The Complete Guide to Opening a Golf Simulator Venue in 2026

Last updated: July 22, 2026 | By HomeGolfHero Sim Business Writer

The indoor golf venue market has crossed an inflection point.

There are now 3,858 dedicated indoor golf simulator venues across 2,232 U.S. cities (Golfsim.co, July 2026). The National Golf Foundation reports 8.1 million simulator and screen golf users — up 126% from 3.6 million just five years ago. 80% of facilities with simulators reach profitability within their first year. The average per-visit spend is $100 ($55 bay fee + $40 F&B + $5 ancillary).

And the market is still in its early innings. With only 6.5% of U.S. golf facilities having installed simulators, and a global market projected to reach $5.5 billion by 2035 (8.6% CAGR), the opportunity for new entrants is substantial.

But the window is narrowing. The franchise boom (Five Iron at 40+ sites, Another Nine at 50 franchises, GolfCave expanding, a new 10-site Central Florida concept), the emergence of the 24/7 unmanned model, and the $530M Versant-Full Swing acquisition are all signs that the industry is professionalizing fast. The era of the amateur operator — someone who buys a couple of home-grade simulators, rents a strip-mall space, and calls it a venue — is ending.

This guide is for the serious entrepreneur. The one who wants to open a real business, with real financial projections, backed by real market data. We cover the five viable business models, what each costs to build, what each can earn, and how to choose the right one for your market.

Part 1: The Market Opportunity — Why 2026 Is the Right Time

The Numbers

Let’s start with the data that matters to a business decision:

Metric	Value	Source
Total simulator users (US)	8.1M	NGF 2025 White Paper
Growth over 5 years	+126%	NGF
Dedicated indoor venues	3,858	Golfsim.co (July 2026)
Golf courses with simulators	~1,040 (6.5%)	NGF
Combined locations	~4,900+	HGH analysis
Net new venues per week	~9	Golfsim.co (July 2026)
Global market size (2026)	$2.6B	Custom Market Insights
Projected market (2035)	$5.5B	Custom Market Insights
CAGR	8.6%	Custom Market Insights
Avg session fee (course)	$55	NGF
Avg session fee (dedicated venue)	$40/hr	Golfsim.co
Avg F&B spend per visit	$40	NGF
Total value per visit	~$100	NGF
Avg group size	3 players	NGF
Avg visit duration	90 minutes	NGF
Non-golfers using simulators	51%	NGF (up from 42% a decade ago)

What These Numbers Tell Us

The user base is growing faster than the venue count. Eight million users across 3,858 venues means roughly 2,100 potential customers per venue. Even accounting for home simulator owners (estimated 400,000-600,000 households), the math suggests significant unmet demand. The 126% growth over five years also shows that the user base is nowhere near saturation.

The revenue stack is proven. The $100 per-visit economy ($55 fee + $40 F&B + $5 other) is not theoretical — it’s the aggregate of thousands of real-world installations. The 73% F&B uplift means that venues with good food and beverage programs dramatically outperform sim-only operations.

The investment case is validated. The $530 million Versant-Full Swing acquisition (July 2026) represents the largest single M&A event in golf simulator history. It validates the thesis that indoor golf is a legitimate institutional asset class — not a niche hobby. Versant’s CEO called it a “multi-sports technology platform,” signaling that the industry has moved beyond golf into broader entertainment.

Competition is intensifying. Nine net new venues per week means that by the time you open your doors, there will be 200-300 more venues in the market than there are today. The window for first-mover advantage is closing in most markets. If you’re in a Tier 1 city (NYC, Chicago, Dallas, LA) with 50+ venues, differentiation is critical. If you’re in a Tier 3 market (10-19 venues), you have a narrow window to establish yourself before the franchise wave arrives.

Part 2: The Five Business Models — Which One Is Right for You?

There is no single “best” business model for a golf simulator venue. The right model depends on your market size, budget, operational preferences, and long-term goals.

Model 1: The 24/7 Unmanned Micro-Venue

Best for: Secondary markets, first-time operators, investors seeking passive income, low-cost entry.

The concept: 2-4 simulator bays in a small retail space, operating without staff. Customers book online, enter via app or keycode, and play unattended. F&B is handled through self-serve beer walls or premium vending. Cleaning and maintenance are handled by a part-time team.

The numbers:

Metric	Value
Bay count	2-4
Startup cost	$150K-$250K
Per-bay equipment	$15K-$25K (Uneekor, Garmin, or home-grade)
Buildout cost	$40K-$80K
Monthly revenue (4-bay)	$25K-$40K
EBITDA margin	55-65%
Payback period	12-24 months
Staff	0 FTE (remote monitoring, part-time cleaning)

Key players: Another Nine (50+ franchises, $2M funding, $99/month membership model), Back Nine (Southeast/Midwest, Full Swing partnership), Le Birdie Montreal (pioneer, 1,500+ customers in first 6 months), Pin High PGH (Moon Township, Pennsylvania).

The 2026 development: The 24/7 unmanned model is the fastest-growing segment in the industry. Three new venues opened in a single week in July 2026 (Pin High PGH, Dauphin County PA, Back Nine Shreveport). The model’s appeal is obvious: 55-65% EBITDA margins are unheard of in most hospitality businesses. The risk is that no one has tested these venues through a full seasonal cycle yet — the summer trough question is unanswered for the 24/7 cohort.

The franchise option: Another Nine offers a proven franchise model at $99/month membership. They’ve reached 50 franchises and raised $2M from existing investors. The model generates 60% membership revenue, creating a predictable base. For first-time operators, this is the safest entry point into the 24/7 space.

Model 2: The Sim Bar (Full-Service Entertainment Venue)

Best for: Primary markets, experienced hospitality operators, entrepreneurs targeting the $100 per-visit economy.

The concept: 4-8 simulator bays in a full-service bar and restaurant setting. Staffed by bartenders, servers, and bay hosts. F&B is the primary profit driver, with simulators as the entertainment draw. This is the Five Iron Golf model adapted for independent operators.

The numbers:

Metric	Value
Bay count	4-8
Startup cost	$500K-$1.2M
Per-bay equipment	$25K-$60K (Trackman, Full Swing, GOLFZON, or Uneekor)
Buildout cost	$300K-$700K
Monthly revenue	$60K-$120K
F&B % of revenue	35-45%
EBITDA margin	20-30%
Payback period	18-30 months
Staff	6-15 FTE

Key players: Five Iron Golf (40+ sites, the model to beat), X-Golf (franchise model, proven), TruGolf (restaurant-simulator hybrid pilot), independent operators in every major market.

The critical insight: The sim bar captures the full $100 per-visit economy. At 50% utilization, a 6-bay venue does 30 sessions/day at $100 each = $3,000/day = $90,000/month in gross revenue. F&B at 35-45% of revenue means $31,500-$40,500/month in F&B sales alone — with food costs at 28-32% and pour costs at 18-22%, the F&B gross profit is $18,000-$30,000/month.

The 2026 development: Five Iron Golf’s expansion into suburban markets (Naperville, Illinois) is the most important signal for the sim bar model. Suburban economics are different from urban — membership-driven, less walk-in traffic, lower rent but higher marketing costs. If Five Iron cracks the suburban code, the total addressable market for sim bars doubles.

Model 3: The Premium Teaching Academy

Best for: PGA professionals, club fitters, operators with instruction expertise, high-net-worth markets.

The concept: 4-6 simulator bays designed primarily for instruction and club fitting, with secondary entertainment use. Trackman or Foresight equipment is standard. Revenue comes from lesson packages, fitting sessions, and premium memberships.

The numbers:

Metric	Value
Bay count	4-6
Startup cost	$400K-$800K
Per-bay equipment	$35K-$60K (Trackman 4 or Foresight Falcon)
Buildout cost	$200K-$400K
Monthly revenue	$50K-$100K
EBITDA margin	25-35%
Payback period	18-30 months
Staff	4-8 FTE (teaching pros, admin)

Key players: Scratch Golf Lab (5 US locations, Trackman 4), GOLFTEC (210+ locations, $200M+ revenue), Club Champion (fitting dominance), independent teaching studios.

The market: The US golf instruction market is estimated at $4-5 billion annually, with 28,000 PGA professionals. The fastest-growing segments — club fitting (12-15% YoY), remote coaching (25-35% YoY), and junior instruction (10-15% YoY) — are all simulator-dependent. A well-run teaching academy generates $130-200/hour in lesson revenue per bay, far exceeding the $55-75/hour of pure entertainment.

The 2026 development: The Zen Golf AI coaching engine integration with Trackman (July 2026) represents the first major AI coaching platform in the commercial simulator space. For teaching academies, this is a potential game-changer — AI-assisted coaching reduces the need for a pro in every bay, enabling higher throughput and new revenue models.

Model 4: The Franchise

Best for: Operators who want proven systems, brand recognition, and support. First-time operators who want to de-risk their entry.

The concept: Join an established franchise network. The franchisor provides site selection, buildout guidance, equipment procurement, operations manual, marketing support, and sometimes financing. You provide the capital and local execution.

The numbers:

Franchise	Startup Cost	Franchise Fee	Royalty	Current Sites	Target
Five Iron Golf	$725K-$1.22M	$50K	7%	40+	60+ by 2028
Another Nine	$150K-$250K	$25K	$99/mo per member	50+	100+ by 2027
X-Golf	$500K-$900K	$40K	6%	60+	100+
GolfCave	$400K-$700K	$35K	6%	15+	30+
Ruff Golf (Europe)	£350K-£600K	£30K	6%	21	40+

The 2026 development: The franchise model is accelerating. Five Iron’s 10-site Spain/Portugal deal and 10-site UK deal (July 2026) show that the model is going global. Another Nine’s 50-franchise milestone proves the 24/7 unmanned model is franchiseable. But not all franchises succeed — Drive Shack’s Orlando closure (2026) is a cautionary tale about the large-format F&B-heavy model.

Model 5: The Course-Adjacent Simulator

Best for: Existing golf course operators, driving range owners, club managers.

The concept: Adding 1-4 simulator bays to an existing golf facility. The simulators extend the season, add revenue during bad weather, and serve as a member amenity. This is the lowest-risk entry point because the location, parking, and customer base already exist.

The numbers:

Metric	Value
Bay count	1-4
Startup cost	$45K-$200K
Per-bay investment	$45K (NGF average)
Monthly revenue	$5K-$20K
EBITDA margin	30-40% (marginal, since fixed costs are already covered)
Payback period	7-12 months
Staff	Existing staff, minimal addition

The 2026 development: Only 6.5% of U.S. golf facilities have installed simulators, per the NGF. The 13% of facilities planning to add simulators in the next 1-2 years represents a $600M+ equipment pipeline. The Midwest leads at 8.4% penetration — the South trails at 4.0%, suggesting significant regional opportunity.

Part 3: Buildout Costs — What You’ll Actually Spend

Let’s move beyond estimates and look at real costs. The NGF reports a $45,000 average per-bay investment, but that figure masks enormous variation by equipment choice and buildout complexity.

Equipment Costs by Simulator Brand

Brand	Starting Price	Best For	5-Year TCO Per Bay
Uneekor Eye XO2	$9,999	Value, 24/7, multi-bay	~$44K
Trackman 4	$18,995	Teaching, premium coaching	~$58K
Foresight Falcon	$19,995	Club fitting, instruction	~$54K
Full Swing Pro Series	$24,995	Hospitality, F&B venues	~$62K
GOLFZON TwoVision	$34,000	Entertainment, family venues	~$83K
HD Golf	$29,995	Premium entertainment	~$72K
AboutGolf	$34,995	Multi-sport, large venues	~$92K

5-year TCO includes hardware, installation, software subscriptions, maintenance, and one projector replacement. Payback assumes $55 avg session fee, $40 avg F&B, 3 players per group, 60% utilization.

Total Buildout Cost by Venue Size

2-Bay 24/7 Micro-Venue

• Equipment: $30K-$50K

• Buildout: $40K-$80K

• Permits/soft costs: $15K-$30K

• Working capital (3 months): $30K-$50K

• Total: $115K-$210K

4-Bay Sim Bar (Basic F&B)

• Equipment: $80K-$160K

• Buildout: $200K-$350K

• Kitchen/bar equipment: $40K-$80K

• Permits/soft costs: $30K-$60K

• Working capital (3 months): $60K-$100K

• Total: $410K-$750K

6-Bay Premium Venue (Full Kitchen + Bar)

• Equipment: $150K-$300K

• Buildout: $350K-$600K

• Kitchen/bar equipment: $80K-$150K

• Permits/soft costs: $40K-$80K

• Working capital (3 months): $100K-$150K

• Total: $720K-$1.28M

10-Bay Flagship Entertainment Venue

• Equipment: $250K-$500K

• Buildout: $700K-$1.2M

• Kitchen/bar equipment: $150K-$250K

• Permits/soft costs: $60K-$120K

• Working capital (6 months): $200K-$400K

• Total: $1.36M-$2.47M

The Hidden Costs Most First-Time Operators Miss

• Acoustic treatment ($1,000-$3,000 per bay). Multiple sim bays in the same space create acoustic chaos. Budget for acoustic panels, soundproofing between bays, and ceiling treatment. Five Iron Golf’s soundproofing ROI data shows that properly treated venues retain 40% more customers for return visits.

• HVAC upgrades ($10K-$40K). Simulator equipment generates heat. Projectors, PCs, and launch monitors in enclosed bays can raise ambient temperature by 8-12 degrees. Commercial-grade HVAC is non-negotiable.

• Lighting systems ($2K-$8K). Camera-based launch monitors (Foresight, Uneekor) require controlled lighting. Flicker from LED dimmers can cause tracking issues. Budget for commercial-grade, flicker-free lighting with dimmer compatibility.

• Insurance ($5K-$25K/year). General liability, liquor liability, property, workers’ comp, and business interruption. The full stack for a 6-bay venue runs $15K-$25K/year.

• Music licensing ($1,200-$3,500/year). Playing Spotify or Apple Music in a commercial venue requires ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC licenses. Non-compliance carries $5K-$30K per-infringement penalties.

• Software subscriptions ($3K-$15K/year per bay). GSPro ($249/yr), E6 Connect ($500/yr), Trackman Virtual Golf ($1,200/yr), GOLFZON ($2,000+/yr). These are recurring costs that add up across multiple bays.

Part 4: Revenue Projections — What You Can Actually Earn

The Per-Visit Revenue Stack

The NGF data provides the baseline:

Revenue Source	Per Visit	Per Session (3 players)	Monthly (30 sessions/day, 6 bays at 50% util)
Bay fee ($55/hr x 1.5 hrs)	$82.50	$82.50	$74,250
F&B ($40/visit)	$40	$120	$36,000
Ancillary (merch, sim extras)	$5	$15	$4,500
Total	$127.50	$217.50	$114,750

Note: The $55 session fee is the NGF course-adjacent average. Dedicated venues average $40/hr. The F&B uplift holds across both segments.

Revenue by Business Model

4-Bay 24/7 Micro-Venue (50% utilization, $35/hr average)

• Bay fees: $15,120/month

• F&B (self-serve beer wall): $5,400/month

• Memberships (50 members at $99/mo): $4,950/month

• Total: $25,470/month

• EBITDA (60% margin): $15,282/month

• Annual net: ~$183K

6-Bay Sim Bar (50% utilization, $45/hr average, $40 F&B)

• Bay fees: $36,450/month

• F&B: $36,000/month

• Events/leagues: $8,000/month

• Memberships: $6,000/month

• Total: $86,450/month

• EBITDA (25% margin): $21,613/month

• Annual net: ~$259K

6-Bay Sim Bar (65% utilization, $50/hr peak, $45 F&B)

• Bay fees: $52,650/month

• F&B: $40,500/month

• Events/leagues: $12,000/month

• Memberships: $8,000/month

• Total: $113,150/month

• EBITDA (30% margin): $33,945/month

• Annual net: ~$407K

4-Bay Teaching Academy (60% utilization, $100/hr lesson rate)

• Lesson revenue: $64,800/month

• Bay fees (non-lesson): $10,800/month

• Club fitting: $15,000/month

• Total: $90,600/month

• EBITDA (30% margin): $27,180/month

• Annual net: ~$326K

The Utilization Rate: The Single Most Important Number

Every revenue projection above depends on utilization rate. The difference between 40% and 65% utilization is the difference between a struggling venue and a soaring one.

What drives utilization:

• Location visibility. Venues in high-foot-traffic areas see 15-20% higher utilization.

• Non-golfer marketing. The 51% of simulator users who don’t play golf are your growth market. Venues that market to non-golfers see 25-40% higher weekend utilization.

• League programming. Venues with active leagues see 20-30% higher weekday evening utilization. A well-run league program adds $50K-$100K in annual revenue.

• Corporate events. A single corporate event can generate $1,500-$5,000 — equivalent to 15-50 standard bay sessions. Venues with active corporate event programs see 10-15% higher overall utilization.

• Dynamic pricing. Venues that lower prices during off-peak hours (10am-3pm weekdays) can add 10-15% utilization without cannibalizing peak revenue.

Part 5: Choosing Your Commercial Simulator

The equipment decision is the single most consequential choice you’ll make. Here’s how the major brands stack up for each business model:

By Business Model

24/7 Unmanned Micro-Venue:

• Best choice: Uneekor Eye XO2 ($9,999) — lowest cost with measured club data, ceiling mount eliminates theft risk, GSPro compatibility keeps software costs low.

• Budget option: Garmin R10 ($395) + HD net + projector — viable for 2-bay entry, but the R10 is not designed for commercial duty cycles. Expect 6-12 months before replacement.

• Why not Trackman: $20K per bay is too high for a model that relies on membership volume, not premium pricing.

Sim Bar (Entertainment-Focused):

• Best choice: GOLFZON TwoVision ($34K) — 200+ courses, social-first interface, built-in screen and enclosure, lowest installation complexity. The $83K 5-year TCO is offset by higher per-session pricing.

• Strong alternative: Full Swing Pro Series ($24,995) — Topgolf/Tiger Woods brand recognition, Skill Strike real-money gaming platform (July 2026), excellent for hospitality environments.

• Value option: Uneekor Eye XO2 ($9,999) + premium enclosure — save $15K-$25K per bay vs GOLFZON or Full Swing.

Teaching Academy:

• Best choice: Trackman 4 ($18,995) — gold standard for data accuracy, teaching pro network, Zen Golf AI integration, broadcast brand recognition.

• Alternative: Foresight Falcon ($19,995) or GCQuad ($11,999 on 250 Years sale) — gold standard for club fitting, used by every major OEM.

• Why not GOLFZON: Entertainment-focused, not data-focused. Limited instruction software ecosystem.

Franchise:

• Follow the franchisor’s specification. Five Iron uses Trackman + GOLFZON (dual-track). Another Nine uses Uneekor. X-Golf uses its proprietary system. Deviating from the franchise spec voids support and may breach the franchise agreement.

Part 6: The 2026 Competitive Landscape — What You’re Up Against

The Franchise Wave

The franchise boom is the single biggest competitive force in the market. Five Iron Golf (40+ sites, targeting 60+), Another Nine (50+ franchises), X-Golf (60+), and GolfCave (15+ expanding) are building national networks with brand recognition, optimized operations, and bulk purchasing power.

What this means for independent operators:

• You can’t compete on price. Franchises get 15-25% equipment discounts through volume purchasing.

• You can compete on local connection. Independents who embed themselves in the local community — high school golf teams, corporate networks, local charities — outperform franchises in customer retention.

• You can compete on concept differentiation. The 24/7 model, the sim+brewery concept, the sim+esports hybrid — these are spaces where franchises haven’t established dominance.

The 24/7 Revolution

The unmanned model is reshaping the economics of indoor golf. With 55-65% EBITDA margins, 24/7 venues can operate profitably at lower utilization rates than staffed venues. This means they can:

• Open in secondary markets that wouldn’t support a staffed venue

• Price below staffed competitors during off-peak hours

• Operate 24 hours, capturing late-night and early-morning demand

The risk: The 24/7 model has never been tested through a full seasonal cycle. The summer trough — when outdoor golf is at its peak — could be devastating for unmanned venues that rely on predictable membership revenue.

The Summer Trough

Indoor golf venues face a structural demand gap from June through August, when outdoor golf is at its peak. The NGF data shows that regional simulator penetration correlates with season length (Midwest 8.4% vs South 4.0%), confirming that weather dependence is a key demand driver.

Strategies for summer survival:

• League programming. Summer leagues with leaderboards and prizes maintain engagement.

• Corporate events. Air-conditioned sim venues are attractive for corporate team-building during summer heat.

• Dynamic pricing. Lower rates during off-peak summer hours attract price-sensitive customers.

• Junior programs. Summer camps and junior clinics fill daytime hours.

• Event hosting. Book holiday parties, charity events, and bachelor/bachelorette parties well in advance.

Part 7: Financing Your Venue

Capital Sources

Source	Typical Amount	Terms	Best For
SBA 7(a) Loan	$500K-$5M	10-25 years, 6-9% APR	First-time operators, 4-6 bay venues
SBA 504 Loan	$500K-$5M	10-20 years, 5-7% APR	Real estate + equipment purchases
Equipment Financing	$50K-$500K	3-7 years, 8-15% APR	Simulator equipment only
Franchise Financing	$400K-$1.2M	7-15 years, 7-10% APR	Franchise operators
Private Equity	$500K-$5M	Equity stake, 3-7 year horizon	Multi-site operators, scalable concepts
Self-Funding	$100K-$1M	No debt, full ownership	Experienced operators, smaller venues

The SBA 7(a) Play

The SBA 7(a) loan is the most common path for first-time venue operators. Key requirements:

• 10-20% down payment (can include equipment equity)

• 2+ years of relevant industry experience (or a partner with it)

• Personal credit score of 680+

• Debt service coverage ratio of 1.25x+

• Detailed business plan with financial projections

2026 note: The SBA has classified golf simulator venues under NAICS code 713910 (Golf Courses and Country Clubs) in some districts and 713990 (All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries) in others. The classification affects loan terms. Work with an SBA-preferred lender who has experience in entertainment venue financing.

Equipment Leasing

Many simulator brands offer in-house financing. Trackman Financial Services, Foresight Capital, and Uneekor Credit all offer 36-60 month terms at 8-15% APR. The advantage: equipment is the collateral, so no additional asset security is required. The disadvantage: interest rates are higher than SBA loans, and the equipment is locked into the manufacturer’s ecosystem.

Part 8: The 2026-2027 Timeline — What to Do Now

If You’re Starting from Scratch

Month 1: Concept and Market Research

• Choose your business model based on your market analysis

• Research competitors within a 5-mile radius

• Validate demand with a simple survey or pre-launch waitlist

• Begin franchise evaluation (if applicable)

Month 2: Location and Lease

• Identify 3-5 potential locations

• Evaluate ceiling height (minimum 9-10 feet, 12+ feet ideal)

• Evaluate electrical capacity (3-phase power preferred)

• Negotiate lease terms (5-10 year term, TI allowance, rent abatement)

Month 3: Legal and Financing

• Form LLC or S-Corp

• Apply for SBA loan or secure financing

• Begin liquor license application (if applicable)

• Hire a commercial real estate attorney for lease review

Month 4: Equipment Selection and Permitting

• Order simulator equipment (6-12 week lead time for most brands)

• Submit building permit applications

• Hire general contractor (if not using a design-build firm)

• Begin kitchen/bar design (if applicable)

Months 5-6: Construction

• Demolition and rough-in

• Electrical, HVAC, plumbing

• Drywall, paint, flooring

• Bar and kitchen installation

Month 7: Equipment Installation

• Simulator installation and calibration

• AV system integration

• Network and POS setup

• Software configuration

Month 8: Soft Launch

• Friends and family event

• Staff training

• Systems testing

• Marketing campaign launch

Month 9: Grand Opening

• Public launch with PR event

• Begin league programming

• Activate partnership program

• Start building review pipeline

If You’re Franchising

The timeline is shorter — typically 4-6 months from franchise agreement signing to opening. The franchisor handles site selection, design, and equipment procurement. Your focus is on:

• Local marketing and community relationships

• Staff hiring and training

• Lease negotiation (with franchisor’s template)

• Permitting (with franchisor’s guidance)

Bottom Line: The Five Questions Every Prospective Operator Must Answer

• What business model fits my market? A 4-bay sim bar in a city of 50,000 people will struggle. A 2-bay 24/7 venue in the same market might thrive. Match your concept to your market size.

• Do I have the right location? Visibility, parking, ceiling height, and demographics matter more than rent. A $5,000/month rent in a visible location is better than $3,000/month in a hidden one.

• What’s my competitive advantage? If you’re building a sim bar in a market with two existing sim bars, you need a clear differentiator — better F&B, better events, better technology, or a better location.

• Do I have enough capital? First-time operators consistently underestimate buildout costs by 20-40%. Plan for 20% contingency. Don’t open undercapitalized.

• Am I ready for the 51%? More than half of your customers won’t be golfers. Your venue, staff, pricing, and marketing must be designed for non-golfers first. The golf audience is the bonus, not the base.

Data sources: NGF 2025 Golf Simulator White Paper (n=354 operator survey, n=569 Core golfer survey), Golfsim.co venue directory (July 22, 2026), Custom Market Insights global golf simulator market report, HomeGolfHero industry analysis (July 2026), Five Iron Golf franchise disclosure documents, Another Nine investor materials, Versant (NASDAQ: VRSNT) investor call transcript (July 13, 2026).

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Consult with qualified professionals before making investment decisions.