24/7 Golf Sim Facilities: Guide to the Unmanned
Quick Overview
The 24/7 unmanned golf facility model is reshaping indoor golf. Back Nine (150+ locations), Another Nine (75+ territories), GolfCave, and others are expanding rapidly. For more, see our 24/7 golf simulator facility trend guide, franchise cost guide, and franchise vs independent comparison.
What Is the 24/7 Unmanned Model?
The 24/7 unmanned golf simulator facility is exactly what it sounds like — a staffless, keycard-access indoor golf venue open around the clock. Members pay a monthly fee (typically $100-300) for unlimited access, while non-members can book by the hour through an app. There are no employees on-site during off-peak hours. The lights, HVAC, and sim bays are controlled remotely. The model works because sim golf is self-service by nature — you show up, turn on the bay, and play. No bartender or front desk needed at 2 AM.
The Key Players
Back Nine leads the pack with 150+ locations and an aggressive expansion pace of 20 new openings per month. Their model centers on membership pricing with keyless entry via smartphone app. Each location typically features 4-8 TrackMan or Full Swing simulator bays.
Another Nine sold 75+ franchise territories in its first year, targeting suburban markets underserved by indoor golf. Their model emphasizes lower startup costs and flexible bay configurations.
GolfCave is expanding from its Connecticut base into Long Island and New Jersey, focusing on the premium end of the 24/7 market with higher-end finishes and Uneekor simulators.
How the 24/7 Model Affects Home Sim Buyers
Every 24/7 facility that opens is a live test of the “sim as utility” thesis — the idea that indoor golf will eventually be as accessible as a 24-hour gym. For home sim buyers, this matters for three reasons:
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Try before you buy. These facilities let you experience different sim hardware — TrackMan, Full Swing, Golfzon — before committing to a home setup. One session at a 24/7 facility can answer questions that hours of research cannot.
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Community without commitment. A monthly membership at a local facility ($100-300) is cheaper than a home sim build. If you’re not sure you’ll use it, start here. The golf sim facility boom means there’s likely one opening near you.
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Winter overflow. Even dedicated home sim owners use 24/7 facilities for competitive play, league nights, and variety. The facilities function as the social layer that a home garage setup cannot replicate.
The Economics
The 24/7 model eliminates the single biggest operating cost in indoor golf: labor. Without staffing requirements, facilities can operate at lower margins and still turn a profit. A typical 4-bay 24/7 location generates $19,770/month in revenue at 40%+ margins. For a full breakdown, see our golf simulator revenue per bay guide and annual operating costs guide.
What’s Next
The franchise race is accelerating. Expect 2-3 major 24/7 brands to have 50+ locations each by 2028. For operators, see our sim venue startup playbook and sim bar vs sim-only decision guide.