I took my 1st golf lessons at an indoor facility w/ virtual golf simulator. Here are my playing experiences:

1. It's very accurate. I hit 220 - 230 yds w/ my driver in the simulator and the same out on the field. I used it to record my carry distances for each of my clubs.
2. It's a very good practice tool for your short game < 100 yds.
3. Graphics are just so-so.
4. There are some shots that cannot be duplicated in the simulator (bunker shots, deep ruff)
5. Putting can be a challenge. The simulator that I used had "gimme" distance of 6 feet.
6. One of the nuisance that I experienced was that I had to chase after the ball which bounced back from the projection screen.
7. Due to its inherent limitations it can't duplicate same playing experience as the real thing but close enough. I wouldn't mind playing 18 holes on rainy days.

My instructor said that it costed him about $50K to set it up. I would like to set up one in my home if I win a lotto.