How to Win at Interactive Golf: Tips to Top the Leaderboard

3. Aim the Club Face, Not Just Your Body

One of the most common mistakes in putting is looking at the target while forgetting to check the club face.

The face of the putter has the biggest influence on the ball’s starting direction. If it’s pointing slightly left or right when it makes contact, the ball will usually travel that way.

Place the club behind the ball and line up the flat face with your chosen target. Look for an imaginary straight line running from the ball to the point you want to hit.

Once you’re lined up, try not to make a last-second adjustment. Those tiny movements often turn a good aim into a miss.

Pick your target, trust your line and make a clean stroke.

4. Don’t Hit Every Shot at Full Power

Interactive golf can bring out the competitive side in just about anyone. Sadly, that often leads to people smashing the ball towards the screen as though they’re attempting a record-breaking drive.

More power doesn’t always mean more points.

A controlled putt is easier to aim and far easier to repeat. It also gives the tracking system a clear, clean shot to follow.

Think of your movement as a gentle pendulum. Move the club backwards, then let it swing smoothly through the ball. The length of the backswing should control the power. Avoid suddenly flicking your wrists or jabbing at the ball.

Start with less force than you think you need. Once you’ve seen how quickly the ball moves, you can add a little more power to your next attempt.

Winning players adjust. Losing players keep hitting the same shot harder and wondering why it isn’t working.

5. Watch the First Few Shots Closely

If you aren’t the first player to take a turn, you’ve been handed a small advantage.

Watch what happens when the other players putt. Pay attention to the direction and speed of each ball. Did a gentle shot reach the screen? Did a harder attempt drift away from its target? Did the ball follow a slightly different line than expected?

Even a missed shot can give you useful information.

If you’re playing first, use your opening turn as a chance to learn. Rather than chasing the hardest target immediately, play a controlled shot and see how the green responds.

By the time your next turn arrives, you’ll have a much better idea of the pace you need.

6. Prioritise Accuracy Over Bragging Rights

High-value targets are very tempting. They’re usually the ones that earn the loudest cheers too.

However, the most difficult target isn’t automatically the best target.

Imagine you have a choice between a large scoring area worth 50 points and a tiny moving target worth 150. If you can hit the larger target three times out of four but rarely reach the smaller one, the safer option may give you a higher total score.

That doesn’t mean you should never take a risk. If you’re behind near the end of the game, a high-value target could be exactly what you need. Earlier in the round, steady scoring is often the better tactic.

Keep an eye on the leaderboard. Let the score decide how adventurous you need to be.

7. Pick a Specific Point to Aim At

“Aim at the screen” isn’t a strategy. The screen is rather large.

Choose a precise point within your target. It could be the centre of a shape, the edge of an image or a fixed detail beside a moving target. A smaller visual reference helps your body line up the shot more accurately.

This is particularly useful when the targets are moving. Instead of following one with your club, choose the point where you expect it to be when the ball arrives.

It may take a couple of attempts to judge the timing. Once you find it, stick with the same set-up and adjust in small steps.

8. Keep Your Head Still Through the Shot

We all want to look up and see whether the ball has hit the target. The problem is that looking up too soon can pull your shoulders and club away from the intended line.

Keep your eyes on the ball as the club makes contact. Hold your position for a moment, then look towards the screen.

You don’t have to freeze like a statue. The aim is simply to avoid turning your head and upper body before the shot is complete.

A steady head usually produces a steadier club. A steadier club produces a straighter putt. And a straighter putt gives you a much better chance of wiping the smile off the current leader’s face.

9. Use the Same Pre-Shot Routine

A short routine helps you repeat your best shots, particularly once the game becomes competitive.

Yours could be as simple as:

1. Choose the target.
2. Place the club behind the ball.
3. Check the club face.
4. Look at the target once.
5. Look back at the ball.
6. Make a smooth stroke.

The routine doesn’t need to take long. In fact, it shouldn’t. Interactive golf is meant to keep moving.

The point is to give yourself the same set-up each time. When the pressure rises, familiar actions can stop you rushing or overthinking the shot.

10. Change Your Tactics for Each Game Mode

Spinners’ interactive golf features four game modes, including target-based challenges such as Donkey Derby. The same tactic won’t necessarily work in every game.

Some modes may favour steady, accurate scoring. Others can reward better timing or a more adventurous shot. Before each new game begins, reset your thinking.

Ask yourself:

• Is the aim based on accuracy, timing or total points?
• Are the targets fixed or moving?
• Is there a safe scoring option?
• Would one risky shot change the result?
• Do I need to protect a lead or chase one?

The best player isn’t always the person with the neatest technique. It can be the person who understands the challenge and adapts fastest.

11. Play the Score, Not Your Opponent

Friendly rivalry is a big part of the fun, but it can also distract you.

If someone hits a brilliant shot, you don’t have to copy them. Their target, angle and level of risk may not suit you. Stick with the approach that has been scoring points.

The leaderboard should guide your tactics.

If you’re comfortably ahead, keep collecting reliable points. There’s no need to attempt the hardest shot simply to show off. If you’re trailing with only a few turns left, that’s the time to consider a bigger risk.

And if the scores are level? Take a breath. Follow your routine. Pretend nobody is watching.

They definitely are, of course.

12. Relax and Enjoy the Game

It sounds odd, but trying too hard can make you play worse.

A tense grip, rushed movement and too much technical thinking can all affect your accuracy. Interactive golf has been created for modern social players, not just experienced golfers. You’re meant to chat, laugh, enjoy a drink and get a bit carried away by the score.

Loosen your shoulders before your turn. Take one practice movement if you need it. Then choose your target and commit to the shot.

You’ll often play your best when you stop worrying about looking like a golfer and focus on getting the ball where it needs to go.

Common Interactive Golf Mistakes to Avoid

If your score isn’t moving in the right direction, one of these common mistakes may be the cause.

Striking the ball too hard

Extra power makes the direction more difficult to control. Start gently and build up only when needed.

Changing technique after every miss

One missed shot doesn’t mean your whole technique is wrong. Make small changes to your aim or pace rather than starting again each time.

Ignoring the game instructions

Each mode has its own challenge. Check what earns points before taking your turn.

Following a moving target with the club

This often twists the club face away from the correct line. Aim for where the target is going, then make a straight stroke.

Looking up too early

Keep your eyes down until you’ve made contact with the ball.

Always choosing the biggest score

A smaller target worth more points is only useful if you can actually hit it. Build your total with a mix of safe and ambitious shots.

Do You Need Golf Experience to Play?

No. You don’t need any previous golf experience to play interactive golf at Spinners.

The game is designed to be easy to understand and enjoyable for mixed groups. Beginners can start scoring within their first few turns, while more confident players can test their accuracy against trickier targets.

Because everyone plays from one shared green, the action keeps moving. You don’t need to walk between holes or wait for another group to clear the course. You can also see the scores as you play, so everyone knows exactly who has the bragging rights.

It works particularly well for groups with different ages and ability levels. A complete beginner can beat a regular golfer, especially if they choose their targets wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Interactive Golf

Is interactive golf the same as mini golf?

No. At Spinners, interactive golf is a digital, screen-based game played from one shared green. You hit towards virtual holes and targets shown on a large LED screen. Traditional mini golf is played across a physical course with separate holes and obstacles.

How many game modes are there?

Interactive golf at Spinners has four different game modes. These include a mix of virtual holes, targets and playful challenges, giving your group several ways to compete.

How long does interactive golf take?

Interactive golf bays at Spinners are generally available as a 55-minute session. This gives your group time to try several games and build a proper leaderboard battle. Availability and session details can vary by venue, so check when booking.

Is interactive golf suitable for beginners?

Yes. No golfing experience is needed. The basic action is easy to learn, and the different targets allow players to choose shots that suit their confidence and ability.

What should I wear?

There’s no golf dress code. Wear something comfortable that lets you move freely. Flat, stable footwear will make it easier to maintain your balance while putting.

Where can I play interactive golf at Spinners?

Interactive golf is available at Spinners venues across the UK and Plymouth. Check your chosen venue’s page before booking, as the selection of games can differ between locations.

Ready to Take Your Best Shot?

Interactive golf is easy to pick up, quick to play and much harder to walk away from when someone else is sitting at the top of the leaderboard.

Remember the winning formula: check the challenge, aim carefully and control the pace of your putt. Build your score with reliable shots, choose the right moment to take a risk and don’t let the group commentary put you off.

Then all that’s left is to grab your people, pick your game mode and settle the question properly: who has the best aim?

Book interactive golf at Spinners and get ready for real clubs, real fun and some very serious bragging rights.