Photo: Tilly Gretsch's Gretsch Golf Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tilly is a Top 50 U.S. Kids coach
By Jay Hubbard, April 8, 2026
Golf is having a moment. Participation is up. New players are entering the game. Facilities are busier than they’ve been in years. On paper, everything looks strong. But if you look a little closer, there’s a different story unfolding—and it’s one that’s reshaping the future of golf in a big way.
More people are discovering the game than ever before. But not all of them are sticking with it. And that’s where something new is stepping in to fill the gap: indoor golf.
From high-end simulator studios to smart additions inside existing clubs, indoor golf is quickly becoming one of the most important pieces of the modern golf business. And it’s not just hype. It’s backed by real data.
Golf Is Growing…But It’s Also Leaking Players
The numbers are impressive. According to the National Golf Foundation, 28.1 million people played on a golf course in 2024—the highest total since before the Great Recession. When you include off-course participation like simulators, ranges, and entertainment venues, that number jumps to 47.2 million. That’s massive.
But here’s the catch: over the last five years, 16.2 million people tried golf for the first time… and only about 3.3 million stuck with it. That means most new players aren’t becoming long-term golfers. So while golf is growing, it’s also losing people just as quickly. That’s the problem—and simulators are starting to look like the solution.
Photo: Kyle Morris, Golf Digest Top Teacher's The Golf Room, Dublin Ohio
Why Simulators Are Pulling People In
Simulators are doing something traditional golf has always struggled with: making the game easier to start—and easier to stick with. They remove the barriers. No weather issues. No four-hour time commitment. No pressure of being on a course if you’re new or unsure. Just step in, swing, and play.
And the data reflects that shift:
- 51% of simulator users aren’t even playing on-course golf
- That number has grown significantly over the last decade
- Simulator users have more than doubled—from 3.8 million in 2015 to 8.1 million in 2024
Even better? Most of them come back. About three out of four simulator users say they’re likely to return. That’s a level of engagement traditional golf would love to have.
What Golf Facilities Are Starting to Realize
If you talk to operators, the mindset has changed. Simulators used to be seen as a luxury—something nice to have. Now, they’re becoming a strategic tool.
Here’s what facility operators are saying:
- Simulators increase engagement
- They bring in new customers
- They create a competitive edge
- And they’re worth the investment
But here’s the interesting part: only about 6.5% of golf facilities in the U.S. actually have simulators today. That means most of the industry is still early in the adoption curve. And many are actively thinking about it—about 13% plan to add simulators within the next couple of years.
Photo: NCR Country Club, Kettering OH golf simulator
Where Simulators Make the Most Sense
Not every facility looks the same, and adoption reflects that. Private clubs are ahead of public courses. Larger facilities are ahead of smaller ones. And colder climates—like the Midwest and Northeast—are leading the charge. That makes sense. If you can’t play outside for part of the year, indoor golf isn’t just a bonus—it’s a way to stay in business year-round.
But even in warm-weather markets, the thinking is shifting. Simulators aren’t just about replacing outdoor play—they’re about adding a new revenue stream.
Let’s Talk About Cost (Because Everyone Does)
The first question most operators ask is simple: how much does it cost? On average, about $45,000 per simulator bay. But that number can be misleading. Some operators expect to spend much less—often under $20,000—depending on how they build it. The reality is there’s a wide range of options, from premium setups to more streamlined, performance-focused builds.
The key takeaway? There’s not just one way to do it. You can scale your investment based on your space, your goals, and your customer base.
Photo: 5 Iron Golf with 32 locations in 13 states
The Revenue Story Is Bigger Than You Think
At first glance, simulator revenue seems straightforward. Charge for time. Customers play. End of story. But that’s not really how it works. The average session runs just over an hour and costs around $55. But customers don’t just come in, hit balls, and leave.
They stay.
They bring friends.
They order food and drinks.
On average, that adds another $40 per visit—boosting total revenue by more than 70%. Now multiply that across groups. The typical simulator session includes about three people. Many of them split the cost. That makes the experience more accessible—and more social. And social experiences drive spending. This is where simulators start to look less like a golf product and more like an entertainment business.
The Biggest Obstacle? Space
If cost is the first concern, space is the second. Most operators think they need a perfect setup—something like 15 feet wide, 21 feet deep, and 13 feet high. That’s ideal. But it’s not required. Facilities are getting creative:
- Converting unused clubhouse space
- Adding simulators to bar and restaurant areas
- Using pro shops or training rooms
- Building smaller, flexible setups
- Or adding climate controlled outdoor tents
And increasingly, they’re rethinking what a “simulator” even means.
Photo: Climate controlled golf simulator tent at Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena CA
You Don’t Need a Full Build to Get Started
One of the most interesting shifts in the market is how many operators are starting small. Not every setup needs a full enclosure and impact screen. Some are using nets with a TV display. Others are using portable launch monitors on driving ranges.
These setups are cheaper, more flexible, and easier to install—and they still deliver real value, especially for instruction and practice. In fact, more than 20% of facilities already own portable launch monitors. That’s a signal: operators are looking for ways to get into the space without overcommitting upfront.
Running a Simulator Is Different Than Running a Golf Course
This part gets overlooked—but it’s critical. Simulators change how your business operates. On a golf course, once players tee off, they’re on their own. With simulators, customers stay close. They ask questions. They need help getting set up. They want guidance. That creates more interaction—and more opportunity.
The best facilities don’t treat simulators as self-service. They treat them like an experience. And that leads to one of the biggest drivers of success, food and beverage.
Food and Beverage Changes Everything
Simulator sessions last longer. They’re more social. People aren’t walking—they’re staying in one place. So what do they want? Good food. Drinks. A reason to hang out. Facilities that invest in this side of the business consistently see higher revenue and better retention.
It’s not just about hitting balls—it’s about creating a place people want to spend time.
Do Simulators Actually Pay Off?
This is the question that matters most, and the answer, based on the data, is yes.
- 70% of facilities say simulators have a positive financial impact
- Nearly half see returns within the first month
- 80% are profitable within the first year
- Average payback is around 7 months
That’s a strong return for almost any investment in the golf industry. Of course, not every facility sees instant success. Execution matters. Location matters. Experience matters. But overall, the model works.
Why This Matters for the Future of Golf
Simulators aren’t just a business opportunity, they’re solving real problems in the game.
- They make golf more accessible.
- They create year-round play.
- They give players instant feedback and faster improvement.
- They fit into modern lifestyles in a way traditional golf sometimes doesn’t.
And maybe most importantly—they bring new people into the game who might never have stepped onto a course.
The Opportunity Right Now
Here’s where things stand today: Only about 7% of facilities have simulators. But adoption is growing quickly. Technology is improving. Costs are becoming more flexible. And demand is rising. That combination doesn’t last forever.
The Bottom Line
Indoor golf isn’t replacing traditional golf. It’s expanding it. For operators, it’s a chance to build a more resilient, year-round business. For players, it’s a more accessible way to experience the game. The facilities that win won’t just install simulators—they’ll build experiences around them.
Because in today’s golf world, it’s not just about where people play. It’s about how often they come back, and simulators are making that happen!
Source: National Golf Foundation White Paper April 2025