A new golf simulator in Balham is now open to everyone after initial membership sold out before its launch.
Scratch Golf was co-founded by Tom Williams and Charlie Kowszun, both 33, who took up golf during the pandemic and “fell in love with it.”
Like many, they found the golf spaces in London did not match their needs of being able to practice in a private space – so they decided to do something about it.
Williams said: “Our dream is to make the ultimate, private sim set up, local to every golfer.
“Imagine you had a golf simulator in your living room – we are an extension of that.”
Last week’s opening to non-members in Balham comes on the back of the success of their first in Wandsworth, which opened in 2024.
That is set to be followed by a three-bay simulator opening in Parsons Green, Fulham, in April with pre-registrations opening shortly.
The bays operate on an entirely staffless model, which require a code to enter allowing complete independence for its users.
The venues offer top-quality Srixon clubs – those used by former world No 1 and five-time major winner Brooks Koepka – to borrow, plus a fridge and speakers.
Members tend to be aged 22-41 with 85% visiting weekly or more and 72% intending to reduce their handicap, emphasing how simulators are not simply social spaces but places to genuinely refine skill.
As with golf globally, the membership demographic is “massively skewed to men”, but Williams is eager to change this.
He said: “What can we be doing in the golf industry to get more women in?”
Statistics from golf’s governing body, The R&A, showed female and junior golfers account for just 23% of the UK and Ireland golfing population.
However, the National Golf Foundation noted women represent a third of all golf participants when factoring off-course facilities such as Topgolf, simulators and driving ranges, which is where Scratch Golf can make an impact.
Indeed, Golf Digest reported 8.2 million women played off-course golf in 2024, which increased their chances of taking up the sport in its traditional outdoor setting.
Caroline Shukla, founder of female golfing community Skratch Women, said: “It’s exciting to have more and more simulators making golf accessible for everyone – particularly the younger city-dwelling demographics where accessing golf can be hard around a work schedule.
“Venues like simulators are great ways to introduce people to the sport without it feeling too intimidating and without it taking too much time.
“Through Skratch Women, I have learnt how time-conscious young women are fitting sport in and around their busy work and social diaries, so if we’re able to bring those things closer together, we’re bound to improve participation within this demographic.
“We hope to work with more and more simulators like Scratch Golf to make golf more accessible to more people.”
Scratch Golf also work with schools in the area, including Emanuel School in Battersea, while coaches use their spaces to bring younger and more inexperienced people into the sport.
Emanuel School deputy head Stuart Turner praised Scratch Golf for their “innovative and accessible introduction to the sport.”
Every week, 22 pupils attended the golf simulator with a ratio of 70% male and 30% female.
Of those, 15% were considered regular golfers while 40% were starting as complete beginners before joining the simulator sessions.
Turner said: “One of the greatest strengths of the simulator is the low‑stakes environment it provides.
“Pupils can hit plenty of balls, practice freely and learn through trial and error without the pressure of being out on a full course.
“We would highly recommend the facility both to those beginning their golfing journey and to players seeking a convenient and accessible way to enjoy a round without leaving the local area.”
Simulators are becoming very much part of the golf scene, with the inaugural season of simulated indoor golf league TGL including leading men’s players such as Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods launching just last year.
Perhaps simulators are the future for inclusive golf in London, too.
Featured Image: courtesy of Scratch Golf
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