5 Drills You Can Do on an Outdoor Golf Simulator

If you’re serious about improving your game, your outdoor golf simulator can become way more than just a place to hit balls. It’s your personal training ground — your lab — where you can work through every part of your game with structure and purpose.

A lot of people think simulators are only for checking swing speed or playing virtual rounds with friends. But when you use them intentionally, they can actually mimic the kind of focused, high-level training that pros do before tournaments.

Here are five tour-level drills I use (and love) that you can do on any simulator to sharpen your precision, consistency, and confidence — all from home.

1. The Distance Control Ladder

Distance control is everything in golf — especially with wedges and short irons. One of the most effective drills you can do is the Distance Ladder Drill.

How it works: Pick three to four targets at increasing yardages — for example, 50, 75, 100, and 125 yards. Hit three balls to each target and track your average carry distance. The goal is to land within a few yards of your intended target every time.

If your simulator shows dispersion circles, even better — you’ll visually see your consistency.

Pro tip: Don’t just swing harder to hit it farther. Focus on tempo and feel. Try to use the same rhythm for each shot and adjust only your backswing length. This teaches control instead of “guessing power,” which is key for scoring.

2. Fairway Finder Challenge

This one’s a must for tournament prep or anyone who wants more confidence with the driver.

How it works: Set up a fairway about 30–35 yards wide and pick a total distance that matches your typical tee shot. You’ll hit 10 drives and see how many land “in the fairway.”

Keep a running score over time — for example, out of 10 drives, you want at least 7 to find the fairway.

Pro tip: Vary the fairway width and wind settings week by week to challenge yourself. Tighten it to 25 yards and simulate pressure by telling yourself, “This is the 72nd hole, hit the fairway.” That small mental cue makes a huge difference when it’s tournament time.

3. Pressure Zone Challenge

One of my favorite outdoor golf simulator drills for staying sharp under pressure is this game I call Pressure Zones.

How it works: Choose one target — maybe 140 yards — and set a scoring system:

• Inside 10 feet = 3 points
• Inside 20 feet = 2 points
• On the green = 1 point
• Missed green = 0 points

Hit 10 shots, add up your score, and set a goal to beat next time. You’ll be surprised how much more focused you become when there’s a scoreboard involved.

Pro tip: Make it a competition with a friend or practice partner. Add consequences — whoever loses buys coffee or does extra putting drills. Competition brings out your best focus, even in practice.

4. Random Yardage Drill

This is one of the most underrated drills you can do on an outdoor golf simulator — and it’s how pros test their real control.

How it works: Set your simulator to “random” yardages between 100 and 200 yards (some systems have this feature built in; if not, just pick numbers manually). After each shot, switch clubs and yardages immediately.

This forces you to go through your full routine each time — pick a target, visualize, commit, and swing. It’s how you train your brain to adapt quickly, just like you would on the course.

Pro tip: Don’t rush it. Take every shot like it’s a real hole. Walk behind the ball, breathe, visualize your shot shape, and go. That’s how you turn range reps into real golf improvement.

5. Scoring Game: 9-Hole Outdoor Golf Simulator Challenge

This one ties everything together. The 9-Hole Scoring Game helps you combine accuracy, distance control, and course management — all while making practice fun.

How it works: Pick any course on your simulator (Pebble Beach is a personal favorite). Play nine holes while tracking fairways hit, greens in regulation, and total putts.

The focus here isn’t your final score — it’s consistency. Are you hitting your numbers? Making good decisions? Staying patient after a bad swing?

Pro tip: Treat this like a mini tournament. Go through your pre-shot routine on every hole, and don’t “redo” bad shots. The key to becoming a better competitor is practicing the way you want to perform.

Final Thoughts

Your outdoor golf simulator isn’t just about technology — it’s about intention. When you train with structure, your sessions become ten times more valuable. These drills help you stay sharp, simulate pressure, and develop the calm confidence you need in real tournaments.

The biggest difference I’ve noticed is mental. When I step onto the first tee, I already feel like I’ve been there. I’ve rehearsed the shot, felt the pressure, and trusted my swing through it.

So next time you power up your outdoor golf simulator, don’t just hit balls. Challenge yourself. Keep score. Compete. Build habits that make your game tournament-ready — one swing at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I do these simulator drills? It depends on your schedule, but even two structured sessions a week can make a huge difference. Focus on quality over quantity — stay engaged, keep score, and practice with purpose.

What’s the best simulator setup for doing tour-level drills? Any outdoor golf launch monitor that tracks accurate ball and club data works great — TrackMan, GCQuad, Full Swing, or SkyTrak. The key is consistent calibration and realistic settings for distance, elevation, and wind.

Can these drills help lower my handicap? Definitely. These drills train the same fundamentals pros work on: distance control, accuracy, focus under pressure, and routine. Consistent simulator training can help you shoot lower scores when you take it to the course.

How can I make simulator practice feel more like real golf? Go through your full pre-shot routine every time. Visualize each shot as if you’re standing on an actual hole, not in front of a screen. Add challenges, play games, or simulate competition to build real pressure habits.

What’s the most important drill to start with? If you’re new to structured simulator practice, start with the Distance Control Ladder. It builds feel, accuracy, and consistency — the foundation for every other part of your game.