You don't need a single-figure handicap to have a brilliant night on a simulator — the best golf simulator games are built for groups, laughs and mixed abilities. At The Golf Cabin in Wick, about ten minutes from Bristol, a private bay comes loaded with on-screen formats that get everyone involved, from the club golfer to the mate who's never held a driver. This guide runs through the most fun game formats for groups and non-golfers, why they work so well for mixed abilities, and how to set up a session that keeps the whole gang competing.
Why are on-screen games great for groups?
On-screen games turn a simulator from a practice tool into a genuine social occasion. Instead of grinding through eighteen holes, your group plays quick, punchy formats where every shot counts and everyone stays involved — there's cheering, heckling and a leaderboard to argue over. The instant feedback on screen means even a total beginner sees exactly what their shot did, which keeps the energy up.
Crucially, the games level the playing field. A one-off great swing from a novice can beat the seasoned golfer's effort, so nobody's out of the running. That's what makes indoor golf one of the best indoor activities near Bristol for groups — the fun doesn't depend on skill.
The private-bay setting helps enormously, too. Because it's just your group with the screen — no busy range, no queue, no strangers watching — people relax and get stuck in far faster. The quieter member of the group is cheering on the closest-to-the-pin within minutes, and that shared, slightly competitive atmosphere is what turns a simple booking into a proper night out.
What are the best golf simulator games for groups?
There's a format for every mood, from pure showing-off to tactical team play. Here are the crowd-pleasers worth trying:
| Game | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Closest to the pin | Hit a par-3; nearest the flag wins | Mixed abilities & non-golfers |
| Longest drive | One swing each; biggest carry wins | Competitive groups |
| Stroke play round | Play a course, lowest score wins | Keener golfers |
| Match play / teams | Head-to-head or pairs | Balancing strong and weak players |
| Target / points games | Hit zones on screen for points | Beginners & kids (supervised) |
You can rattle through several in a session, so the group never gets bored of one format. Below we dig into which suit which crowd.
Which game is best for closest-to-the-pin?
Closest to the pin is the great equaliser and often the highlight of a group night. Everyone hits a single shot to a par-3 green, and whoever finishes nearest the flag takes the round — simple, tense and endlessly re-playable. Because it's one swing with a clear target, non-golfers get it instantly and can genuinely win.
It's perfect for a knockout format: run it over several holes, drop the player furthest away each round, and build to a final showdown. The drama of a last-shot winner is exactly the kind of moment groups remember. Small stakes — the loser buys the next coffee — add a bit of edge.
What about longest drive for competitive groups?
If your group has a couple of big hitters itching to show off, longest drive is the format for them. Everyone gets a swing, the simulator measures the carry precisely, and the numbers go up on screen for all to see — no arguing about whose went furthest. It taps straight into the friendly rivalry that makes group golf fun.
Because the tracking is tour-grade, you get real distances rather than guesswork, which raises the stakes nicely. It also pairs well with closest-to-the-pin as a two-part contest: reward both power and precision, and different players get their moment. Curious what those distances mean? See golf swing speed and how to add yards.
How do you keep mixed abilities competitive?
The secret to a great mixed-ability session is choosing formats that don't punish the weaker players over eighteen holes. Team games and handicapped formats do exactly that — pair a strong golfer with a beginner, or use match play so a single good hole can swing things, and suddenly everyone's in it.
- Play in pairs so a beginner's best shot carries the team.
- Use scramble/best-ball — everyone hits, you play the best shot.
- Set fun side-challenges so there's always something to win.
- Adjust tees and difficulty to level the field.
The goal is to keep every player feeling like they're contributing. When the games are set up right, the score gaps matter far less than the laughs. If your group is mostly new to it, indoor golf is genuinely good for beginners.
Are on-screen games good for non-golfers?
They're arguably better for non-golfers than a full round. Someone who's never played can grasp closest-to-the-pin or a target game in seconds, and the instant on-screen feedback makes even a mishit entertaining. There's no dress code, free club hire is included, and no one's watching but your own group in a private bay — so there's zero intimidation.
That's why simulator games work so well for occasions where not everyone plays golf: birthdays, work socials, hen and stag afternoons, and family get-togethers. The game does the ice-breaking for you. It's a natural fit for a different sort of date night in Bristol, too.
How do you run a group games night that flows?
A little structure keeps the energy up and stops the session sagging. The trick is to vary the formats and keep everyone hitting rather than waiting around. A simple running order works brilliantly for a group of mates or a work social.
- Warm up with a few relaxed shots so beginners find their feet.
- Kick off with longest drive — loud, quick and a great ice-breaker.
- Move to closest-to-the-pin as a knockout to build some tension.
- Finish on a short team round so nobody's out of it at the end.
- Crown a champion — small stakes optional but recommended.
Rotating formats every fifteen or twenty minutes keeps things fresh and gives different players their moment to shine. Because you can switch games on screen in seconds, it's easy to read the room and change tack if one format isn't landing. Keep the running order loose and let the banter drive it.
How many people can play at once?
A private bay at The Golf Cabin takes up to four players, which is the sweet spot for on-screen games — enough for a proper contest without much standing around. If you've got a bigger group, both bays together suit up to around eight, so you can run parallel competitions and crown an overall champion.
Because you book the whole bay by the hour rather than per person, it's easy and good value to bring the gang. For a larger group across both bays, just get in touch and we'll help you set it up. Under-18s are welcome with an adult supervising.
How do you book a group games session near Bristol?
Booking takes seconds online. The Golf Cabin is in Wick, BS30 5QF — about ten minutes from Bristol, easy from the M4 (Junction 18) and the A420, with free on-site parking. Pick your day and time, choose your bay, and the games are ready to go, any day from 6am to midnight.
So if you want a group plan that works for golfers and non-golfers alike, on-screen simulator games are hard to beat — competitive, easy and genuinely funny. Round up your group, pick your first format, and book a private bay online. New to simulators? Here's exactly what to expect first time.