The Business Case for Simulator Golf in the US

This post breaks down the economics using real data from hundreds of US golf facilities. No hype, just numbers.

Source: National Golf Foundation, The Golf Simulator Opportunity – 2025 Edition

Revenue per session adds up quickly

Across all facility types, NGF reports the following averages:

• $55 per simulator session
• 90 minutes per visit
• 3 players per group

But the session fee is only part of the picture.

Simulator users spend an additional $40 per visit on food and beverage, creating a 73% uplift in total revenue per session. That pushes the total customer value close to $100 per visit.

This is one of the biggest differences between simulator golf and traditional green-fee play. Players stay in one place, often in groups, for longer periods. That creates more up-sell opportunities.

Group play multiplies revenue

Simulator golf is social by design.

NGF found that over 40% of groups split the cost of the session, which lowers the price barrier for each player while increasing total spend at the facility. Larger groups tend to order more food and drinks, stay longer, and book again.

For operators, this reinforces the importance of simple booking and payment flows that support group play rather than friction around who pays what.

Most facilities reach profitability fast

This is where the data gets especially interesting.

Among facilities with simulators:

• 70% report a positive financial impact
• 44% reach positive returns within the first month
• 80% are profitable within the first year
• Average time to positive impact is 7 months

In other words, simulator golf is not a long-term bet that takes years to pay back. Many facilities see results almost immediately, especially when demand is strong and the launch is well executed.

Facilities that take longer to reach profitability often cite local market differences, seasonality, or more conservative pricing models, not lack of demand.

Multiple revenue streams, not just hourly play

NGF highlights that simulator golf works because it stacks revenue streams:

• Hourly or per-session fees
• Food and beverage sales or full unmanned
• Lessons and coaching
• Club fitting and data-driven practice
• Events, leagues, and corporate bookings

This flexibility allows facilities to adapt pricing and offerings to their specific audience, whether public, private, or mixed-use.

What this means for facility owners

The data shows a clear pattern:

• The upfront investment is flexible
• Per-visit revenue is strong
• Group behavior increases spend
• Most operators reach profitability quickly

Simulator golf is not just an amenity. For many facilities, it becomes one of the most efficient revenue generators per square meter.