Downtown Full Swing sessions at the renamed Smith's American Tavern
Smith's American Tavern keeps recreational simulator golf on the menu in downtown Lakeland after its change of name from The Back Nine. Its dedicated Simulator Session booking is separate from restaurant table reservations and party inquiries, with two downtown simulators available through the operator-linked scheduler.
This is a non-exhaustive researched Lakeland selection, not live availability. The reservation system still uses the former thebackninelakeland name but identifies Smith's American Tavern and the downtown Tennessee Avenue address. Choose a simulator session, not a dining table. Confirm equipment, age rules, cancellation terms and your session's final price directly; eight-person seating does not guarantee eight golfers can finish a round in an hour. Sim Boss is not included: its apparent website returned unrelated content and its GolfNow page displayed a temporary-closure notice.
Smith's American Tavern — Downtown Game Simulators
124 South Tennessee Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801
The tavern advertises two Full Swing Golf simulators for virtual courses including Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, plus multisport games. Its public Game Sims page lists $34 per simulator-hour Monday–Thursday and $39 Friday–Sunday, explicitly not per person, with comfortable seating for up to eight people. The linked USchedule system identifies Downtown Simulator 1 and Downtown Simulator 2 and offers one-to-four-hour Simulator Sessions; fetched October 18 and 19 examples matched the published weekend and weekday rates. Guests may eat and drink at the simulator, with the restaurant and full liquor bar on site. Check the actual date and checkout terms rather than treating those fetched examples as continuing availability.
Details checked October 18, 2026. Sources: operator websites linked above. Confirm current terms directly before booking. Report a correction
Booking comparison
Compare the details each venue has listed. Membership prices are not public-play rates; an hourly headline does not establish public or member eligibility. Listed hours and booking links do not show live bay availability. Confirm details with the venue before booking.
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The area is also home to the private club Highland Fairways Golf Club (members only — listed for context, not public play). Other nearby courses include Hidden Oaks Disc Golf Course, Cleveland Heights Golf Course and Grasslands Golf & Country Club — check each directly for public access.
Outdoor golf weather in Lakeland ranges from average summer highs near 88°F to average winter lows around 55°F (based on 10 years of climate data), so the indoor bays here keep your game going year-round, whatever the season.
Indoor golf in Lakeland: FAQ
Is this The Back Nine in downtown Lakeland under a new name?
Yes. Smith's American Tavern describes itself as formerly The Back Nine and gives 124 South Tennessee Avenue, Lakeland. Its simulator scheduler retains the old account name but now displays Smith's branding and that downtown address.
How do I book golf instead of a restaurant table or private party?
Use Book Now on the Game Sims page, then select Simulator Session and a downtown simulator in USchedule. The fetched scheduler offered ordinary one-to-four-hour sessions without requiring a membership purchase.
What hourly simulator prices are published?
Smith's lists $34 Monday–Thursday and $39 Friday–Sunday, per simulator-hour rather than per person. Fetched Sunday and Monday booking examples matched those rates; confirm the selected reservation's current total.
How many people can share a simulator?
The operator says a simulator comfortably fits up to eight people. That is a seating statement, not a promise that eight players can complete 18 holes in one hour; discuss your player count and intended round length before reserving.
What golf technology and other games are offered?
Smith's identifies two Full Swing Golf simulators with courses such as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, alongside soccer, basketball, baseball, football, hockey and zombie dodgeball. Ask which games are included in your chosen session.
What should I check about downtown parking for a longer session?
The City of Lakeland says downtown on-street parking provides up to two free hours per day with paid extensions, and recommends a metered lot or garage for visits exceeding four hours. Consult the city's downtown parking map and posted signs; a simulator booking does not include a reserved parking space.