Playing golf in New York City can be tricky. From where I live in Brooklyn, it takes at least 45 minutes to get to a course — and that’s without traffic. Suffice to say, playing golf in NYC takes some serious dedication.
With the ability to visit a driving range severely limited by these time constraints, I find myself doing most of my practice in simulators. There’s a Five Iron not far from my apartment, and I typically head there a couple times a week to beat balls. It’s not exactly the same as hitting off grass in the sunshine, but it’s better than nothing.
Practicing in the simulator is a great way to get some reps in throughout the week — especially in the winter — but it comes with some limitations. Because of that, when I get out on the course, I have to make some adjustments to translate that simulator practice to the course.
Below, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Joe Hallett explains three ways you can practice in the simulator that will help you once you get back outdoors.
How to translate your simulator practice outdoors
So, you made the investment. You’ve got the simulator, and you can even tee it up at some of golf’s best courses on your magic machine. Life is good. In fact, you’re a +2 handicap in your own house — but out on the actual course, you’re playing more like a 6 or 7. What gives?
Here are a few tips to help translate that indoor performance to outdoor success.
1. You’re swinging freely indoors — keep that feel outside
In the simulator, you’re letting it rip. The ball only travels a few feet, so there’s less fear of consequences. That freedom often leads to looser, more confident swings. When you head to the course, try to bring that same commitment to your full swings. Don’t tighten up.
2. Dial in your irons — and embrace variety
Your scoring irons are crucial. On the course, you face uneven lies, wind and turf conditions — none of which you experience indoors. To prepare, practice hitting:
Different trajectories: high, mid and low shots
Shaped shots: fades and draws
This helps develop better feel and adaptability — two keys to clean, consistent contact outdoors.
3. Upgrade your short-game practice
Chipping indoors is often from a perfect lie. That’s not reality. Try this drill: hit three types of chip shots to the same target — a standard chip, a low runner and a high, soft landing shot. Pay attention to which clubs work best for each.
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