Indoor Golf: The Unstoppable Rise of a Swinging Success

Golf has long been associated with a certain prestige, often seen as an elitist sport linked to higher social and economic status. Known as the "gentleman's game,"  it is expensive and time-consuming, requiring costly equipment, apparel, and green fees, not to mention the time needed for transportation in major cities where inflated prices can make playing a day-long affair. 
 
However, in recent years, golf has become more accessible due to its versatility as an increasingly indoor activity. The COVID-19 pandemic saw new golf simulator technology and companies flooding the market. Now golfers have opportunities to turn their homes or offices into personal driving ranges and enjoy virtual rounds of golf worldwide without leaving their backyard or basement. 
 
According to data from the National Golf Foundation (NGF), around 6.2 million Americans used a simulator during the past year—that’s a whopping 73% increase compared with pre-pandemic levels when usage was under 4 million. This surge is thanks largely to expanding franchises such as Five Iron and X-Golf coupled with cheaper options for home simulators, which allow players more flexibility in where they play. 
 
The benefits of indoor golf are numerous, but accessibility tops them all. Instead of splurging on clubs and competing for tee times catering mainly towards wealthier participants, players can now book condensed swing sessions at local facilities, potentially offering a cheaper alternative that saves both money and time spent traveling back-and-forth from courses. 
 
One key factor behind this sudden wave of interest? Evolving simulator technology! As competition increases among manufacturers, prices drop, making these off-course options attractive investments for many people who might otherwise find traditional methods too expensive or inconvenient. 
 
A basic setup consisting of a swing monitor along with mats and netting now costs around $1k—quite affordable considering how much enjoyment one can derive from having access anytime they want right there inside their own home! 
 
This growth hasn't just benefited individuals though; over 1,600 businesses now offer simulators, aiming to make golf a more approachable social activity. These companies are putting food and entertainment at the forefront of their business model, gamifying the sport while still offering instruction and fittings for serious players. 
 
According to NGF data, over half of indoor golf customers don't play on traditional greens; this indicates a shift towards casual play in the sport. Jared Solomon, CEO and co-founder of Five Iron, stated that people come there because it's peaceful, providing an oasis for introverts seeking safe space within urban environments yet also being affordable enough for those wishing to socialize without breaking bank account balances. 
 
A recent report by agriculture company Syngenta and research firm Ipsos found that golf is mainly discussed by white men, which can make people of color feel unwelcome. However, with growing popularity in indoor venues, these stereotypes are beginning to change as more diverse demographics embrace games in cheaper and more accessible settings. 
 
By 2023, NGF predicts nearly 33 million Americans aged six years or older will have played off-course games—up 18% from just one year ago! This population reflects America’s diversity, showing younger age groups along with increased representation across gender lines plus racial/ethnic backgrounds compared against on-course players where such disparity exists much less so than before, thanks largely to increased availability made possible via technological advancements within industry itself! 
 
Meanwhile, interest among green grass enthusiasts who've used simulation technology isn’t waning either; only a small minority (2%) indicate time spent playing virtually has decreased the amount they spend out on actual courses, whereas a larger portion (29%) claim they're playing even more because of improvements in their own skills and knowledge about equipment gained through simulated experiences. 
 
The potential growth doesn't stop here though; Straits Research estimates global market value could reach the $3 billion USD mark by the end of the decade, primarily driven by Jared Solomon, who simply believes that hitting a good ball feels really satisfying, hence why he believes once someone gets taste-shot euphoria, then popularity will continue to rise accordingly.