Featured back to back in this article are the Northwestern and Midwestern states of Montana and Nebraska. Geographically apart with diverse but differing topographies – the former is marked by an abundance of mountains, rivers, streams, and lakes, while the latter is characterized by low-lying plains, hills, valleys, and canyons – the two share little in common at first glance. However, avid golfers from all over the country have long since been visiting these states for their impressive selection of award-winning, nationally-recognized golf courses.In Montana, there are over a hundred different courses to choose from, with Nebraska having nearly twice as many. Both among the country’s premier vacation destinations – one for its countless tourist attractions and four-star luxury resorts, and the other for its idyllic countryside ambiance and natural splendor – it’s no wonder some truly spectacular golf courses have been built here. Examples that come to mind include the Old Works, Buffalo Hill Golf Club, the Red Course at the Dismal River, the Prairie Club, and the Wild Horse.Perhaps the best part is that visiting and local golf enthusiasts need not fret over bad playing conditions or unfavorable weather when at either of these states, considering the number of excellent virtual or indoor golf facilities available in both. With more than enough options to appease both the serious as well as recreational golfers, below is a list of the best and most prominent virtual golf centers and indoor golf facilities located in Montana and Nebraska.
Best Golf Courses in (Province/State)
1. Pure Shot Golf & Custom Fitting
Location: 80 Willow Peak Dr., Suite B, Bozeman, MT 59718Starting our list off on a high note is Montana’s premier indoor golf facility: Pure Shot Golf & Custom Fitting. This Bozeman-based training center and virtual golf studio boast of a pair of top-quality golf simulators that not only let you play and practice on some of the greatest championship courses in the world but also accurately analyze and assess all the essential points of your swing. If that’s not enough, they also offer private and group lessons with any of their PGA-certified teaching professionals on-staff. Pure Shot Golf is more than just an indoor golf destination. Other services and amenities they provide include a well-stocked, full-service pro shop with its very own custom club fitting center. Here, players can have their clubs re-gripped, lofted, and adjusted by a PGA Certified Professional. If you’re ever in the area, make sure to drop by and visit, as Pure Shot Golf truly proves that great things come in small packages, especially for the indoor golfers of Minnesota.Hours:Tue – Sat9:00 – 6:00 pmContact:406-577-2681
Location: The West Side Center, 1520 3rd St., NW Great Falls, MT 59404The premier indoor golf facility of Great Falls, The Golf Room offers guests the wonderful opportunity to play and practice their favorite sport all day long on any of their top of the line golf simulators as the establishment is open 24/7. An extremely appealing alternative for busy golfers with an on-the-go lifestyle, The Golf Room transports you to over 42 different championship courses from all over the world without the hassle of actually packing your bags and flying there. Their selection includes local favorites like Michigan’s Donald Ross Memorial, California’s Pebble Beach, and Florida’s TPC Sawgrass, as well as international showpieces like Scotland’s St. Andrews, China’s Nine Dragons, and Czech Republic’s GC Lazne Kynzvart. There are also a number of fantasy courses available for play like Atlantis, Donoma Pass, and Hollow Grounds, and compilations such as the Far East Tour, which treks across Asia for the finest holes it has to offer. Experience some of the most distinguished international courses from the first putt to the last drive on the most authentic virtual golf simulators available today. Highly accurate and ultra-realistic, the simulators also function as a training aid in that they assess a player’s swing in terms of ball speed, vertical launch, horizontal launch, shot height, backspin, total ball carry, and total ball distance. If you’re totally new to indoor golf, The Golf Room offers simulator demonstrations where you can practice on a virtual driving range and play a hole on a course of your choosing. You will be properly instructed on how to utilize the room and operate the simulator. Simply approach any of the staff and provide them your email address and desired date and time to book a simulator demonstration. Since there are no rental services on-site, it’s advisable that you bring your own clubs. Simulators can be reserved for a maximum of one hour and must be booked at least 24 hours ahead of time. However, if you wish to play with a group, you can add an hour of time for every person you will be bringing with you. For competitive golfers looking to advance their skill level, there are two PGA Professionals on-staff for golf lessons. Other independent golf instructors can also avail of the facilities by registering with The Golf Room and thus, utilize their number of hitting bays and real-time video-based practice for their own lessons. Other amenities on-site include sitting chairs, flat screen HD TV, a music player, a refrigerator for storing snacks, and a public bathroom. There’s also a high-tech video security surveillance system guarding the perimeter 24/7 so you can rest assured that you will always be protected. While The Golf Room welcomes the general golfing public, it offers memberships as well. Simply fill out their membership application form and pay the initial fee if you wish to become a member. Hours:Mon-Sun Open 24 hoursContact:(406) 454-2889info@thegolfroom.net
Location: 2500 Springhill Road, Bozeman, MT 59718Established in 1959, Riverside Country Club is a private, Bozeman-based golf club boasting of its very own indoor golf training center, complete with a number of cutting-edge TruGolf simulators that earns it a spot on this list of must-visit virtual golf destinations in Montana. If you’re interested, one-on-one or group lessons from their certified teaching pros can also be booked, and the club also hosts a variety of tournaments and other non-golf-related clubs like the Better Bridge Club or the Digital Photography Workshop. If that’s not interesting enough for you, Riverside Country Club has plenty more in store for patrons. It offers an extensive number of other top-notch facilities and recreational activities that will appeal to people of all age and sizes. They have a large, private swimming pool to cool off in, especially during the summer, and when winter rolls around, you can also enjoy cross-country skiing. They also have facilities for racquet sports such as pickleball, tennis, and paddle tennis, as well as a well-stocked pro shop, event spaces that can be rented out for private occasions, and a clubhouse with an on-site restaurant. Open all year round, they regularly serve casual dinners, as well as the occasional themed buffets and wine dinner.Hours:Mon – Sat 8:00 – 5:00 pmContact:406-586-2251riverside-country-club.com
4. Beyond Golf – Bar + Kitchen
Location: 12040 Mcdermott Plaza #330, La Vista, NE 68128The first to represent the state of Nebraska, Beyond Golf Bar & Kitchen is an indoor golf center unlike any other the state has to offer. With a more laid-back ambiance and casual, sports bar-esque environment, Beyond Golf is primarily an entertainment venue with a training studio that’s home to the acclaimed local Golf Academy.Their state-of-the-art simulators offer high-definition visuals that utilize actual course photos, helping to make the experience as authentic as possible. You can choose from over 13 of the most prized courses worldwide, including popular picks like Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Pinehurst No. 2, and more. Each hitting bay comes equipped with high-speed motion-capture cameras that reliably record a player’s every stroke for post-video analysis and feedback. Each bay can accommodate up to 4 players. Rates are on an hourly basis, not per person, so you can go ahead and invite a few of your closest friends for a few rounds at Beyond Golf. The biggest draw is The Golf Academy itself. With the very latest technology in the industry, private lessons and professional instruction at The Golf Academy comes complete with a personal swing analysis and breakdown, as well as a lesson plan for improvement specifically tailored to the students and recommended practice drills. Aside from this, Beyond Golf also hosts several golf clinics, leagues, tournaments, and even the occasional fundraiser. You can also rent the space as it is an ideal venue for big events such as corporate outings, birthday parties, and other occasions. The kitchen provides a wide, sumptuous array of food and beverages, as well as daily specials and Sunday brunch.Hours:Sun – Thu 11:00 – 10:00 pmFri – Sat 11:00 – 11:00 pmContact:(402) 916-4727info@beyondgolfomaha.com
Location: 362 N 114th St #362, Omaha, NE 68154For those looking to satisfy their golfing fix even amidst unforgiving weather, Omaha residents or visitors will be more than pleased to know that their city is home to the world-class Golftec Omaha, which is conveniently situated inside a small shopping center south of the crossroads between Dodge Road and 114th Street.Golftec is a rapidly expanding brand that prides itself on its excellent facilities and high-tech golf simulators that are touted to be some of the best in the industry. On staff are a number of PGA Teaching Professionals – seasoned golfers themselves who make Golftec Omaha the widely-acclaimed training center that it is. The private lessons offered here are well-suited for everyone, no matter the age, skill level, or experience. The coaches work hand-in-hand with the players to develop a lesson plan and practice strategy that personally caters to their individual goals, proficiencies, background, and personal timetable. Lessons can be conducted indoors, within the premises, or outdoors at any of the nearby golf courses. Coaches also offer initial swing evaluation, video-based practice, on-course lessons, and specialized training on a player’s short game and putting. Other amenities offered here include Golftec’s very own custom club fitting center, Tecfit, where professionally trained staff can provide you with precision-matched clubs made especially for you – perfectly calibrated to fit your personal style, swing, and preferences. There’s also an Online Play Performance Center and the Golftec to Go app, which provides you with 24/7 access to your personal file, including previous lessons, instructor’s notes, and recommended practice drills for training on-the-go, wherever and whenever you want.Hours:Mon – Thu 7:00 – 8:00 pmFri 8:00 – 6:00 pmSat – Sun 8:00 – 4:00 pmContact: 402-905-2990
Location: 217 E Stolley Park Rd., Suite J, Grand Island, NE 68801Another premier indoor golf destination of Nebraska, Bearded Buffalo Golf is hands down the finest virtual golf center and training facility in all of Grand Island. It features three state-of-the-art About Golf simulators that come fully equipped with a Golden Tee Unit to provide patrons with the most realistic and authentic golfing experience possible. It can transport you to over 40 of the best championship courses worldwide. Quaint and quiet, this is the perfect place to practice your swing and take a few strokes off your game as their top-notch facilities and services will provide you with all the essentials to help you improve your playing ability. Aside from that, they also have an on-site bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a guest lounge with a wide, flatscreen HD TV and a PS4 for all players to enjoy.Hours:Sun – Thu 10:00 – 10:00 pmFri – Sat 9:00 – 10:00 pmContact:(308) 675-3355nick@beardedbuffalogolf.com
Location: 466 NE-35, Dakota City, NE 68731Located right in the heart of Dakota City, along the intersection of Highway 77 and 35 and a quick, 20-minute drive from Sioux City, Iowa is the Old Dane Golf Club. Beloved by both locals and visitors alike, this indoor golf establishment is best known for its top-notch golf lessons and indoor training facilities so you can stay on top of your game all year round. You may alternate between the indoor golf simulators or their outdoor practice green and driving range depending on the prevailing weather condition. It is equipped with the latest Full Swing Golf simulators and allows hitting bays to be booked at hourly intervals, with each booth accommodating up to 4 players. Programmed into the simulators is a fine selection of some of the most famous golf courses from around the globe, brought to life by the cutting-edge 3D graphics and ultra-realistic visuals of the simulators. Aside from providing you a platform to practice your swing, short game, and drive, Old Dane Golf Club is also home to a full-service casual dining restaurant. They have an assortment of delicious food and beverages available, including burgers, sandwiches, beer, and more. Contact:(402) 987-1100olddanegolf.com
Location: 1800 Wilderness Woods Pl, Lincoln, NE 68512Next on the list is another prestigious golf club, this time hailing from the suburbs of Lincoln, Nebraska: Wilderness Ridge. This establishment is most famous for its 7,100-yard, 18-hole course aptly named Championship and, to a lesser degree, its executive, par-32 layout The Talon Course, both carpeted in lush, well-manicured greens and marked by rolling fairways, stunning water features, and challenging holes that make for an excellent outdoor golf experience. What lands Wilderness Ridge a spot on this list, however, is that it is also home to the Nebraska Golf Academy, which is among the best training facilities in all the state. Well-equipped with seven hitting bays and two teaching bays, both with high-speed, motion-capture video cameras and an advanced launch monitor to analyze and assess a player’s every stroke, the Nebraska Golf Academy rounds out at a spacious 2,000-square-feet and includes an indoor putting green and chipping surface for golfers to warm up on (both literally and figuratively, as they are also covered and heated to provide maximum comfort to all players regardless of the season). As for their outdoor amenities, there’s also an all-grass driving range maintained in pristine condition by the dedicated staff and widely recognized as one of the best in Lincoln. Guests can also enjoy a sumptuous meal at the Wilderness Ridge’s very own full-service restaurant and bar, with a seasonally appropriate menu that serves everything from salads and burgers, to seafood and pasta, and steaks. They have signature desserts and an extensive selection of liquor, wine, craft beers, and cocktails. Friendly tip: come on a Sunday to experience their filling brunch buffet which is a local favorite. Hours:Tue – Sun 10:00 – 5:00 pmContact:(402) 434-5118wildernessridgegolf.com
9. Family Fun Center XL- closed
Location: 10765 M St., Omaha, NE 68127Moving on to mini golf, Nebraska has a lively, delightful selection to choose from, and heading that list is Omaha’s beloved Family Fun Center XL. More than just your usual 18-hole indoor miniature golf course, Family Fun Center XL is an entertainment venue that’s home to several fun-filled recreational activities for youngsters to enjoy, such as their video arcade, laser tag area, laser maze, paintball area, soccer mini-golf, rock wall climbing, foot pool, billiards, and more. The crowning jewel of it all is the Glow Golf, the city’s first indoor mini golf course. As you may have already guessed, this is a blacklight putt course adorned with bright fluorescent holes and obstacles. Here you’ll find all your favorite video game characters at every turn, like Pacman, Mario, Link, Donkey Kong, Lara Croft, the Angry Birds, and more. You can even crank the enjoyment up to eleven with the brand-new Mischief Golf feature, where an exciting new challenge awaits you at every hole, with a spinner deciding a dare for the players to perform in order to progress to the next hole. The best part is this feature is completely free. Hours:Sun – Thu 10:00 – 10:00 pmFri – Sat 10:00 – midnightContact:402-554-1925familyfuncenterxl.com
10. Prehistoric Putt
Location: 1134 Q St., Omaha, NE 68137The next miniature golf course also hails from the city of Omaha: the dinosaur-themed Prehistoric Putt. Owned and operated by Let’s Go Putt, the Prehistoric Putt is one of their three miniature golf courses, each with its own unique theme. There are two indoor 18-hole courses for you and your kids to choose from, both featuring a unique, tropical layout with impressive, hand-crafted obstacles and showpieces like warped walls, a half-pipe, a plinko, volcanoes, and more. There’s even a foosball obstacle that’s guaranteed to make an already memorable day even better.All along the track, there are around 20 intricately-detailed, life-like dinosaur sculptures for your eyes to feast on, such as a Triceratops, a Dilophosauros, a Pterodactyl, and a towering, 20-feet tall Tyrannosaurus Rex. If this sounds like something your youngster would enjoy, you might be interested in renting out their party room for his next birthday party. It can accommodate up to 20 guests and includes a 20% discount on mini golf for the entire party.Hours:Mon – Sat 10:00 – 10:00 pmSun 12:00 – 9:00 pmContact:(402) 506-5204letsgoputt@gmail.com
11. Medieval Putt
Location: 20915 Cumberland Dr., Elkhorn, NE 68022The Medieval Putt is an Elkhorn City-based miniature golf course also owned and operated by Let’s Go Putt. The Medieval Putt is a medieval age-themed putting course with two exciting 18-hole layouts that are designed to both amuse kids and entertain adults with their challenging yet whimsical holes. The track is decorated with lots of old-timey relics you could dream of – from knights to medieval flags, and even dragons. They also have a replica of the Iron Throne from the hit show Game of Thrones. Similar to the Prehistoric Putt, the Medieval Putt also has event spaces that can be rented out on an hourly basis for hosting birthday parties and other special occasions. It accommodates a maximum of 30 guests, all of whom can enjoy a complimentary 20% discount on the mini golf.Hours:Mon – Thu 10:00 – 10:00 pmFri – Sat 10:00 – 11:00 pmSun 12:00 – 9:00 pmContact:402-884-5984letsgoputt@gmail.com
Wrap up
Both Montana and Nebraska are regarded to be among the nation’s intriguing golf destinations for different reasons: the former due to its status as a tourist haven and the latter because of its breathtaking natural landscape. Both have some of the best value courses, with exciting layouts and expertly crafted designs by distinguished architects.With virtual/indoor golf, however, local golfers and visitors no longer need to be restricted to either state’s local selection. Often equipped with cutting-edge technology and the latest technology in golf simulators and software, you can be transported to the greatest championship courses in the world without the hassle of travel.
