Why Golf Simulators Are One of the Best Entry Points to the Game

Simulators reach people traditional golf often misses

One of the most important findings from NGF’s research is this:
51% of simulator users did not play on a golf course in the past year.

That means simulators are not just serving existing golfers. They are actively pulling in people who might otherwise never set foot on a golf course. For facilities, this represents real recruitment, not just shifting demand.

Many of these new players fall into groups golf has historically struggled to attract, especially women, children and families.

No membership, no pressure, no expectations

Traditional golf can feel intimidating for beginners.

You need:

• A club membership
• Knowledge of rules and etiquette
• Time for 9 or 18 holes
• Confidence to play in front of others

Simulator golf removes much of that friction.

Players don’t need a club membership. They can book a session online, show up, and play at their own pace. There’s no pressure to keep up with a group behind you, no stress about holding anyone up, and no feeling of being “in the way”.

This matters a lot for first-time players.

Faster play, more swings, less frustration

On a golf course, beginners spend a lot of time not hitting the ball. Searching for lost balls, walking long distances, and resetting after poor shots can be discouraging.

In a simulator:

• The ball is always right in front of you
• There is no searching for balls
• Bad shots don’t slow the game down
• Players hit far more shots per hour

For children and beginners, this keeps energy and motivation high. Learning feels faster, and progress is easier to notice.

A safer and more comfortable environment

Simulators offer a controlled environment.

There is no weather to deal with, no long walks, and no fear of hitting into other groups. Parents feel more comfortable letting children try golf indoors. New players feel safer experimenting, failing, and trying again.

This is especially important for new golfers, where comfort and confidence are key drivers of long-term engagement.

Learning at your own pace

Simulator golf allows players to learn without comparison.

There is no one watching from the tee behind you. No starter. No marshal. Players can take their time, repeat shots, and focus on having fun rather than “doing it right”.

Many Alba-powered centers see beginners return multiple times before ever stepping onto a real course. The simulator becomes a bridge, not a destination.

Why this matters for golf facilities

NGF’s research shows that three out of four simulator users say they are likely to return. That stickiness is critical.

For facilities, simulators create:

• A low-threshold entry point into golf
• A way to engage families, women, and juniors
• A path from casual play to lessons and outdoor golf

Because booking, access, and payments are handled digitally in systems like Alba, facilities can offer this experience without requiring club membership, manual administration, or staff-heavy operations.

From first swing to lifelong golfer

Simulator golf doesn’t replace traditional golf. It supports it.

By removing friction, pressure, and formality, simulators give new players the confidence to enjoy the game first. Rules, handicaps, and memberships can come later.

For many facilities, simulators are no longer just a revenue stream. They are becoming one of the most effective recruitment tools golf has today.