GBR Friday | Global Golf Simulator Market Growth: $1.92B in 2025 to $3.95B by 2032
Every Tuesday and Friday, we connect the dots across golf’s business, media, and professional landscape.
Good morning, GBR,
It’s game time! The Ryder Cup is underway, and as I write this, Europe has made a strong start to the Foursomes. As we all know, the Ryder Cup is anything but predictable, and there is a long way to go to reach the finishing line.
Whatever side of the pond you are on, I hope you enjoy watching the drama unfold at Bethpage Black.
So as not to distract you from watching the action, today’s newsletter is on the shorter side. You can read it when it hits your mailbox or when you get an opportunity over the weekend.
Our main story in our industry looks at the key findings by Fortune Business Insights, which projects the global golf simulator market to double in the next seven years to an estimated $3.95 billion.
We’ve also got some dates for your diary in connection to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and educational webinars from SAM PuttLAB.
I’ll hopefully be back on Tuesday, which is all dependant on whether or not my wife gives birth over the weekend.
INDUSTRY
FORTUNE BUSINESS INSIGHTS REPORTS GLOBAL GOLF SIMULATOR MARKET TO DOUBLE BY 2032
According to a new report from Fortune Business Insights, the global golf simulator market is set to nearly double in value over the next seven years, growing from $1.92 billion in 2025 to $3.95 billion by 2032 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.89%. The sector, valued at $1.74 billion in 2024, is benefitting from surging demand in indoor golf experiences across residential, commercial, and institutional settings. Driving this growth are rapid advances in artificial intelligence, which enable simulators to deliver real-time swing analysis, adaptive gameplay, and personalized training, alongside the integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies that add immersive, data-rich experiences.
“Fan engagement has become more important but more fragmented than ever before,” the report notes, highlighting how simulators are not only training tools but also cultural touchpoints, capable of keeping golfers connected year-round.
The report identifies hardware as the dominant segment, accounting for 53.11% of the market in 2024, with full swing simulators projected to capture over 70% of market share in 2025 due to their realism and demand among professionals. Portable simulators are also on the rise, forecast to represent 64.84% of the market by 2025 as affordability and mobility attract amateur players and home users. Commercial adoption leads overall, with 51.56% share in 2025 driven by golf clubs, academies, and entertainment venues, though residential use is growing fastest at a 12.01% CAGR.
Regionally, North America remains the largest market at $0.71 billion in 2024, while Asia Pacific is set for the fastest expansion amid urbanization and demand for compact leisure formats. Europe will hold the second-largest share at $0.56 billion in 2025. Key players such as TrackMan, Foresight Sports, Full Swing Golf, Golfzon, and TruGolf continue to compete with new product innovations, ensuring the simulator market remains one of the most dynamic growth stories in global sport. A free PDF sample of the report can be obtained here.
GCSAA CENTENNIAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW SET FOR ORLANDO IN 2025
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) will mark its 100th anniversary with a once-in-a-century Conference and Trade Show in Orlando from Feb. 2–5, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center.
Presented in partnership with the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the event will offer education, networking, and industry innovation with a full slate of special programming to honor the Centennial. “The 2025 CTS is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience as we celebrate GCSAA’s Centennial,” said CEO Rhett Evans.
The week begins Jan. 31 with the GCSAA Golf Championships presented by Toro before shifting to seminars, trade shows, and celebrations. Highlights include the Opening Session and Welcome Reception on Feb. 2, the Health in Action 5K and GCSAA Centennial Celebration at ICON Park on Feb. 3, a 400-exhibitor trade show and Centennial Experience exhibit on Feb. 4, and the Closing Event featuring Ricky Kalmon on Feb. 5. Details on how to attend the event can be found here.
INDOOR GOLF ALLIANCE LAUNCHES WEBSITE TO UNITE GLOBAL INDUSTRY
The Indoor Golf Alliance (IGA) has officially launched its new website, www.indoorgolfalliance.org, as part of its mission to connect the fast-growing indoor golf ecosystem under the banner “Uniting Indoor Golf for a Stronger Future.” Designed as a central hub for businesses, professionals, and enthusiasts, the IGA will provide membership opportunities, educational resources, industry insights, and networking events to drive collaboration and innovation worldwide.
“As President of the PGA of America, I believe it is essential to bridge the gap between indoor/screen golf and green grass golf,” said Don Rea Jr., PGA President. “By connecting these experiences, we can expand our reach and nurture the growth of this incredible game, ensuring its legacy for future generations.” The Alliance will focus on amplifying industry voices, fostering professional development, and tracking technology trends such as simulators, launch monitors, VR, and AI, cementing its role as the leading platform for the global indoor golf community.
SAM PUTTING INSTRUCTOR WEBINARS OFFER ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONS THIS FALL
Coaches looking to elevate their expertise can join the SAM Putting Instructor webinars on October 13–14, 2025, led by Dr. Christian Marquardt, inventor of the SAM PuttLab.
The live online sessions provide Level 2 and Level 3 certifications, building on the required Level 1 course, which is available anytime on demand through the Science&Motion learning portal. Since launching in 2012, more than 2,000 professionals worldwide have completed the program, which is recognized as the most data-driven, science-based pathway in putting instruction.
Participants gain a deeper understanding of putting mechanics, insights based on PGA Tour data, and practical training tools rooted in motor learning science. Successful candidates receive an official certificate of achievement and a professional listing on the Science&Motion website to boost their visibility. “Our certifications give coaches both the scientific foundation and the practical tools they need to transform putting instruction,” said Dr. Marquardt. Further details of the SAM academy and how to sign up for October 13-14 webinars can be found here.
FULL SWING OPENS FIRST EMEA SHOWROOM IN UK TO SHOWCASE SIMULATOR TECHNOLOGY
Golf simulator specialist, Full Swing, has opened its first sales showroom in the EMEA region, located in Wokingham, England. The 5,500-square-foot facility will act as the company’s regional hub, giving nearly 20 million golfers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa direct access to its simulators, launch monitors and indoor putting technology. “Establishing a presence in the UK is a milestone for Full Swing as we continue to scale globally,” said Jason Fierro, COO of the San Diego-based company.
The showroom features two Full Swing Widescreen simulators, two KIT Studios, a podcast studio, and office space, with a Virtual Green set to be added later this year. Access is by appointment only, though content creators are invited to use the facility for filming and recording. “As golf continues its post-pandemic renaissance, the EMEA region is home to many emerging markets,” added Daryl Davis, Managing Director of Full Swing EMEA. “With the simulator vertical expected to double in size by 2030, the new showroom is well positioned to highlight Full Swing’s premium indoor simulation experience.” Thomas Cooper, Investors Hangout.
CIRCUITS/PROFESSIONAL GAME
EUROPE LEADS 3-1 AS RYDER CUP HEADS INTO FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOUR-BALLS
Team Europe holds a 3-1 advantage over the United States as play shifts to Friday’s four-ball session at Bethpage Black.
The afternoon matchups are: Scottie Scheffler and J.J. Spaun take on Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka at 12:25 p.m. ET, followed by Ben Griffin and Bryson DeChambeau against Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose at 12:41. At 12:57, Cameron Young and Justin Thomas face Ludvig Åberg and Rasmus Højgaard, before the marquee pairing of Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay battle Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry at 1:13. Ryder Cup.
RYDER CUP TICKETS HIT $1,000 ON RESALE MARKET AS PGA DEFENDS $750 PRICE TAG
With the 45th Ryder Cup set to welcome more than 50,000 fans per day at Bethpage Black, the economics of golf’s most electric team event are under intense scrutiny. General admission tickets, priced at $750 and including free food and non-alcoholic drinks, sold out instantly last November after 500,000 people registered for access.
Resale prices on SeatGeek climbed to nearly $1,000 for today and Saturday, though Sunday passes dipped just below face value. That base price translates into at least $37 million in ticket revenue per day, over $100 million for the weekend, before factoring in premium hospitality packages. While some criticized the pricing as exclusionary, PGA of America chief commercial officer Jeff Price told Front Office Sports that New Yorkers had called $750 “a really good, cheap option” compared with other major sporting events in the city.
Despite Thursday’s rain cutting practice crowds, anticipation remains high for the notoriously passionate New York gallery. “That energy, that passion, and that home team environment is something that plays such a big part in the Ryder Cup,” said Europe’s Tommy Fleetwood. “And I think you have to embrace that, enjoy it, and look forward to it, even when you’re the away team.”
NBC REPORTS RECORD AD SALES AND BRAND ACTIVATIONS FOR RYDER CUP COVERAGE
NBCUniversal has announced record-breaking commercial interest in its Ryder Cup coverage across NBC, USA Network and Peacock, citing a nearly 50% increase in ad sales compared with the previous event, according to Adweek.
Digital inventory has surged with a 90% jump in investment from 2021, while more than 50 brands will activate during the tournament, 30 of them new to the competition. Top advertising categories include auto, finance, telecoms, apparel, and golf endemics, with 14 brands featured in sponsored integrations throughout the broadcast.
NBCU attributed the demand in part to golf’s affluent audience, noting that viewers are 60% more likely to have household incomes above $200,000.
EQUIPMENT
TOUR EDGE LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER GOLF BALL WITH EXOTICS MODEL
Tour Edge has officially entered the golf ball market with the launch of the Exotics, a three-piece cast urethane design engineered for “explosive distance, piercing ball flight, pinpoint control, and exceptional greenside spin.”
Available October 28, 2025, at retail outlets across the U.S. and TourEdge.com for $39.99 per dozen, the ball marks a historic step for the Illinois-based brand. Built around a high-speed KinetiCore, an ionomer mantle layer, and a 318-dimple aerodynamic pattern, the Exotics underwent extensive testing with robots, players, and Tour Edge staff professionals to ensure tour-level performance. “This is a monumental step for Tour Edge,” said CEO and founder David Glod. “After four decades of relentless innovation in golf clubs and bags, we’re applying the same commitment to performance and quality to golf balls.” The launch also introduces a refreshed Tour Edge logo and brand identity, signaling a new era for the company as it expands into the premium ball category.