Golf industry insiders have been watching indoor golf simulators climb in popularity over the years, so it should come as no surprise that adding one to your business, whether it’s a sports bar or a golf academy, is a great way to attract customers and make a profit.
At Golfzon, we know a thing or two about commercial golf simulators and have been there every step of the way with the businesses who are reaping the benefits of having Golfzon simulators in their sports bar or golf academy.
Give your patrons an indoor golf experience unlike any other with the most realistic indoor golf simulator out there. From cutting-edge graphics, a realistic playing experience and the ability to play on the best golf courses in the world, all from their local sports bar, your customers will be impressed with the quality of Golfzon simulators. Plus, with Golfzon’s virtual golf tournaments, you can give customers a competitive opportunity to really test their skills.
If you’re thinking of opening a golf simulator business, there are several considerations you need to make to ensure your business is a success. You’ll need to answer questions like which is the best golf simulator, how to build a golf simulator enclosure and how do you ensure that you’re attracting customers?
But perhaps the very first consideration is: how much space do you need for a golf simulator? We dive into all of the spatial considerations and questions you need to be able to answer before purchasing and installing your commercial indoor golf simulator in your sports bar.
For a firsthand account of what it’s like to answer these questions as an indoor golf business owner, we spoke to Dan Valley, owner of Coastal Swing Golf & Bar in Catawba Island, OH, and co-owner of the Sandusky, OH, location.
With Coastal Swing Golf & Bar, Dan wanted to offer a comfortable place where golf fans could gather, enjoy a drink at the bar and play a round of indoor golf all year round. He started the business because of the growing demand for golf in Ohio and his own passion for the game.
Dan shared with us everything he thought through to create a space at Coastal Swing that allowed him to properly build his indoor golf simulator spaces and foster the right environment for patrons.
How did you choose the space for your golf simulators?
The main difference between the two locations is size — the second location [Sandusky] is close to three times the size of the first [Catawba Island]. Otherwise, they are very similar in appearance, finishing touches and business model.
The number one aspect I looked at when going through any potential space was ceiling height…if you couldn’t swing a golf club, it wouldn’t work. After that box was checked, it was a matter of location, accessibility, cost and amount of work needing to be done to the building itself.
How much room do you need for a golf simulator?
We have about 250 square feet used by each Golfzon golf simulator from the screen to the end of the hitting platform.
How high are your ceilings for your golf simulators?
Our ceilings at the Catawba Island location are about 13 feet high, and higher than that at the Sandusky location, which has a pitched roof. Regardless, anything less than 10 feet would be pushing it in my mind.
How did you design the golf simulator enclosure?
Golfzon’s specs for the golf simulator buildout (moving swing plate, multi-surface hitting mats, ball retrieval system) is all very, very in-depth. Once everything is built, it is simply a matter of getting carpet down, hanging cushions and installing a net overhead. The Golfzon representatives we spoke with throughout the process were incredibly resourceful for us.
What was it like having Golfzon install the golf simulator screen?
The installation crew came in and knocked everything out in a matter of a couple days — it was a seamless process. As long as we had everything (electrical work, ethernet wiring to each golf simulator, all carpet down, etc.) 100% in place for them, they took care of everything else on the golf simulator hardware side.
How has Golfzon added value to your business?
Golfzon is the best golf simulator technology in the world. I always tell people it’s a lot more accurate than most people would probably prefer — as in, you won’t be catching many breaks…if you don’t hit the best shot in the world, it will let you know quickly!
I understand many companies will say the same thing, but Golfzon is unequivocally the best, hands down. There is a reason they have won the Premium Category for Best Simulator for five years in a row (Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award).
What is your favorite part about Golfzon’s customer service?
They are incredibly accessible — from the service side for technology, to the sales side, accounting side…anyone and everyone has been great to work with.
What other amenities did you add to your spaces?
We have a bar with beer and liquor at both locations, along with a number of TVs for sporting events. There is an upscale vibe at both locations. We’re essentially trying to create the environment of someone feeling like they’re “home” whenever they walk into either place.
Start Your Golf Simulator Business
As we can see from Dan and Coastal Swing Golf & Bar, to find success with a golf simulator business, you need to have the right space to fit an indoor golf simulator and create the right environment that’s comfortable, fun and welcoming to patrons. The right environment and the best indoor golf simulators will bring people in and make them want to stay.
Coastal Swing isn’t the only indoor golf simulator business finding success with Golfzon simulators. We’re had similar conversations with business owners around the country, like ZSTRICT in Connecticut, which has grown the game among customers wowed by the realistic playing experience. There is also BIRDI Golf in Minnesota, which holds special events like golf leagues and tournaments throughout the year. Learn from their experiences and see what they’ve done to set themselves apart to attract customers.
If you’re interested in opening a golf simulator business, Golfzon is here to help you pinpoint exactly how to make it a reality and a success. With experience working with businesses from sports bars to golf clubs and resorts, all the way to golf academies, Golfzon can help you select the right golf simulator model and deliver an unparalleled experience for the golf lovers among your customer base. Making money through the growing popularity of indoor golf is within your reach – let us show you how.