How Profitable Are Indoor Golf Simulators? Maximizing Your ROI

Indoor golf simulators have transformed how golfers practice and play, creating a growing market for businesses looking to tap into the demand for year-round golf.

But how profitable is an indoor golf simulator business? With the right setup, a single facility can generate six-figure revenue annually, with multiple revenue streams beyond just simulator rentals.

The key to success is not just having state-of-the-art simulators but also maximizing customer engagement through memberships, coaching, food and beverage sales, and events.

Whether you’re considering starting a golf simulator business or adding simulators to an existing venue, understanding costs, potential earnings, and key success factors will help you build a profitable and sustainable operation.

Now, let’s break down what makes an indoor golf business thrive and how much money it can realistically generate.

How Do Indoor Golf Simulators Make Money?

The key to profitability is maximizing revenue streams while keeping expenses under control. Here’s how most businesses generate income:

Simulator Rentals

The primary revenue source for most businesses is hourly simulator rentals. Pricing varies based on location, simulator quality, and demand, but most facilities charge between $30 and $75 per hour. A venue with four simulators running 10 hours a day at $50 per hour could generate $2,000 daily, totaling $60,000 per month before additional revenue streams.

Memberships and League Play

Offering monthly memberships can provide a steady income stream. A typical membership ranges from $100 to $300 per month, allowing players unlimited or discounted simulator access. League play is another major draw, encouraging customers to return weekly for competitions and social events.

Golf Lessons & Club Fitting

Many businesses partner with PGA professionals to offer lessons using the simulators’ advanced tracking data. Club fitting services also bring in additional revenue, often in partnership with major equipment brands.

Food, Drinks & Events

Combining simulators with a bar and restaurant can significantly increase profitability. Some high-end venues operate like sports bars, offering drinks, meals, and a social atmosphere that keeps customers around longer. Corporate events, private parties, and golf tournaments provide another layer of income.

Startup Costs vs. Profitability: What to Expect

While indoor golf businesses have high revenue potential, the initial investment is substantial. Here’s a breakdown of typical startup costs:

• Golf Simulators: High-end systems like TrackMan iO or Foresight Falcon cost $10,000 to $25,000 per unit, while mid-tier options like Uneekor EYE XO range from $6,000 to $10,000.
• Space & Rent: A commercial space large enough for multiple simulators costs $3,000 to $10,000 per month, depending on location.
• Renovations & Equipment: Impact screens, turf, projectors, and build-out expenses can add another $10,000 to $50,000.
• Licensing & Insurance: Permits, business licenses, and liability insurance can cost $5,000+ annually.
• Marketing & Software Fees: Ongoing costs for advertising, booking systems, and software subscriptions run $500 to $2,000 per month.

A well-located business can recoup its investment within 12 to 24 months, especially if it leverages multiple revenue streams beyond simulator rentals.

Best Simulators for a Profitable Golf Business

Selecting the right simulator is one of the most important decisions for an indoor golf business. The right system enhances realism, customer engagement, and long-term profitability. Here are some of the best commercial options that balance performance, durability, and revenue potential.

TrackMan is one of the most trusted names in golf technology, used by PGA Tour professionals, top instructors, and club fitters worldwide. The iO model is designed specifically for indoor spaces, providing precise ball flight tracking, club path analysis, and swing metrics.

It uses dual-radar technology to capture club and ball data with incredible accuracy, making it an ideal choice for serious golfers looking for professional-level feedback.

For business owners, TrackMan’s advanced software ecosystem is a major selling point. It offers realistic course play, skill-building games, and extensive analytics, keeping customers engaged and coming back for more.

With its high-end branding and reputation, a TrackMan-equipped facility can justify premium hourly rates, attracting dedicated golfers, club fitters, and professional instructors who are willing to pay top dollar for the best technology.

Foresight Sports has built its reputation on industry-leading camera-based tracking, and the Falcon SIG12 is their newest innovation. Unlike radar-based systems that require extra space behind the golfer, the Falcon uses multiple high-speed cameras mounted overhead, making it an excellent fit for indoor environments with limited depth.

What sets the Falcon apart is its incredible shot measurement precision. It captures ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and club path data with extreme detail, making it a perfect choice for golf instruction, club fitting, and simulator leagues.

The software integration with FSX Play and GSPro also enhances the overall customer experience, allowing players to practice on championship courses, fine-tune their swings, and even participate in online competitions.

For business owners, this means a more versatile simulator that maximizes revenue opportunities, whether it’s through professional coaching, memberships, or high-end simulator rentals.

For businesses looking to maximize entertainment value, the TruGolf Apogee SIG10 is an excellent option. It delivers hyper-realistic course visuals and detailed shot physics, making it one of the best choices for players who want to recreate the experience of being on a real golf course.

What makes the Apogee SIG10 unique is its optical sensor-based tracking system, which captures detailed club and ball data without requiring marked balls or club attachments. This allows for a seamless and immersive playing experience, making it a top choice for businesses focused on casual play, corporate events, and group entertainment.

Additionally, TruGolf’s software library includes a massive selection of world-famous courses, multiplayer game modes, and skills challenges. This makes it a great option for facilities looking to cater to social golfers, weekend players, and group events, ensuring that the simulators remain booked during peak hours.

For businesses that prioritize instruction, coaching, and club fitting, the Uneekor EYE XO SIG10 is a standout choice. It features overhead-mounted high-speed cameras that track club path, face angle, impact location, and ball flight data with extreme precision.

Unlike radar-based systems, which struggle with short ball flight in smaller spaces, the EYE XO excels in compact indoor environments, making it perfect for golf academies, teaching studios, and club-fitting centers. The slow-motion replay and impact visuals provide instructors with deep insights into a golfer’s swing mechanics, allowing for detailed feedback and targeted improvements.

For business owners, the EYE XO’s ability to provide professional-level analysis makes it easy to attract serious golfers looking for private lessons and custom club fittings. The software is compatible with GSPro, E6 Connect, and TGC 2019, ensuring a diverse range of gameplay and training experiences.

How to Maximize Profitability

Success in the indoor golf industry comes down to smart business strategies. Here’s how to make your facility stand out:

• Choose a High-Traffic Location – Being near business districts, entertainment areas, or residential hubs increases foot traffic.
• Offer a Premium Experience – High-end simulators, comfortable seating, and a well-designed atmosphere encourage repeat customers.
• Invest in Marketing – SEO, social media ads, and partnerships with local golf courses can help attract consistent business.
• Host Tournaments & Corporate Events – Large gatherings and competitive play drive more revenue than individual bookings.
• Upsell Memberships & Services – Encouraging customers to sign up for memberships, coaching sessions, and club fittings boosts overall income.

Final Thoughts: Is an Indoor Golf Business Worth It?

An indoor golf simulator business can be highly profitable when planned and executed correctly. With hourly rental rates averaging between $30 and $75 per bay, revenue can quickly add up—especially when paired with memberships, lessons, and food & beverage sales.

Success comes down to choosing the right location, investing in high-quality simulators, and creating an inviting atmosphere. A well-designed facility with premium equipment, engaging gameplay options, and excellent customer service will not only attract golfers but also keep them coming back.

For entrepreneurs looking for a high-margin business with recurring revenue, indoor golf simulators offer a lucrative opportunity. Whether you focus on serious golfers, casual players, or entertainment-driven experiences, the key is to provide a premium experience that justifies the investment.

With careful planning, smart marketing, and a commitment to delivering value to customers, an indoor golf business can be a long-term, profitable venture in a growing industry.