How To Start A Golf Simulator Business – Take Control and Make Money

Career, Innovation, Technology

How To Start A Golf Simulator Business – The Complete Guide

If you’re looking to marry your love of golf with making money, then you may be interested in setting up a golf simulator business.

Utilizing modern technologies, these mobile and indoor companies offer a fun, enjoyable and accessible alternative to the beloved sport.

In this guide, you can learn everything you need to know about how to start a golf simulator business. We look at what you need to set up your new company, the costs involved, and a step-by-step guide helping you to launch operations.

First, let’s look at why a golf simulator business could be a good option for you.

Why Start A Golf Simulator Business?

We mentioned a word above, and we’ll repeat it here: golf simulators make the sport accessible. Traditional golf involves a lot of time, walking, good weather, and access to courses. For some people, that’s too many boxes to tick.

Golf simulation provides a fun alternative, one that’s not dictated by the weather, that’s open to people of all ages and abilities, and one that can be enjoyed in a shorter space of time.

Here are some other key reasons why a golf simulator business could be a good choice for you:

    • Rising popularity of indoor golf. Many U.S. cities now have dedicated simulator venues, and the sector is growing quickly.
    • Flexible business models. You can run a standalone facility, add simulators to an existing business (bar, gym, sports centers), or even create a mobile setup for parties and corporate events.
    • High repeat business. Golfers are passionate and often book weekly sessions. League play, lessons, and corporate team-building events can all help to generate consistent revenue.
    • Multiple income streams. Beyond hourly simulator rental, you can offer coaching, memberships, merchandise, food and beverage sales, and even sponsorship opportunities.

Simply put, the golf simulator business combines entertainment, sport, and hospitality in one package.

According to Straits Research (2024), the global golf simulator market was valued at $1.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to exceed $3.3 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10.5%. The U.S. currently accounts for the largest share—approximately 40% of global revenue. The UK and Europe are rapidly catching up as indoor golf lounges and hospitality-based simulator venues gain popularity.

Consumer demand is also being shaped by accessibility and convenience: over 65% of golfers report wanting to play year-round, and indoor simulators provide the perfect solution. Commercial simulator installations have grown by nearly 20% annually since 2020, as entrepreneurs integrate simulators into bars, fitness centres, and entertainment venues. High-end systems like TrackMan and Foresight Sports dominate the market, accounting for over 70% of commercial setups due to their accuracy and realism.

Profitability data continues to impress investors. A well-managed simulator bay can generate $80,000–$120,000 annually, depending on pricing, occupancy, and add-on sales like memberships or events. Meanwhile, the average setup cost of $25,000–$50,000 per bay allows for a relatively quick payback period—often within 18 to 24 months. The combination of strong margins (20–40%), repeat customers, and scalable business models has positioned golf simulation as one of the most promising emerging sectors in sports entertainment.

Our graph below shows potential gold simulator market growth broken down by region.

How Much Does A Golf Simulator Business Make?

The revenue each golf simulator business can generate will vary depending on factors like location and the success of marketing methods. It helps to look at some averages to give you an idea. Here’s a breakdown of some key figures based on the US market:

    • Hourly rentals – Most simulator businesses charge $30–$65 per hour per bay. A single simulator running 40 hours per week at $45/hour can gross around $7,200 per month.
    • Memberships – Many venues offer unlimited or discounted packages. A $150 monthly membership, with 50 members, adds $7,500 per month.
    • Events and leagues – Corporate events, birthday parties, or seasonal leagues can generate thousands of dollars per event.
    • Food and beverage sales – If you combine simulators with a bar or café, your margins can significantly increase.

The all-important profit margin, after expenses like rent, staff, utilities, and loan payments could reach between 20 and 40%, depending on how well the business is run. A single-bay mobile business might net $30,000–$60,000 annually.

It’s vital to do your own research too. Local markets can differ, so study what your competitors are charging and work out realistic booking levels to help you forecast a likely return.

What Do I Need To Start?

The last thing you want to do is to go into this new venture blind. It’s important to be aware of what you need to set up and get going without falling foul of the law, and without driving yourself into too much debt.

When it comes to regulations and taxes, it’s important to get set up properly as an LLC, S-Corp or sole proprietorship. We talk more about this below.

Building a business plan is also vital, and in this, you can plot your strategy for dealing with your location, revenue streams and marketing methods.

Equipment is your biggest outlay, and we discuss this immediately below. To guard against any damage or loss, you may need to get insurance.

It’s also vital to think about a simple but effective booking system. It seems like a lot, but we break it all down in detail further below.

How Much Does It Cost To Start The Business?

For many of us, costs can be a barrier to pursuing our dreams. We don’t want to risk falling into debt, and we may doubt ourselves when it comes to making the company a success. But just like playing golf, if you don’t swing, you’ll never know how far you’ll send the ball. You may even hit a hole in one.

There are costs involved in getting a golf simulator business off the ground, and here’s a useful breakdown:

    • Simulator equipment – $10,000–$30,000 per bay for commercial-grade systems (e.g., TrackMan, Foresight Sports, Full Swing). Budget options like SkyTrak can cost under $10,000 but may not keep up with wear and tear as well as the other brands.
    • Enclosures and buildout – $3,000–$8,000 for impact screens, mats, and structures. For an indoor business, factor in construction costs such as flooring, soundproofing, and décor.
    • Space rental – Commercial rents vary, but expect $1,000–$8,000 per month, depending on the city and square footage.
    • Mobile unit – A suitable trailer or van might cost $10,000–$50,000 to buy and outfit with a simulator

You can, of course, do this on the cheaper side, buying second-hand equipment and running everything mobile from a second-hand van, thereby saving on rent and buildouts. This way, you can build up funds to reinvest in a more permanent operation.

How To Start A Golf Simulator Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

Let’s take a step-by-step look at what you need to do to start a golf simulator business.

1. Register Your Business

First things first is to get your business entity set up and registered in your state. Many golf simulator companies are registered as LLCs as this separates personal and business liability, meaning if the company falls into debt, it won’t impact your own personal finances, like your home.

At this stage, you’ll need the likes of a business bank account and a company name.

2. Design A Brand and Develop A Business Plan

The golf simulator business is more competitive than you think. It’s vital, therefore, to get the branding right. You’re not selling crazy golf after all. Think about the types of customers you want to appeal to and tailor your marketing to them.

For example, if you live in an area with a lot of older people who enjoy golf, then using flashy colors and imagery in your marketing may not resonate with them.

Defining your target audience will allow you to adjust your marketing and branding more easily.

If you’re including other revenue streams, like food and drinks, then it’s important to work out this side of the business too. Don’t focus everything on the golf side. Ensure what you serve is of good quality, meets hygiene regulations, and is priced at a level that earns you enough profit without leaving customers feeling ripped off.

3. Buy The Equipment

When it comes to investing in equipment, try to opt for models with a proven commercial background. While home golf simulators may appeal with their cheaper prices, if they end up breaking after a few swings, you’ll end up spending double.

The key pieces of equipment you’ll need are:

    • Launch monitor
    • Projector and screen
    • Hitting mat and net/enclosure
    • Computer with software and licenses
    • Depending on the nature of your business, comfortable seating and décor for customer experience

4. Begin Marketing Your Company

The key to long-term success in any business is marketing. As a minimum, you need a professional website that allows people to book sessions with ease. You can optimize this website with search engine optimization (SEO) best practices, which will help customers find you organically on the likes of Google Maps or Google Search.

Depending on where your target audience can be found, you could introduce social media platforms as a means of spreading the word, or you could go more direct and advertise directly in golf clubs and local golf supply stores.

5. Develop The Brand

Linked to marketing is the development of your business brand. This will help you build customer loyalty, which can be vital to a golf simulator business.

You can offer the likes of memberships to keep customers coming back, organize leagues in the local area, or create seasonal events.

Utilizing your social media following and keeping in touch with past customers via email is a great way to keep people engaged with your brand.

How To Start A Mobile Golf Simulator Business

As we’ve mentioned in the article so far, there are different types of golf simulator businesses that you could create.

One of the easiest and cheapest options is to set up a mobile business. With this, you bring the simulator experience to your customers. This could be at events, like weddings, birthdays, fundraisers or corporate events. You could also rent space and set up there for the day.

The mobile business generally has lower overheads, offers you more flexibility, and allows you to travel further afield to find customers.

It does, on the other hand, involve a lot of work and labor having to set up the equipment and take it down. There’s also the risk of equipment getting damaged with all the handling, and there’s the added cost of buying and maintaining a van.

This type of business is viable, however, and if you get good contracts in place and set up your pricing and marketing well, you could easily make good money.

How To Start An Indoor Golf Simulator Business

The other option is to set up an indoor golf simulator business in a fixed location. This could be a small, single bay operation, which brings with it the benefit of low rent and overheads. Or you could go bigger and have multiple bays with extra facilities like food and drink.

This type of business involves more expenses and, depending on what you have in mind, may require more permits and licenses. Here are some key things to consider when setting up an indoor golf simulation company:

    • Choose your location wisely. Look for high-traffic areas near offices, entertainment districts, or suburbs with strong golfing demographics.
    • Plan layout. Each simulator bay requires at least 12–15 feet in width, 18–20 feet in depth, and 10 feet in height. Don’t forget space for reception, seating, and amenities.
    • Licenses and permits. If you plan to serve alcohol or food, additional permits will be required.
    • Create membership models. Indoor venues thrive on repeat customers. Memberships, league nights, and partnerships with local golf coaches keep simulators busy.
    • Diversify offerings. Many indoor golf businesses add retail (clubs, apparel), lessons with teaching pros, or even esports-style competitions.

There are a lot of opportunities to make money with an indoor company, as you can see. With a bit of planning, there’s the potential to find great success.

Could I Buy A Golf Simulator Business That’s For Sale?

If you’re keen to set up a golf simulator business but don’t want the aggravation of setting up your own, you could look to buy an existing company instead.

This gives you the benefit of accessing an existing and established customer base, with revenue already flowing in. The company may also own its own equipment and premises, saving you time and effort on procurement. You can usually find businesses for sale locally, or nationally depending on where you want to set the business up. Make sure you know the area and the need before buying a business in a place you’re not too sure about. Here are some of the more reputable business buy/sell markets:

    • BusinessBuyers.co.uk — A large network of UK business brokers offering listings across all sectors. 
    • Knightsbridge Business Sales — Nationwide UK broker specialising in SME acquisitions and sales. 
    • Ventura Business Brokers — Experienced UK brokerage focused on mid-market businesses (£1m–£10m) across varied sectors. 
    • BizBuySell — One of the biggest US marketplaces, advertising over 45,000 businesses for sale.
    • BusinessesForSale.com (US section) — A platform listing thousands of US business opportunities across industries. 
    • Business2Sell — US-based site with businesses and franchises for sale, attractive for smaller scale acquisitions. 

However, be cautious. Always review financial statements, lease agreements, and the condition of your equipment. Consider why the business is being sold. Is it simply an owner retiring, or is the location underperforming? Hiring a business broker or accountant to conduct due diligence is essential before signing, and can make a huge difference as to whether or not your golf simulator business is a success.