Golf enthusiasts now have a new way to enjoy their favorite sport without stepping onto a real course. With the rise of virtual reality, golf lovers can immerse themselves in the game as if they were right on the greens, swinging their clubs, and analyzing their shots.
VR golf games offer an exciting experience, combining realistic physics with the comforts of home. Here are some of the top VR golf games available today, each providing a unique take on the sport, from full-course simulations to fun mini-golf challenges.
1. GOLF+
Available for Meta Quest headsets, GOLF+ is a comprehensive golf experience in VR that brings the thrill of real golf courses into your home. With GOLF+, players can tackle full rounds on authentic courses, compete in various challenges, and even enjoy a virtual version of the popular Top Golf experience.
One of the highlights of GOLF+ is its real-time multiplayer mode, allowing friends to play together no matter where they are. This feature has made GOLF+ a top choice among VR gamers looking to socialize while enjoying the sport.
The controllers feel much like real golf clubs, translating every slight wrist movement and rotation. When swinging and making contact with the ball, the controller vibrates just enough to mimic the feeling of hitting a real ball. Many players especially enjoy the chipping and putting, which are highly realistic and satisfyingly close to actual play.
2. Walkabout Mini Golf
For those who love mini-golf, Walkabout Mini Golf by Mighty Coconut offers an incredibly realistic experience with excellent ball physics. From the way the ball reacts to different levels of power to how it rolls off various surfaces, Walkabout Mini Golf nails the essence of mini-golf. It’s one of the few VR games that recreates the mini-golf feel so accurately, right down to the occasional mishap or trick shot that sends the ball flying out of bounds.
Players can enjoy Walkabout Mini Golf alone or with up to seven other players, including both friends and strangers. This multiplayer mode, combined with diverse courses, keeps the game fresh and exciting.
Course selection in Walkabout Mini Golf is vast, ranging from tropical islands to deserts, oceanside cliffs, and even a gothic castle. Each course has its unique theme, making the gameplay experience feel fresh every time. With added downloadable content (DLC) courses, the game explores creative settings inspired by various fictional worlds and historical themes.
Players can find themselves golfing through 60’s-style deep space, candy lands, old west towns, and even famous fictional sites like the labyrinth from the movie of the same name or the island from the game Myst.
3. Golf 5 eClub
Golf 5 eClub is a VR game designed for players looking for a comprehensive golf experience with realistic elements and advanced tracking. It uses advanced technology to simulate real golf physics through its HPC Golf Launch Manager, which tracks swing data and provides real-time feedback. This allows for accurate tracking of your swing and the ball’s trajectory.
One unique feature in Golf 5 eClub is its Dynamic Wind Factor, which incorporates wind effects, adding a level of environmental challenge that’s rare in VR golf games. Players can choose from various game modes, such as Match Play, Medal Play, and Stableford, which bring a variety of formats to suit different preferences.
The game also offers both single and multiplayer modes, allowing users to compete with friends worldwide. With courses inspired by iconic real-world locations like the Old Course at St. Andrews, Golf 5 eClub offers players a chance to virtually experience the sport’s most famous settings.
For international users, Golf 5 eClub is also translated into multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean.
4. Everybody's Golf VR
Switching from a third-person to a first-person perspective, Everybody's Golf VR brings a unique twist to the classic franchise by using motion controls to create a realistic golfing experience. Available on PlayStation, the game requires a PlayStation Move or DualShock 4 controller, allowing players to swing with precision and control.
The game’s controls replace the traditional three-click swing mechanic with real-time motion control. Here, your swing directly influences the ball’s direction and distance, making every shot count. Environmental factors such as wind and elevation also play a role in shot outcomes, offering an additional layer of realism.
The ball physics in Everybody’s Golf VR follow natural laws, making the ball’s trajectory feel lifelike. Factors like slope and friction from the terrain affect how the ball rolls and bounces, so players must strategize their moves carefully. For example, on rainy days, the ball might roll less due to increased friction, while a steep slope could affect the shot’s angle.
Recommended VR Golf Games Accessories
1. Maecker VR Meta Quest 3/3S Extended Handles
2. MaeckerVR Meta Quest 2 Extended Handles
Conclusion
The popularity of VR golf games is due in part to the way they combine realistic gameplay with easy accessibility. These games allow players to practice their skills or enjoy mini-golf fun without the need for real courses, equipment, or weather concerns. Choosing a VR golf game comes down to your interests and how you want to experience the sport.