Virtually Golf sits on Brayford Wharf North in the heart of Lincoln, beside the waterfront, and it has built something with real warmth: a family-first sports venue where serious golfers and complete beginners can happily share an evening. There are three simulators, two in the main bar area and a private room called The Bunker, with sofas and a bigger screen for groups who want their own space.
The simulators use Foresight Sports' GCHawk, a ceiling-mounted launch monitor that captures both ball and club data, and there are more than 2,000 courses to choose from. Every simulator booking also includes a set of carnival-style games at different skill levels, plus football challenges, so the non-golfers in your party will never be left out. Clubs are available free on the main simulators, and up to eight people can share one.
Prices are straightforward: £35 an hour on a main simulator and £45 for The Bunker, with an Early Birds rate of £20 an hour before midday. The Games and Lunch offer, an hour on the simulator with a pizza or loaded fries for £15 a head, is excellent value. There is a bar and kitchen, plus packages including bottomless brunch.
For competitive golfers, the calendar is impressively full. Last season's TapIn Golf Winter League, sponsored by PING, ran on Tuesday and Wednesday nights with weekly prizes, free for members and £15 a slot for others. There is also a knockout Better Ball Championship over the winter, and the venue's own VG Majors.
The venue also runs a golf academy and a Screen To Green programme with schools and clubs, helping juniors and newcomers take their first steps in the game.