PGA Expo Orlando 2026: A New Era for Golf Simulators and Hospitality Design
The PGA Expo 2026 in Orlando once again proved why it remains one of the most influential trade shows in the golf industry. Each year, the event brings together manufacturers, designers, operators, and decision-makers from across the country, all focused on the future of golf. While equipment and technology continue to evolve, the Expo has increasingly become a platform for something bigger: how golf venues are designed, experienced, and monetized.
In recent years, the PGA Expo has clearly moved beyond traditional golf products. Modern golf venues now blend entertainment, dining, and social interaction into one cohesive environment. From private country clubs to entertainment-driven golf simulator facilities, the focus has shifted toward creating spaces that keep guests comfortable, engaged, and coming back year-round.
This year, Modern Line Furniture exhibited a curated selection of golf simulator furniture packages designed specifically for these evolving spaces. According to Joe Roessner, National Sales Director, the response exceeded expectations.
“To our surprise, we were the only company offering modern furniture solutions tailored specifically for golf simulators and country clubs where simulator bays are being installed,” said Roessner. “These spaces allow customers to play golf year-round—indoors and outdoors—and furniture plays a major role in how successful those environments become.”
The Rise of Year-Round Golf Experiences
One of the most noticeable trends at the 2026 PGA Expo was the rapid growth of indoor and hybrid golf simulator facilities. Golf is no longer limited by season, weather, or daylight. Facilities across the country are dedicating space—or reassigning space from other venues—to accommodate simulator bays that operate twelve months a year.
“This is a new era of golf,” Roessner explained. “Comfort, style, and design are now just as important as the simulator technology itself.”
As more facilities adopt this model, the expectations around seating, layout, and overall ambiance continue to rise. Golfers are no longer standing briefly to hit balls and leave. They are gathering in groups, ordering food and beverages, watching screens, socializing, and staying longer. That shift places furniture at the center of the experience.
A Strong Presence and Stronger Conversations
Throughout the show, the Modern Line Furniture booth attracted steady traffic from both existing partners and new accounts. Attendees from country clubs, golf simulator operators, hospitality groups, and entertainment venues stopped by to explore furniture solutions designed specifically for golf environments.
“We had a lot of meaningful conversations,” said Roessner. “People weren’t just browsing—they were asking detailed questions about layouts, durability, specifications, and how these furniture packages would perform in real-world conditions.”
To help attendees visualize how furniture integrates into simulator spaces, four complete furniture packages were displayed. Each package represented a different type of golf simulator or country club amenity area, allowing visitors to see how seating, tables, and finishes work together as a complete solution.
Furniture Packages Designed for Performance and Style
The displayed packages ranged from modern, social layouts to classic, upscale country club designs. One setup featured an L-shaped sectional paired with an attached bar table and stools—an ideal configuration for simulator bays where guests want clear sightlines to screens while enjoying food and drinks.
Another package showcased high-end sofas and chairs in a Chesterfield-style button-tufted design, reflecting the timeless elegance often associated with private clubs and luxury lounges. These pieces demonstrated that durability and comfort do not have to come at the expense of aesthetics.
“The response was overwhelming,” Roessner noted. “We received a tremendous amount of positive feedback on both the functionality and the look of the furniture.”
Learning from the Space Itself
One of the most valuable takeaways from the 2026 PGA Expo was a deeper understanding of the physical requirements surrounding golf simulators. Indoor bays often require a minimum of ten feet of space, while outdoor installations typically need twelve feet or more. These dimensions directly impact seating layouts, table placement, and circulation.
“Now that we have a clearer picture of the space requirements—both indoor and outdoor—we’re preparing additional furniture sets designed specifically to meet those specifications,” Roessner explained. “The goal is to make it easier for operators to plan, specify, and install furniture that fits perfectly within their simulator environments.”
This insight will directly influence future furniture development, ensuring that packages align with both simulator technology and real-world spatial constraints.
A Winning Expo for the Industry
Overall, the PGA Expo 2026 was a success not just for exhibitors, but for the industry as a whole. It highlighted how golf continues to evolve into a hospitality-driven, experience-focused business. Operators are investing in spaces that generate revenue year-round, and furniture has become a strategic component of that investment.
From the energy on the show floor to the quality of conversations at the booth, the Expo reinforced one clear message: golf is no longer just about the game—it’s about the environment built around it.
As the industry looks ahead, the momentum toward golf simulators, social golf, and hospitality-focused design shows no signs of slowing down.
See you in Orlando next year at PGA Expo 2027.
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