The Truth About Virtual Reality Golf

There is a lot of cool gear in the golf equipment world that doesn’t always fit neatly into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised. 

What We Tried:

Golf+, a virtual reality golf game that’s played with a VR headset. I played Golf+ using the Meta Quest.

Who Tried It:

Connor. Director of Soft Goods Testing and resident sneakerhead. I’m not big on video games but ever since trying Golf+ at the PGA Merchandise Show, I’ve been hooked. Seriously, three minutes at the PGA Show convinced me that I needed this in my life.  

What is Golf+? 

Describing Golf+ isn’t the easiest thing to do. It’s fairly simple at a surface level. It’s an immersive golf experience made to play via a VR headset. But that’s where the simplicity stops. 

Golf+ is something that has to be experienced to really understand. And, while I can’t ship a VR headset to each of you to try, the next best thing is to share some thoughts from people who have taken Golf+ for a spin. You’ll see some reactions in the video below. 

 I, along with my teammates and some everyday golfers, have spent ample time in the Golf+ interface. 

I don’t say this lightly: It’s freaking awesome. Here’s why. 

Barrier For Entry

Let’s start with this: the barrier for entry into virtual reality golf is very low. You can pick up a headset, like the Meta Quest 2, for $250. From there, the actual Golf+ game is only $35. 

So, for about half the price of a new driver, you’re able to buy everything you need to play unlimited virtual golf at home. That, friends, is valuable. 

I’m not necessarily saying Golf+ is a simulator (more on this later), but think of it this way: even the most wallet-friendly launch monitors (MEVO, Rapsodo MLM2 Pro) are double the price of the VR headset and Golf+ game. 

If you ask me, it’s totally worth it. Here’s why I would spend the money to get Golf+.

Immersive Gameplay

From download to the first tee takes just minutes. Anything this easy to use is going to score brownie points in my book. 

The learning curve is relatively shallow, too. Within a few practice swings, it’s easy to get a feel for the mechanics of the game. For my testing, I played with a third-party golf club attachment (basically a grip with a spot for the controller on the end of it).

Golf+ does not sell this accessory but is happy to recommend some great options. 

The first thing I noticed (and you’ll notice) about Golf+ is how impressive and immersive the landscapes are. Every detail from the flora and fauna to the sounds of moving water are present within Golf+. 

Even more impressive are the course details. Yes, you can play your favorite courses in Golf+. As someone who recently got back from Kapalua (subtle flex, I know), I got a lot of enjoyment from having a crack at the Plantation course. 

It almost felt like I was back there again … almost. 

The fact that you can buy actual golf clubs within Golf+ is cool, too. I was so excited to glance down at the putter and see a legit Odyssey White Hot OG. It just adds to the overall ambience and allure. 

When I say that it has to be experienced to really grasp how immersive it is, I mean it. Until then, you’re left to read my words and hope that it conveys the same experience I had blasting a drive down the fairway on the first hole or running a par putt by on the 18th. 

Does it Feel Real? 

For the rest of this piece, I’ll aim to answer questions I know you’ll have. The first (and perhaps most pressing) question is: Does Golf+ feel like the real thing? 

Well, no. But also, yes! Let me explain. 

The “club” itself doesn’t have the same weight and feel of the real thing. And you won’t feel the thwack of the driver face compressing the ball. 

However, the actual mechanics of swinging a golf club are there. Lose control of your face in the downswing? That ball is heading right. Get scared of the water right and hold the face shut? You’re hitting a nasty hook. 

In this regard, Golf+ can feel real. Coupled with the ability to play actual golf courses that you know and love, you can see how Golf+ can be so addicting. 

Sure, you’re not penalized the same way for hitting it thin or hitting three inches behind the ball but the relationship between club path and face seemed decently accurate. 

Yes, standing on the first tee at the Old Course in Golf+ still feels pretty darned nerve wracking. And, yes, the putting yips are alive and well, even in virtual reality. 

Is Golf+ a Valid Training Tool?

It’s time to address the elephant in the room. Golf+ is not going to provide super-accurate numbers the way a dedicated golf launch monitor will. Yes, it’s super fun to blast a 375-yard drive in Golf+ but don’t expect to hit your normal numbers. 

With this disclaimer, I actually feel like Golf+ has some training merit. Namely, in the short game. 

The feel between the short game and putting was pretty darned good. It was really cool. Those little touch shots I’m so bad at? Golf+ accurately displayed my glaring deficiencies. 

As far as full swing stuff goes, again, I thought the club path and face stuff was helpful. If you fight a slice in real life, you’ll fight a slice in Golf+.

While Golf+ doesn’t replace a real range session, I feel it’s decent enough to keep you sane during the winter months. It’s absolutely better than sitting on your butt and not touching a club for six months. 

The reality is that most people who purchase Golf+ will use it for enjoyment more than anything else. And that, above all, is where it shines.

Who is Golf+ For?

After spending hours and hours dinking around in Golf+ and its various game and practice modes (there aren’t enough words for me to dive into just how vast it is), I’ve come up with a succinct list of who I think Golf+ is for. 

If you’re confined by space and just want some way to practice your swing, Golf+ is for you. If you’ve got a buddies trip coming up to Kiawah and want to play a free practice round to map out the course, Golf+ is for you.  If you need a way to destress after a long day at work but don’t have four hours to play at the course, Golf+ is for you.  If you can’t get enough golf, period, Golf+ is for you. 

Fun For All

Perhaps the biggest selling point for Golf+ is this: it makes golf more inclusive and attainable. Gone are the days of driving to Topgolf or the par-3 course for an introduction to the game. 

Golf+ is played anywhere, anytime, and with very little upfront money. In this regard, Golf+ is fun for everyone. From the budding golfer to the seasoned vet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy about a virtual run through their bucket list golf course. 

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