Recently moved to IL and wanted to find some indoor golfing for the significant other since it's too cold out, I believe Halfway House is only open during the cold season as well. The process of reserving a bay is relatively easy and straightforward thanks to their online website and/or help from Dana. You can easily check their website for availability and reserve the bay, as well as rescheduling but you will be charged if cancelled within 3 hours of your appointment. It is $45 an hour and they recommend one hour per person if you plan to play an 18 hole course.
Dana was very helpful and thorough when explaining how to play/use the simulator. There were sooo many courses to choose from, and I don't really know locations but there was Pebble Beach, PGA Tour, etc.
Some tips: this place is more for experienced golfers I'd say... you don't have to be amazing or a pro, but if you're like me, beyond below average and only go swing for fun, then you might be better off playing the range option instead of 18 holes. You are essentially playing a course, so you have to have common knowledge about which clubs to use, direction, distance left, etc. I played with my SO who golfs often and as we were playing the course, I would have to swing multiple times for his one swing, had many mulligans, and so he didn't get the most experience out of it. He actually ended up mostly playing for me since I wanted him to make the most out of the experience lol.
Another tip, if you're only playing with two people and are short on time, it will be hard to eat and play. I only booked an hour and there wasn't enough time to eat and golf in between. Every time you swing, next person has to get up. I would go with their one hour per person recommendation, or you can play first and eat after. But for two people, it was too much back and forth to enjoy the golf and eating. Three or four people would be much better since you'll have more time between swings to eat. Also if you're eating finger foods and touching your clubs, it can get kinda messy haha.
Food: they are located in a restaurant, HB Jones. The server will come to the simulator side and take your order. I recommend the nachos as it's a HUGE portion that could be shared with 4 people but again, it is messy and your hands might be greasy haha. The chips are so good though, 100% recommend this dish with an ice cold beer
The ambience of this place is really nice. Darkly lit so it feels more private. They played oldies that we jammed to. Great experience overall, thanks Dana for all your help! read more