Over the last few years, the leisure landscape hastransformed. Consumers are no longer chasing possessions - they're chasing experiences. Deloitte's 2025 Consumer Tracker found a consistent rise in spending on experiential leisure, with people increasingly choosing activities that create memories,connection, and well-being over material purchases.
This shift has created a new era of competitive socialising- where sport, technology, and hospitality meet to deliver immersive, socialentertainment. From high-end darts bars to digital cricket nets and boutiquebowling, the trend is clear: people want interactive experiences that feelpremium and shareable.
But one sport is leading the movement: golf.
A game built for the experience economy
Golf's resurgence isn't confined to the course. In 2023, there were 18.5 million off-course-only players in the U.S., compared with 12.1 million on-course-only golfers. In the UK & Ireland, 11.4 million people played off-course golf - more than double traditional participation.
Technology has made this possible. Trackman's simulator platform alone recorded 3 billion shots in 2024, 90% indoors, proving that golf has found its place among the most dynamic sectors in leisure. That level of engagement shows just how far simulator golf has evolved - from a practice tool into one of themost popular forms of social entertainment.
Why does it work so well? Because golf offers the perfect mix of skill, social connection, and storytelling. Whether its friends playing a quick nine after dinner or business partners competing on Pebble Beach between meetings, simulator golf blends precision and play in a way few othersports can.
The power of experiential design
The success of modern venues lies in their ability to create moments. Guests don't just want to visit - they want to belong, to share, and to return.
A well-designed simulator environment turns a simple activity into a signature experience. The right lighting, sound, and materials can transform a functional room into a destination. Pair that with a technology platform like Trackman - trusted by the DP World Tour, PGA Tour,and 15,000 teaching pros worldwide - and you have a combination of authenticity and innovation that delivers genuine value for your guests.
According to S&S Insider's 2025 Golf Simulators Market Report, simulator systems now account for around 50% of the virtual sports market, with commercial spaces driving one-third of demand.
Venues introducing simulator spaces - from hotels and leisure clubs to golf and entertainment destinations - are seeing clear results, with 70% reporting a positive financial return within just seven months.
Making golf more social, accessible, and profitable
Golf is unique in experiential leisure because it speaks tomultiple motivations at once:
Competition: A clear sense of progress and achievement.
Connection: Easy to play in groups of all abilities.
Comfort: Climate-controlled, year-round play with food and beverage integration.
Credibility: Powered by real-world data from the same technology trusted by professionals.
It's also an experience that naturally fits within the broader luxury-lifestyle trend. Guests can play world-class courses in private, beautifully crafted spaces - something both aspirational and accessible.
The commercial advantage
For operators, the numbers tell their own story. Venues that invest in simulator spaces typically see:
Increased dwell time - guests stay longer and spend more on F&B.
Broader demographics - attracting younger, more diverse audiences.
All-season engagement - consistent footfall through the year.
Revenue diversification - from corporate hire to memberships and coaching.
Globally, the commercial sector is expected to capture over 51% of the golf-simulator market by 2025. In the UK, the virtual-sports market is forecast to grow from just over $1 billion in 2023 to nearly $3 billion by 2030.
These aren't short-term spikes - they're signals of a permanent shift in how leisure venues create value.
Crafting the future of experiential golf
At GolfSpace, we believe the future of experiential leisure belongs to brands that combine technology with craftsmanship. That's why every project we deliver is powered by Trackman and built to the GolfSpace Standard - our benchmark for precision, performance, and design.
From first sketch to first tee shot, we handle every stage, ensuring venues can offer guests a world-class experience with minimal disruption. The result? Spaces that attract, engage, and perform - for guests and operators alike.
Stay ahead - see how GolfSpace transforms guest experiences, or get in touch for a conversation about your venue.