Indoor Golf Business: 4 Things to Consider

Indoor entertainment franchises are a solid, growing franchise concept that is increasingly popular. Market analysis company IBISWorld reports that franchise concepts like indoor trampoline parks and indoor play centers have a U.S. market value of $750.4 million and $1 billion, respectively. Another viable option is the indoor golf business. However, like all franchises, it has its challenges. Let’s look at how a golf simulator business works, some of the hurdles to overcome with running it, and a viable alternative.
Simulating Golf for Fun and Profit
Let’s start from the top; an indoor golf business is a business that provides its customers with a golfing experience through the use of virtual simulators. Customers come to play golf in a convenient, comfortable location that allows them to enjoy their hobby regardless of the weather.
In addition to golf simulators, these businesses also provide additional amenities and services to give their customers an enjoyable outing. Some of them include sports bars or lounges for relaxing before, after, and between games. Some of them include sports shops for customers who enjoy playing traditional golf as well as virtual. Some even provide trainers to offer lessons.
Indoor golf simulation has a good number of options to choose from when it comes to added features and revenue streams, as well as the benefit of a sport with established popularity. However, as we’re about to see, there are also difficulties that an owner of such a business would need to plan for.
Dealing with the Rough
While an indoor golf business has good qualities to offer, an owner has to be prepared for the challenges it poses as well. Here are some obstacles a golf simulator business will most likely face:
- Steep initial cost: While every business has a starting cost, a good quality golf simulator is an expensive piece of equipment. Make sure to consider how big a business you want to start with, and how many simulators you want to begin with, since that will greatly affect how much starting capital you need.
- Keeping customers engaged: Most golf simulators can only be used by small groups one at a time. That means those waiting their turn will need something to do while they wait. Make sure the environment is comfortable and that you have additional amenities for those waiting, like sports magazines, TVs, etc.
- Update your tech: New software and more advanced simulators coming out are important considerations for a tech-based business. You want to keep an eye on the industry and see what the standard is for simulators, so the quality of your service stays competitive.
- Consider your competition: A business based around simulated golf not only competes with other simulator facilities, but with traditional golf courses too. Make sure to pick a location where you won’t have as many courses to compete with, in an area that doesn’t have long stretches of weather better suited for outdoor play.
Picking Pickleball Instead
While golf simulation is viable as an indoor entertainment business, pickleball is another sound option. Pickleball is called “the fastest growing sport in America” by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association; thanks to its growing popularity and its early adoption, there are many untapped markets out there where an eager entrepreneur can be the first to open a pickleball franchise. Pickleball facilities are also designed to handle multiple customers at once, ensuring you won’t be as dependent on added amenities, while still having them available for added revenue streams.
Pickleball also has the advantage of appealing to a broader customer base than golf. Golf traditionally is played by adults, but pickleball appeals to multiple generations. Lastly, pickleball’s fledgling nature gives you an edge when competing with established, adjacent indoor entertainment businesses, as you’ll offer customers a new and unique experience nobody else does.
In the end, your choice should depend on the kind of experience you want to provide your customers. If you want to invest in a tried-and-true sports service business, then golf simulation may be your best bet. However, if you want to try out a new and growing sports service, then a pickleball franchise may be the right choice.
Serve Something New with The Pickle Pad
We’re eager to welcome ambitious businesspeople like you to our team. Our pickleball franchise is growing, and we want eager, passionate franchisees like you to help us grow our market presence. We’re ready to provide you with the training and support you need to offer this unique service to your community. Submit a franchise form today to learn more about franchising with The Pickle Pad.
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