If you’re considering adding an indoor golf simulator to a commercial venue — a bar, entertainment complex, hotel, golf club, corporate wellness center, or indoor sports facility — you’re in good company. Indoor golf experiences have become a powerful driver of foot traffic, higher per-visit spend, and longer dwell times. But before you buy the first “simulator kit” you find online, it’s important to understand the market: there are only a handful of companies that actually design and manufacture commercial-grade golf simulators. Many other providers are resellers, integrators, or drop-shippers who assemble consumer components with little design oversight or commercial experience. Choosing the right partner matters — for performance, uptime, safety, guest experience, and long-term ROI.
This article explains where to find true commercial golf simulators, how to tell manufacturers apart from drop-ship vendors, what to look for in a commercial solution, and why a seasoned manufacturer — like AllSportSystems, in business since 2005 — is often the safer bet for venues that need reliability, customization, and full project delivery.
The marketplace: a quick map
When you start searching for commercial golf simulators you’ll encounter four broad categories of providers:
- True manufacturers (few). These companies design, engineer, fabricate, and test the major physical components of a simulator — the bay, impact screen, enclosure netting, mats, mounts, and often the entire integrated system. They understand commercial use-cases (hours of daily operation, heavy footfall, insurance and safety concerns) and offer warranties, commercial golf simulator installation services, and long-term support.
- Authorized system integrators. These firms focus on delivering turn-key installations. They may source hardware from established manufacturers and combine it with software and AV components. They add value through design, on-site installation, training, and local support.
- Resellers and specialty retailers. These sellers offer off-the-shelf consumer simulators or software bundles. They may handle shipping and basic setup but don’t custom-engineer enclosures for heavy, public use.
- Drop-shippers and bundlers (many). These operators create product listings that combine consumer launch monitors, generic projectors, and “screens” from various suppliers, then ship them to buyers with minimal testing or design matching. They’re attractive for low up-front cost but can leave commercial operators with mismatched components, insufficient safety measures, and no commercial warranty or local support.
Knowing which category a vendor falls into is the first step to avoiding expensive mistakes.
Why manufacturing experience matters for commercial venues
Commercial venues face demands that home users rarely see:
- High utilization: dozens to hundreds of rounds per week, often across extended hours.
- Safety & liability: the need for certified netting, impact screens, and enclosures that meet insurance requirements and protect patrons and property.
- Durability: materials must withstand repeated ball strikes, heavy traffic, and sometimes accidental impacts.
- Integration: projectors, sound, payment systems, and venue design must all work together.
- Serviceability: downtime is revenue lost; fast replacement parts and responsive technical support are essential.
A manufacturer that engineers and produces commercial components understands these constraints from first principles. They select materials, design mounting systems, and specify hardware with commercial lifecycles in mind. They can also offer customization — adapting bay dimensions, screen sizes, printed graphics, mounting solutions, and safety features to fit a venue’s unique footprint.
AllSportSystems is an example of such a company. Founded in 2005, AllSportSystems has decades of experience building golf simulator bays, impact screens, netting systems, and complete turnkey installations tailored to commercial venues. That institutional knowledge allows them to deliver systems that aren’t just “pretty” on day one — they’re built for heavy, trouble-free operation over years.
Where to find true commercial systems
If you want a durable, professional installation, look for suppliers who demonstrate these traits:
- They design and manufacture key physical components. Evidence: in-house photos of fabrication, custom screen and netting patents or design descriptions, or factory tours.
- They show completed commercial installations. Case studies or portfolio galleries with real venues, not staged home setups.
- They offer end-to-end services. Pre-sale site surveys, CAD drawings, project management, certified installers, and on-site training.
- They provide commercial warranties and replacement part programs. Businesses need predictable maintenance costs and quick turnaround for parts.
- They understand safety and compliance. Insurance documentation, test reports, and recommended safety clearances.
- They can customize. From bay sizes to branding, cueing to custom seating or spectator areas.
Start with established manufacturers and reputable integrators. Ask for references from venues similar to yours (a restaurant vs. a private members’ club have different needs). If a vendor markets only low-cost consumer bundles and can’t provide commercial references, treat that as a red flag.
The difference between curated manufacturer systems and drop-ship bundles
To be blunt: there’s a gulf between a curated commercial system and a consumer kit assembled by a drop-ship vendor.
Drop-ship bundles commonly:
- Combine a consumer launch monitor (calibrated for backyard use) with a cheap projection screen and a generic mat.
- Ship everything in a box and leave setup to the buyer, with little or no site engineering.
- Offer warranty terms designed for consumers — short, limited, and not tailored to commercial uptime needs.
- Lack structural engineering for mounting, leading to misalignment, premature wear, or safety issues.
Curated commercial systems:
- Are engineered as complete systems: screen + enclosure + mounting + projector + launch monitor + software + furniture and POS integration.
- Are tested together to ensure accuracy, sightlines, and minimal down-time.
- Include commercial warranties, spare-parts programs, and service-level agreements.
- Provide installation, staff training, and optional preventative maintenance plans.
For venues that rely on their simulators to produce revenue and keep guests safe, a curated commercial system dramatically reduces risk and long-term cost.
What to expect from a reputable manufacturer / full-service provider
When you engage a manufacturer like AllSportSystems for a commercial project, you should expect a clear, documented process:
- Site survey & needs analysis. Measurements, ceiling heights, sightlines, power and data needs, and traffic flow are documented.
- Recommendations & CAD drawings. Scaled plans showing bay placement, swing clearances, projector mounts, and seating.
- Customized system build. Impact screens sized to the space, reinforced mounts, commercial-grade mats, and safety netting as required.
- AV & software matching. Projector throw, screen gain, and launch monitor placement are matched so the visual experience is crisp and accurate.
- Installation by trained technicians. Proper mounting, calibration, and safety checks are done on-site.
- Training & documentation. Staff training in software, troubleshooting, and guest operation; documentation for maintenance.
- Ongoing support. Warranty, spare parts, and optional service agreements to minimize downtime.
This end-to-end approach is how reputable manufacturers protect your investment and your guests.
ROI considerations for commercial venues
Commercial simulators are an investment. Consider these revenue streams:
- Hourly simulator rentals — charge by the hour for play.
- F&B and retail uplift — guests stay longer and spend more on food and drinks.
- Memberships and leagues — recurring revenue and increased loyalty.
- Events and parties — private bookings for birthdays, corporate events, and fundraisers.
- Lessons and coaching — partner with PGA pros to offer paid lessons using simulator data.
When calculating ROI, factor in installation, projected utilization, pricing strategy, marketing, and maintenance costs. A poorly specified system may cost less up front but create more downtime, lower guest satisfaction, and higher replacement costs — all of which erode profitability. A commercial-grade system from an experienced manufacturer is designed to maximize uptime and guest satisfaction, thereby improving long-term returns.
Customization: why it matters for venues
Every venue has unique constraints and brand goals. Customization can include:
- Bay footprint and sightline optimization for non-standard rooms.
- Branded graphics and printed impact screens to reinforce identity.
- Noise control and acoustic treatments to make simulators comfortable in hospitality settings.
- Integrated POS and booking systems to streamline operations.
- Specialty mounts or enclosures for protection in multi-use spaces.
- Accessibility features to welcome players of all abilities.
Manufacturers with decades of experience — like AllSportSystems — have built hundreds of custom systems and can guide you toward cost-effective customizations that meaningfully improve guest experience.
Installation and safety: non-negotiables
Commercial installations must take safety seriously:
- Structural integrity: mounting points and frames should be engineered for repeated impact loads.
- Certified netting and screens: materials designed for ball impact and abrasion.
- Adequate clearances: swing zones, spectator areas, and emergency egress must be maintained.
- Electrical & AV code compliance: power for projectors and computers installed to code.
- Insurance-friendly documentation: vendors should provide documentation to satisfy insurers.
A reputable manufacturer will coordinate with your general contractor and insurers to make sure everything meets commercial standards.
Maintenance & support — plan for uptime
Commercial venues can’t tolerate long downtime. Look for vendors who offer:
- Spare part kits (screens, nets, mats).
- Remote support for software and calibration.
- Scheduled preventative maintenance options.
- Fast replacement workflows and local certified technicians or clear shipping channels for urgent parts.
Again, these are services a manufacturer with a long track record will likely provide.
How to evaluate vendors (a quick checklist)
Ask vendors for:
- Commercial references and site photos.
- CAD drawings from previous projects.
- Warranty terms and spare part commitments.
- Service level agreements and escalation paths.
- Evidence they manufacture or engineer key components.
- Examples of custom solutions they’ve delivered.
If a vendor hesitates to share this information, consider it a warning sign.
Why AllSportSystems is worth considering
AllSportSystems has been manufacturing sport environments and commercial simulated systems since 2005. That longevity matters. It means the company has learned how to design for real venues, iterate on durability, and support customers through countless installations.
What AllSportSystems typically brings to commercial projects:
- Turnkey, curated systems that match hardware and software for reliable performance.
- Customization to fit unique venue footprints and brand needs.
- Commercial manufacturing of impact screens, netting, and bay structures designed for heavy use.
- Project management and installation so you don’t have to assemble a dozen vendors yourself.
- Post-sale support including parts, service, and training.
For venue operators who want to avoid the pitfalls of consumer kits and drop-ship bundles, working with a seasoned manufacturer reduces risk and makes commercial success more likely.
(If you’d like specific examples or a tailored proposal based on your space and use case, AllSportSystems can assess your site and provide a detailed plan. Call 877-847-1280 or email sales@allsportsystems.com.)
Final thoughts — buy like a business, not a hobbyist
If you’re outfitting a commercial venue, treat your simulator purchase like any other capital investment:
- Prioritize reliability, safety, and support over the lowest sticker price.
- Insist on commercial references and documentation.
- Work with manufacturers or integrators that deliver turnkey, tested systems.
- Factor in long-term maintenance and parts availability when comparing bids.
There are only a handful of companies that truly manufacture commercial-grade golf systems; many others will look tempting on price but lack the skills and infrastructure to support a business. Choosing an experienced manufacturer — especially one with a long track record like AllSportSystems (est. 2005) — gives you a partner who understands how to build systems that delight players and sustain your business.
If you want help evaluating quotes, designing your bay, or estimating ROI for your venue, tell me about your space (dimensions, ceiling height, expected usage, and business model) and I’ll outline a practical plan you can use to compare vendors and bids.