The Business of Golf Simulators: Profit Potential and What to Expect

Think back to when golf meant early tee times, green fees, and hoping the weather would hold up. That was the old model. Now? Golf has broken free from the outdoors. Thanks to modern simulators, people are playing indoors at midnight, in office buildings, in bars, and even in suburban basements.

And with that change comes a new question that a lot of people—especially entrepreneurs—are asking: Can running a golf simulator actually make money?

I’ve been around the industry long enough to see both the struggles and the success stories. At Golf VX, we work with everyone from hobby golfers looking to create a man-cave setup to business owners building multi-bay facilities. If you’re curious about the costs, the profits, and what it really takes to get started, let’s break it down in plain language.

What Does a Commercial Golf Simulator Cost?

Here’s the part everyone wants to know first: the price tag.

A true commercial golf simulator—the kind built for daily use—isn’t the same as the smaller setups you see in someone’s garage. These rigs are designed for heavy traffic, constant swings, and hours of back-to-back play. And they’re priced accordingly.

Most business-ready simulators start in the tens of thousands. Go for a premium setup, and you’re easily looking at six figures. Some owners prefer to purchase outright, while others explore a commercial golf simulator lease to spread out the cost. If you’ve ever typed “commercial golf simulator for sale” into Google, you’ve probably seen the wide range of numbers. The trick is figuring out what makes sense for your business model—not just chasing the cheapest or flashiest option.

If you’re in the early planning stage, you may also want to check out our guide on how much space you need for a golf simulator. It’ll save you from costly mistakes during setup.

How Do You Actually Make Money?

This is where things get fun. You might assume an indoor golf facility makes money only from renting out simulator bays by the hour. And yes, that’s a starting point—but the real profits are in the extras.

Here are a few that successful operators lean on:

• Memberships: Like a gym membership, but for golfers. It gives you recurring income and keeps players loyal.

• Leagues and events. A Tuesday-night league or a Saturday morning tournament brings in regular traffic and creates community.

• Food and drinks. A golf simulator franchise can double margins just by adding craft beer or a small bites menu.

• Lessons and upsells. Pair coaching with the tech, sell gear, or offer swing-analysis add-ons. Golfers love data.

When you look at thriving facilities, they aren’t just “places to practice.” They’re social clubs, sports bars, training centers—all rolled into one. That’s what keeps the revenue streams flowing.

Is It Really Profitable?

Let’s be honest: running a golf simulator business isn’t a license to print money. But when done right, it can absolutely be profitable.

The variables that matter most? Location, pricing, and how well you create an experience that people actually want to return to. A small setup with three to five simulators can serve hundreds of members if managed properly. Add in leagues, birthday parties, or company outings, and your margins start stacking up.

I’ve seen owners who pre-sold memberships before even opening their doors. That gave them a strong foundation and cash flow from day one. It’s strategies like that—plus keeping overhead under control—that separate a profitable business from a struggling one.

If you’re curious about what it looks like to build one for yourself, our team also handles the installation of golf simulators for home and commercial setups for larger facilities. Both follow the same principles—only the scale changes.

Picking the Right Technology

This is one area where cutting corners will bite you. If the simulators are glitchy or the shot tracking is inaccurate, golfers won’t come back. Period.

That’s why so many entrepreneurs spend weeks comparing options: Golf VX vs ProTee VX vs Uneekor Eye XO, reading reviews, and digging into what makes the best commercial golf launch monitor. Accuracy and reliability aren’t just nice features—they’re the backbone of customer satisfaction.

At Golf VX, our advice is simple: choose tech that can scale with you. If you start with one bay, make sure the system integrates smoothly when you expand to three or five. That way, your business grows without growing pains.

Final Thoughts

Indoor golf isn’t a fad—it’s here to stay. People want to play year-round, whether it’s raining, snowing, or late at night. That demand is exactly why so many new facilities are popping up across North America and beyond.

If you’re serious about getting into the industry, now is the time. The mix of sport, social energy, and technology makes it one of the most exciting business opportunities out there.

At Golf VX, we’re not just selling machines; we’re helping entrepreneurs build something lasting. From commercial golf simulator installation to planning how much space you really need, all the way to exploring full franchise opportunities, we’ve seen what works—and we’d love to help you make your idea real.

So, is a golf simulator business profitable? Absolutely, if you pair passion with planning. The players are waiting. The question is—are you ready to open the doors?

Originally published on GolfVX.