Which switch sports have golf? Nintendo Switch Sports includes golf as a playable sport, added in a free update after the game first launched. You can play it alone, with friends locally, or online, depending on the mode and your Nintendo Switch Online access.
This guide explains when golf was added, what the mode includes, how multiplayer works, and what you need to play. It also clears up a common mix-up: golf is part of Nintendo Switch Sports, but that does not mean every sports game on Nintendo Switch includes it. A quick comparison will help you find the right game for the kind of golf you want.
which switch sports have golf?
Nintendo Switch Sports has golf. Nintendo added it in a free software update on November 28, 2022. It was not one of the sports available when the game launched, so a player with an older, unupdated installation may not see it right away.
In the game, golf is its own sport mode, alongside activities such as bowling, tennis, and badminton. You can play a round by yourself or take turns with other players. Online, Survival Golf adds a competitive option in which players try to avoid elimination as the holes progress.
The golf mode features 21 holes drawn from the Wii Sports series. It uses motion controls, so you swing a Joy-Con as if it were a golf club. The game measures the swing and uses it to determine the shot’s power and direction. You do not need a separate golf accessory.
To access the sport, make sure the game is updated, then open the sport selection screen. If golf is missing, check for a software update from the Switch home screen and install it. The update is free; you do not need to buy a separate golf add-on.
What the golf mode includes
Golf gives you a familiar goal: get the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. A stroke is each attempt to hit the ball. Your score is tracked against par, the expected number of strokes for a hole. For example, finishing a hole in one stroke under par is called a birdie; taking one over par is a bogey.
The 21-hole selection gives you a mix of layouts rather than one long, identical course. Each hole asks you to judge the distance, the landing area, and the route to the green. A green is the closely cut area around the hole, where the final putt is played.
That variety matters because the strongest shot is not always the smartest shot. A powerful drive can cover more ground, but it can also leave the ball in rough grass or a bunker. A shorter, controlled shot may give you an easier next swing. Treat each hole as a series of decisions, not as a contest to swing as hard as possible.
The game also offers a practice area where you can get used to the swing before starting a round. Use it to see how your movement affects the shot. A few careful swings can help you learn the timing and avoid losing strokes while figuring out the controls during a match.
How to play golf in Nintendo Switch Sports
- Choose Golf from the sport menu. Confirm that the game has the latest update if the option does not appear. Follow the on-screen prompts to select a mode and set up the players.
- Attach the Joy-Con wrist strap. The strap helps keep the controller secure during a swing. Hold the Joy-Con comfortably and leave enough space around you and anyone playing nearby.
- Check the shot information. Look at the target, distance, and lie before you swing. The lie means the surface where the ball is resting, such as fairway, rough, or sand. Different lies can affect how easy it is to make a clean shot.
- Aim before you hit. Use the game’s aiming controls to choose a direction. Look for a safe landing spot, not only the flag. Trees, water, bunkers, and uneven ground can turn an ambitious shot into a difficult recovery.
- Make a controlled swing. Follow the on-screen instructions for the swing and keep your movement smooth. A consistent swing is easier to repeat than a sudden, forceful one. Start with a comfortable motion, then adjust based on the result.
- Plan the next shot from the ball’s new position. After each hit, check the distance and lie again. If the ball is close to the green, a softer approach may be more useful than trying to reach the hole in one shot.
- Put carefully on the green. When you reach the putting surface, focus on direction and a gentle stroke. A putt that rolls well past the hole can leave you with another difficult attempt.
The exact buttons and prompts can vary with the stage of play, so use the in-game instructions when you start. The useful habit is to pause between shots. A quick look at the ball’s position and the route ahead often prevents a rushed swing.
Golf modes and multiplayer options
Switch Sports golf is designed for both solo practice and group play. Local multiplayer lets people share one console and take turns. Online play lets you compete with other players, and Survival Golf offers a different format from a standard round.
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Solo play | Play a round on your own and learn the holes and swing timing. | Practice and relaxed play |
| Local multiplayer | Players share a console and take turns using Joy-Con controllers. | Friends or family in the same room |
| Online golf | Compete over the internet, subject to the game’s online requirements and available modes. | Playing against people in other locations |
| Survival Golf | Players compete across holes, with higher stroke totals putting them at risk of elimination. | Shorter, more competitive online sessions |
Local play is a good choice if you want to share a round without setting up separate consoles. Players take turns, so there is time to watch each shot and discuss the next one. Check the player setup screen for the available controller configuration before you begin.
Survival Golf changes the pressure of a normal round. Instead of only trying to finish with a low overall score, you also want to avoid being among the players with the most strokes on a hole. One poor hole can matter more than it would in a relaxed practice round. Keep your shots safe when the competition is close.
Online play generally requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Online features and requirements can change, so check the current Nintendo account and service information if you are setting up a new subscription. A membership is not needed for local play on the same console.
Which games in the Wii Sports series have golf?
If you mean games in the wider Wii Sports family, golf is not exclusive to the Switch entry. Several earlier games included it, though they run on different Nintendo systems and offer different course designs or controls.
| Game | System | Golf included? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Sports | Nintendo Switch | Yes; added in a free update in 2022 | Motion-controlled golf with local and online play |
| Wii Sports Resort | Wii | Yes | Golf as one activity within a larger collection of sports |
| Wii Sports | Wii | Yes | A straightforward, classic Wii golf experience |
| Wii Sports Club | Wii U | Yes | A later Wii U version of the sports collection |
These titles are not interchangeable versions of one game. Each belongs to a different console generation, and the older Wii and Wii U releases do not run on a Nintendo Switch. If you want to play golf on a Switch console, Nintendo Switch Sports is the relevant entry in this series.
Also, the words “Switch sports” can mean either the Nintendo Switch Sports game or sports games available on the Switch console. Those are different questions. Nintendo Switch Sports has a golf mode; other Switch games may offer their own golf gameplay without being part of Nintendo Switch Sports.
How Switch Sports golf compares with other Switch golf games
If you are choosing a golf game for the console, consider how you want to play. Nintendo Switch Sports focuses on motion-controlled swings and short, accessible rounds. Other golf titles may focus more on traditional course play, character abilities, or a story campaign.
| Game type | Typical play style | What to consider | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Sports golf | Motion-based swings within a collection of sports | Needs room to swing safely; golf is one mode, not a standalone golf simulation | Casual rounds and shared play |
| Mario Golf: Super Rush | Golf with Mario characters and additional arcade-style modes | Offers a distinct presentation and modes beyond the Switch Sports approach | Players who want character-driven golf |
| Other golf games for Switch | Varies by game; some use button controls or emphasize course management | Check the specific game’s control options, multiplayer, and included courses | Players seeking a particular control style or deeper golf focus |
Do not assume that every game with golf on the box uses motion controls. Before buying another title, check whether it supports handheld play, button input, local multiplayer, and online play. Those details can matter more than the number of courses if you have a particular way of playing in mind.
What you need to play
You need a Nintendo Switch console, a copy of Nintendo Switch Sports, and at least one compatible Joy-Con controller. For group play, the setup screen will guide you through the controller requirements for the number of participants. Keep the controller strap attached whenever you are swinging.
Golf uses motion input, so give yourself clear space. Move furniture, pets, and breakable objects away from your swing area. Ask other players to stand outside your movement range, and do not swing while holding a drink or another object.
The game can be played on a television or in tabletop mode, but a larger screen can make it easier for several people to follow the shot. In handheld mode, the Joy-Con are attached to the console, which does not provide the same free-swing setup. Check the game’s current control prompts for supported ways to play before you choose a setup.
Internet access is needed for online competition. Local play does not require an internet connection, though downloading the golf update does. If the update fails to install, check that the console has available storage and a working connection, then reopen the software after installation.
Tips for better shots and fewer wasted strokes
Choose a safe target
Aiming directly at the hole is tempting, but a clear landing area is often the better target. If a hazard sits between you and the flag, aim around it. One extra shot from a good position can beat a risky attempt that costs several strokes.
Use repeatable swings
Build a steady rhythm instead of trying to produce maximum power on every shot. A controlled swing helps you judge how much movement leads to a certain distance. Make small adjustments after each result rather than changing your whole technique at once.
Read the ball’s lie
The ball’s surface affects your next decision. A ball in rough or sand may be harder to control than one on the fairway. Before swinging, check the game’s indicators and avoid assuming that the same motion will produce the same result from every surface.
Do not rush the putting stage
Putting uses smaller movements than a long drive. Make a gentle, deliberate motion and watch how the ball rolls. If you tend to hit past the hole, reduce the size of the swing rather than trying to correct the direction alone.
Practice in short sessions
You do not need to learn every hole at once. Pick a few shots to focus on: a controlled drive, an approach to the green, and a short putt. Practicing those situations gives you useful feedback without making every round feel like a test.
Common questions about golf in Nintendo Switch Sports
Is golf already included, or is it a paid add-on?
Golf is included through a free game update. You do not need to purchase a separate golf pack. If the mode is unavailable, update the game and check again.
How many holes are there?
The mode includes 21 holes from the Wii Sports series. That does not mean every round must use all 21; the game’s selected mode and round setup determine how you play.
Can you play golf with friends?
Yes. You can play locally with other people sharing a console, and online modes let you compete remotely. Online play has different requirements from local play, including internet access and generally a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Does golf use a real golf club or special accessory?
No. The Joy-Con acts as the motion controller. Hold it securely, use the wrist strap, and follow the on-screen swing instructions. No physical club accessory is required.
Is it a realistic golf simulation?
It is an accessible motion-controlled sports game, not a dedicated simulation built around detailed equipment settings. It gives you familiar golf choices, such as aiming, choosing shot power, and managing strokes, while keeping the controls simple enough for quick play.
Why can’t you see golf in the menu?
The most likely reason is that the game has not been updated. Connect the console to the internet, check for a software update, and restart the game after installing it. If golf still does not appear, confirm that you are opening Nintendo Switch Sports rather than another sports title.
Which switch sports have golf? Nintendo Switch Sports does, with 21 holes, motion-controlled shots, local play, and online options. The golf mode arrived as a free update, so it should be available once the game is current.
Update the game, attach the Joy-Con wrist strap, and start with a few practice swings. Aim for a safe landing spot before chasing the flag, especially while you are learning how each swing affects the ball.