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Indoor golf surges as technology reshapes the sport
By 2028, virtual golf rounds in the UK are projected to surpass traditional outdoor play, according to industry forecasts. A leading indoor golf technology firm predicts 80% of global rounds will be virtual within two years, mirroring trends already seen in South Korea.
From handheld games to professional tournaments
The evolution of golf gaming began over four decades ago with simple dot-matrix devices from Japan. The trend accelerated with console games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour and now includes advanced simulators from companies such as Toptracer, Trackman, and Golfzon. These innovations have not only attracted casual players but also created pathways to professional competition-Scottish golfer Gavin Macpherson qualified for the NSW Open in Australia after winning a simulator event.
Off-course play outnumbers traditional rounds
Recent data from the R&A and the US Golf Association reveals a shift: more people globally now play golf off-course than on-course. In the US, off-course players (32.9 million) surpassed on-course players (26.6 million) for the first time in 2023. The trend is even more pronounced among younger players, with 80% of teenage golfers outside the US and Mexico engaging in alternative formats like simulators or adventure golf.
"The growth in non-traditional formats is helping drive participation among adults and juniors on a global scale, providing an important route into the sport,"
Mark Darbon, R&A Chief Executive
Weather and accessibility fuel indoor golf's rise
In the UK, where outdoor golf is often limited by weather, indoor venues offer a year-round alternative. Chris Ingham, co-founder of Pitch Golf, notes that while outdoor golf is viable for only five months a year in Britain, simulators provide a consistent experience. "Golf is really good for five months of the year in the UK, OK for four, and rubbish for the rest," he says. Venues like Pitch Golf combine simulators with social spaces, attracting corporate clients and non-golfers with offerings like "London Gardens," a virtual short course designed for beginners.
Technology enhances engagement and speed
Advancements in simulator technology are making virtual golf more engaging. Toptracer, known for its ball-tracking technology in televised golf, has integrated games like Angry Birds into its simulators, increasing the average session length by 12.3% to 54 minutes. The company's latest innovation allows players to use their phones as launch monitors, providing instant data via QR codes or audio feedback.
"In Japan and Korea, almost everything is data-driven-how far you're hitting the ball. In the UK, 20% is virtual golf, choosing between famous courses or playing games. The younger you skew, the more you'll engage in something competitive."
Oskar Asgard, Toptracer Head of Product
However, simulators still face challenges in replicating certain aspects of the game, particularly putting. To maintain pace, most indoor venues skip putting entirely, using predetermined hole-out distances instead. "Putting would kill it," Ingham admits. "Most people book for an hour, have a quick warm-up, then take 45 minutes for nine holes."
Professional leagues and global expansion
South Korea leads the world in indoor golf adoption, with 87% of players preferring simulators over outdoor courses. The country's professional indoor league, powered by Golfzon, has been running for over a decade, offering a total prize fund of £1 million in 2025. The league has expanded globally, with players from Asia, Europe, and the US competing for a $300,000 prize pool. Golfzon reported over 100 million rounds played on its technology in 2024.
"Indoor golf is playing a huge role in driving more people to the game. There's a key role to be played in cities where there might not be so many spaces for people to enjoy golf outdoors."
Matt Draper, England Golf Development and Membership Director
Outdoor golf remains resilient
Despite the rise of virtual golf, traditional outdoor play is not disappearing. The R&A's data shows that 2025 had the highest number of on-course rounds in Great Britain over the past five years, with an estimated 90 million full rounds played. Many golfers are embracing both formats, with 82% of traditional golfers in Britain and Ireland having tried alternative formats like simulators or pitch and putt.
As technology continues to evolve, the line between virtual and traditional golf may blur further. For now, indoor golf is carving out its own space, offering accessibility, social engagement, and a solution to the challenges of weather and time constraints.
