The driving range has been the default place to practise golf for decades. Indoor simulators are the newer option, and a lot of golfers are not sure how the two compare. Both have their place, so here is a straight comparison across the things that actually matter, and an honest view on which improves your game faster.
Feedback: the biggest difference
On a driving range you hit a ball, watch it fly into a field, and judge it by eye. You get a rough sense of good or bad, but no real numbers. A simulator measures every shot: carry distance, ball speed, spin, launch angle, club path and face angle. That data turns vague practice into specific practice. Instead of "that felt a bit thin," you see exactly what happened and can work on it. For improvement, measurable feedback wins comfortably.
Practice quality
A range is great for grooving a repeatable swing with lots of repetitions. A simulator lets you do that too, but adds the ability to practise specific shots, hit to defined targets and distances, and even play real holes so you practise the shots you actually face on the course. Practising in context, rather than just hitting balls, transfers to your scores faster.
Weather and time of year
This one is simple. A range is at the mercy of the weather, and in a British winter that means cold, wind, rain and short daylight. A simulator is warm, dry and open early until late all year round, so your practice does not stop for four months every winter. Golfers who keep practising through winter improve while everyone else stalls.
Cost
Ranges are cheap per bucket, which is their strength. Simulators cost more per hour, but the hourly price usually covers a whole bay, so a group splits it. At The City Golf Club, pay & play starts at £25 per hour for the bay. Factor in the better feedback and the fact you can play full rounds, and the value comparison is closer than it first looks.
Fun and sociability
Bashing a bucket of balls alone gets dull. A simulator lets you play famous courses, run closest-to-the-pin games and compete with friends, which keeps you coming back. Consistency of practice is what drives improvement, and you practise more when it is fun.
So which improves your game faster?
For pure improvement, a simulator has the edge, because the instant data makes every session more useful, you can practise the shots you actually face, and the year-round access keeps you consistent. A range still has a place for cheap, high-volume repetition. The best approach for many golfers is to use both, but if you want measured, all-weather practice that transfers to your scores, indoor golf is the faster route.
FAQ
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Is a golf simulator better than a driving range?
For measured improvement, yes. Simulators give exact data on every shot, let you practise real course situations and stay open all year. Ranges are cheaper for high-volume repetition. -
Can you actually improve on a simulator?
Yes. The instant feedback on distance, spin and club path makes practice more targeted, which is why coaches use them. -
Is a simulator more expensive than a range?
Per hour, usually, but the price covers the whole bay. At The City Golf Club pay & play starts at £25 per hour for the bay. -
Where can I try a golf simulator in South East London?
The City Golf Club in Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, five minutes from Woolwich Elizabeth line station. Book a free trial.