranges and virtual golf courses can help you improve your game. However, it is important to understand whether these practices can be useful on a real golf course. Most people agree that it is comparatively easier to hit a straight shot on a driving range as you do not get obstructions like trees or ponds. Also, there are no results to fear in these practice sessions, so you take your shots more freely.

In a virtual golf course, you can set certain obstacles just like a real golf course. You can have trees, water, and even wind to make the virtual golfing experience as real as possible. You also get a points system and competitive modes to make the game of golf more interesting at a virtual golf course. This is one of the best ways to enjoy golfing, as you are only limited by your creativity. You can add unique immersive experiences to your golfing sessions that are not possible on a driving range.

Realism

When you practice on a driving range, you get a more authentic experience. Even though you need to take the shot on a mat, you get a natural view of the field. You also get to experience natural variables such as wind and terrain, which allows you to prepare better for the real golf course.

In the case of virtual golf courses, you get an immersive experience of a virtual golf course. You can choose the terrain, weather, wind, and other elements while practicing in front of a screen. You have the choice to personalize your golf course experience with robust technology, which makes the game fun for everyone.

Social Aspect

Driving ranges are common practice areas for golf enthusiasts. When you start visiting this place, you get to meet more like-minded people. You can even find a few serious players who are thinking about going pro. So, you can socialize with them and learn a few tips and tricks from them.

On the other hand, virtual golf courses can be used for a solo game or with a small group. This is a perfect setup for the times when you want to celebrate with your existing tight-knit circle.

Weather and Time Dependence

Since driving ranges are set in an open field, your practice hours may be affected by the weather. In fact, some driving ranges operate only during the daytime. So, you need to plan your practice sessions accordingly.

Due to the indoor setup, a virtual golf course remains protected from the elements, allowing you to golf in all kinds of weather. You can also book your slot at any time during operational hours unless someone else has booked it first.

Maintenance Requirements

On a driving range, you only need to follow the rules and guidelines set by the people running the facility. You do not need to worry about the maintenance, as the facility handles everything.

The virtual golf course requires regular maintenance and calibration for proper functioning and accuracy. Generally, the people running the equipment take care of these things; you may also need to know a bit about the configuration to tweak the settings as per your practice requirements.

Ready for Your Drive?

Even though driving ranges and virtual golf courses cannot replicate the feel and atmosphere of a real golf course, they are great for practice sessions. While driving ranges offer better ambiance, easier access, and better space for practicing long shots, virtual golf courses offer more detailed data on your practice, all-weather availability, and more practice versatility. At Atomic Golf, you get access to virtual courses, a driving range, and plenty of other golf activities that can help enhance your game.