The Central Valley is seeing a shift in how people engage with golf, as simulators become more common for both social events and serious practice. While traditional courses and ranges remain central to the sport, new simulator-based businesses are providing additional ways for people to connect with golf.
Several new venues and mobile options have opened recently in the region. These include The Golf Clubs, a training facility; Birdie Club Rentals, which brought its trailer to Chukchansi Park during a Fresno Grizzlies game in August; and The Fairway Lounge, which offers simulator play alongside food and drinks in Fresno. In June, Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino introduced a TopGolf Swing Suite featuring two simulators that can each accommodate up to eight people.
Market research from Straits Research indicates that the global value of golf simulators reached $1.74 billion in 2024. This figure is projected to rise to $3.81 billion by 2033.
One recent addition is Par-Tee Golf Simulators, launched this spring by Merry Ajamian and her husband. Instead of using a trailer, their business uses an inflatable setup that can be installed at various locations such as event spaces or private homes.
“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 event hosted by Par-Tee includes clubs for men, women, and children as well as on-site assistance.
“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.”
Their system operates on SkyTrak software offering access to over 40 courses including Pebble Beach—identified by Ajamian as the most popular choice among players. Par-Tee’s services are used for various occasions such as birthday parties and weddings; there has also been increased interest in children’s parties.
“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 observed technology making golf more accessible through features like Toptracer—used at her range—which tracks metrics such as ball flight and distance live.
“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 views simulators as complementary rather than competitive.
“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.”
Kasey Wallace manages Roger Dunn Golf Shops in Fresno and Visalia where fitting services rely heavily on data from simulators.
“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 noted that simulators help keep golfers active during extreme weather conditions—whether winter on the East Coast or hot summers locally—and mentioned St Andrews Links as another popular simulated course option.
“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.
Simulators are also seen as helping introduce new players who might not feel comfortable visiting traditional courses by bringing golf directly into neighborhoods or backyards.
