Absolutely. Golf simulators are one of the few golf formats specifically designed to be fun for people with zero experience. You don't need your own clubs, special clothing, or any knowledge of golf rules. At LENGOLF, roughly half of our guests have never played golf before — they come for the social experience, the games, and the food and drinks.
Why Non-Golfers Love Golf Simulators
Traditional golf has a reputation for being intimidating: expensive equipment, strict dress codes, slow pace, and unwritten etiquette rules. Golf simulators eliminate all of these barriers.
At a simulator venue like LENGOLF, you walk in wearing whatever you're comfortable in — jeans, sneakers, a t-shirt. Clubs are provided free. There's no one behind you waiting for you to hurry up. The bay is private to your group. You can take as many practice swings as you want, laugh at bad shots, and celebrate good ones with a drink in hand.
The social dynamic is completely different from a golf course. Instead of spending 5 hours walking in the heat, your group shares a bay for 1–2 hours in an air-conditioned space with music, food, and cocktails. It's closer to bowling or karaoke than to traditional golf.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Here's what a first visit to LENGOLF looks like:
Arrival — Walk into Mercury Ville at BTS Chidlom, take the elevator to the 4th floor. No reservation required for walk-ins, though booking ahead guarantees a bay during peak hours.
Setup — Staff will set you up with a bay and clubs. If you mention it's your first time, they'll show you how to hold the club, where to stand, and how the screen works. This takes about 5 minutes.
Playing — Choose a game mode. For beginners, the driving range mode is a great start — just hit balls at targets with no pressure. When you're comfortable, try a course round where each person takes turns.
Duration — Most first-time groups book 1–2 hours. That's enough time to get comfortable, have some fun, and decide if you want to come back.
Cost — Bays start at ~550 THB per hour for up to 5 people. That's ~110 THB per person in a group of 5 — less than a movie ticket.
Games Beyond Golf
Modern golf simulator software includes games that have nothing to do with traditional golf. These are especially popular with non-golfers because they're immediately fun without any skill requirement.
Target practice — Hit balls at bullseye targets for points. Think of it like darts with a golf club.
Closest to the pin — Each person hits one shot at a target. Whoever lands closest wins. Simple, competitive, and hilarious when someone shanks it sideways.
Long drive contest — Pure power. Whoever hits it the farthest wins. Non-golfers often surprise themselves (and their golf-playing friends) here.
Virtual sports — Some systems offer baseball batting, soccer penalty kicks, and carnival-style games. These use the same screen and tracking technology but with different game interfaces.
These party-friendly modes are why simulator venues have become popular for birthday parties, corporate team building, and bachelor/bachelorette outings.
What to Wear and Bring
The short answer: wear whatever you want.
Golf simulators have no dress code. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, dresses — anything comfortable works. The only practical consideration is footwear: flat shoes or sneakers are best because you'll be rotating your feet during the swing. High heels and flip-flops are technically possible but not ideal.
You don't need to bring anything. Clubs are provided free at LENGOLF (standard house sets, or premium Callaway/Majesty rentals for 150 THB/hour). Gloves are optional and available for purchase if you want one.
If you plan to post on social media, bring your phone — the bays photograph well with the course projected on screen, and LENGOLF's lighting is designed to be Instagram-friendly.
Tips for Groups with Mixed Experience Levels
The most common scenario at LENGOLF is a group where 1–2 people play golf and the rest don't. Here's how to make it work for everyone:
Start with the driving range — Let everyone hit a few balls without keeping score. This removes pressure and lets beginners find their swing.
Play competitive mini-games first — Closest to the pin and target games level the playing field because luck plays a bigger role. Beginners often beat experienced players.
Use the mulligan rule — When playing a course round, let everyone re-hit their worst shot each hole. This keeps the pace moving and reduces frustration.
Order food and drinks — The social element matters more than the golf. LENGOLF has a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and a food menu. Making it a night out (rather than a "golf lesson") keeps non-golfers engaged and having fun.
Don't coach unless asked — Experienced golfers: resist the urge to give tips unless your friend asks. Unsolicited advice kills the vibe faster than anything.
From Simulator to Real Golf: Is It a Good Starting Point?
Golf simulators are an excellent way to discover whether you enjoy golf before investing in equipment, lessons, and course fees.
If you find yourself wanting to improve after a simulator session, LENGOLF offers lessons with PGA-certified coaches starting at ~1,800 THB per hour. The coach uses the simulator's data to teach you proper grip, stance, and swing mechanics in a comfortable, private environment — far less intimidating than a driving range full of experienced players.
Many people who start on simulators progress to outdoor golf within a few months. The swing mechanics you develop indoors transfer directly to the course. The main adjustment is adapting to outdoor conditions: wind, uneven lies, and real putting greens.
But there's no obligation to ever play outdoor golf. Plenty of regular LENGOLF customers exclusively play indoors because they enjoy the social format, the convenience, and the air conditioning.
Simulator vs Real Golf
| Feature | Golf Simulator | Real Golf |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment needed | None — free clubs provided | Full set required ($300–$2,000+) |
| Dress code | No dress code — wear anything | Collared shirt, no jeans at most courses |
| Minimum skill level | None — staff help beginners | Basic swing needed to avoid holding up play |
| Time commitment | 1–2 hours | 5+ hours including transport |
| Intimidation factor | Low — private bay, no audience | High — other groups watching, pace pressure |
| Social atmosphere | Music, drinks, food, group-friendly | Quiet, etiquette-focused, limited group size |
| Cost for first-timer | ~100–180 THB/person/hour | 3,000+ THB (green fee, rental, caddie) |
| Learning curve | Fun from the first swing | May take several rounds to enjoy |
Key Takeaways
- No golf experience, equipment, or special clothing is needed — just show up
- About half of LENGOLF guests have never played golf before
- Party-friendly games like target practice and long drive contests are immediately fun for everyone
- A group of 5 can play for ~110 THB per person per hour — cheaper than most entertainment options
- Flat shoes or sneakers are recommended but there's no dress code
- Simulators are a low-pressure way to try golf before committing to equipment and course fees
Try It Yourself
Experience indoor golf at LENGOLF, The Mercury Ville @ BTS Chidlom, Floor 4, Bangkok. Open 9am – 11pm, Monday – Sunday. No experience needed.