Many Winter Options for N.J. Golfers

The cold of winter does not mean golf has to end. These days, there are multiple ways to enjoy the game and improve skills throughout the winter at heated, indoor golf facilities.

By now, most golfers have been exposed to state-of-the-art golf simulators that enable players to tee it up on courses they’ve only dreamed about: St Andrews, Pebble Beach, Oakmont, Torrey Pines and Pinehurst, among other world-renowned venues.

Besides the popular play at those courses, indoor locations offer leagues where golfers go head-to-head with opponents for an added challenge. In addition, lessons are available from PGA professionals who use simulators and launch monitors to determine ideal methods to help students fix or improve their swing. On the equipment side, club fitters use ball-flight analysis tools to guide golfers into upgrading their equipment to prepare for spring and the outdoor game.

Here’s a list of public facilities where golfers can make the most of their winter:

• Anchor Golf Center, Whippany (973-887-0898): One simulator, no leagues. Rates: $40-$45/hour
• Club Metro, Jersey City (201-451-1196): One simulator, no leagues. Rates: $50/hour
• Escape Movement Center, Mount Laurel (856-638-5906): One simulator, no leagues. Rates: $50/hour
• Essex Golf Center, Roseland (973-364-0440): Three simulators, leagues available. Rates: $40-$45/hour
• GolfCave, Clark (732-382-2283): Three simulators, no leagues; Rates: $35-$60/hour
• GolfCave, Eatontown (732-719-2283): Five simulators, no leagues; Rates: $35-$60/hour
• Golfology, Waldwick (201-652-4653): Four simulators, leagues available. Rates: $45-$60/hour
• Greens Indoor Golf Café, Maplewood (973-922-1019): Two simulators, leagues available. Rates $40/hour
• Mercer Golf Academy, West Windsor (609-520-0040): Three simulators, leagues available. Rates: $50/hour
• ONX Golf, Tenafly: (201-367-1221): Three simulators, leagues available. Rates: $40-$45/hour
• Players Club Virtual Golf, Paramus (201-483-9690): Six simulators. Leagues available. Rates: $55-$50/hour
• Raritan Ridge Indoor Golf, Middlesex (908-644-0482): Three simulators, leagues available. Rates: Membership plus $25-$45/hour
• The Clubhouse, Fairfield (973-396-0515): Six simulators, leagues available. Rates: $45-55/hour
• The Golf Range, Branchburg (908-253-9300): Two simulators, leagues available. Rates: $40-$50/hour
• Topgolf, Edison (732-374-4097): 200 heated hitting bays, leagues available. Rates: $30-40/hour
• Topgolf, Mount Laurel (856-793-4086), 100-plus heated hitting bays, leagues available. Rates: $30-40/hour