nintendo sports with golf is the golf mode in Nintendo Switch Sports, played with motion controls on Nintendo Switch. It offers solo, local multiplayer, and online play, including an elimination-style mode for larger groups.
This guide explains what the mode includes, how to swing and putt, and how its play options differ. You’ll also find practical tips for handling wind, choosing a club, and avoiding common mistakes.
What nintendo sports with golf includes
Golf is one of the sports available in Nintendo Switch Sports. It arrived in a free game update and brings back courses inspired by Wii Sports. The mode includes 21 holes, with a mix of familiar layouts and different challenges.
You play by swinging a Joy-Con, rather than aiming and tapping a button for every shot. The game tracks your motion and turns it into a virtual golf swing. You can play alone, share the game locally, or compete online.
The central goal is the same as in real golf: get the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. Each swing counts as one stroke, so a risky shot that lands in trouble can quickly raise your score.
How golf play options compare
Pick a mode based on how many people are playing and whether you want a relaxed round or a more competitive session. The main options offer different group sizes and pacing.
| Play option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | Play a round on your own and focus on the course and your score. | Learning the controls or practicing shot choices |
| Local multiplayer | Take turns playing on the same console, with up to four players. | Friends or family sharing a living room |
| Online golf | Join other players over the internet; Survival Golf can include up to eight players. | Competitive rounds with people playing remotely |
Online play requires an internet connection and generally requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Local play is a separate option, so you can play together on one console without using online matchmaking.
Survival Golf changes the pace of a standard round. Players compete through holes, and players with the highest scores are eliminated as the match progresses. It rewards steady, low-risk play because one costly hole can put you in danger.
How to swing and putt with a Joy-Con
Before you start, attach the Joy-Con wrist strap and keep enough space around you to swing safely. Hold the controller securely, stand comfortably, and use a controlled motion. The game reads the swing from the controller, so a large, fast movement is not automatically a better shot.
- Check the shot setup. Look at the target, the ball’s position, the selected club, and the wind indicator before swinging.
- Set up a comfortable stance. Hold the Joy-Con steadily and keep your arm movement within a safe range.
- Make a measured backswing. Draw the controller back smoothly instead of snapping it behind you.
- Swing forward under control. A steady forward motion helps you manage shot power and direction.
- Read the result before the next shot. Check where the ball landed and adjust your aim, club, or power accordingly.
Putting uses a shorter motion than a drive. Near the green, a full, forceful swing can send the ball well past the hole. Use a compact movement and pay attention to the power indicator, especially on short putts.
If the game’s motion response feels inconsistent, first check that the Joy-Con is securely attached and held in a neutral, comfortable position. Avoid changing your grip halfway through a swing. A repeatable setup makes it easier to understand how your movement affects the shot.
How to choose clubs, power, and aim
The club determines how far the ball is expected to travel and how it behaves. Longer clubs are useful for covering distance, while shorter clubs help with controlled approach shots. The best choice depends on the distance and the ground between your ball and the target.
Use the shot information on screen rather than choosing a club based on distance alone. A clear route toward the green may suit a longer shot. If a tree, water hazard, or awkward lie blocks the direct route, a shorter shot can be the safer play.
- For a long open shot: Choose a club suited to the distance, then swing smoothly rather than forcing maximum power.
- For an approach: Aim for a position that gives you a manageable next shot, not only the closest point to the pin.
- Near the green: Use a shorter club or putting stroke appropriate to the distance and terrain.
- When trouble is in the way: Favor a safe landing area over a direct line that risks a penalty or difficult recovery.
Wind matters because it can push the ball away from its expected path. Check both its direction and strength before choosing your aim. When the wind is pushing against your shot, allow for it rather than assuming the ball will travel as it would in calm conditions.
The ground also matters. A ball in the rough or near an obstacle may not behave like one sitting on a clear fairway. Before swinging, consider whether the safest next move is to advance the ball or simply get it back onto a more favorable route.
Practical ways to lower your score
Prioritize a reliable next shot
The longest possible drive is not always the smartest shot. Aiming for a safe patch of fairway can leave you with a clearer approach and reduce the chance of landing in a hazard. Think one shot ahead: where will the ball be, and what will the next swing need to do?
Use practice swings to learn your timing
Practice swings help you judge how much movement produces a comfortable level of power. They’re especially useful when you’re new to motion-control golf or switching between long shots and putts. Keep the movement consistent so you can make small adjustments instead of changing your entire swing.
Control the swing instead of flicking your wrist
A common mistake is trying to create power with a sudden wrist snap. That can make the swing harder to repeat and may send the ball in an unintended direction. A smooth motion gives you better control and makes it easier to judge how much power to use.
Adjust aim before adding power
If shots keep missing to one side, don’t automatically swing harder. Check your aim and account for the wind first. More power can increase the distance of a miss without fixing its direction.
Choose safety in Survival Golf
In an elimination match, a cautious shot may be more valuable than a spectacular one. Avoid unnecessary risks when a hazard could add strokes or leave you with a difficult recovery. A steady score can keep you in the match while other players take bigger chances.
Common questions about the golf mode
Is golf included in Nintendo Switch Sports?
Yes. Golf is a sport in Nintendo Switch Sports, added through a free game update. If it does not appear in your game, check that the software has updated and that the console is connected to the internet for updates.
How many holes are available?
The golf mode includes 21 holes inspired by courses from Wii Sports. The layouts vary, so you’ll face different distances and shot decisions across a round.
Can you play golf with friends?
Yes. You can play locally with up to four players on one console. Online play offers additional ways to compete, including Survival Golf for groups of up to eight players.
Do you need a golf accessory?
No special golf accessory is needed. The mode uses a Joy-Con controller for motion-based swings. Attach its wrist strap and make sure the play area is clear before you start.
Is Nintendo Switch Sports golf the same as Mario Golf?
No. Golf in Nintendo Switch Sports is part of a multi-sport game and uses Joy-Con motion controls for swings. Mario Golf: Super Rush is a separate game with its own courses, characters, and golf modes.
nintendo sports with golf is easiest to enjoy when you focus on controlled swings, sensible club choices, and safe routes around hazards. Start with a solo round or local play to get comfortable with the motion controls.
Before your next match, attach the wrist strap, check the wind, and aim for a reliable next shot instead of maximum distance. Those small habits can help you avoid costly mistakes and make each round more consistent.