When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Five Iron Golf
Why Five Iron Golf is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Five Iron Golf offers a premier indoor golf experience that combines state-of-the-art golf simulators with a vibrant social atmosphere, making it an exceptional place for friends to gather. Founded in 2017 in New York City’s Flatiron District, Five Iron Golf has expanded rapidly to include 32 locations across 13 U.S. states and five countries, underscoring its widespread appeal. Featuring top-tier TrackMan and Full Swing simulator technology, players gain access to over 200 championship golf courses, letting both novices and serious golfers enjoy diverse courses regardless of weather or location. The venues are designed not just for golf but for entertainment and socializing, offering a full-service bar, locally crafted food menus, and engaging table games such as ping pong and shuffleboard. This creates a dynamic environment where visitors can play, practice, party, or simply hang out. Additional amenities such as golf instruction, club fitting services, leagues, and club storage cater to enthusiasts seeking improvement and regular engagement. Moreover, Five Iron Golf emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, fostering a friendly community atmosphere where everyone from beginners to seasoned players feels welcomed. The spacious venues also provide convenient event spaces suitable for corporate gatherings, private parties, or casual meetups, enhancing its appeal as an urban social hub.
Here's what people think of Five Iron Golf
As of recent, Five Iron Golf holds a 5-star rating based on 443 reviews.
User reviews consistently rate Five Iron Golf highly, with an outstanding 5.0-star average over 443 reviews, reflecting widespread customer satisfaction. Positive feedback commonly highlights the excellent quality of the golf simulators, the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and the engaging combination of golf with entertainment, food, and drink. Many reviewers appreciate the professional and attentive staff, the accessibility of the venues, and the variety of leagues and events that keep the experience fresh and community-oriented. Reviewers also frequently praise the quality of the food and beverage selection, which complements the golfing experience and encourages guests to relax and socialize after playing. On the other hand, some negative comments mention limited availability during peak times or the need for advance reservations, which occasionally restrict spontaneous visits. A few users suggest that expansion of locations and hours could further improve accessibility. However, these critiques are relatively rare and generally do not overshadow the overwhelmingly positive impressions from most patrons. Overall, the reviews confirm that Five Iron Golf successfully blends technology, socialization, and sport, making it a highly recommended destination for urban golf enthusiasts and groups looking for a fun and unique gathering spot.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Yasamin Sabeti
I had a swing evaluation with Coach Joe and he was great! I’m a beginner and he made everything way less intimidating. He gave me clear instructions and a couple of easy to remember drills to practice. The tech at Five Iron is also really helpful because it helps you see the difference each small change makes. I would recommend Coach Joe for beginners who are looking for someone who will explain things nicely without making things confusing. I could tell he has so much experience and has a ton of patience as a teacher. I was a little nervous beforehand but once we got started, he did a great job making the evaluation not scary at all. I also recommend Five Iron whether it’s to practice or just have a fun casual night out with friends.
Zach Beeler
My lesson with Joe was great! He quickly diagnosed the most major issues with my swing and gave me actionable feedback on how to correct them. After one session I already feel more confident and have a plan going forwards. Thanks Joe! I would highly recommend him to anyone regardless of skill level
Zach Stein
Had a great time stopping in for happy hour. The wings were really good and $5 beers to go with it never hurt either. Our bartender Mike G was also a great addition to the experience.
Patrick Moon
Aaron and Maisie are awesome! I’m at this location 2 to 3 times a week for practice/lessons and they’re always super attentive and quick to bring what I need. They make the whole experience more enjoyable every time!
Ryan Barnett
Great experience. I rented a bay for 60 min to practice and dial in my Trackman numbers. Aaron was really helpful getting me setup and showing me how things work. He checked on me during the session to see if I needed anything and even provided water. 5 stars all around. Looked like a fun indoor setup too with a bar and plenty of space to hang out.
How to reach Five Iron Golf
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Why Five Iron Golf may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Five Iron Golf with your friends? Five Iron Golf is a premier indoor golf venue that perfectly blends high-tech fun with a social, welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to gather your friends or family for a memorable outing. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or a complete beginner, the excitement here is palpable—the combination of advanced simulators, lively social spaces, and excellent food and drinks creates a setting where bonding and friendly competition come naturally. The venue’s design encourages interaction and teamwork; you can challenge each other on world-class golf courses from the comfort of a climate-controlled environment without the hassle of walking long distances or dealing with weather unpredictability. Beyond golf, the venue’s bar and lounge areas foster relaxation and casual conversations, so everyone in your group, regardless of skill level or interest in golf, can enjoy themselves fully. Ultimately, Five Iron Golf offers a dynamic balance between sport, entertainment, and socializing that turns any meetup into an event worth repeating.
What activities does Five Iron Golf offer for groups? At the core of Five Iron Golf is state-of-the-art Trackman technology that powers their golf simulators. Groups of up to six can book a private simulator bay to play on any one of more than 200 virtual courses worldwide, including iconic PGA Tour venues like Pebble Beach. This allows everyone to tee off in famous locations without leaving the city, catering to all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Beyond standard play, there are numerous gamified challenges and multi-player games designed to spark friendly competition, making it a playful and engaging experience. For groups looking to brush up their skills, on-site professional coaches provide swing evaluations and personalized lessons, including one-on-one or small group formats—a perfect activity to enjoy learning together. Additionally, many Five Iron locations feature complementary games like shuffleboard and duckpin bowling, broadening the ways your group can have fun beyond golf simulators. Complementing the athletic and gaming components is a full-service bar and kitchen serving quality food and drinks, ensuring that no one leaves hungry or thirsty during your time together.
Why is Five Iron Golf the perfect place for a group meetup? The environment at Five Iron Golf is purposely designed to maximize both activity and social connection, which is key when hosting a meetup for friends or family. The spacious simulators offer enough room for everyone to participate actively or cheer each other on, while the seating and lounge areas encourage mingling and relaxed conversation between rounds. The availability of food, cocktails, and craft beers enhances the festive atmosphere, making it easy to turn an afternoon or evening into a full social event. The venue’s flexibility in booking means you can customize the experience to your group's size and interests—whether you want a laid-back night practicing swings or an energetic tournament-style competition. Furthermore, Five Iron Golf’s emphasis on clean, modern facilities and excellent customer service ensures your group’s comfort and enjoyment from start to finish. Its locations in vibrant urban neighborhoods also add to the appeal by being easily accessible and often near other entertainment options, ideal if your plans extend beyond the golf venue.
What makes Five Iron Golf stand out compared to other golf or social venues? One of the major differentiators of Five Iron Golf is the integration of advanced Trackman technology with social hospitality. Unlike traditional driving ranges or golf courses, Five Iron’s simulators provide instant feedback with high-speed cameras and radar, allowing players to analyze and improve their swings immediately. This blend of entertainment and instruction creates a compelling experience that appeals both to those seeking casual fun and serious golfers looking for practice. The venue's commitment to customization also sets it apart; players can choose among hundreds of virtual courses, participate in a variety of mini-games, or work with expert coaches for tailored coaching sessions. The addition of unique social games like shuffleboard or duckpin bowling adds variety, making it a multifaceted destination for group leisure. Moreover, Five Iron Golf operates in multiple major cities across the U.S., each with a stylish, contemporary design, ensuring that the welcoming atmosphere and high-quality experience are consistently maintained.
How can Five Iron Golf enhance your group meetup experience with lessons and events? Beyond just playing, Five Iron Golf offers structured opportunities to enhance your game together. Their professional coaches, skilled in the latest technology, provide swing evaluations to identify areas for improvement, a great icebreaker and bonding activity for groups. Following evaluations, 1-on-1 or small group lessons help participants develop better skills, fostering a supportive learning environment that can deepen friendships and add meaningful value to the meetup. The venues often host competitive leagues and social golf events with weekly challenges, closest-to-the-pin contests, and seasonal tournaments, which can turn a simple meetup into an exciting ongoing activity. These events offer prizes and giveaways, such as golf getaways, which motivate friendly rivalry and engagement. This combination of fun, education, and community-infused competition ensures that your meetup at Five Iron Golf is not only enjoyable on the day but can become a recurring social tradition.
What should you expect from the food and beverage options at Five Iron Golf? The food and drink offerings at Five Iron Golf are thoughtfully curated to complement the social and sporting atmosphere. Each location features a full bar stocked with craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages, perfect for toasting to good shots or relaxed hangouts. The kitchen menu typically includes a variety of shareable appetizers, comfort food classics, and quality entrees that suit a range of tastes and dietary preferences, making it easy to keep energy levels high during long sessions. Drink specials and promotions often align with events or league nights, adding value for group gatherings. With waitstaff available in the simulator bays, ordering food and drinks is seamless and integrated into the experience, allowing players to focus on the fun without interruption. This combination of tasty, convenient dining options and a lively bar scene transforms Five Iron Golf into more than just a sports venue—it becomes a vibrant social hotspot.
How inclusive and accessible is Five Iron Golf for all group members? Five Iron Golf caters to a broad spectrum of players, from absolute beginners who have never swung a club to seasoned golfers seeking serious practice using top-tier technology. The user-friendly simulators have intuitive controls that ensure ease of use for all ages and skill levels. Groups that include non-golfers are accommodated with alternative activities like shuffleboard or bowling, as well as comfortable seating and social spaces for watching and cheering on friends. The staff is trained to create a welcoming environment, providing personalized assistance and encouraging a friendly, inclusive vibe. Locations are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring anyone with mobility considerations can navigate the space comfortably. Whether your group consists of avid golfers, casual players, or non-players wanting to socialize, Five Iron Golf creates an environment where everyone can participate and enjoy their time together.
In summary, Five Iron Golf provides an exceptional venue for rallies with friends or family by merging technology, sport, and social interaction. The immersive golf simulators powered by Trackman technology, expert coaching, diverse group-friendly games, and a full-service bar and kitchen create an unbeatable combination for group fun and skill development. Its flexible, clean, and accessible spaces make it perfect for meetups that range from casual hangouts to structured social events. With multiple locations in major cities, Five Iron Golf is revolutionizing how people engage with golf and each other, making it a premier destination where memories are made, swings improve, and friendships flourish.