It will probably come to no surprise to say that indoor golf has become "mainstream" in the golf industry. I'm not saying anything you all don't already know, however, what may surprise you is that its becoming more organized. I caught wind of the The Indoor Golf Alliance. YES, an organization dedicated to uniting the indoor golf world. Here's their mission statement:
Our mission at the IGA is to unite the world of indoor golf and technology. Our mission is to serve as the leading hub for connection, education, promotion, and innovation across the industry. From manufacturers and suppliers to facility operators, leagues, instructors, and entrepreneurs, we support every part of the indoor golf ecosystem.
So yeah, I think it is safe to say indoor golf just went mainstream. In fact, Indoor golf isn’t a side gig anymore. To some, it’s the next business model for their course or club.
From TrackMan lounges to Topgolf Swing Suites, simulator spaces are becoming year-round engines for member engagement, retail sales, and data-driven programming.
That tells us something bigger, in that the clubs, pros, and brands who figure out how to make indoor golf part of their 12-month business model are going to win the next phase of the participation boom.
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-Rich
From Off-Season Fix to Growth Engine
For decades, “off-season” meant downtime — staff cuts, empty clubhouses, frozen revenue.
Now, the clubs that reimagine that period as activation season are seeing year-round engagement.
- Indoor tech is mainstream: A single-bay TrackMan or Full Swing setup delivers real-time data and gamified play. What once cost $50K now costs half that, and members love it.
- Play behavior is shifting: Families and younger players are booking simulator sessions as “social entertainment.” Leagues, lessons, and launch-monitor challenges are replacing winter trivia nights.
- Revenue is diversifying: Between simulator rentals, F&B, instruction, and merch tie-ins, indoor setups can generate $40–80/hour in incremental revenue — often at higher margins than tee times.
And the numbers support it: the simulator market is on pace to exceed $3 billion by 2028. That’s not a trend line; that’s infrastructure.
Why This Matters for Clubs
As I've thought about this, three key reasons on why this matters for your club:
- Year-Round Touchpoints Drive Retention
Most member attrition happens when engagement stops — typically during winter. Indoor play provides consistent contact, which means recurring reminders of value.
- Data Creates Differentiation
Every swing captured indoors produces a data trail: frequency, shot dispersion, favorite formats. Clubs that integrate that data into their CRM can personalize renewal messaging, lesson marketing, or event invites.
- Programming Is the Product
Empty simulator bays won’t sell themselves. Structured leagues, two-person scrambles, or “Nine & Dine Indoors” nights turn space into community.
GG POV: Think of your indoor setup like a mini-club within the club. It needs its own calendar, communication, and culture.
So, What Smart Operators Are Doing?
The next question you likely have is "How do I get started?". Well, I wanted to put forward a few suggestions that I've seen operators take on. From talking with them (and their members) about their simulators, here's what I've learned:
- Convert, Don’t Construct
Start with what you have. Lesson bays, storage rooms, or underused dining space can host a single simulator. Offer “Founding Member” pricing to build early adoption.
- Build a Winter League, Not Just a Hitting Bay
Gamify it. Add points for attendance (encourage side games powered by tools like Live Tourney) and weekly F&B specials. Winners earn merch credit via your Tee Commerce store or pro-shop discounts. (Note: Gotta give our sponsors a shout out!)
- Integrate Merch & Tech
Display the gear players use indoors near the simulator. Gloves, tees, training aids. Add QR codes that link to your online shop for instant ordering.
- Track the ROI
Measure utilization (hours per week), average spend per session, and member retention among users. You’ll prove what you already feel: indoor engagement equals renewal stability.
- Market It Like a Membership Perk
Instead of renting by the hour, roll it into tiers . “All-Weather Member Access” or “Off-Season Advantage.” Package it with instruction or fitness offerings.
A Simple Framework
If you’re a GM or head professional, or someone who wants to take this inititative on for their course, here’s a simple framework for this winter:
GG POV: Don’t think of your simulator as a cost center. Think of it as a membership-marketing engine. Every hour booked indoors strengthens your renewal base and deepens your brand’s footprint.
The Bottom Line
The best operators aren’t waiting for spring.
They’re building 12-month engagement ecosystems where technology, programming, and partnerships keep the game alive all winter.
If your club has launched an indoor league, simulator lounge, or partnership that’s working, I’d love to feature it in an upcoming issue.
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