The Future of Golf is Changing and We’re Ready For It
A recent BBC Sport article by Peter Scrivener made a bold prediction: by 2028, there could be more rounds of virtual golf played in the UK than traditional on-course rounds.
At TeeClub, we don’t just see this as a possibility, we see it as an inevitability. And more importantly, we’re genuinely excited about what it means for the future of the game.
While the romance of walking fairways will always have its place, the evolution of golf is being driven by accessibility, technology, and lifestyle. Here’s why we believe virtual golf isn’t replacing the game, it’s expanding it.
1. Accessibility and Inclusivity
Perhaps the most important shift is accessibility.
Virtual golf opens the door to:
Urban players without easy access to courses
Beginners who may feel intimidated on a traditional course
Younger audiences raised on technology and instant feedback
People with limited time or mobility
The BBC highlights how non-traditional formats are already driving participation globally. This isn’t a trend, it’s a structural shift in how people engage with golf.
2. Golf Without Weather Limits
Let’s be honest, UK golf is at the mercy of the elements. As highlighted in the BBC piece, conditions can make the game “rubbish” for large parts of the year.
Virtual golf removes that barrier entirely. Rain, wind, darkness, none of it matters. Players can enjoy a consistent experience 365 days a year, which naturally leads to more frequent play and deeper engagement with the sport. Want to make it more realistic? Our Trackman bays at TeeClub allow you to switch on the wind, rain and time of day to allow you to play golf exactly how you want to.
3. Time Efficiency in a Busy World
Traditional golf can take four to five hours. For many people, that’s simply not realistic.
Virtual golf compresses the experience into a fraction of the time, often under an hour. Whether it’s a quick lunchtime session or an evening round with friends, this flexibility aligns perfectly with modern lifestyles. Convenience is no longer a bonus; it’s an expectation.
4. Play the World’s Greatest Courses
One of the most compelling aspects of simulator golf is the ability to play iconic venues. As noted in the BBC article, players are drawn to famous courses they may never otherwise experience.
From St Andrews to Pebble Beach, virtual golf removes geographical and financial barriers, allowing golfers to explore the game in a completely new way.
5. Cost-Effective Participation
Golf has long battled the perception, and reality of being expensive. Green fees, equipment, travel, and memberships can quickly add up.
Virtual golf offers a more affordable entry point. Players can access premium experiences at a lower cost, making the game more inclusive and appealing to a broader audience.
6. A Social, Experience-Driven Game
Golf is no longer just about scorecards, it’s about experiences.
TeeClub is blending golf with food, drink, music, and social interaction. Whether it’s a casual round with friends, a corporate event, or a birthday party, virtual golf creates an environment that feels more like entertainment than tradition. This idea is a powerful draw for new audiences.
7. Technology That Enhances Improvement
Our bays at TeeClub don’t just replicate golf, they improve it.
Players get instant data on ball flight, swing metrics, and performance. This feedback loop accelerates learning and keeps players engaged. For both beginners and serious golfers, it’s a game-changer. Our head professional Tom Fearon has seen much more rapid improvements to golfers since coaching on Trackman than all of his previous coaching experience. He says “the feedback golfers can get in a lesson is second to none and even more importantly they can now practice with the same feels and data. This has had an accelerating effect on peoples improvement”
8. A Gateway to the Traditional Game
Crucially, virtual golf isn’t competing with outdoor golf, it’s feeding it.
Many players are introduced to the sport through simulators before transitioning onto real courses. It lowers the barrier to entry and builds confidence, ultimately growing the overall game.
The TeeClub Perspective
At TeeClub, we see virtual golf as an opportunity, not a threat.
It’s an evolution that:
Brings more people into the game
Makes golf more flexible and inclusive
Enhances how and when we play
The idea that virtual rounds could surpass outdoor rounds by 2028 might sound bold, but when you look at the direction of travel, it makes perfect sense.
We’re not just watching this shift happen, we’re excited to be part of it.
The future of golf isn’t either/or.
It’s both.
And it’s just getting started.
