
You've said "no" to golf before.
Maybe you watched your kids try it once—only to never ask to go back. Or perhaps you wanted to enjoy a weekend activity with friends, but the thought of being humiliated on a traditional golf course kept you away.
You're not alone. Golf has a reputation problem: it's intimidating, exclusive, and frankly, not fun for most people.
But what if golf didn't have to be that way?
Enter Softgolf—a revolutionary full-swing golf game that strips away the pressure and replaces it with pure enjoyment Located at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC, Softgolf is redefining what golf can be for families, beginners, and anyone who wants to swing without the stress.
The Story Behind Softgolf: From Orlando to North Carolina
Here's where it gets interesting. The concept of Softgolf started in 1974 in Orlando, Florida, when co-inventor Ray Baldorossi, Jr. had a groundbreaking moment during a backyard golf game—his ball veered off course next to a souvenir basketball from hight school. He took a shot and saw it soar. His dad, Ray, Sr. watched him hit it again and went to work the next day. It took five years of concept development, research, prototyping, and patent approval before the first official Softgolf course opened in Delran, New Jersey, in 1979.
Fast forward to today. Softgolf now operates in Clemmons, NC, offering Winston-Salem and greater Triad area a completely new outdoor activity. The game has evolved significantly, featuring durable balls and equipment that glows in the dark for nighttime play.
And the world is taking notice: Softgolf just won the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award in 2024 and 2025 ranking it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
What Exactly Is SoftGolf? Breaking Down the Basics
Softgolf is a full-swing golf game designed for real people—not pros, although we’ve had pros play and come back. Here's what makes it different:
The Equipment
Customers play with three large-faced clubs: a driver, wedge, and putter and 4½-inch foam balls hit into 12-inch holes—essentially, everything is scaled up to make the game more forgiving and, frankly, more fun.
The Course
The Softgolf course at Tanglewood Park features nine holes, with most playing as par 4s and an average length of 100 yards. A full round takes about an hour to play, making it perfect for a quick outing or a leisurely afternoon.
The Experience
Softgolf uses the same fundamental skills as conventional golf—you're taking a full swing, reading the game, and developing your technique. But because everything is larger and more forgiving, your success improves dramatically. On a good hit, the ball travels 75 to 85 yards in the air..
Why Softgolf Works (And Why Traditional Golf Doesn't for Most People)
Let's be honest: traditional golf has barriers to entry that have nothing to do with skill.
There's the intimidation factor—standing on a tee box while experienced golfers watch. There's the time commitment—18 holes can take four hours or more. There's the cost—green fees add up quickly. And there's the fundamental frustration of trying to hit a tiny ball into a tiny hole from hundreds of yards away.
Softgolf removes all of these barriers:
No skills needed—the oversized equipment levels the playing field between golfers and non-golfers.
● All ages welcome—players as young as 3 have played, though age 6 and up is suggested, and 97-year-old Blanche Baldorossi still enjoys the game.
● Inclusive and entertaining—regardless of age or mobility, Softgolf ensures an experience where everyone can participate and enjoy themselves.
● Accessible price point—it's more affordable than traditional golf.
● Actual fun—the game is designed to make you laugh, not stress.
This is the key insight: Softgolf isn't golf for golfers. It's golf for people. Day Play vs. Night Play: Softgolf After Dark
Here's a feature that sets Softgolf apart: illuminated balls, scorecard stands, flags, and holes that glow in the dark.
This transforms the experience entirely. As the sun sets, the magic continues. Night games create an instant vibe that's perfect for date nights, family outings, or friend groups looking for something memorable. The grounds stay dark while everything you need to play lights up—creating a unique, almost surreal golfing experience.
If you've been searching for "things to do in Winston Salem" or "fun outdoor activities in Clemmons NC," night golf is the answer.
Softgolf vs. Mini Golf: What's the Difference? You might be wondering: isn't this just mini golf?
Not exactly. While mini golf is fun, Softgolf offers a fundamentally different experience. You're taking a full swing—the same motion you'd use in traditional golf. You're developing real golf skills, not just navigating obstacles. The course is more spacious, the equipment is more substantial, and the game actually translates to understanding traditional golf mechanics.
It's a genuine golf experience—just reimagined for accessibility and enjoyment.
Bringing Softgolf to Your Event: Patent-Pending Portable Holes
Here's where SoftGolf becomes even more exciting: Patent-Pending Portable Holes.
Softgolf has designed and produced portable holes featuring a quick and non-invasive system that eliminates the need for traditional golf pins (flags). These portable holes are equipped with illumination for both daytime and nighttime play, enhancing the Softgolf experience for players.
What does this mean for you?
Softgolf can come to you.
Whether you're planning a team-building event, corporate appreciation day, birthday party, or special celebration, Softgolf's portable holes can transform an outdoor space into an engaging golf experience. Imagine hosting a company event where employees of all abilities can participate and actually have fun—no golf experience required.
This is where Softgolf's unique value proposition really shines. Traditional golf experiences exclude people. Softgolf includes everyone.
Ready to bring Softgolf to your next event? Book a consultation to explore portable Softgolf for team-building, corporate events, and celebrations—our team will customize the experience to match your unique needs.
Everything You Need to Know About Playing Softgolf in Clemmons
Location & Accessibility
Softgolf is conveniently situated at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC, next to the dog park and easily accessible from exit 182 off I-40. Tanglewood Park is currently the only place in the world to play Softgolf. Softgolf operates seasonally from April through October.
Who Can Play
Clubs and balls are supplied for all ages (recommended age 6 and up) for both left and right-handed players. The game is inclusive for families, friends, beginners, experienced golfers—literally everyone.
What to Expect
A full round takes approximately one hour. You'll use the same fundamental golf skills as traditional golf but with a much more forgiving and enjoyable experience.
Ready to Experience It?
Stop wondering what Softgolf is all about. Visit our website at https://softgolf.net to learn more and contact us. Whether you're looking for a family outing, a beginner-friendly golf experience, or a unique activity in the Clemmons and Winston-Salem area, Softgolf delivers.
The Bottom Line
Golf shouldn't require you to be good at golf to enjoy it.
Softgolf proves that with the right approach—oversized clubs, foam balls, glowing holes, and a mission centered on fun rather than competition—golf becomes accessible to everyone. It's what happens when you design a game for real people instead of pros.
In Clemmons, NC, at Tanglewood Park, a golf revolution is happening. And you're invited to be part of it.
Ready to experience the joy of Softgolf™? Reach out to us now through our contact form, and let's tee up some unforgettable moments together. We can't wait to hear from you and help you plan your next adventure on the course!