TrackMan simulators keep your game alive when the weather turns sour. They bring your favorite golf courses indoors, creating a lifelike virtual experience. But here’s the catch—not all famous courses play well virtually. Trees, narrow fairways or complicated layouts can turn a great real-world course into a frustrating simulator round. So, picking courses built for virtual fun—not prestige—is vital.
This detailed guide points you directly to the top TrackMan courses designed specifically for a smooth, satisfying round indoors—no lost balls required.
How to Identify the Best Golf Courses for TrackMan Simulator Play?
If you’ve ever stepped onto a simulator excited to play your favorite real-world course only to end up frustrated by endless virtual trees and unforgiving rough, you’re not alone. The secret to enjoying TrackMan simulator golf isn’t chasing prestigious names—it’s choosing the right layout.
Here’s what makes a course perfect for simulator sessions:
Look for Courses Built for Playability
Forget dense forests and narrow corridors of trees. Simulator golf should feel relaxed, enjoyable and realistic—not like navigating an obstacle course. Open fairways and less intrusive hazards mean fewer frustrating penalty shots, allowing you to swing freely without holding your breath on every shot.
Focus on Interesting Terrain and Greens
Flat terrain gets boring fast. Courses with rolling fairways, subtle elevation changes and intriguing green designs keep simulator golf interesting without being irritating. Golfers enjoy subtle elevation changes that test club selection and strategy without becoming overly complicated indoors.
Prioritize Quick or Casual Rounds
Choose courses offering nine holes or short layouts when your simulator time is limited. Shorter courses like Sweetens Cove let you squeeze in a full round during lunch breaks or between meetings. Save lengthy championship layouts for longer sessions or virtual tournaments.
Top TrackMan Golf Courses Every Golfer Should Try
The following carefully selected courses offer excellent playability, authentic challenges and endless virtual enjoyment. They strike the perfect balance between realistic golf simulation and pure indoor fun.
1. St Andrews Links – Old Course (Scotland)
Few courses capture tradition and playability like the Old Course. Generous fairways give you room to breathe and encourage strategic play without constant stress.
However, don’t get too comfortable—hidden pot bunkers are everywhere, waiting to catch even the slightest mistake. Practice precise approach shots and sensible course management, and you’ll leave your virtual round confident and smiling.
2. Pebble Beach Golf Links (California, USA)
Pebble Beach isn’t famous just for its views; it packs a punch indoors too. Its tight greens and ocean-side layout test your precision and patience. Approach shots are crucial, so keep it simple. Aim center-green, play smart with club selection and enjoy virtual California sunshine minus the price tag.
3. Royal St. George’s Golf Club (England)
Royal St. George’s brings serious short-game challenges straight to your simulator session. Its greens will test your touch, forcing you to fine-tune chip and pitch techniques. Precision beats power here every day of the week. Each bunker and slope demands attention, rewarding creativity and punishing carelessness.
4. Casa de Campo – Teeth of the Dog (Dominican Republic)
Teeth of the Dog blends tropical beauty with challenging golf. Oceanfront holes look stunning virtually, yet coastal winds create subtle shot-making dilemmas. Distance and control are your keys here. Dial in those irons, plan for virtual sea breezes and you’ll handle this island challenge like a seasoned pro.
5. Sweetens Cove Golf Club (Tennessee, USA)
When you’re pressed for time but need your golf fix, Sweetens Cove is your best bet. Its nine-hole layout offers fast, entertaining rounds ideal for lunch breaks or quick indoor sessions. Each hole provides an enjoyable challenge without becoming overly complicated. Perfect golf snacks—short, sweet and satisfying.
6. Wentworth Golf Club (England)
Wentworth demands accuracy. Narrow fairways and challenging greens test your discipline and strategy. Here, smart club choices outweigh raw power every time. Treat Wentworth like a chessboard—one careful move after another—and you’ll leave with lower scores and greater confidence.
7. Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Italy)
Marco Simone, a recent addition to TrackMan, offers a fresh experience indoors. Its varied terrain and elevation shifts challenge your virtual skills. Creativity helps, but caution saves strokes. Learn to manage your way around its deceptive greens and strategic hazards, and you’ll appreciate its subtle charm.
8. The Reserve at Moonlight Basin (Montana, USA)
Moonlight Basin brings dramatic elevation changes into your simulator room. Elevated tees encourage bold swings and impressive drives, making virtual golf exciting again. Distance control matters more than ever. Misjudge your yardage, and you could end up stuck on a mountainside—virtually speaking, of course.
9. Le Touquet Golf Club – Colt Course (France)
Le Touquet offers fresh simulator enjoyment. Its open fairways and inviting greens suit all skill levels, making virtual golf relaxing yet challenging enough to hold your attention. Strategic approach shots pay dividends here. You’ll quickly see why golfers return to Le Touquet for repeat rounds.
10. Royal Troon (Scotland) (anticipated addition)
Royal Troon offers an authentic Scottish links experience renowned for its classic seaside design, challenging winds and deep bunkers. Famous for hosting prestigious events, including The Open Championship, the course demands precise shot-making. Golfers eagerly anticipate its addition to TrackMan simulators to experience Troon’s legendary character, strategic play and historic allure virtually.
11. Valhalla Golf Club (Kentucky, USA)
Valhalla Golf Club, frequently ranked among TrackMan’s top simulator experiences, delivers the atmosphere and intensity of a major championship venue. Renowned for dramatic tournament history and challenging layout, the course emphasizes precise approach shots and strategic decision-making. TrackMan players appreciate Valhalla’s realistic simulation, capturing the essence of professional-level competition.
12. Wilshire Country Club (Los Angeles, USA)
Wilshire Country Club provides a unique urban golfing experience right in the heart of Los Angeles. Known for its intricate design and emphasis on accuracy, Wilshire challenges players with narrow fairways, demanding short-game precision and thoughtful strategy. TrackMan captures this subtle complexity, offering a rewarding virtual round in a metropolitan setting.
13. Rio Olympic Golf Course (Brazil)
Rio’s Olympic Golf Course, designed for the 2016 Olympics, stands out on TrackMan for its dynamic short-game challenges and complex green structures. The course emphasizes accuracy around greens, rewarding thoughtful play and precise putting. With a layout reflecting the course’s Olympic pedigree, it provides an engaging and strategically demanding virtual experience.
14. PGA West Mountain (California, USA)
PGA West Mountain, situated amid California’s scenic desert landscapes, is celebrated on TrackMan for its casual yet entertaining playability. The course features dramatic mountain views, gentle elevation changes and forgiving fairways ideal for relaxed simulator rounds or group play. Its accessibility makes PGA West Mountain a favorite among casual golfers and beginners alike.
Underrated Yet Enjoyable Courses on TrackMan Simulators
Everyone knows the classics, but some hidden gems on TrackMan offer pure golfing fun without the spotlight. These underrated courses provide a refreshing change of pace. They’re ideal for casual play or spicing up your usual indoor rounds with a dose of discovery.
Leatherstocking Golf Club (New York, USA)
Leatherstocking might sound like a strange name for a golf course, but it’s worth a second look. Tucked away by Otsego Lake, the virtual version captures beautiful, peaceful scenery. Open fairways keep frustration low, yet subtle greens challenge your short game. Perfect for relaxed indoor sessions, Leatherstocking feels like golfing in your own secret spot.
Franklin Hills Country Club (Michigan, USA)
Franklin Hills is your dependable buddy—nothing flashy, just consistently enjoyable golf. Gentle terrain and approachable greens make rounds pleasant and stress-free. But don’t underestimate the subtle slopes; careless putts quickly add strokes. It’s ideal when you just want to kick back indoors and swing without sweating too much.
Lofoten Links (Norway)
Virtual golf in Norway? Yes, it’s a thing—and Loften Links delivers. It blends classic links-style golf with striking Scandinavian scenery. Windswept fairways, rolling greens and ocean views offer realistic, engaging rounds. If your regular simulator sessions feel stale, Loften adds that needed dash of Nordic adventure.
TrackMan Simulator Tips for Enhanced Gameplay
You’ve got your clubs, a fresh glove and maybe even a cold beverage—now let’s talk about getting the best out of your TrackMan session. Adjusting a few settings transforms indoor golf from good enough to genuinely enjoyable. Here’s how you set up your simulator for success.
Optimal Simulator Settings for Realism and Fun
- Auto-gimmie distances: Putting indoors can become tedious. Set your auto-gimmie to around 6-10 feet. This keeps the pace brisk and avoids grinding over short putts. Trust me, your playing partners will thank you.
- Firmness and speed of greens: Medium firmness offers realism without constant frustration. Ultra-soft greens lack challenge, and overly firm ones can make good shots feel unfair. Medium keeps things balanced—think Goldilocks, just right.
- Wind conditions: Keep virtual wind minimal (around 5-8 mph). Slight breeze adds realism without blowing your shots into the digital woods. It feels real enough without losing your mind chasing offline shots.
Tee It Forward (Seriously!)
Here’s a secret: move up a set of tees. Shorter tees speed up rounds and make indoor golf relaxing, not exhausting. It’s virtual golf—you’re here for enjoyment, not punishment. Besides, your driver ego won’t suffer when you’re consistently scoring birdies.
TrackMan Data: Your New Best Friend
TrackMan collects plenty of swing data—but use it wisely. Key metrics like clubhead speed, launch angle and ball spin help identify what you need to improve. Focus on one or two stats per session, and you’ll improve faster without getting overwhelmed.
Let’s say your driver spin rate is too high. Maybe it’s time to change the angle of attack or tee height. Play around, test new ideas and TrackMan will guide you toward improvement, session after session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions related to Trackman and its virtual experience; we answered them to prepare you for the best possible rounds on your simulator.
Which TrackMan courses have the widest fairways suitable for beginners?
Wide fairways can keep frustration at bay. Sutton Bay, Tapiola and Jubilee at St. Andrews offer plenty of room to miss without severe penalties. You can relax your swing and enjoy virtual rounds without constantly reaching for the mulligan button.
Are firm or soft greens better to play on TrackMan simulators?
Medium firmness works best. Soft greens can feel unrealistic, while rock-hard greens frustrate quickly. Medium firmness keeps things realistic enough to improve your game without ruining the fun.
Can I customize weather conditions when playing TrackMan courses indoors?
Yes, you can. Adjust wind strength, direction and weather to match your comfort level. For realistic play, a gentle breeze around 5-8 mph is enough. Or, dial it up to practice challenging conditions without actually getting soaked.
What are some forgiving TrackMan courses similar to Sutton Bay?
If you love Sutton Bay, try The Links at Spanish Bay, Le Touquet (Colt Course) or Marco Simone. These courses combine open layouts with gentle hazards, giving you enjoyable rounds without high blood pressure.
Which TrackMan courses are best for practicing short-game skills specifically?
Royal St. George’s and Teeth of the Dog shine here. Both have tricky greens that sharpen your chipping, pitching and putting. Practice regularly, and watch strokes fall off your scores quickly.
Is manual putting recommended on TrackMan simulators?
Generally, no. Manual putting indoors often feels awkward and slow. Most players prefer auto-gimmie settings between 6-10 feet. It speeds up play and keeps the experience fun rather than tedious.
How does TrackMan simulate elevation changes accurately in virtual courses?
TrackMan uses precise algorithms and laser-scanned terrain to replicate elevation changes. This makes uphill or downhill shots accurate in distance, trajectory and spin. Just remember: trust the numbers, not your eyes—or you might find your perfect shot soaring into trouble.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right TrackMan courses changes everything about indoor golf. Instead of chasing prestigious names, you get to experience golf the way it should be—fun, relaxing and realistic. The right virtual courses sharpen your skills, provide engaging challenges and keep frustration at bay.
Whether it’s tackling legendary layouts like St Andrews and Pebble Beach, exploring hidden gems like Leatherstocking or Loften Links or adjusting settings for the perfect casual session, thoughtful course selection makes indoor golf genuinely rewarding.
Next time you’re tempted to dismiss indoor golf as “just practice,” reconsider. The courses you choose can turn simulator sessions into something special—realistic, challenging and genuinely enjoyable. Who knows? Your next favorite golf memory might just happen indoors.
