[Saturday Economy] GOLFZON Expands Growth Beyond Domestic Slowdown Through Overseas Markets, Urban Golf, and Experiential Spaces

Saturday Economy (토요경제) reported that GOLFZON posted first-quarter revenue of KRW 111.8 billion and operating profit of KRW 14.1 billion, with overseas operations marking six consecutive quarters of growth despite a slowdown in the domestic market. According to the report, first-quarter overseas revenue reached KRW 25.8 billion, up 5.0% year-over-year, while the number of global locations grew from 3,534 a year earlier to 4,207 in the first quarter. By country, the outlet noted growth of 4.5% in the U.S., 18.0% in Japan, and 7.8% in China.

The outlet reported that the United States Golf Association (USGA) named GOLFZON the official indoor golf simulator partner for the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open, with GOLFZON Americas CEO Sean Byun describing the partnership as an effort to bring fans closer to the game. Saturday Economy also reported that GOLFZON operated its largest-ever booth at the 2026 PGA Show in the U.S., unveiling CITYGOLF and the GDR MAX simulator, which received praise from renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter.

According to the report, CITYGOLF is a hybrid model in which tee shots and second shots are played on simulators while short game and putting take place on real greens, with the concept already introduced in Tianjin and Yanji, China, and potential expansion into North America under review. The outlet also noted a rise in golf-themed pensions equipped with GOLFZON simulator facilities across regions including Pocheon, Gapyeong, Yangpyeong, and Sejong.

Saturday Economy further reported that, according to GOLFZON’s global website, 51,350 simulators are in operation across 10,490-plus locations in 63 countries, with 100 million rounds played annually, 5.5 million online members, and an average of 370 amateur tournaments held per day. Lastly, the outlet reported that GOLFZON Americas is partnering with Pebble Beach Company to expand digital golf experiences, including a simulator lounge at the Spanish Bay Clubhouse and plans for the “GOLFZON Road to Pebble Beach” tournament.

The report concluded that GOLFZON is offsetting the domestic slowdown through overseas growth and is broadening its reach through urban-format golf, lessons, tournaments, and lodging-based golf spaces — positioning itself not as a screen-golf operator, but as a lifestyle golf platform.