Indoor Golf & Recreation

The Back Nine Golf in Review

Indoor Golf / Sports Recreation / Entertainment

$500K+ Flexible Lifestyle Recurring Revenue Semi-Absentee
Investment Range
$307,050 to $688,500
Ongoing Royalty
8%
Ideal Owner
Semi-Absentee / Semi-Passive Owner, Business Development-Oriented Entrepreneur, Multi-Unit Investor
Industry
Indoor Golf / Sports Recreation / Entertainment
Available In
Every state except Hawaii.

What is The Back Nine Golf in Review?

The Back Nine Golf is a technology-driven indoor golf franchise offering golfers convenient, 24/7 access to premium golf simulators in a comfortable, climate-controlled environment. Customers can practice, play virtual rounds on world-famous courses, participate in events, and improve their game using advanced Full Swing simulator technology.

The business operates through a combination of individual memberships, corporate memberships, and individual simulator bookings. Its proprietary software handles reservations and facility access, allowing members to enter and use the space without employees continuously stationed on-site.

What makes The Back Nine particularly interesting is its semi-passive operating model. With typically zero to one employee, franchise owners can concentrate on membership development, local marketing, customer relationships, and growing the business rather than staffing a traditional entertainment facility.

Investment Snapshot

The estimated total investment ranges from $307,050 to $688,500, with an initial franchise fee of $50,000 for the first location. The franchise reports an 8% royalty and 1% brand marketing fee, along with fixed monthly marketing and software fees of $250 and $350, respectively.

The combined fixed monthly marketing and software fees total $600, before royalties, brand marketing contributions, rent, utilities, financing, insurance, and other operating expenses.

The franchisor reports approximately zero to one employee per location. Actual staffing, construction costs, financing requirements, and operating expenses will vary.

Company History

The Back Nine Golf was developed to make the golf experience more accessible, convenient, and independent of traditional golf course schedules and weather conditions. The business emerged in Utah and developed a technology-focused concept combining indoor golf simulators, around-the-clock facility access, and membership-based customer relationships.

The concept uses Full Swing golf simulator technology to offer realistic course play, swing analysis, and recreational golf experiences in an indoor setting. Its facilities are designed to appeal to dedicated golfers, beginners, families, and corporate customers.

The Back Nine franchise system began expanding under The Golf Studio, LLC, which offered franchises beginning in November 2022. Back Nine Golf Group, LLC acquired the franchise system assets in November 2023 and continued its development.

As the franchise network has expanded, the company has emphasized automated facility access, centralized technology, membership programs, and a streamlined staffing model.

Who This Is Best For

The Back Nine may be particularly appealing to professionals looking to transition from corporate employment into business ownership without operating a traditionally labor-intensive retail or restaurant concept.

It may also suit investors seeking a semi-passive business, entrepreneurs interested in recurring membership revenue, golf enthusiasts who understand the local golfing community, and owners who enjoy sales, networking, and business development.

An owner does not necessarily need to be an expert golfer. However, success will likely depend on understanding the target customer, establishing community relationships, promoting memberships, and managing business performance.

This is not a fully passive investment. Owners must remain accountable for sales, marketing, customer experience, facility performance, and financial management.

Training and Support

The Back Nine describes a franchise development process that includes initial consultation, qualification, discovery, franchise approval, location setup, training, and grand opening support.

The franchise promotes assistance with facility planning, opening materials, marketing resources, websites, technology, and operating systems. Its technology platform supports booking and facility access, helping reduce routine on-site staffing needs.

Prospective franchisees should confirm the specific training schedule, whether training is conducted in person or virtually, the extent of site selection and construction assistance, grand opening marketing support, ongoing coaching, technical support hours, and the cost of additional services.

Financing Options

The franchisor reports SBA Registry participation. Prospective franchisees may wish to investigate SBA-backed financing, conventional business loans, equipment financing, and other appropriate funding arrangements.

Financing availability depends on lender requirements, borrower qualifications, available capital, collateral, credit history, and the proposed business.

SBA financing is not guaranteed. Applicants should verify the franchise's current eligibility with their lender and review the financing provisions in the current FDD.

Investment Overview

Costs and fees at a glance

All investment figures are estimates based on publicly available information.

Total Investment Range
$307,050 to $688,500
Varies by package
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee
8%
Liquid Capital Needed
$100,000
Net Worth Requirement
$200,000
Veteran Discount
Available

All investment figures, franchise fees, royalties, and other financial information are based on information supplied for this profile and are subject to change. Prospective franchisees should review the franchisor's current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), particularly Items 5, 6, 7, 19, and 20, before making an investment decision. An Item 19 financial performance representation is reportedly available. Actual revenue, expenses, profitability, and investment returns are not guaranteed and will vary by location and operator. Franchise financing and SBA eligibility must be independently confirmed.

States Available

Every state except Hawaii.

Watch the overview

SW

Advisor Insight: Is The Back Nine Golf in Review a Good Business?

An independent assessment from your franchise consultant

Steve Warres, Franchise Consultant

The Back Nine offers an interesting combination of recreational entertainment, advanced technology, and membership-based revenue opportunities. Unlike many customer-facing businesses, its operating model is designed to function with minimal on-site staffing.

For the right owner, that could provide greater flexibility than a traditional retail, food service, or entertainment franchise.

However, the technology does not eliminate the responsibility of building a successful business. Membership acquisition, customer retention, location selection, local competition, and ongoing marketing remain important.

I would be particularly interested in reviewing actual membership levels, recurring revenue, operating expenses, and the performance differences between mature and recently opened locations.

What I Like Most
  • Technology-enabled 24/7 facility access reduces the need for continuous on-site staffing.
  • Membership-based revenue can provide a more predictable recurring income component.
  • The concept serves golfers throughout the year regardless of outdoor weather.
  • Corporate memberships and events provide additional customer acquisition opportunities.
  • The model may appeal to professionals seeking semi-passive ownership and operational flexibility.
  • The potential for multiple locations may appeal to growth-oriented franchisees.
What to Understand Before You Invest
  • The initial investment can exceed $688,000, making careful capital planning essential.
  • A strong location and sufficient local golfing demand are critical.
  • Membership acquisition and retention may require substantial ongoing sales and marketing.
  • Technology, simulator maintenance, equipment replacement, and software expenses must be considered.
  • The 8% royalty and 1% brand marketing fee should be evaluated alongside other recurring expenses.
  • Low staffing does not eliminate facility management, customer service, or owner responsibilities.
  • The performance of mature locations should be compared with newer locations before making financial projections.

Questions I Would Ask the Franchisor

What are the average and median annual revenues disclosed in the current Item 19?
How many active memberships does a typical profitable location maintain?
What percentage of revenue comes from memberships versus individual bookings and corporate accounts?
How long does it typically take a new location to reach operating break-even?
What are the typical monthly rent, utilities, insurance, and equipment maintenance expenses?
What level of owner involvement is required during the first 12 months?
How does the franchisor help franchisees generate and retain memberships?
What are the equipment replacement requirements and estimated long-term costs?
How many franchise locations have closed, transferred, or been resold?
What distinguishes the highest-performing locations from the lowest-performing locations?

Bottom line: The Back Nine Golf is worth exploring for investors seeking a technology-driven recreation franchise with semi-passive ownership potential, limited staffing requirements, and recurring membership opportunities.

Its greatest attraction is the combination of automated facility access and a business model that allows owners to focus on growth rather than daily staffing.

However, this is still a substantial investment, and the business must consistently attract and retain enough paying customers to support its operating costs.

For an owner comfortable with local marketing, relationship building, and business development, The Back Nine could be an interesting alternative to more labor-intensive franchise models. A thorough review of the current FDD, existing franchisee performance, and local market demand is essential before proceeding.

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