Guides
Ducks & Birdies guide series
Plain-English guides on golf simulator clubs, lounges, what it costs to open one, ceiling height, buildout, software, self-serve access, membership, staffing, a first visit, and leagues. Sources were checked on October 28, 2026.
- 01What Is a Golf Simulator Club?What a golf simulator club is, how the tech works, how it differs from a bar, Topgolf-style venue or range, and how access and membership work.
- 02Golf Simulator Lounge vs. Sports Bar vs. Entertainment VenueHow a golf simulator lounge compares with a sports bar and a large golf-entertainment venue: atmosphere, access, pricing models and crowd.
- 03How Much Does It Cost to Open a Golf Simulator Business?A practical breakdown of what it costs to open a golf simulator business: lease and buildout, equipment, software, insurance, permits and working capital.
- 04Space and Ceiling Height for a Commercial Simulator BayCeiling height, width, depth and hitting distance for a commercial golf simulator bay, plus how to lay out several bays in one space.
- 05Commercial Golf Simulator Buildout ChecklistA commercial golf simulator buildout checklist: enclosures and impact screens, projectors, turf and flooring, lighting, HVAC, sound and electrical.
- 06Launch Monitors and Simulator Software, Explained for OwnersAn owner's guide to commercial golf simulator software and launch monitors: camera vs. radar, placement, licensing, per-bay costs and questions to ask.
- 07Self-Serve Golf Simulator Access: How It WorksHow self-serve golf simulator access works: booking-to-door-code workflows, smart locks, cameras, waivers and the operating questions to answer first.
- 08Membership and Pricing Models for Golf Simulator ClubsHow simulator venues price bay time and memberships: hourly rates, tiers, corporate plans, leagues and events, with industry benchmarks.
- 09Staffing a Golf Simulator LoungeHow to staff a golf simulator lounge: self-serve vs. staffed hours, key roles, food and drink, and an overview of Texas TABC permits and certification.
- 10Your First Time at a Golf SimulatorBooking a bay, what to bring and wear, simulator etiquette and safety, and how to get accurate numbers on your first golf simulator visit.
- 11Golf Simulator Leagues and Off-Season PracticeHow golf simulator leagues work, from formats and handicaps to pace of play, plus practice drills and the stats worth tracking indoors.
