PGA Jr. League programs can be successfully delivered on golf simulators, allowing Coaches to run leagues year-round and make use of indoor space during winter months or inclement weather. This article shares best practices gathered from PGA Coaches who have operated effective simulator-based PGA Jr. League programs.
💡 Coaches are encouraged to connect with their Player Engagement Consultant (PEC) to discuss simulator league planning or to be connected with other Coaches running simulator programs in their area.
Parent & Player Orientation (Strongly Recommended)
Host your first session as a combined parent and player orientation to share safety guidelines, establish expectations, and learn to use the equipment.
Recommended topics to cover:
Indoor safety guidelines and swing-zone awareness
Simulator software demonstration, including:
Restarting holes
Mulligans
Chipping and putting mechanics
How scoring will work for the season
Season structure and format
Parent involvement expectations
Additional tips:
Invite parents to bring clubs and play a hole or two with their juniors
For large spaces with multiple bays, consider parent volunteers to help monitor safety
For smaller spaces, it may be safer for parents to wait outside the hitting area
Planning Practices
Coaches report that simulator league sessions typically last 90–120 minutes, with a heavier focus on play rather than instruction.
Common approaches:
Separate practice and match days
Practice: ~50 minutes
Matches: ~90 minutes
Separating the sessions can emphasize player engagement and enjoyment
Planning Game Days
Typical structure:
15–30 minutes of warm-up
60–90 minutes of play
Format options:
Two-person scramble (most common)
Stroke-play aggregate
Traditional PGA Jr. League match play with flags every three holes
Engagement ideas:
Awards for each match day (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)
Season-long leaderboard
Fun metrics such as:
Matches or flags won
Longest putt
Longest hole out
Closest to the hole
Fastest swing speed
Time & Hole Limits
Indoor golf allows for predictable pacing.
Suggested guidelines:
Ages 4–9
45–50 minute time limit
Play as many holes as possible
Ages 10–14
9 holes
60–90 minutes with a hard cutoff
Ages 14–17
9, 12, or 18 holes
Up to 120 minutes
Mixed-age groups:
Adjust goals and formats by age group to match attention spans
Players & Pairings
Successful pairing strategies include:
Random pairings each week, grouped by age but mixed by skill level
Fixed partners for the full season, if preferred
There is no single required approach. Coaches should use the format that best fits their players and facility.
Software & Technology Tips
Common simulator settings used by Coaches:
Double bogey maximum per hole
Gimme putts from 10–15 feet (shortened to 4-6 feet as players improve)
Junior tees when available
Trackman users:
Disable putting
Enable auto-putt from a set distance
Note: Two-person scramble must be selected before starting play and cannot be changed mid-round
Screen & Equipment Maintenance
To protect equipment and screen damage:
Use simulator-only golf balls
Do not allow marked or personal balls
Require rubber tees only (no plastic or wood)
Ensure clubs are clean before play
Consider a club-cleaning station near the bays
Player-to-Bay Ratio
Recommended: 2–4 players per bay
Two players per bay typically complete 9 holes in 60–90 minutes
For facilities with 7+ bays, consider at least two parent volunteers for safety and technical support
Safety Best Practices
Use cones to stablish clearly marked “safe zones”
Keep food and drinks away from screens and computers
Adjust parent presence based on space size:
Larger spaces: parents may help monitor
Smaller spaces: parents waiting elsewhere may improve safety and focus
Pricing & #GameChanger Membership
Coach pricing varies by region and facility setup.
Key reminders:
Simulator leagues often involve smaller groups and higher coach-to-player ratios
Be transparent with families about differences from on-course play
The #GameChanger Club fee ($120) is paid once per calendar year
Players participating in multiple seasons in the same calendar year do not pay a second team kit fee
Typical pricing examples:
Access to no-cost simulator: $350–$400 for ~12 sessions
Third-party facility with usage fees:
Avoid peak hours
Discuss revenue-sharing options
Emphasize new customer acquisition value to the facility
All-Star Eligibility
Simulator leagues with 24 or more players may form an All-Star team
All eligibility requirements outlined in the Conditions of Play still apply