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Why Golf Franchises Are Dominating | Franchise Sidekick

Written by Chelsea Cole | Jan 23, 2026 9:54:41 PM

Golf isn’t just having a moment, it’s having a movement. Participation is up, new audiences are discovering the sport and off-course experiences like simulators and entertainment centers are booming.

In fact, the golf simulator market size was valued at $1.9 billion in 2025 and is on trend to reach $3.81 billion by 2033 with an average compound annual growth rate of 9.10% according to the Straits Research Golf Simulators Market Size report.

For entrepreneurs, this surge has created one of the most exciting franchise categories in years.

But the real reason golf franchises are dominating?

They offer high consumer demand, strong recurring revenue, long-lasting customer loyalty and a business model that aligns perfectly with the lifestyle many entrepreneurs want – fun, flexible, profitable and built around a sport people love.

If you’re exploring franchise ownership and want something engaging, resilient and built for growth, golf is one of the smartest categories on the market.

Let’s break it down.

Why golf franchises are winning right now

1. The golf audience is bigger – and younger – than ever

Thanks to social trends, simulator culture, TikTok trick shots and accessible beginner experiences, golf participation is surging across all age groups. The sport isn’t just for country clubs anymore. It’s entertainment. It’s community. It’s content. And customers can’t get enough.

2. Off-course golf has exploded

The fastest-growing segment in golf isn’t traditional courses, it’s everything off the course: indoor golf, simulator lounges, training centers, competitive putting and performance studios. These formats offer:

  • Lower overhead than outdoor facilities
  • Year-round revenue
  • Broader audience appeal
  • Multiple revenue streams (memberships, lessons, events, food & beverage, retail)

3. Golf franchises offer lifestyle alignment – not lifestyle sacrifice

Many owners choose golf concepts because they fit their identity and their schedule. They want a business that energizes them – not one that drains their life away. Golf franchises deliver:

  • Engaging environments
  • Part-time ownership models
  • Flexible staffing
  • Predictable operations
  • A fun culture that attracts strong teams

This is entrepreneurship that enhances your life, not one that consumes it.

Top golf franchises to watch in 2026

These brands are redefining the golf-entertainment space and giving owners serious opportunities for scalable, sustainable growth.

⛳ The Back Nine: Pro-level golf experiences for everyday players

The Back Nine is elevating modern golf entertainment. Think top-tier technology, immersive play and a polished experience guests can’t stop talking about.

Why franchisees love The Back Nine:

  • Premium simulator experience that draws golfers, groups, parties and corporate events
  • High revenue potential with memberships, events, coaching, leagues and food
  • A polished brand that feels fresh, fun and professional (no gimmicks here)
  • Lifestyle ownership with manageable hours and strong operational systems

If you want a franchise that blends sports, tech and hospitality into one standout business, The Back Nine is a top contender.

⛳ Golf Envy: Championship-level indoor putting

Golf Envy is turning indoor putting into a next-level entertainment experience. Imagine the precision of PGA-level greens, combined with the accessibility of mini-golf and the sophistication of a modern lounge.

Why franchisees love Golf Envy:

  • Low overhead and high repeat business
  • Unique niche in the indoor golf market
  • Social, group-friendly experience perfect for families, date nights and corporate outings
  • Multiple revenue streams including events, merchandise and food

It’s approachable for beginners, addictive for golfers and designed for entrepreneurs seeking something fun, differentiated and scalable.

⛳ Tee Box: High-tech training and community-centered indoor golf

Tee Box blends high-tech training with a welcoming, performance-focused environment that keeps golfers coming back. With simulators, expert coaching, club fitting and structured programs, it’s built for long-term member relationships, not just one-off visits.

Why franchisees love Tee Box:

  • Membership model that drives recurring, predictable revenue
  • Multi-service offering: lessons, fittings, leagues, and training programs
  • A “Box Pro” staffing structure that supports semi-absentee ownership
  • Strong appeal for golfers of all levels – from beginners to serious players
  • Community-focused model that encourages long-term loyalty and growth

If you want a franchise that combines technology, instruction and a tight-knit member community, Tee Box delivers a scalable, modern golf business built for lasting success.

⛳ GolfTRK: Golf education meets profitable membership model

GolfTRK takes a different angle. It focuses on player development, youth and adult teaching and long-term repeat customers through structured learning programs.

Why franchisees love GolfTRK:

  • Membership-focused model that creates recurring revenue and predictable cash flow
  • Appeals to all ages, from beginners to competitive golfers
  • Strong training and curriculum, so owners don’t need a golf background
  • Community-driven business perfect for entrepreneurs who want impact and income

If you’re looking for a business that blends purpose, profitability and passion for the game, GolfTRK is a standout choice.

How to choose the golf franchise that fits your lifestyle

Not every golf franchise fits every entrepreneur – and that’s the beauty of this category. To find the right match, ask yourself:

1. Do I want a business that’s more entertainment-driven or more coaching-driven?

  • Entertainment and events → The Back Nine, Golf Envy
  • Instruction, memberships, player development → GolfTRK

2. How involved do I want to be day-to-day?

Some models let you build toward part-time ownership. Others thrive with owner engagement. Choose based on your energy and schedule – not just revenue potential.

3. What kind of community do I want to build?

A lively lounge? A competitive league hub? A developmental academy? Your ideal customer experience can guide you straight to the right model.

4. What pace of growth is right for me?

Some golf concepts scale quickly with multiple units, while others offer a deeper, more localized footprint with strong recurring revenue.

Finding the right brand is about clarity – not guesswork.

Why Franchise Sidekick is the safer way to choose the right golf franchise

You can love golf and love the idea of business ownership, but choosing the right franchise is still overwhelming without a guide. Sidekick eliminates that overwhelm.

✅ We simplify the process: No noise. No sales pressure. No wading through hundreds of brands alone.

✅ We reduce risk: We vet every brand in our inventory (less than 1% make the cut). You get access to the strongest, healthiest, most scalable concepts in the industry.

✅ We guide you step-by-step: Your advisor helps you evaluate models, compare investment ranges, understand operations and choose a franchise that matches your lifestyle.

✅ We protect your freedom: We want you building a business that supports your life, not one that takes it over. That’s why we help you choose a model you’ll enjoy running and can grow with long-term.

And best of all – we do this at no cost to you.

If you’re passionate about golf, excited about ownership and ready to build a business you’ll actually love waking up to … you don’t have to do it alone.

Let’s find the model that fits your goals, your schedule and your lifestyle – so you can build freedom on your own terms. Schedule a call with a Sidekick Advisor and start your journey today.

Frequently asked questions about golf franchises

1. Are golf franchises profitable?

Yes. Golf franchises can be highly profitable due to year-round revenue, strong customer loyalty and multiple income streams such as memberships, lessons, simulator rentals, leagues, food and beverage and events. Brands like The Back Nine, Golf Envy and GolfTRK each offer proven revenue models that align with today's booming golf participation.

2. How much does it cost to open a golf franchise?

Investment ranges vary widely depending on the model. A Sidekick Advisor can walk you through brand investment ranges and help you understand which options match your budget.

3. Do I need to be a golfer to own a golf franchise?

Not at all. Most top golf franchise systems are built for entrepreneurs who may love the sport but aren’t pros themselves. Brands like GolfTRK provide structured training systems, while entertainment-based concepts rely more on management and hospitality – not golf expertise.

4. Which type of golf franchise is best for executive ownership?

Simulator-based or entertainment models (such as The Back Nine or Golf Envy) often lend themselves to semi-absentee ownership once a strong general manager is in place. An advisor can help assess if semi-absentee ownership is realistic for your goals.

5. How do I choose the right golf franchise for my lifestyle?

Start by considering how hands-on you want to be, your budget, the community you want to build and whether you prefer an entertainment-based or coaching-based model. Then we’ll help you evaluate each brand’s strengths and match your lifestyle to the business that best fits your goals.

6. What makes golf franchises so popular right now?

Golf is exploding across all age groups, and off-course golf (simulators, indoor putting and performance centers) is growing faster than traditional course play. These businesses offer predictable revenue, strong demand and fun, modern customer experiences – making them ideal for new franchise owners.

7. How does Franchise Sidekick help me choose a golf franchise?

We simplify the research, reduce the risk and guide you through every step – from discovery to due diligence to ownership. We vet every brand we recommend, ensuring you only explore franchises with strong financials, support and long-term potential. And best of all, our service is free to franchisees.

8. Can I open more than one golf franchise location?

Yes. Many owners scale quickly into multi-unit ownership, especially with indoor golf or instruction-driven models. We help you evaluate whether multi-unit expansion fits your goals and connect you with brands that welcome growth-minded owners.