If you have never picked up a golf club in your life, the thought of stepping onto a pristine, quiet, 18-hole golf course can be absolutely terrifying. You might be worried about the dress code, the rules, or holding up the groups behind you.

Enter Topgolf.

Over the last decade, Topgolf has completely revolutionized the golf industry by turning a traditional driving range into a massive, neon-lit entertainment venue. But if you are a beginner looking to get into the sport, which one should you start with?

Here is the ultimate breakdown of Topgolf vs. Regular Golf for beginners.

The Atmosphere

The biggest difference between the two is the vibe.

Topgolf: Imagine a bowling alley crossed with a sports bar, but instead of throwing a heavy ball at pins, you are hitting golf balls into giant, glowing targets in a massive field. There is loud music playing, waitresses bringing you nachos and margaritas, and absolutely no pressure to be “good” at golf. It is a highly social, loud, and energetic party atmosphere.

Regular Golf: Traditional golf is played on a massive, 150-acre outdoor park. The atmosphere is generally quiet, serene, and focused. While you can certainly drink beers and have fun with your friends, there is an expectation of golf etiquette: keeping your voice down when others are hitting, repairing the grass, and keeping up a steady pace of play.

What You Actually Do

Topgolf: You rent a “bay” (a comfortable booth with couches) by the hour. You stand on a turf mat and hit micro-chipped golf balls at giant circular targets on the ground. A computer screen tracks your ball and gives you points based on accuracy and distance, turning the swing into a video game.

Regular Golf: You start at Hole 1 and must hit your ball from the tee box, down the fairway, and into a tiny 4.25-inch hole cut into the green grass. Once you finish Hole 1, you drive your cart (or walk) to Hole 2 and repeat the process 18 times. The goal is to get the ball into all 18 holes in as few swings as possible.

Equipment and Dress Code

Topgolf:

• Equipment: You do not need to bring anything! Topgolf provides clubs for men, women, and children for free right in your bay.
• Dress Code: There is no dress code. You can wear jeans, t-shirts, yoga pants, or even heels (though flat shoes are recommended for balance).

Regular Golf:

• Equipment: You generally need to bring your own set of golf clubs and golf balls, though some high-end courses offer premium rentals.
• Dress Code: Strict. You must wear a collared polo shirt, a golf skirt/shorts/pants, and athletic or golf shoes. Denim, gym clothes, and t-shirts are almost universally banned.

The Cost

Topgolf: You rent the bay by the hour, usually ranging from $30 to $60 per hour depending on the time of day. However, up to 6 people can split the cost of one bay! If you split a bay with 5 friends for two hours, it might only cost you $20 each (plus whatever you spend on food and drinks).

Regular Golf: You pay a “green fee” per person, which covers your round of 18 holes. A cheap municipal course might cost $30 per person, while a high-end resort course can cost $250+ per person. You must also account for buying golf balls and tees.

The Verdict: Which is Better for Beginners?

Without a doubt, Topgolf is the absolute best place for a beginner to start.

It completely removes the intimidation factor of traditional golf. You don’t have to worry about buying expensive equipment, adhering to a strict dress code, or holding up other players if you miss the ball. You can just swing, laugh with your friends, eat good food, and see if you actually enjoy the mechanics of hitting a golf ball.

Once you realize how fun it is to pure a 7-iron at a neon target, you will be perfectly primed to buy a beginner set of clubs and transition onto a real, beautiful 18-hole course!