Photo via Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
The rise of golf simulators is changing the way people interact with the game, from backyard gatherings to serious training sessions. While traditional ranges and courses remain important to the sport, the popularity of golf simulators is bringing new ways for people to get connected to golf
Over the last few years, several new locations and trailers have opened up in the Central Valley, including The Golf Clubs, a training facility; Birdie Club Rentals, a trailer that was recently used by fans at Chukchansi Park for a Fresno Grizzlies game in August; and The Fairway Lounge, which combines a golf simulator with a dining and bar experience in Fresno.
In June, Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino debuted a TopGolf Swing Suite, which has two simulators and can host up to eight per simulator.
According to Straits Research, a global market research company, golf simulators were valued at $1.74 billion in 2024. By 2033, they are expected to reach $3.81 billion.
One of the newer golf simulators, Par-Tee Golf Simulators, was launched this spring by Merry Ajamian and her husband.
Rather than using a trailer, Par-Tee Golf Simulators uses an inflatable that can be set up at event spaces, driveways and even backyards.
“We saw golf simulators gaining popularity and thought, why not take the experience mobile,” Ajamian said. “We chose the inflatable setup because it’s affordable, easy to transport and allows us to bring the game anywhere.”
Each Par-Tee Golf Simulators event comes with men’s, women’s and kids’ clubs, as well as on-site guidance.
“We stay on site at every event to manage the system and make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish,” Ajamian said. “Whether guests want a driving-range setup, a round at Pebble Beach, or a closest-to-the-pin contest, we can make it happen. Our goal is always to create a fun, memorable environment tailored to each event.”
Par-Tee’s system uses SkyTrak simulation software with over 40 golf courses available for players, including Pebble Beach, which Ajamian said is the most popular course.
Par-Tee’s events range from birthday parties to weddings and everything in between, with kids’ parties seeing an increase in popularity.
“At a recent 30th birthday party, the guest of honor was a golfer, but most of his friends had never picked up a club,” Ajamian said. “We love introducing people to the game in a way that’s fun and approachable, which is a big part of why we started this business.”
Cindy Vining, co-owner of Valley Golf Center in north Fresno, has seen how technology can widen the game’s appeal to everyone. Her range uses Toptracer technology, which tracks ball flight, launch angle and distance in real time.
“Toptracer is more geared to the golfer,” Vining said. “It’ll tell you how far your clubs are carrying, total yardage, launch angle, ball speed — all the things people want to know about these days. It also has games and 28 different golf courses, so it appeals to everyone from families to serious players.”
Vining took over Valley Golf Center in 2018 and doesn’t see simulators as competition, but rather a complement.
“Because we’re outside, I don’t see it as competition,” she said. “It offers another way for people to practice. For people who don’t tolerate heat very well, it’s a great alternative for the summer. For people who enjoy being outside, that’s what golf offers. They complement each other very nicely.”
At Roger Dunn Golf Shops, with locations in Fresno and Visalia where fitting and instruction rely heavily on simulator data, store manager Kasey Wallace agrees that simulators are now an essential part of the game.
“Most people want to see their ball fly, their spin rate, launch angle and everything that goes into shots,” Wallace said. “Simulators are about 99% accurate, and that’s very important for fittings. You can see your ball speed, club head speed, face angle, the direction you’re swinging—it’s one of the most important tools we have.”
Wallace, a former head pro and director of golf, said simulators are especially valuable in extreme weather or for golfers on the East Coast in winter or here in the Central Valley during summer.
In addition to Pebble Beach, Wallace said St. Andrews Links is a popular location.
“When it’s really hot or cold here, people are going to come inside and use the simulator just to keep their swing going throughout the year,” he said.
Most importantly, when it comes to growing the game of golf to people who may otherwise not feel comfortable going to a course, now have the ability to have golf right in their backyard.
“Golf can feel intimidating for beginners, but our mobile setup breaks down those barriers,” Ajamian said. “We bring the experience right to the people, wherever they are, and make it fun and inviting for everyone.”
