Free market assessment tool

Is there a market for a portable golf sim business in your area?

Answer 6 questions and find out — plus which events to run first and what the revenue could look like.

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Question 1 of 6

How would you describe where you live?

This shapes everything — your pricing, your best event types, and how much competition you're likely to face.

Question 2 of 6

Are there breweries, bars, or restaurants in your area that host events?

These are your fastest and easiest first clients. If they exist in your market, you have a starting point.

Question 3 of 6

Are there corporate offices or business parks near you?

Corporate events are the highest-paying bookings in this business. Even a handful of companies nearby opens up a significant revenue stream.

Question 4 of 6

Is golf popular or growing in your area?

Golf participation has grown significantly since 2020. But you don't need a golf-obsessed market — simulators work even for people who've never held a club.

Question 5 of 6

Have you seen any portable golf simulator rentals in your area?

Competition isn't necessarily bad — it validates that there's demand. But being first in a market is a significant advantage.

Question 6 of 6

Do you have access to a vehicle that could transport equipment?

The full setup fits in most SUVs, minivans, or trucks. You don't need anything special — but you do need something.

What this means for your market

What 4 events a month could look like in your market

Conservative month

Solid month

Strong month

Best event formats to start with in your market

Your next step

Ready to find out exactly how to make this happen?

The full course, templates, pricing frameworks, and a community of 70+ operators already running this business — all for less than a round of golf a month.

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What Makes A Market Work

What makes a good market for a portable golf sim business

You don't need a major city to make this work

A lot of people assume this business only works in big metro areas, but that's not accurate. Smaller markets often have less competition, more loyal repeat customers, and a tight-knit community where one great event leads to three referrals. What matters more than city size is whether you have some mix of venues that host events, a few businesses nearby, and people willing to pay for a fun experience — all of which exist in most towns and small cities, not just major metros.

The three revenue channels to look for

Venue and brewery events are your fastest way to get started — bars and restaurants are usually easy to approach and eager for something to bring in a crowd. Private and backyard events pay well and build word-of-mouth fast in tight communities. Corporate events pay the most per booking but take longer to land, since you're usually approaching a business directly rather than walking into a bar. A market with even one or two of these three channels is workable — a market with all three is where operators build full-time income fastest.

Competition means the market already exists

It's natural to worry that seeing another portable golf sim operator in your area means the opportunity is gone. In practice, the opposite is often true — competition validates that people in your market are already paying for this experience. Being first has real advantages, but so does entering a market where demand is already proven. The operators who win in competitive markets are the ones who show up more professional, more responsive, and more reliable than whoever got there first.

Common Questions

Questions people ask before starting

Do I need to live in a big city to start a portable golf simulator business?

No. Smaller markets often have less competition and more loyal repeat customers. What matters more than city size is whether your area has venues that host events, some nearby businesses, and people willing to pay for an entertaining experience.

How much can you make with a portable golf simulator business in a small town?

It depends on your venue and corporate options, but operators in smaller markets typically see $450-$900 per event, with a strong month of 4 events landing between $1,800-$3,600. Private and backyard events tend to be the strongest revenue channel in smaller, tighter-knit communities.

Is there too much competition already in golf simulator rentals?

Usually not. This is still an emerging space in most markets, and seeing another operator nearby actually validates that people are already paying for the experience. The operators who succeed in markets with some competition typically win on professionalism, responsiveness, and client experience rather than being first.

Can I start this business without a truck or van?

Most full setups fit comfortably in an SUV or minivan — you don't need a dedicated van or truck to get started. If you're not sure your current vehicle has enough room, it's worth measuring your trunk or cargo space against a typical portable simulator's packed dimensions before buying equipment.

What if my area doesn't have many breweries or bars?

Venue events are the easiest starting point, but they're not the only revenue channel. Markets without a strong bar and brewery scene often do well with private and backyard events instead, which pay more per event and build referrals quickly in tight-knit communities.

How do I know if my area has enough demand for this business?

Look for three things: venues that already host events (breweries, restaurants, event spaces), some nearby businesses or corporate offices, and general interest in entertainment or golf in your area. Having even one or two of these gives you a workable market — take the assessment above for a more detailed breakdown of your specific area.